Member Spotlight
Member Spotlight

Jesse Forquer

Director of Technology
Celebration Cinema by Studio C, Grand Rapids, MI
Company Screen Count: 
150
Company Location Count: 
11 
Staff Count: 
730
State(s): 
Michigan,

Member Profile

How has Cinema United membership been impactful to you and/or your business?

Cinema United membership has been incredibly impactful by creating a space where innovation and collaboration are celebrated across the cinema industry. For me personally, it’s provided access to a network of forward-thinking technology professionals who are just as passionate about elevating the moviegoing experience as we are at Celebration Cinema. The collective wisdom of this community has helped shape our strategic decisions and reinforced our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience to every guest. Being part of Cinema United means we’re not doing this work in isolation, we’re part of a united front pushing cinema forward.

How did you get into the exhibition business?

I got into the exhibition business in 2003 when I joined the Information Technology department at Celebration Cinema as a Systems Administrator. At the time, I was drawn to the unique blend of technology and storytelling that the our industry offers. What started as a role focused on infrastructure and support quickly evolved into a deep passion for how technology can enhance the entire guest experience. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside a company that values both people and innovation.

I love working at the intersection of guest-facing experiences, behind-the-scenes efficiency, and infrastructure reliability. Being able to support storytelling through tech has made this industry feel like a perfect fit for me.
-Jesse Forquer
What is your favorite thing about your job?

My focus early on in my career was traditional Information Technology and today my role has expanded to include Presentation Technology and Operations Technology as well. That blend is what truly excites me. I love working at the intersection of guest-facing experiences, behind-the-scenes efficiency, and infrastructure reliability. Being able to support storytelling through tech – whether it’s projection systems, ticketing platforms, or digital signage – has made this industry feel like a perfect fit for me.

Can you share a particularly memorable moment or event from your time in the industry?

One particularly memorable moment for me was attending CinemaCon for the first time. Walking into that environment- surrounded by exhibitors, vendors, creatives, and tech leaders from across the industry – was incredibly energizing. What stood out most wasn’t just the scale of the event, but the collaborative spirit. It was clear that everyone there cared deeply about the future of cinema and that we are all in this together.

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Tell us about your favorite moviegoing experience of all time:

One of my favorite moviegoing experiences of all time was watching Barbie with a packed crowd in our outdoor piazza at Celebration Cinema Studio Park. The energy was electric. Hundreds of people dressed in pink, laughing together, and fully leaning into the moment. There’s something magical about watching a film in a shared space where the crowd is fully invested and the atmosphere is buzzing with joy.

Where do you see the future of exhibition heading, and what excites you about it?

I see the future of exhibition as a fusion of technology and elevated guest experiences. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, I believe the theatres that will thrive are the ones willing to invest in smart integrated systems. Whether that’s through advanced presentation technology, seamless mobile engagement, or automation that enhances operational efficiency without sacrificing the human touch. What excites me most is how emerging technology tools can help us create experiences that feel both effortless and memorable. The cinema has always been a place for storytelling, and now we have more resources than ever to make that story immersive from start to finish.

What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the exhibition industry?

My biggest advice is to jump in and get involved. This is a uniquely welcoming and supportive industry. No matter your background, there’s space for your passion, your skills, and your ideas. I’ve found that people in this industry genuinely want to see each other succeed. For you Technology folks out there, do not underestimate the positive impact you can have on your team. Whether you’re starting in IT, guest services, the booth, or anywhere in between, there’s real opportunity for you to grow and you’ll meet some incredible people along the way.

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Our Membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theater owners too. Find out how you can be a part of our exciting organization today!

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