Rise AV, the global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving gender diversity in technical industries, will exhibit at ISE 2026 on Stand EA315 in the East Entrance Hall. The organisation will highlight initiatives supported by industry partners, including a Safe Car programme, emergency kits, and a dedicated safety hotline and safe space on the show floor.
Rachael Hamilton, managing director of Rise AV, said: “I can’t remember how many times I’ve struggled to find a cab in Barcelona or Amsterdam and ended up walking home in the early hours, or been on a show floor and been ignored, made to feel worthless, or treated objectively. Sadly, I am not alone. This is a very real experience for many women at trade shows, and it simply isn’t acceptable. We’re not just talking about it – we’re putting real initiatives in place.”
Safety and wellbeing initiatives at ISE 2026
- Safe Car Initiative – Funded by Almo Pro AV, licenced, chauffeured taxis operate from 10pm-4am with clearly designated pick-up points across the city. Vehicles are branded with Rise AV and Almo Pro AV, and a dedicated phone line (+34 697493558) is available for bookings.
- Emergency Kits – Provided by Shure, kits contain essential items such as sanitary products, pain relief, and hair ties, available at the Rise AV stand.
- Safety Hotline & Safe Space – Rise AV operates a hotline (+44 7478011217) and a dedicated safe space on the stand for support and assistance.
Daily drop-in sessions at the stand
- Tuesday February 3 | 3pm-4pm – Learn About Rise AV’s Professional Development Programmes with Rachael Hamilton, Carla Maroussas, and Amber Holbrook (Ross Video, Rise AV Mentee alumni)
- Wednesday February 4 | 2pm-3pm –
How to Attract More Women to Your Business, hosted by Carla Maroussas (global mentoring manager) and Denise Hughes (managing director, Woop Jobs) - Thursday February 5 | 10am-10.30am – Meet a Mentor with Jane Hammersley (Blue Touch Paper)
- Thursday February 5 | 1pm-2pm – Meet a Mentor and Mentee with Rise AV 2025 alumni Morgan Cameron (59 Productions) and Lauren Sweeney (7thSense)
- Friday February 6 | 11am-12pm – How You Can Be Involved With Rise AV
Community event
- Tuesday February 3 | 4pm – Rise AV Community Happy Hour hosted with Global Headline Partner QSC at Stand 2M300
Hamilton added: “In just one year, Rise AV has grown from a bold idea into a programme making a real, measurable difference across the AV industry. Through our mentoring programmes and Elevate initiatives, we’ve supported women at critical points in their careers, built mentoring relationships, and seen how this translates into confidence, progression, and retention. 2026 is a huge year for Rise AV, including the launch of the inaugural Rise AV Awards in May, celebrating women, people and organisations driving real change.”
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