UK Delegates Elevate 2025

Lydia Box

Head of Engineering, Project Audio Visual

Lydia brings nearly a decade of expertise in the AV industry, with strong technical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills. She has successfully led and delivered a wide range of impactful AV project designs, from concept to completion. As the manager of AVITdirect, an e-commerce platform specialising in professional AV solutions, Lydia combines her technical expertise with real-world industry experience to oversee operations, guide strategic direction, and ensure customers receive the right products for their needs. Her leadership helps businesses make informed purchasing decisions and achieve exceptional results with their AV investments.

Beky Cann

Director of Global PR, Peerless-AV

Beky Cann is an accomplished Marketing and PR leader with over 20 years’ experience in the professional AV and B2B technology sectors. As Director of Global PR at Peerless-AV, she is part of an award-winning Marketing team, responsible for driving brand visibility and thought leadership across Europe, the Middle East, India, and North America, working closely with senior leadership, partners, and global media.
Beky is recognised for her ability to craft authentic narratives, create compelling creatives, deliver impactful campaigns, and strengthen brand presence across diverse markets. She has managed successful customer, and partner events, organised panels and trainings, and collaborates closely with Corporate on global communications strategies, achieving consistent results that raise industry awareness and engagement. A natural connector, passionate about bringing people together, she maintains strong relationships with trade press, partners, and peers worldwide.
Beyond her role, Beky is an active advocate for DE&I. She was a founding member of Women in AV in 2013 and is now part of the AVIXA Women’s Council UK committee, encouraging new members to join, share experiences and progress their careers.
Outside of work, Beky enjoys open water swimming and has a background in endurance sport, having completed 11 Ironman races and a Channel relay swim - pursuits that reflect the resilience, discipline, and commitment she brings to every aspect of her professional and personal life.

Zoe Deighton-Smythe

Senior Copywriter, The Inside Story Ltd

I’m a Senior Copywriter and Editor with a background in PR, communications and the AV industry - but at heart, I just love words. Writing has always been my passion, and I thrive on creating content that connects, inspires, and makes an impact. With skills in SEO, copywriting, editing and social media, plus a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, I bring both creativity and craft to every project at The Inside Story, a specialist marketing agency.

Sally Oates

Deputy Operations Manager, Light Fantastic

I’m currently the Deputy Operations Manager at Light Fantastic, where I’ve worked my way up over the past three years from an Bookings Coordinator role. My day-to-day revolves around keeping things moving — from logistics to crewing — making sure the right people and kit are in the right place, at the right time.

I’m passionate about clear communication, and solving problems before they become problems. I also pride myself on my friendly, can-do attitude — because we all should feel human, not just efficient!
I spend my spare time with friends, my Maine Coon, Hank and sometimes, even my 4 children!

Elizabeth Callens

Product Manager, Barco

Elizabeth Callens is a Product Manager based in Belgium with experience in audiovisual technologies, home automation and smart product ecosystems. She works closely with professional and end-users to align product development with market needs. Her role involves analyzing market needs, identifying end-user challenges, and contributing to solution-oriented strategies. Outside of her core responsibilities, she engages in creative side projects to explore emerging technologies and support continuous learning.

Andreea Timis

Account Director, The LED Studio

Andreea Timis is Account Director for EMEA at LED Studio, where she leads strategic partnerships and manages major accounts across Europe. With a background in sales leadership and business development, she drives sustainable LED technology adoption for global brands and integrators. Andreea is passionate about innovation and advancing diversity within the Pro AV industry, working to bring sustainable and creative display solutions to life.

Kelli Neve-Read

Director of Media Relations, Bubble Agency

A passionate and results-driven PR professional with experience in media technology and Pro AV sectors. Skilled in building strong client, media, and analyst relationships, delivering impactful PR and media strategies, and leading with authenticity and a customer-centric approach. Over 10 years of events expertise managing flagship B2B tradeshows, press events, product launches, and trade show press offices.

A high-energy leader who motivates teams, fosters collaboration and consistently delivers results and positive experiences for stakeholders.

Teresa Juncosa Umaran

Freelance AV Consultant & Project Engineering - Director at Kado Audiovisual

Teresa is Director of Kado Audiovisual, providing freelance AV consultancy, system design and project engineering. With 10 years’ experience across design, engineering, and management, she has worked on a wide range of projects across sectors. Teresa is enthusiastic about innovative designs, creative installations, and collaborative working. Through the Rise AV Elevate programme, she looks forward to developing her skills and expanding her professional network in the AV industry.

Meinir Jones

Solution Manager, BBC

Meinir is currently a solution manager in the BBC’s Graphics and Automation team, working on operational solutions for live production control: translating live tv requirements to deliver output in an automated world, making the task as easy for the operator as possible while maintaining the highest production values with cost-effective solutions. Collaborating closely with others within the team, and across the business, Meinir is leading the team’s roll out of a new automation system, as well as supporting current on-air systems.

Having worked in broadcasting since 1999, and with the BBC since 2001 – 9/11 being her second day on the job – Meinir has been in live broadcasting her entire career. Having worked as continuity announcer (the disembodied voice that introduces Eastenders) and news director, in Technology teams as well as Operational, in roles from department assistant to line manager, she has experience across the spectrum of broadcasting. In her current role she is taking on team leadership duties, and is ready to return to line management structure.

Georgina Austin-Smith

Sales Director, Major Bids & Strategic Partnerships, Diversified

Georgina is Sales Director of Major Bids & Strategic Relationships at Diversified, focusing on large scale, contractor led enterprise and media projects. She has extensive experience leading high value tenders and building strategic partnerships across EMEA. Recognised in Innovate’s 40 under 40, Georgina is a strong advocate for women in AV and leadership, committed to driving greater representation and inspiring the next generation of industry professionals.

Anna Shahin

Application Support Manager, Audiologic

Anna Shahin is Application Support Manager at Audiologic, a distributor for all things pro-audio, where she has worked for the last seven years since entering the industry. Anna has been recognized by the AV Awards and Inavate with the Rising Star Award and the EMEA 40 under 40. She is also a certified Dante trainer and regularly involved in industry events with Women in Live Music and Audiologic’s Audio Matters video series.

Jolanta Modelska

Programme Manager, AVMI Kinly Ltd

Kate is the Head of Marketing at Nuvias UC, where she leads the strategic direction and execution of marketing across both the company’s vendor portfolio and its own services. With a hands-on approach, Kate oversees all aspects of marketing delivery, from campaign planning and event management to content creation, design and copywriting. She is passionate about building impactful marketing that drives engagement and supports business growth.

Shreya Hyde-Smith

Director, Ivista Ltd

Shreya Hyde-Smith is a founding partner of Ivista – an innovative digital signage specialist. After graduating in Economics from Bristol University, she went on to develop significant experience of direct response marketing and advertising before moving into the AV industry as Media Development Director of POPtv and Screen FX.

Shreya has led her company to become respected experts in customer-focused, digital media solutions for major retail and leisure clients such as Sky, The Gym Group and The Globe.

Harriet Balshaw

Head of Sales, Ascentae Ltd

I’m currently Head of Sales at Ascentae, leading a brilliant team of account managers and business development professionals. I’ve spent the last five years growing my career in sales leadership, and I’m still learning every day. I’m passionate about building strong teams, making an impact through strategy, and championing more visibility for women in the AV industry—something I care deeply about and want to actively help shape.

Manuela Schramm

Account Director, AVMI Kinly Ltd.

Extensive experience in client management, technical knowledge as well as the skills in understanding client requirements and strategic goals and planning.

A highly organized/structured, commercially driven leader with a focus on pragmatic problem resolution and over 19 successful years as a professional within the corporate IT/Tech/AV product and services sales arena.

Strategy skills have been developed, tested and proven- consistently recording commercial sales success underpinned by tenacity for customer service excellence in the global technology space.

As an Account Director, I will engage in a tasks with a focus on global delivery and consistency in delivering the values agreed within the client contract including strategic planning, relationship management, negotiation, innovation and development of key opportunities.

Responsibility for building and maintaining a strong, long-lasting partner relationship, underpinned by honesty, integrity and trust. I do this by understanding the client’s strategic needs, effectively planning how those needs can be met and by collaboration with the wider technical and support teams to ensure that a client is receiving expert advice, value for money supported by a quality service.

Jo Sunners

Technical and Production Planning Manager, BAFTA

As a highly skilled and creative Technical Production Manager, Jo Sunners brings over 18 years of experience, thriving in the AV and technical production industry. Presently serving as Technical and Production Manager at BAFTA -195 Piccadilly. Passionate about technology and innovation, specialising in lighting and video having worked in many different roles from Business development and sales to production delivery and ops. Eager to expand leadership skills, grow her network and empower those around her.

The Rise AV Elevate Programme

UK Delegates 2025

About Rise AV Elevate Programme

Rise AV Elevate 2026

Applications are closed for 2025 and will reopen in June 2026. You can register your interest now, so you're the first to hear when applications open.