Rise AV Announces Return of Elevate Leadership Programme for 2026

Following its successful launch in 2025, Rise AV has announced the 2026 return of "Elevate," its flagship six-week leadership development programme for women in the audiovisual industry. Combining immersive in-person sessions in London with online peer-led Active Learning Sets, the initiative is designed for women moving into management or leading teams without prior structured support. The curriculum focuses on critical skills including motivational leadership, managing change, and commercial awareness. Experienced AV figures, dubbed "Jedis," will facilitate the cohorts, with leaders from Absen, Workplace Vision, and Pixel Global already confirmed to guide participants.

Applications open on May 18, 2026, for the 30 available places, which are heavily subsidized by industry sponsors like QSC and Sennheiser to remain accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Building on the momentum and impact of its first cohort, the Rise AV Elevate programme is a high-impact, six-week leadership development experience designed specifically for women already making their mark, those managing teams, stepping into leadership roles, or leading without having had access to structured support.

The programme combines immersive in-person learning with practical, real-world application. Participants begin with two intensive in-person days before splitting into small Active Learning Sets, where they collaborate on real leadership challenges across topics including leading from strength, inspiring and motivating teams, delivering impactful feedback, navigating change and ambiguity, and building commercial awareness. Over six weeks, participants apply their learning in a dynamic, peer-led environment, culminating in a final in-person presentation to the wider cohort.

As Elevate is built around immersive, in-person collaboration, this is currently a UK-based programme. The experience includes three in-person events, which form the foundation of the programme and are not available remotely.

Rise AV welcome applications from women outside the UK; however, participants will be required to attend all three in-person sessions at their own expense.

A defining feature of Elevate is the role of the "Jedi", experienced AV leaders who guide each group through the Active Learning process. Rather than providing answers, Jedis facilitate discussion, challenge thinking, and create the conditions for meaningful growth. Confirmed Jedis for this year include Daryl Clark (Workplace Vision), Gary Keene (University of the Arts), Joel Chimoindes (Konekt), Martine Dodwell-Bennett (Absen) and Danielle Myburgh, Pixel Global, each bringing deep industry experience and a shared commitment to developing future leaders.
 
Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director, Rise AV said: "Data from the delegates' post-event survey showed that the 2025 programme delivered transformative results, equipping participants with the tools, confidence, and networks needed to lead with authenticity and impact. We continue tracking outcomes throughout the year to monitor the ongoing impact of the programme. Delegates reported significant growth in leadership capability, increased confidence, and stronger career direction, while employers benefited from improved performance, engagement, and retention of high-potential talent. Elevate returns in 2026 with an enhanced programme designed to deepen that impact."

Key Dates
• Applications Open: 18 May
• Applications Close: 17 July
• Programme Launch Call: 27 October
• First In-Person Events: 4-5 November (Shure Rose Centre, London)
• Active Learning Phase: 6 November – 8 December (online)
• Final In-Person Event: 9 December (Neat London HQ, London)

Programme Cost (Tiered Pricing)
Typically valued at £3,000 per delegate, the programme is significantly subsidised thanks to the support of industry partners, ensuring wider access to high-quality leadership development across the AV sector.
To ensure accessibility across organisations of all sizes, the programme is offered at a heavily subsidised rate:
• £550 per delegate – Small Business
- Fewer than 50 employees OR annual revenue between £1 million and under £10 million
• £750 per delegate – Medium Business
- Between 50 and 250 employees OR annual revenue between £10 million and £50 million
• £950 per delegate – Large Business
- Over 250 employees OR annual revenue exceeding £50 million

This heavily subsidised programme is made possible thanks to the generous support of our industry sponsors, whose commitment allows Rise AV to deliver meaningful development opportunities and drive positive change across the AV sector. 

Rise AV extends its thanks to our Global Headline Partner, QSC; our UK Gold Sponsors, Audiologic, Diversified, Sennheiser and Yorktel-Kinly; our Silver Sponsors, Aura, AV User Group, Shure, Epson, Electrosonic, iiyama, Lightware, Northamber, GVAV, Midwich Group, Konekt; and our Bronze Sponsors, AtlasIED, LTSMG, Unicol, Uniguest, Peerless AV, Project AV, Hewshott, ProAV, Project Audio Visual, SM&W, and Woop Jobs!

Rise AV are actively seeking additional sponsors in the UK and worldwide to help us expand initiatives for women at other stages of their careers and launch programmes in new regions.

"Elevate is more than a leadership programme; it is a long-term investment in the future of the AV industry and a direct response to the skills crisis that is breaking the AV industry. By developing confident, capable women leaders, we are helping to strengthen leadership pipelines, improve business performance, and drive meaningful progress in diversity and inclusion across the sector," said Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV.

Applications are now open, and individuals are welcome to nominate themselves or be nominated by their employer. Businesses are also encouraged to put forward candidates on their behalf. The programme has 30 places available and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

We ask all applicants to ensure they have the support of their line manager, as the programme requires three in-person days away from the office. Manager engagement is also an important part of the experience, particularly in supporting the development planning element of the programme.

Rise AV invites individuals and organisations across AV, live events, production, and related sectors to apply and be part of this career-defining opportunity.

www.rise-av.com