Rise, the award-winning advocacy group for gender diversity in the media technology sector, has announced the launch of Rise AV. Rise AV will build on the success of Rise Women in Broadcast (WIB), which was established in 2017 in the broadcast and media industry. With over 3,000 members worldwide, Rise has supported many women, advocates and companies in technical, engineering, operations, marketing, sales and executive roles through its programmes.
The mission of Rise AV is to create an inclusive AV industry where gender diversity thrives, inspiring innovation, equity, and opportunity for all. It will focus on attracting and retaining talent, education and awareness, mentorship and partnerships.
In May 2025, Rise AV will introduce its first initiative in the UK – Rise AV Mentoring – a six-month dedicated programme supporting women’s career and personal development. This will be led by Rise’s mentoring manager, Carla Maroussas.
Rise AV was founded by Rise’s founder and CEO, Sadie Groom and Rachael Hamilton, who will become managing director. She has 18 years of experience in the AV sector, having previously been brand director of AV Magazine. Hamilton then founded IAR, the AV industry’s first business and marketing consultancy.
Supporting Rise AV will be a UK advisory board made up of industry leaders for their knowledge, expertise and passion for change. The Rise WIB non-executive board will also support the business.
The Rise AV advisory board includes:
- Jamie Brothwell, managing director, Exertis Business
- Daniel Lee, managing director, Hewshott UK
- Jane Hammersley, queen of collaboration, Blue Touch Paper
- Jenny Hicks, head of market intelligence, Midwich
- Sanjit Hurst, director of global procurement, Diversified
- Owen Ellis, CEO, AV User Group
- Stephen Patterson, sales director, Europe + Africa, Biamp
- Denise Hughes, founder/managing director, WoopJobs
- Anthony Olivier, director of business development, AVI-SPL UK and Ireland
- Katy Thorpe, global people director, Kinly
Sadie Groom, founder and CEO, commented: “It is a great time to launch Rise AV and bring all that we have learnt and given to the media technology sector. The global community that we have built and nurtured is much needed in the AV sector, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves and how many careers and lives we can change.”
Rachael Hamilton, managing director of Rise AV, added: “Join us in shaping the future of the AV industry by supporting Rise AV. Partnership with Rise AV provides access to a pool of skilled and diverse talent, helping to build robust talent pipelines while showcasing a commitment to empowering women in the AV industry. Sponsors will benefit from strengthened public relations and connecting with forward-thinking organisations and potential partners. Other advantages to supporting Rise AV include positive brand recognition as a diversity leader, direct engagement with industry innovators, and participation in transformative initiatives that drive meaningful and lasting change – we look forward to seeing many companies and individuals sign up.”
Future initiatives that Rise AV will introduce include:
- C-Suite Programme: A dedicated programme for women in senior leadership roles.
- Rise AV Academy: Inspire and educate school students (ages 11–18) with AV engineering workshops.
- Rise AV Awards: Recognise and celebrate women’s outstanding achievements and contributions in the AV sector.
- Global Chapter Development: Establish and expand international chapters of the mentoring programme to foster a worldwide community of support and professional development.
For meetings at ISE to discuss Rise AV please contact Rachael Hamilton on rachael@rise-av.com
