The nation's night of nights for ICT pioneers and entrepreneurs

Join us in Canberra December 2^nd

The most prestigious recognition of individual achievement in the ICT sector in Australia. The Pearcey Foundation launched the National Awards 28 years ago in line with the mission to celebrate, support and encourage Australians who engage in, and excel at, the invention, development and use of information, communication and computing technologies (ICT) for the betterment of our society.

Building on the work of Dr Trevor Pearcey and his invention of the first digital computer in Australia, which put us at the global forefront of the digital age, the Pearcey Foundation has recognised outstanding Australians:

Pearcey Entrepreneur Award Recipients	157 over last 28 years
Pearcey National Entrepreneur Award Recipients	21 since 2005
Pearcey Hall of Fame Inductees	43 since 2004
Pearcey Medal Recipients	29 since 1998

Peer-selection is the hallmark of the Pearcey Awards. Each award recipient is selected by past recipients of that award. This is the community recognising the significant achievements of its peers.

Guest Speaker: Chris Fechner, CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency

Chris was appointed the Chief Executive Officer at the Digital Transformation Agency on 13^th October 2021 and is also the Head of the Digital Profession.

As CEO, Chris is responsible for leading the DTA to ensure it delivers on the Government’s digital transformation agenda, in accordance with the agency’s executive order and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

Chris has extensive experience in state government services, focusing on large scale digital and ICT reform and transformation programs, as well as implementing contemporary investment, contestability, and governance frameworks.

Before joining the Australian Public Service, Chris was the Queensland Government Chief Customer and Digital Officer throughout 2020 and 2021. Chris was previously the Chief Digital and Product Officer at Service NSW. Prior to that, Chris held a number of senior positions across the NSW and Queensland governments, as well as in freight and rail organisations. 

Chris holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Applied Science and Computing, both from the Queensland University of Technology. 

On this must-attend evening in the Australian ICT industry calendar, the recipients of the following prestigious awards will be announced: 

• National Pearcey Entrepreneur Award
• Hall of Fame Inductees
• The coveted Pearcey Medal 

Join us in celebrating the outstanding individuals whose careers have significantly advanced the Australian and global ICT industry. We will honour those who have made remarkable contributions to ICT research, industry, and professional development, recognising their exceptional impact and the high standards of excellence they set. 

Sponsored by the ACT Chief Minister, we are partnering with the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) and their First Wednesday event together with our hosts at the University of Canberra and delegates from the Australasian Conference on Robotics and Automation (ACRA 2026).

Welcome by: Andrew Barr MLA, ACT Chief Minister

Secure your spot now and be part of this unforgettable evening!

DATE:	Wednesday 2nd December 2026
TIME:	Drinks from 6:30pm with welcome from ACT Chief Minister. Formalities over by 9:15pm with drinks & canapes to 10pm
VENUE:	Ann Harding Conference Centre, University of Canberra - Building 24, University Drive South
Ticket:	$55 per person inc GST
	Tickets include networking canapes and drinks (wine, beer and soft drinks)

Cancellation Policy

• Any cancellations prior to 5pm on Monday 23^rd November 2026 are fully refundable.
• Any cancellations after 5pm on Monday 23^rd November 2026 are generally not refundable, however you may nominate another person to attend in your place. Please note that while we will try our best to accommodate any requests for special dietary requirements, this is at the discretion of the venue after this date.
• Any requests for cancellations and name changes must be given in writing to [email protected]