The 2026 Endeavour Awards is set to shine a spotlight on the companies and individuals driving change across Australia’s manufacturing sector – and with nominations now closed, attention turns to securing a seat at one of the industry’s most anticipated nights of the year.
Presented annually by Manufacturers’ Monthly, the Endeavour Awards honour the achievements of individuals and organisations advancing the nation’s manufacturing capability. The gala dinner will take place on 13 May at The Westin in Brisbane, held alongside and in collaboration with Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) 2026.
Recognised as one of the sector’s premier celebrations, the Endeavour Awards brings together leaders, innovators and emerging talent to celebrate success, share stories and forge new connections. For attendees, it offers a rare opportunity to recognise achievement while reinforcing the importance of sovereign manufacturing at a time when support for the sector is more vital than ever.
“This year’s event will be a true celebration of the ingenuity and resilience of Australian manufacturing,” said Molly Hancock, head of marketing, events, at Prime Creative Media. “Attendees will experience a spectacular evening of entertainment, delicious food, and unmatched networking as we celebrate the winners of these coveted awards.”
The 2026 awards feature refreshed categories reflecting the increasing breadth of Australian manufacturing. Alongside flagship honours such as Manufacturer of the Year and Leader of the Year, categories spotlight excellence in aerospace, transport, health technology, sustainability, advanced manufacturing and food and beverage manufacturing.
Backed by platinum sponsors RSM and Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, as well as longstanding partners including AMTIL, BDO Australia and Weld Australia, the awards continue to attract strong industry support.
Creating a stage for innovation
For previous winners, the value of the evening extends well beyond the trophy.
MEQ, which claimed both the Best Technology Application Award and Australian Manufacturer of the Year at the 2024 Endeavour Awards, was recognised for its contribution to strengthening Australia’s food sector.
“It was great recognition for the team,” said Remo Carbone, chief executive officer and co-founder of MEQ. “Everyone was super pleased to be there and be a part of it.”
MEQ builds hardware-based solutions for production and processing, generating customer data to improve decision-making. Its MEQ LIVE technology enables breeders, farmers, feedlot operators and sale yards to measure meat quality and yield of live animals, while also supporting carbon reduction through improved forecasting and management.
“We had to find a way to build hardware that had never existed before,” Carbone said.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the awards, Carbone said connecting with other advanced manufacturing leaders provided valuable perspective.
“One of the most effective ways to catalyse growth in Australian manufacturing,” he said, “is through interactions between creative problem solvers who are striving to make a meaningful impact.”
He added that events such as the Endeavour Awards play an essential role in strengthening the advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
“We’re trying to help build the ecosystem in relation to advanced manufacturing in Australia,” he said.
More than a ceremony, the Endeavour Awards Gala is a celebration of innovation, resilience and excellence – bringing together the people and businesses shaping the sector’s future.
With finalists soon to be announced and anticipation building, tickets for the 13 May gala are expected to sell quickly. Industry professionals looking to connect with peers, celebrate achievement and experience one of manufacturing’s most prestigious evenings are encouraged to secure their place.
