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The AV industry is facing an existential crisis. This year alone, the industry is grappling with a deficit of more than 2.3 million professionals, putting its innovation, growth, and long-term sustainability at risk. Amidst this growing crisis, a vast and critical talent pool remains untapped: women represent just 9% of the industry and only 2% of technical roles. This stark imbalance underscores not only a gap in representation but a missed opportunity to strengthen the industry’s workforce at this critical time.

Transforming The Gender Gap Into An Opportunity

Addressing this imbalance requires more than simply acknowledging the issue. It demands a fundamental shift in how the industry attracts, supports, and advances talent to harness the full spectrum of skills, perspectives, and potential that both men and women bring to the table.

The solution centers on investing in mentoring programs, expanding access to professional development opportunities, building strong, collaborative networks, and fostering workplace cultures where everyone, regardless of their gender, has the skills and support needed to succeed and grow.

The opportunity for transformation is as immediate as it is significant. By actively narrowing the gender gap by empowering more women to enter and progress within the industry, we not only address the talent shortfall but also strengthen the industry itself. The business case for doing so is clear: diverse teams are up to 25% more profitable, make decisions 78% faster, and generate 19% more revenue through innovation. At a time when growth and agility are critical, unlocking this underutilized potential is essential.

Having observed the industry’s lack of diversity from a bird’s-eye view over many years, I was compelled to take action. In 2017, Rise Women in Broadcast (Rise WIB) was launched to address the gender imbalance in media technology and broadcast, and last year, Rise AV was formed to address the very same issue in AV. 

While the journey has not been without its challenges, it has been deeply rewarding, through the passion and commitment of our members, sponsors, and the wider broadcast, media technology, and AV community, all united by the belief that meaningful change is both non-negotiable and entirely achievable.

Related Reading 📖: Rise Women on Stage Wasn't a 'Diversity Event'. That's Exactly Why It Worked.

From Rise WIB to Rise AV: The Origins of a Movement

Over the past decade, Rise WIB has grown from its humble beginnings as a grassroots group supporting women in broadcast and media technology into a thriving global community. What started as a budding regional initiative in the UK has evolved into an expansive network of thousands of professionals, united by a shared belief that the industry must do more to support women across the globe.

By 2025, it became clear that the reach of Rise WIB needed to extend across industry lines. The challenges being addressed within broadcast and media technology, such as underrepresentation, limited mentorship pathways, and a lack of leadership opportunities, were not only present in the broader audiovisual sector but, in many cases, even more prevalent. In response, Rise AV was launched last year and built on the foundation and insights of Rise WIB with a focused concentration on the AV industry.

While Rise WIB continues its vital work as a non-profit organisation within broadcast and media technology, Rise AV extends that community to the wider audiovisual industry, bringing with it the very same values, commitment to inclusion, and drive for meaningful, lasting change. Through this, it fosters collaboration, amplifies diverse voices, and creates new pathways for growth, leadership, and long-term industry sustainability.

A Thriving Global Community

Together, Rise WIB and Rise AV have grown into global communities that span thousands of members across technical, engineering, business, and leadership roles. Headquartered in the UK, the Rise community has established a strong international presence, with regional councils across Europe, the Middle East, India, Asia-Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, and the United States and Canada.

Through strategic global events, industry engagement, and peer-to-peer support, members gain access to a powerful network of connections and shared experience. At its core, the community is built on a simple but powerful belief: when individuals across all stakeholder groups are supported to succeed, the entire industry benefits.

The impact of this collective effort is both measurable and meaningful. The Rise community has attained:

• 6,000+ global members contributing to progress across AV, media technology, and broadcast
  
• 200+ industry experts providing insight, mentorship, and leadership
  
• 597 mentees supported since 2018, reflecting sustained engagement and long-term impact
  
• 107 applications received within just two weeks of opening the 2026 Rise AV mentoring programme, demonstrating growing demand
  

Our Mission and Focus

Like Rise WIB in broadcast and media technology, Rise AV is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive audiovisual industry, one that actively removes barriers and enables women to thrive at every stage of their careers, from entry-level roles through to executive leadership. Its work is focused on three key areas:

• Attracting and retaining diverse talent in the AV industry
  
• Supporting professional development at every career stage
  
• Driving systemic, sustainable change within organisations
  

The focus is not about supporting women in isolation. Building a stronger industry requires collective responsibility. Rise AV actively encourages participation from all genders, recognising that diverse, inclusive organisations are more innovative, more resilient, and more successful.

Leading By Mentoring

Mentorship sits at the heart of Rise’s approach to professional development, providing a vital bridge between ambition and achievement and equipping individuals with practical guidance, industry insight, and the confidence to succeed.

In May 2025, Rise AV launched its UK Mentoring Programme to support professionals across professional AV, production, and live events. The six-month programme pairs mentees with experienced industry leaders who offer tailored guidance aligned to individual participant’s goals and career aspirations.

Beyond skills development, the programme fosters meaningful, lasting relationships that open doors to new opportunities while strengthening the broader community.

• Participants benefit from a structured range of development opportunities:
  
• One-to-one mentorship, delivering over 12 hours of personalised guidance
  
• Exclusive networking opportunities through curated events and industry engagement
  
• Targeted development sessions covering career planning, personal branding, confidence, resilience, and leadership skills
  
• Ongoing peer support, encouraging collaboration and shared learning
  

To learn more about the mentorship program, check out our panel at the AVIXA TV studio at ISE 2026. 

Results That Speak Volumes

The impact of these programmes is clear, demonstrating a broadly measurable impact:

• 98% of mentees report increased professional confidence
  
• 90% feel better equipped to build and leverage professional relationships
  
• 90% feel part of a supportive professional community
  
• 84% report improved communication and presentation skills
  
• 81% strengthen their personal brand and professional presence
  
• 69% believe the programme will accelerate their career progression
  

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Last November, Rise AV launched the Elevate Programme, a leadership initiative designed to prepare the next generation of women leaders. The intensive six-week programme combines in-person and virtual learning, real-world business challenges, and direct mentorship from experienced professionals—equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and strategic mindset required for senior leadership roles. 

Rise at ISE 2026

At ISE 2026, Rise launched on-site initiatives to create a safer space for women and their allies at the event. Funded by Almo Pro AV, the Safe Car Initiative made licensed, chauffeured taxis available to women from 22:00–04:00, with clearly marked pick-up points across Barcelona. 

It was the first time Rise had a dedicated stand at ISE, which also served as a dedicated safe space throughout the show. In addition to picking up a complimentary emergency kit, women and allies could join the WhatsApp community or use the dedicated safety hotline to get real-time support and guidance.

Celebrating Excellence

Recognition also plays a critical role in driving change. The Rise Awards celebrate the achievements of women across broadcast, highlighting leadership, innovation, and professional excellence. By showcasing these accomplishments, the awards create visible role models, elevate industry standards, and reinforce the importance of inclusion while inspiring others to follow.

Partnering in Industry Transformation

None of the progress the Rise community has achieved has happened in isolation. The work of Rise WIB and Rise AV has only been possible through the support of partners across the broadcast, media technology and AV technology sectors who share a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive industry.

Research consistently shows that inclusive organisations are more innovative, more effective, and better positioned for long-term success. By partnering with Rise, partners and sponsors can strengthen their talent pipelines, support meaningful programmes, and demonstrate genuine leadership in diversity and inclusion.

Partners and sponsors benefit by:

• Aligning with a global movement for a more inclusive industry
  
• Strengthening their brand visibility by demonstrating an authentic commitment to diversity and inclusion
  
• Supporting corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives through measurable impact
  
• Upskilling teams through leadership and development programmes
  
• Attracting and retaining talent by fostering stronger workplace cultures
  

Building the Future of AV Together

The future of the AV industry depends on the people who shape it. Rise AV was purpose-built to help build industries that are defined by opportunity, diversity, and innovation. Creating lasting change takes a village. From mentors and educators to organisations and industry leaders, everyone has a role to play.  A more inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking industry isn’t just possible; it’s within our reach. There are many ways to get involved and help create the vital change the industry needs: 

• Become a mentor: Share your experience and guide participants in their careers.
  
• Become a sponsor or join our partner programme: Help fund initiatives that upskill and support women in AV.  
  
• Spread the word: Advocate for change in your workplace and across your personal and professional networks.
  
• Volunteer: Contribute your skills to events or generously provide your venues to support our events.
  

Visit the Rise AV website to learn more, get involved, and help us shape the future of the industry.

Photo credit: Getty Images / Portra