Rise AV, an advocacy group highlighting gender diversity and professional development in AV, has announced the launch of its Elevate programme, a leadership accelerator course designed to fast-track the careers of mid-level women working in AV, residential AV, and live events.
Following from Rise AV’s inaugural mentoring programme, the Elevate programme is designed to empower women to take on senior leadership roles within the AV industry, running from October to December 2025.
The intensive, six-week hybrid programme will blend virtual and in-person sessions with real world leadership challenges and group mentorship from senior AV leadership.
The programme is limited to 35 delegates across the UK and is aimed at women currently in management roles, managing teams and aspiring to transition into senior roles across engineering, marketing, sales, project management, HR, finance, consulting or events production.
The programme will focus on training in areas including strength, P&L ownership, motivating teams, and navigating ambiguity as well as executive mentoring from experienced AV professionals.
Networking opportunities will also be available, with the programme delivered in a flexible format that is designed to work around demanding schedules through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions.
Fees range from £195 to £995, depending on organisation size to make the course accessible to businesses from start-ups to large businesses.
Applications are open until 31 July 2025, with selections notified in early August 2025.
Rachael Hamilton, managing director, Rise AV, commented: "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.
“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 Women are leaving male-dominated industries three times faster than men, not because they aren’t capable, but because outdated policies, unequal pay, underinvestment in development, and a lack of visible role models continue to drive them out. 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.”