Joan Filippini to Receive APEX Lifetime Achievement Award at APEX/IFSA Global EXPO
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Joan Filippini, Senior Vice President of Non-Theatrical Sales at Paramount Pictures, will be honored with the APEX Lifetime Achievement Award at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO on Wednesday, October 30, at 6 p.m. at the Long Beach Convention Center. The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to the in-flight entertainment (IFE) industry and her influential leadership within APEX (the Airline Passenger Experience Association).
Joan has played a central role in revolutionizing content distribution for airlines, driving significant growth at Paramount, and advancing APEX’s mission to elevate the passenger experience. With over two decades of experience, she is a renowned figure in the industry and her positive impact on the global IFE sector is unmatched.
“I started 25 years ago as a flight attendant.” she explained, when interviewed by APEX Media. “Working directly with passengers since day one has given me a unique perspective on what makes for a great passenger experience.”
In 2000, she transitioned into non-theatrical sales at DreamWorks, and following its acquisition by Paramount, her leadership helped drive significant growth in the studio’s IFE division. “My focus is always on improving our business model and making sure passengers always have access to the best content around the world – especially Paramount’s!” she joked.
Beyond her role at Paramount, Joan’s influence has extended throughout the industry via her work with APEX. As a long-standing member of the APEX Board of Directors and former Treasurer, she provided critical leadership during key initiatives, including the acquisition of Future Travel Experience (FTE) to ensure APEX continued to be strong and forward thinking.
One of Joan’s most enduring contributions to APEX is her role in transforming the APEX Content Market from a traditional TV marketplace into a dynamic multimedia platform that better serves the evolving needs of airlines and passengers. In her words, “Our goal has always been to stay ahead of changes in the industry.”
APEX CEO Joe Leader praised her contributions to both the association and the broader IFE sector: “Joan’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing APEX and the industry as a whole. Her vision has shaped the future of the passenger experience.”
The award ceremony, which will take place during the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, is one of the most anticipated events in the aviation industry. The ceremony will honor Joan’s vast contributions to APEX and the IFE sector, recognizing her as a leader who has consistently pushed for innovation and excellence.
“Joan’s focus has always been on what’s best for the industry,” Leader added. “Her leadership has transformed APEX and helped airlines deliver entertainment in ways that continue to evolve.”
Joan’s career, which spans decades of industry leadership, will be celebrated with the APEX Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Long Beach Convention Center. This prestigious recognition underscores her lasting influence on the IFE industry and her dedication to advancing the passenger experience.
The APEX Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest honors in the aviation industry, recognizing individuals who have made remarkable contributions to enhancing the passenger experience. It will be presented during the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, a key event that brings together leaders from airlines, suppliers, and innovators from across the world to discuss the future of passenger experience.