NAMM Pledges Support for ESTA Technical Standards Program

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has announced that the organization will make a grant to the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) Technical Standards Program (TSP). Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, ESTA’s TSP standards are used each day by manufacturers, dealers, installers, production companies and end users to provide a safe working and performance environment in venues of all sizes. The standards serve to prevent accidents, protect lives and property, and create cost and time efficiencies in the entertainment industry.

"ESTA is extremely pleased that NAMM has elected to support the Technical Standards Program with a long-term pledge. The work on safety standards undertaken by this program has direct impact on performers, crews, and audience members allowing everyone to enjoy the performance safely,” shared Jules Lauve, President of ESTA. “Also, the equipment control standards ensure seamless interoperability across all manufacturers, fostering efficiency and enhancing creativity.”

“NAMM members are involved in the complete spectrum of the global musical ecosystem including live performance and production,” affirmed Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO. “Through the leadership of ESTA and their members, the Technical Standards Program has had a positive impact and will continue to guide our industry, we are proud to support this important work.”

The Technical Standards Program was developed in 1994 by ESTA members to address a lack of standards, standards developed outside of the entertainment industry, and varying standards adopted across municipalities making it difficult to conduct business safely and efficiently. As a result, the TSP is accredited by the American National Standards Institute to write the standards for the entertainment and event industries. Subject matter experts from around the world serve in the volunteer-based standards group, and through a variety of technical working groups, draft the standards.

ESTA is a non-profit trade association with members around the world who supply entertainment technology products and services to all aspects of the entertainment and event industries. ESTA's members are responsible for creating the TSP and the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) which certifies arena and theatre riggers, entertainment electricians and portable power distribution technicians. ESTA also offers professional education, business resources, Rental Guard, and its quarterly business and technical journal, Protocol.

About ESTA

ESTA, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association, is a non-profit trade association based in North America with members around the world. ESTA's members are responsible for creating some of the most important programs in our industry including the Technical Standards Program, Entertainment Technician Certification Program and Rental Guard. Membership in ESTA supports: increasing safety through the development of standards and certifications; educating members and providing business resources to increase profitability; representing the interests of the industry to government, regulatory bodies, and related industries; and raising the bar for ethical and professional behavior. www.esta.org