AVIXA Women’s Council UK
AVIXA Women’s Council UK
The members of the UK Women’s Council Task Group include: Iffat Chaudhry, Sales Manager at Mcube, Tanya Houston, CEO and Managing Director of Wildwood PR; Deborah Jones, MBA CTS, AV/IT Sales Manager at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre; Beky Cann, AV PR Consultant; Erica Whittle, Global Alliances Marketing Manager at Sennheiser; Rachel Hunt, Have Harmony, Natalie Harris-Briggs, Vice-President Marketing at Avocor, and Jess Golding, European Marketing Director at Absen.
AVIXA Women’s Council UK – ISE 2026 Update
ISE 2026 marked an extraordinary year for women’s representation, visibility, and leadership across the AV industry — and the AVIXA Women’s Council UK was proud to play a part in that success. And a big thank you to our global sponsors Diversified and Shure – your support means so much.
Tanya Houston, co-lead of AWC UK and CEO of Wildwood Plus shares her thoughts on this remarkable event:
Women in AV Collective: A Landmark Moment
One of the standout highlights of the show was the launch of the AVIXA Women in AV Collective, a brand new programme designed to inspire, connect, and empower women across the global AV community. The event brought together industry professionals for an afternoon of meaningful conversation, leadership storytelling and community building.
With a keynote exploring audacity and identity followed by a panel on connection, mentorship and career empowerment, the Collective set the tone for the future: bold, inclusive, and collaborative. The Council is proud to see this initiative take flight and to support its growth as it becomes a cornerstone of AVIXA’s global community work.
✨ Audacity — “Can I?”
Keynote speaker Sam Grierson invited everyone to sit with one deceptively simple question: Can I? And then to answer with courage. Her call to embrace identity, difference, and vulnerability resonated deeply with so many.
✨ Connection That Changes Careers
AVIXA Moderator Sam Phenix guided a panel that drilled into the value of community; authentic, intentional connection that accelerates careers and helps us break through barriers that have existed for far too long.
✨ A Celebration of Leadership + Allyship
Across every corner of our industry, women and allies showed up to elevate one another, swap stories, and strengthen ties. AVIXA planned the programme as a celebration of leadership and growth across every role and region, and from all accounts, that mission was beautifully fulfilled.
To the Community Who Showed Up
Thank you everyone for standing shoulder to shoulder, for cheering each other on, for making the room feel open and safe and ambitious all at once.
AVIXA Activities Across ISE
Beyond the Collective, AVIXA delivered a wide range of programmes and touchpoints that helped strengthen community connections throughout the week:
- AVIXA Councils Meetups brought together members from around the world, creating space for shared insight and relationship building.
- Xchange LIVE sessions delivered fresh thought leadership and practical perspectives from across the industry.
- Content and collaboration hubs offered opportunities for new partnerships, professional growth, and creative discussion.
Education Programme Impact
This year’s education programme received outstanding feedback, with sessions covering AI, interoperability, immersive design, technical excellence, sustainability and more. The Council celebrates the work of the AVIXA and CEDIA education teams, whose efforts continue to uplift standards and expand knowledge across every corner of the industry.
Some more of our AWC experiences at ISE 2026 – there are so many, we chose our Top 5 Takeaways:
AWC UK Committee member Erica Whittle of Sennheiser shares her thoughts:
- ISE remains one of the most powerful accelerators in our industry. Nowhere else brings together that level of knowledge, insight and lived experience in one place.
- Face-to-face connection still matters. Strengthening relationships in person makes the next collaboration easier and builds trust for the work ahead.
- It was encouraging to see continued momentum around diversity. More women speaking as subject matter experts, not only about representation, but across technical, strategic and leadership discussions.
- The halls are busy, but the real value often lies in the conversations between the meetings. Those human links are what last long after the show closes.
- As someone who works globally, I’m grateful for what technology enables. But being present at ISE gives perspective you simply can’t get through a screen.
AWC UK Committee member Beky Cann shares her thoughts:
My ISE takeaways/highlights are a little more ‘personal’:
- First ISE as a freelance PR consultant & there also as part of the Re-Sauce team so I had freedom to roam the halls – even into the eyes opened to so much more and so many conversations
- I got my food just right - I have a Soya allergy and it has changed my life (ask me more if interested)
- LED on the booths was phenomenal - content partnerships on the rise for the better. Also loved some of the large-scale installs like Epson’s “Infinity”
- Women representation & support was far improved. Openness to topics traditionally more "taboo" eg neurodiversity, menopause...
- Being a social butterfly also means not always being fully present so I'm going to be more focused with events next year – and I’d like to see more of Barcelona next year, especially dip my toes in the sea!
Deborah Jones, MBA, CTS, Audio Visual/Information Technology Sales Manager, QEII Live
- An absolute joy meeting Daniel Sennheiser. What a giant in AV and so unassuming.
- Hearing Rachel Hunt’s news about her collaboration with AV User Group amongst others – bridging the gap between schools and the vibrant world of AV.
- Amazing to see how the lighting pavilion has evolved. It’s now super-innovative and exciting and the lamp technology is unbelievably sophisticated and creative.
- The visitor and exhibitor attendance statistics are stratospheric. It’s great being part of such an international community.
- Research into video and audio distribution across a standard network and whether to go with a specific proprietary manufacturer, dedicated to your requirements; or whether to use an open standard where interoperability is key. This was a fascinating tour of the show and led me onto many a stand. I am constantly amazed at the technical and specialist knowledge held by audio-visual professionals around the world. I believe it takes exceptional people to make this industry and ISE is the proof of it.
The AVIXA Women’s Council UK remains dedicated to championing women across the AV industry — through community, visibility, leadership opportunities and events that bring us together.
ISE 2026 was a powerful reminder of what is possible when we lift each other up, and we look forward to building on this momentum throughout the year.
Exertis UK’s “Impact Together” DEI & Sustainability Event
On 16 September at Eastcheap Venues, Monument, Exertis UK hosted Impact Together—a dynamic half-day event focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Sustainability. Together with members of the AVIXA Women’s Council UK, I had the privilege of attending a morning filled with a panel, guest speaker, interactive sessions, and networking.
A Dynamic 2025 for the AVIXA Women’s Council UK: Empowering, Elevating, and Expanding
2025 has been a landmark year for the AVIXA Women’s Council UK, filled with energy, purpose, and progress. From high-impact industry events to grassroots initiatives, our community continues to grow, inspire, and lead.
We began the year with a strong presence at ISE Barcelona and InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, where our members championed the benefits of networking, empathetic support, inclusive design, neurodiversity, and the future of AV. Our meetups across the UK at industry events including the Peerless Showcase at Lord's Cricket Ground and at the AV User Group evening networking have brought together professionals from all aspects of the AV world, with themes ranging from the benefits of CTS certification, AI in AV to inclusive leadership and workplace wellbeing.
And now, as summer unfolds, we’re celebrating the power of women’s sport—and its deep connection to equity, resilience, and representation. Our latest editorial, AWC Summer Sports, penned by AWC UK Committee Member, Rachel Hunt, is a tribute to the incredible achievements of women in football, rugby, and cricket, and the historical journey that brought us here. From grassroots activism to global tournaments, the piece explores how sport has mirrored the fight for inclusion and continues to inspire future generations.
This summer, we’re also launching a series of posts on the AVIXA Women’s Council UK LinkedIn page, spotlighting key moments from the article and inviting our community to share your stories of empowerment through sport, AV, and leadership.
We will also be out and about at industry events this year including UCX, Midwich TechXposed, the AV Awards - and more...and we'd love to connect.
Our mission remains clear: to create a supportive, visible, and empowered community for women in the AV industry. And we’re just getting started.
Join us. Be part of the movement. Let’s shape the future of AV together.
AVIXA Women's Council UK: Empowering Women in AV and Technology
Spring 2025 Update
Over the past six months, the AVIXA Women's Council UK has been actively working to support and empower women in the AV and technology industries.
Our mission is to grow a community of AVIXA members and other professionals committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. We are very grateful for the support from our sponsors Diversified and Shure.
Highlights from the Last Six Months
International Women's Day Events In celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th, AVIXA Women’s Councils across the globe organised several events under the theme #AccelerateAction. In London, the AV User Group invited the AVIXA Women's Council and women in AV to join the evening networking at their London event on March 5th. It was a bustling event, attended by all sorts of people in a wide variety of roles in AV; Owen Ellis, Chairman of AV User Group, said: “I’m a big advocate for the continued development of the AV industry and I also recognise that, to do this, things can’t continue as they have been. We all need to change and adapt our approach to inclusivity by supporting, encouraging and mentoring women to grow their career paths in AV and increase representation in more leadership roles. The networking evening on 5th March was the ideal platform to gather all the people that can and want to make a difference!”
Other events included the "Without Boundaries Event & Film Festival" hosted by Diversified at Pace University in NYC, which brought together leaders and their mentees to highlight bold ideas and impactful projects. Additionally, the "Championing Change: Elevating Women’s Voices and Leadership" webinar on March 10th provided a platform for inspiring discussions and shared experiences.
ISE 2025 Participation
ISE 2025 was an incredible week in Barcelona – and it was great to be able to mix and mingle with many, many women working in AV at the AVIXA Women's Council Meet up on the Wednesday. Hosted by co-lead of the UK Council, Iffat Chaudhry, it was one of the biggest meet-ups we have ever held – and Iffat made us all work – running a really engaging session designed to make sure we all spoke to new people and made valuable new connections - it was a resounding success. The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking and engagement, and the positive feedback from participants highlighted the importance of such sessions.
Upcoming Event:
Peerless AV Showcase We are looking forward to our next meet-up, at the Peerless AV Showcase at Lords Cricket Ground on 13 and 14 May. This event will be a fantastic opportunity for networking and engagement with industry professionals. The AV Showcase returns to Lord’s Cricket Ground for a 5th consecutive year on 13th and 14th May 2025.
Back by popular demand, this unique event at an iconic sporting venue is growing year on year, attracting a broad spectrum of end users, channel partners and consultants from across the AV industry. The AV Showcase delivers an unforgettable experience! It is THE hub for mid-year business conversations and technology demonstrations, with the chance to network with peer, support fresh talents and learn new insights. AVIXA Women’s Council members will be there – please look out for us and come and say Hi – its going to be a great opportunity – so we look forward to seeing you there!
Join Us!
We invite all AVIXA members and professionals in the AV and technology industries to join us at our events and webinars. Together, we can continue to support and empower women in our field.
London Meeting 17 July 2024
How to do AV sustainably and responsibly!
The AVIXA Women’s Council UK hosts yet another successful event highlighting the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the transition towards a sustainable world.
On 17th July, the AVIXA Women’s Council UK held an especially topical event on the importance of incorporating long term sustainability practices within businesses to ensure competitiveness as the industry transitions to a low carbon, more resource-efficient economy.
It is a topic high on everyone’s agenda, and we are in the midst of a period of technological change, innovation, learning, discovery and growth. The event brought together a mix of professionals from the AV and construction industry to talk about the latest trends, to interpret what is important and how businesses can take action.
read more..
The event took place at the Flux Innovation Lounge, a futuristic and interactive space in the heart of Greenwich Design District, owned by creative design agency Engage Works. The venue features innovative technology from a host of companies, including PPDS Philips Professional Displays.
The afternoon commenced with a meet and greet with a quality crowd before launching into three dynamic presentations from thought leaders in the energy management space. The event hosts, PPDS were the first up with Director Global Business Development Solutions and Partnerships Siân Rees emphasising the theme of displays for the greater good, which is at the heart of her company. With her background in zoology and the study of grizzly bears, amongst others, Siân has a vital understanding of the importance of animals and their environments in sustaining nature as we know it. In her current role at PPDS, she is determined to spread the word about how sustainability is more than just ecology and the environment; it is also about the long-term survival of sustainability within businesses and how to achieve this.
Commenting on the event, Siân said, “It’s great AVIXA is organising events such as this and also specifically the Women’s Council since gender equality and women’s empowerment is a necessary foundation for a sustainable world. My presentation raised talking points around how the AV industry can be more sustainable. The simple changes that can be made by controlling screen brightness and using remote management solutions, for example, to make display solutions more sustainable.”
Stella Pasalidou, Energy and Sustainability Consultant at Carbonxgen, was next on the stage, presenting on what net zero carbon means for a business and what the concept of sustainability really is. The importance of joining and commencing that journey and how businesses can start the process holistically. Stella commented, “My role is to raise awareness of the ways that you can measure emissions and provide advice about what happens after you measure emissions. Really, businesses want to remain competitive in a low carbon economy so net zero carbon is almost not an option anymore. Businesses have to join. We’re here to assist them in driving change and driving down costs in carbon and energy efficiency.”
The third and final presenter was Jess James, Founding Director of JAW Stainability.com, a consultancy providing specialist sustainability support for construction projects. JAW works with people who are designing and constructing new builds or refitting or refurbishing existing buildings, helping them to make them more sustainable, and deliver higher quality buildings that use less energy, use less materials, reduce waste and generally drive people to a more circular economy.
Jess said afterwards, “The AVIXA event was great to be part of. Sustainability should be front and centre for companies today. Coming from a construction industry background, I’m focussed on spreading the word, to ensure sustainability is top of the agenda. It was a pleasure to be invited to speak and I enjoyed discussing the crossover with the AV industry, helping the audience learn more and explore what others are doing to generate positivity in the sustainability field.”
The presentation slides from the event can be downloaded here.
The invidis green signage yearbook can be found here.
Liverpool Meeting 8 May 2024
Hosted at the exquisite Spaces at the Spine in Liverpool, this event from the AVIXA Women’s Council provided the perfect setting to connect with fellow women and allies in the AV industry. There was an Interactive Video Skills Workshop led by renowned LinkedIn Top Video Production Voice, Ryan Mulhern, a keynote presentation by Mark Tonks who delved into the realm of personal leadership and a panel Discussion with leading voices in our industry, including Angela Townsend, Adele Thornton, and Iffat Chaudry.
Webinar:
Men's Mental Health
Webinar:
Creating a menopause-friendly workplace
You can download the chat from this webinar here.
Webinar:
How to Stand Out and Land Your Dream Job in the AV Industry
Webinar:
Beat Burnout at Work
Webinar:
How to be an Ally
Webinar:
Goal Setting to transform your personal and business life
Shared Experiences Panel Toolkit
In September 2022, the AVIXA Women's Council UK hosted a Webinar on the topic "Self-limiting Beliefs – How to get out of your own way"
In June 2022, the AVIXA Women’s Council UK met in Liverpool for an afternoon of networking and debate as they explored how to keep employees healthy and happy as work practices and environments change.
In January 2022, the AVIXA Women's Council UK hosted a Webinar on the topic "Imposter Syndrome: Fact or Fiction?"
We have put together a quick survey to find out what women in AV would like to see from the Task Group, including the type of events and content that should be offered to support, promote and attract women to AV and amplify our voices within the industry.
Participants who take part have the chance to win a free coaching session from executive and team coach Monique Wintle-Camp.
Coming soon…
Get involved and let's make a difference together.
