NEWS
RISE AV LAUNCHES MENTORING PROGRAMME
six-month programme will provide its cohort with face-to-face networking events, skills workshops and industry insights. The initiative also includes one-on-one sessions between mentors and mentees. After receiving an overwhelming global response, the organisation is also piloting an online-only version of the mentoring programme that targets US-based AV professionals.
Advocacy group Rise AV recently announced its inaugural UK cohort for the 2025 Mentoring Programme. With 31 mentor-mentee pairings, the free initiative serves Rise AV’s goal of promoting gender diversity and professional development in AV. Supported by Rise AV’s industry sponsors – which include Midwich, Epson, Diversified, Audiologic, Shure, Peerless, ProAV and others – the
UNIVERSAL THEME PARK AND RESORT COMING TO THE UK
place for a new rail station, additional slip roads from the A421 and other improvements to local transport infrastructure, with a promise to use as much British steel as possible – and potentially even extend the Eurostar line. Universal already operates seven parks across four countries (the US, Japan, Singapore and China), with a kids’ resort coming to Texas before Universal Studios Great Britain’s grand opening. In 2023, the parks welcomed a combined visitor count of 62 million, equating to a revenue of $8.95 billion. The hope is for the Bedford site to become Universal’s European hub by offering immersive rides, akin to Orlando’s Minion Mayhem; Fast & Furious; Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts; as well as Supercharged. “It is not just about numbers,” Starmer reminded the nation. “It’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK.”
Rumoured for over a year, it’s finally official: the UK is getting its own Universal theme park and resort. Confirmed by prime minister Keir Starmer, the Bedford-based project is expected to boost both the local and national economies, creating an estimated 28,000 additional jobs by the time it opens in 2031. Occupying a 476-acre area (in talks to be increased to 700), the Universal complex will combine rides and attractions with entertainment, dining, retail and a 500-room hotel. The first of its kind in all of Europe, the Bedford site expects to see millions of visitors in its opening year alone. While Universal has yet to release details on which themed experiences might be available, potentials include Harry Potter , James Bond , Back to the Future and Jurassic World , among a long list of other fan-favourite franchises. According to Starmer, the park will also provide opportunities in construction, tourism and even artificial intelligence. Plans are in
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