About the Awards

The ADG Summit Awards celebrate the leaders, teams, and organisations shaping the future of responsible data and AI practice in Australia. Presented at the ADG Summit Melbourne on 20 August 2026, these awards recognise meaningful contributions to governance frameworks, data quality, ethical AI adoption, and the broader data community.

Proudly supported by our headline sponsor, Actian.

This year, we’re recognising excellence across three categories:

  • AI & Data Governance Leader of the Year
  • Organisation / Team of the Year
  • Rising Star in Data Governance

ADG Summit Awards 2026 — Conditions of Entry

  • Open to individuals and organisations based in Australia only
  • Self-nominations welcome
  • Nominees must be registered attendees of the ADG Summit on 20 August 2026 in Melbourne. For the Organisation / Team award, at least one team representative must be attending
  • Nominations must be submitted via the official form by 31 July 2026
  • Winners must be present at the summit to receive their award

The ADG Awards 2026

Open to professionals across all industries — nominations close 31 July 2026.

AI & Data Governance Leader of the Year

Recognising an individual driving meaningful, measurable change in data and AI governance.

Organisation / Team of the Year

Celebrating a team or organisation that has delivered exceptional governance outcomes from programme maturity to compliance and culture.

Rising Star in Data Governance

For an emerging professional making an outsized impact early in their career. Self-nominations welcome.

What we look for

All nominees must be based in Australia and registered to attend the ADG Summit on 20 August 2026 in Melbourne. Nominations close 31 July 2026. Winners must be present on the night to receive their award.

Strategic impact

Demonstrable influence on governance strategy, policy, or organisational direction, not just activity, but outcomes.

Leadership & culture

Contribution to building a culture of responsible data practice , within a team, an organisation, or the broader community.

Innovation

Novel approaches to governance challenges, practical innovation that others in the field can learn from, and build on.

Community contribution

Sharing knowledge, mentoring others, or contributing to the wider data governance profession.

Key Dates

From nomination through to the awards ceremony — here’s what to expect.

Nominations Open

1 June 2026

Nominations close

31 July 2026

Shortlists confirmed & nominees notified

7 August 2026

Judging panel deliberates

14 August 2026

Winners announced at ADG Summit Melbourne

20 August 2026

Last Year’s AI & Data Governance Leader of the Year:

Natalie Hogan

Ready to nominate someone exceptional?

Know a leader who deserves recognition? Nominate them — or yourself for the Rising Star award — before nominations close on 31 July 2026.