The Australian Sign and Graphics Association (ASGA) has released details of the revised Award Categories for the 2026 National Sign and Graphics Awards, which will be held at the Sydney Showground on 3 September.
In the lead-up to the National Sign and Graphics Awards, one of the first tasks for the specially-appointed Awards Committee was to review and revise the Award Categories.
This year, the panel of industry experts has recommended a number of changes to give entrants more clarity and, in the case of more popular categories, to create more opportunity for recognition.
Fabrication – Large Pylon and Sky Signs
This category has always been one of the most popular, so this year it is being split into two to create more opportunities for recognition across the wide range of pylon and sky signs, which are manufactured in-house from materials including metals, plastics, timber and more.
For 2026, there will be one category for businesses that employ five people or fewer, and another for businesses that employ over five people.
Installation
The committee has tightened up the definitions within this category to encourage signage installation businesses, as well as manufacture and install businesses, to submit entries.
Original In-House Design Concept
This category has also been split into two, in recognition of the different types of businesses that design signage for the sector.
From 2026, there will be one category for signage businesses that create design concepts in-house, and a separate category for design and architectural firms that do not manufacture signage, but design and create the concepts for signage projects.
Young Star Award
This important award has also been redefined, to make it clearer and to encourage the nomination of anyone who is new to our industry.
Nominees can be in a training program, or learning on the job, as long as they have been in the industry for five years or less.
People's Choice Award
The popular People's Choice Award will this year move to an interactive 'view and vote' model, with eligible Award entries displayed at the Visual Impact Expo in Sydney in September.
Visitors to the show will be able to cast their votes on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 September, ahead of the Gala Presentation Dinner, which will be held at the Sydney Showground on the evening of Thursday 3 September.
Training Innovation Award
The Association believes that to secure the future of the sector, training programs must not only be fit for today's businesses, but must evolve and innovate for the future.
The Training Innovation Award recognises progress in training programs, and has this year been opened to all training programs across the signage and graphics sector.
If you are planning to enter the Awards this year, the organisers recommend you prepare carefully by taking the following steps:
- Check the entry categories carefully to make sure you select the most appropriate category for your entry.
- Read the entry criteria, as well as the terms and conditions, to gather all the technical data, images and other information needed to ensure your entry is complete, correct and compliant.
- Make sure that you disclose any works that were not done by your company, and include the details of any sub-contractors.
- Submit your entry well ahead of the closing date (5pm Wednesday 24 July 2026) remembering to take transmission times into account, as entries received after the deadline will not be accepted.
The 2026 ASGA National Sign and Graphics Awards is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors Avery Dennison, Orafol and Spandex, and Bronze Sponsor Currie Group.
The Awards will be presented at a Presentation Dinner on Thursday 3 September at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. For more information, or to enter the Awards, click here.