ISE 2026: Rise AV to Exhibit for First Time as it Launches Safety and Well-Being Initiatives for Women
Story Highlights
Rise AV and Rise Broadcast, the global not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving gender diversity in technical industries, announces that Rise AV will exhibit for the first time at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026, located on Stand EA315, East Entrance Hall.
Founded to empower women through professional development, representation, and community, Rise AV’s and Rise Broadcast’s presence at ISE 2026 marks a milestone for the organization. In addition to hosting a program of drop-in sessions and community events, the group is introducing a series of practical safety and wellbeing initiatives designed to support women attending the show. The organization is also committed to addressing an ongoing challenge that continues to affect many women at global trade shows: personal safety.
Rachael Hamilton, Managing Director of Rise AV, says, “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 of the morning, 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
With the support of industry partners, Rise AV is pleased to introduce the following initiatives throughout ISE 2026:
Safe Car Initiative
Kindly funded by Almo Pro AV, this initiative provides licensed, chauffeured taxis operating from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. with clearly designated pick-up points across the city. Vehicles will be fully branded with Rise AV and Almo Pro AV, and a dedicated phone line will allow women to access safe transport directly. For any woman who would like to get home safely from anywhere in the city, call this number to book your pickup: +34 697493558.
Emergency Kits
Provided by Shure, emergency kits will be available on the Rise AV stand, containing essential items such as sanitary products, pain relief, hair ties, and other necessities for long show days. Visit the Rise AV stand on EA315 to collect your complimentary kit.
Safety Hotline & Safe Space
Rise AV will operate a safety hotline throughout the show, with the Rise AV stand acting as a safe space where women can seek support, assistance, or simply take a moment away from the show floor. The safety hotline number is: +44 7478011217.
Drop-in Sessions and Community Events
Rise AV will host daily drop-in sessions at its stand, offering attendees the chance to learn more about its professional development programs, mentoring opportunities, and wider community initiatives. Past mentors and mentees will be on hand to share real experiences and answer questions.
Dedicated sessions will also be held for companies looking to better attract and retain women within their organizations.
Rise AV ISE 2026 Event Schedule
- Tues., Feb. 3 | 3:00-4:00 p.m.
- Learn About Rise AV’s Professional Development Program with Rachael Hamilton, Carla Maroussas, and Amber Holbrook (Ross Video, Rise AV Mentee Alumni)
- Wed., Feb. 4 | 2:00-3:00 p.m
- How to Attract More Women to Your Business
- Hosted by Carla Maroussas, Global Mentoring Manager, and Denise Hughes, Managing Director, Woop Jobs
- Thurs., Feb. 5 | 10:00-10:30 a.m.
- Meet a Mentor
- Thinking about becoming a mentor, but not sure what to expect? Jane Hammersley from Blue Touch Paper will be on hand to answer questions.
- Thurs., Feb. 5 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
- Meet a Mentor and Mentee
- Hear directly from Rise AV 2025 Alumni Morgan Cameron (59 Productions) and Lauren Sweeney (7thSense) as they share their real-world experiences of the mentor–mentee relationship.
- Fri., Feb. 6 | 11:00-12:00 a.m.
- How You Can Be Involved With Rise AV
Rise AV Community Events at ISE
Global Headline Partner QSC will host the Rise AV Community Happy Hour on Tues. Feb. 3, 4:00 on its stand 2M300. QSC will also welcome Rise AV community members to join a guided stand tour.
Reflecting on the organization’s growth and future plans, Hamilton adds: “In just one year, Rise AV has grown from a bold idea into a program making a real, measurable difference across the AV industry, globally. Through the Rise AV and Elevate programs, we’ve supported women at critical points in their careers, built powerful mentoring relationships, and seen first-hand how this translates into confidence, progression and retention.
The success of our mentoring program has been incredibly strong that we’ve expanded into APAC this year, and applications for both the UK and APAC mentoring programs are now open, closing on January 31. As we look ahead, we’re also inviting the industry to help us sustain and scale this impact. We’ve launched a Global Partner Program for AV businesses, alongside regional sponsorship opportunities with every pound going directly into empowering women in AV. For organizations looking to take a deeper, more strategic role, our Global Partner Program offers the opportunity to help shape initiatives across mentoring, leadership development, events, and advocacy.
“And this is just the beginning. 2026 is a huge year for Rise AV, including the launch of the inaugural Rise AV Awards in May, celebrating the women, people and organizations driving real change. Entries will be opening soon, and we’re incredibly excited about what’s to come.”
