Rise AV Launches 2026 Mentoring Programme in the UK and APAC

Rise AV has launched its 2026 Mentoring Programme, expanding from the UK into APAC for the first time, with cohorts starting in May 2026. The programme offers six months of free, structured mentorship for women working across AV, IT, and related technology roles, thanks to strong industry sponsorship. Participants will benefit from one-on-one mentoring, networking opportunities, and specialised training designed to build confidence, technical skills, and career direction.

Following the success of the 2025 programme, Rise AV is extending its support into Singapore and Hong Kong, backed by global partners including QSC, Audiologic, Diversified, Midwich, Sennheiser, and others. With women making up just a small percentage of the global AV workforce, the initiative aims to remove barriers, promote leadership development, and help more women thrive in the tech and AV industries.

Rise AV, the leading advocacy organisation promoting gender diversity and professional development in the AV, Live, and Production Technology sectors, has announced the launch of its 2026 Mentoring Programme in the UK, expanding for the first time to APAC. Both programmes will run concurrently from May 2026, providing six months of structured mentorship and professional development for women at all career stages. Thanks to the generous support of our industry sponsors, participation in this programme is completely free of charge.

Following the huge success of the 2025 UK programme and significant demand from professionals across the Asia Pacific, Rise AV is expanding the initiative into the region for 2026, beginning in Singapore and Hong Kong. We will also be announcing the APAC Regional Council soon, which will play a key role in guiding and shaping the programme’s regional growth. The UK and APAC cohorts will offer women at all career stages access to experienced senior leaders who can help them build confidence, develop specialised skills, and define their career path.

The programme is open to participants working in any AV-related role, including engineering, project management, sales, marketing, HR, consulting, events, manufacturing, and distribution.

Rise AV extends its thanks to our Global Headline sponsor, QSC; Gold Sponsors; Audiologic, Diversified, Midwich and Sennheiser. Silver Sponsors; Aura, AV User Group, Shure, Epson, iiyama, Roe Visual, Yorktel and Northamber and Bronze Sponsors; Faye Bennett Consultancy Services, LTSMG, Unicol, Nuvias UC, Uniguest, Peerless AV, Project AV, Hewshott, Exertis, Kinly, proAV and Woop Jobs!

Why Mentoring Matters
Women currently make up only 9% of the global AV workforce, and just 2% hold technical roles. Barriers such as unconscious bias, lack of mentorship, limited role models, and non-inclusive workplace cultures often prevent women from entering or progressing within the industry. Mentoring has proven to be one of the most effective ways to support women, providing professional guidance, confidence, advocacy, and a sense of belonging.

Structured mentoring helps women overcome challenges such as imposter syndrome and limited access to informal networks, offering personalised support, safe spaces to discuss career strategies, expanded professional networks, and empowerment to develop leadership skills. Participants are more likely to stay in the industry, seek leadership roles, and become role models for the next generation.

Programme Features

• One-on-One Mentorship: Mentees receive at least 12 hours of personalised guidance from an experienced industry mentor.
• Networking Opportunities: Monthly meetings and industry events provide valuable professional connections.
• Specialised Training: In-person and online sessions cover career mapping, personal branding, confidence building, resilience, assertiveness, and industry-specific skills.
• Community Support: Participants gain ongoing guidance from the Rise AV team and a connection to a wider cohort of mentees.

Who Can Apply

• Mentees: Ambitious women in the UK or APAC working in any AV-related role who are passionate about advancing their careers. Line manager approval for participation and event attendance is required.
• Mentors: Experienced professionals of any gender based in the UK or APAC. Mentors must commit to at least two hours per month, attend up to three events, and participate in two mentor review calls.

Programme Timeline

• Applications close: 31st January 2026
• Mentee/Mentor pairings announced: March 2026
• Programme begins: May 2026

The programme is made possible through the support of leading industry organisations that share Rise AV’s commitment to empowering women and upskilling the workforce. Participation is free for mentees thanks to the generosity of sponsors, advisory board guidance, and mentor dedication.

Rise AV encourages companies to include sponsorship in their 2026 budgets. Sponsorship ensures the programme’s growth, enabling more women to access mentorship, training, and networking. Opportunities are available at all levels, providing organisations with the chance to champion gender diversity and professional development across the AV industry.

Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV, said, “The 2025 Mentoring Programme has already shown how mentorship transforms careers, empowering mentees and giving mentors the chance to grow and reflect. The interest from APAC proves the industry is listening, and with the incredible talent on our Global Leadership Team and Regional Committees, Rise AV is set to be a real force. But we need sponsors to help even more women access these opportunities and build the next generation of AV leaders.”