You’d nominate a brilliant colleague without thinking twice. So why not yourself? With entries open for the Rise AV Awards 2027, it’s time to give your achievements the recognition they deserve.
Think about the women you work with. The ones solving problems, leading teams, delivering great projects and making things happen behind the scenes.
You’d nominate them for an award in a heartbeat.
But would you nominate yourself?
“I’m just doing my job.”
“There are people far more deserving than me.”
“I don’t want to look like I’m showing off.”
Sound familiar?
These are exactly the attitudes Rise AV wants to challenge with its inaugural Rise AV Awards 2027.
Launched by the global non-profit dedicated to attracting, supporting and retaining women in AV, events and production, the awards feature 14 categories celebrating technical excellence, innovation, leadership, business, sales, marketing and allyship.
So what’s stopping you?
“I’m just doing my job.”
You’ve delivered a challenging project, found a clever solution, improved a process or helped someone else succeed.
But to you? It’s just another day at work.
Just because something feels ordinary to you doesn’t mean it isn’t extraordinary to someone else.
You don’t need to have changed the entire AV industry to deserve recognition. The difference you’ve made to your customers, colleagues or business counts too.
“There are people far more deserving than me.”
Of course there are other brilliant women doing incredible things.
But that doesn’t make your achievements any less impressive.
The Rise AV Awards recognise talent at every career stage, from rising stars and technical specialists to business leaders, creatives and independent professionals.
You don’t need to be a CEO, have decades of experience or be a familiar face at industry events.
Success comes in many forms. That’s the whole point.
“I don’t want to look like I’m showing off.”
Why are so many women happy to celebrate everyone else’s success but reluctant to acknowledge their own?
For some, it’s confidence. For others, cultural expectations around humility and modesty make self-promotion uncomfortable.
Whatever the reason, recognising your achievements isn’t arrogance. And celebrating your contribution doesn’t take anything away from your team.
Putting yourself forward could encourage another woman to do the same.
“What if I don’t get shortlisted?”
Well, what if you don’t?
It doesn’t change what you’ve achieved.
When did you last stop and look at everything you’ve accomplished?
Most of us are too busy tackling the next deadline to appreciate how far we’ve come.
Writing an award entry gives you the chance to reflect on your successes, recognise your strengths and remind yourself of the difference you’re making.
But here’s a better question.
What if you DO get shortlisted? Or win?
An award could be the start of something bigger
This is what Rise AV really wants women to think about.
An industry award isn’t just a trophy or a photograph on stage. It can open doors.
Recognition can:
• Raise your profile and put your achievements in front of a global industry audience.
• Build credibility and strengthen your professional reputation.
• Support career progression, whether that’s a promotion, a new role or growing your business.
• Create connections with people and organisations you might not otherwise meet.
• Inspire other women by showing them what’s possible.
Recognition doesn’t guarantee opportunities. But it can help you become visible to the people who might offer them.
And in an industry where women remain underrepresented, visibility matters.
This is YOUR chance to be recognised.
Entries are now open for the Rise AV Awards 2027, celebrating talent and achievement across the global AV industry.
Key details:
• Entries close: 27 November 2026
• Entry fee: £50 + VAT per category
• Early Careers: Free to enter
• Eligibility: Open globally
• Judging: Independent industry professionals
The shortlist will be announced at ISE 2027 on the CEDIA Stage in Hall 2 on 4 February, ahead of the awards ceremony in London in May, which will also be livestreamed globally.
Proceeds will support Rise AV’s work to develop and retain women across the industry.
And if you’re thinking of a colleague who deserves an award, tell her. Better still, nominate her.
Sometimes all it takes is someone else recognising your potential to give you the confidence to see it yourself.
Want to support the awards?
Global sponsorship opportunities are available, from individual award categories to headline partnerships, helping organisations demonstrate their commitment to supporting women in AV.
EXPLORE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Entries close on 27 November. Don’t let another opportunity to celebrate your achievements pass you by.
