ESTA (The Entertainment Services & Technology Association) and PERA (The Production Equipment Rental Association) have recently announced plans to join forces.  Read more from the Press Release:

NEW YORK, NY –– The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) and the Production Equipment Rental Association (PERA) today announced an agreement to merge, subject to final ratification. Under the agreement, PERA will become the PERA Council within ESTA, retaining its focus on the production of film, television and commercials. The Council’s mission is to focus on development and implementation of programs and services for production rental businesses.

The move will provide PERA members with immediate access to a wide array of benefits and services as well as the support of a professional staff, while allowing the PERA leadership to focus on their core mission. By adding a key sector, ESTA strengthens its voice on behalf of the entertainment technology industry and brings an important new dimension to many of its programs.

ESTA President Bill Groener commented, “In a time where uncertainty rules the day and even General Motors is a question mark, the merger of these two closely related industry organizations makes economic sense and, more importantly, business sense for the companies that make up the membership of both organizations.”

“This will provide greater membership value and expand opportunities for companies serving the entire entertainment technology industry,” said PERA President Pat Patin. “This merger strengthens the position of both organizations.”

ESTA is one of the world’s leading trade associations for the entertainment technology industry. Over 500 members in the US, Canada and around the world work in all areas of the industry. ESTA’s wide variety of benefits and services include the ANSI-accredited Technical Standards Program, Entertainment Technician Certification Program, Market Research Program, and the new Business Peer Group Advisory Program. ESTA is the sponsoring association of the LDI trade show and a member of the World Entertainment Technology Federation.

PERA is the international trade association for film and video production rental companies. PERA supports the use of new technologies in the production industry, promotes the professionalism of its membership, and provides a unified voice on issues affecting the industry.

To learn more about ESTA, visit their website at www.esta.org.