Applications Now Open for Groundbreaking UK Leadership Initiative – Closes 31 July
Rise AV, the advocacy group championing gender diversity and professional development in the AV sector, announces the launch of the Elevate Programme, a high-impact leadership accelerator designed exclusively to fast-track the careers of mid-level women professionals working in AV, Residential AV, and Live Events sectors.
Following the success of the inaugural Rise AV Mentoring Programme, which demonstrated the tangible impact of targeted support and community-building, the Elevate Programme marks the next strategic step in empowering women to take on senior leadership roles across the AV industry.
Running from October to December 2025, this intensive six-week hybrid programme blends virtual and in-person sessions, real-world leadership challenges, and group mentorship from senior AV leaders. Limited to 35 delegates across the UK, the Elevate Programme is ideal for women currently in management roles, managing teams and aspiring to transition into senior roles. Whether in engineering, marketing, sales, project management, HR, finance, consulting, or events production, all women in the AV ecosystem are encouraged to apply. Applications are welcome from individuals or their employers.
- Expert-led Development: Training in areas such as leading with strength, P&L ownership, motivating teams, and navigating ambiguity.
- Real-World Group Challenges: Apply knowledge to solve relevant AV business issues.
- Executive Mentoring: Gain personalised insight from experienced AV professionals.
- Networking Opportunities: Build lasting industry connections and career allies.
- Flexible Format: Designed to work around demanding schedules with a blend of virtual and in-person components.
Valued at over £3,000, the programme is offered at heavily subsidised rates thanks to Rise AV’s partners and sponsors. Fees range from £195 to £995, depending on organisation size, making it accessible to everyone, from start-ups to large businesses alike.
Rise AV extends its thanks to Gold Sponsors, Audiologic, Diversified and Midwich. Silver Sponsors, AV User Group, Shure, Epson, iiyama and Yorktel and Bronze Sponsors, Faye Bennett Consultancy Services, LTSMG, Unicol, Nuvias UC, Uniguest, Peerless AV, Hewshott, Exertis, Kinly, proAV and Woop Jobs!.
“We are building something truly transformational, not just for the women who participate, but for the businesses they will go on to lead, and the AV industry they will help redefine,” said Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV.
“Women make up just 9% of the global AV workforce, and only 2% hold technical roles. By 2026, our industry faces a shortfall of 2.3 million skilled workers, yet we’re leaking talent faster than we can fill the pipeline. That’s not a talent problem. It’s a system problem.”
“Women are leaving male-dominated industries three times faster than men, not because they aren’t capable, but because outdated policies, unequal pay, underinvestment in development, and a lack of visible role models continue to drive them out. Until we fix these structural issues, AV won’t be seen as an industry where women can thrive, and we won’t attract the diverse, skilled talent we so urgently need.”
“Inspiring the next generation is important, but it’s not enough if the culture they enter hasn’t changed. The glass ceiling in AV is still very real. The Elevate Programme is how we help women break through it. It’s how we stop the leaks and build a stronger, more sustainable future — one that retains, develops, and elevates the women already here, while also making this industry more appealing to those who’ve never seen themselves in it.”
“This isn’t just about gender equity. It’s about better business. Diverse leadership drives innovation, boosts performance, and makes companies more attractive to top talent. I urge organisations to nominate their rising stars, step forward as sponsors or mentors, and be part of the systemic change we all benefit from. The Elevates Programme isn’t just an initiative, it’s a blueprint for a smarter, stronger, more inclusive AV industry, concludes Hamilton.
Apply Now
Applications are open until 31 July 2025, with selections notified in early August. To learn more and apply, visit: Rise AV Elevate Programme
For the full agenda, visit: Programme Agenda
For sponsorship or nomination enquiries, contact: [email protected]
