Rise AV Formed North America Regional Council
The professional group aims to increase talent retention in the AV industry through localized mentoring initiatives.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Remote Work
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Industry organization Rise AV has launched a new North America Regional Council to provide local expertise for women in the audiovisual sector. This initiative coincides with the upcoming creation of a structured mentoring program designed to support industry participants.
Why it matters
The organization established this council to address talent retention challenges by fostering regional peer support and practical skill development. By formalizing these networks, Rise AV aims to strengthen its professional infrastructure across North America.
The new North America Mentoring Program will span a 6-month duration for participants. It is supported by global sponsors QSC and Neat.
The players
Rise AV
An international organization focused on supporting women in the audiovisual industry through professional development programs.
QSC
A global manufacturer of audiovisual solutions that serves as a sponsor for industry professional development initiatives.
Neat
A provider of video communication devices and meeting room technology that sponsors Rise AV programming.
Gina Sansivero
An industry professional serving as a member of the newly formed Rise AV North America Regional Council.
Vanessa Tolisano
The newly appointed North America programme coordinator for Rise AV.
The details
The newly formed North America Regional Council, which includes industry leaders like Gina Sansivero and Scott Josephson, will facilitate local relationship building and expertise sharing. Simultaneously, Rise AV has appointed Vanessa Tolisano as the North America programme coordinator to manage the rollout of its mentoring initiatives. These programs are designed to deliver peer support and practical skills training directly to women working within the audiovisual industry.
Timeline
1 December 2026: Applications open for the North America Mentoring Program.
31 January 2027: Applications close for the North America Mentoring Program.
May 2027: The North America Mentoring Program begins.
Market Landscape
This move marks the latest geographic expansion for Rise AV, which already maintains established operations in the United Kingdom and APAC. The new council serves to formalize the organization's regional presence to better align with established operational precedents.
Operators in the audiovisual sector should monitor this program as a potential benchmark for talent retention and professional development standards. Businesses looking to strengthen their internal mentorship pipelines may consider the 6-month model adopted by this organization.
The takeaway
Professional organizations are increasingly shifting toward regionalized councils to improve local engagement and talent retention. Owners should assess whether their current professional development frameworks provide the peer support networks now becoming standard in technical industries.
What happens next
Applications for the mentoring program open on 1 December 2026, with the selection process running through 31 January 2027.
Further reading
Explore more industry trends in Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Avinteractive.
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