The MTA NSW Automotive Excellence Awards 2026 celebrate innovation, skill, and commitment across the industry - from rising apprentices to leading businesses - highlighting those shaping the future of automotive.
Join us for an entertaining evening at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, where we’ll honour outstanding finalists and winners, including MTA NSW / My Trade Start trained apprentices and trainees.
The night features a charity auction supporting Foodbank, along with a delicious three-course dinner, drinks, live entertainment, and dancing. Individual seats and tables are available.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Arrival, networking and pre-dinner drinks
Opening and welcome from your Master of Ceremonies, Charlie Pickering
Awards presentations interspersed with live entertainment
Post-awards party with Bermuda Social
DATE: Saturday, 28 February 2026
VENUE: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, 61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney
TIME: 6.00pm arrival for 6:30pm start – 11:00pm
DRESS: Lounge Suit / Cocktail Dress
TICKETS
$249 incl GST - per person
$2,241 incl GST - per table of 10
SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
Stand out and promote your business at the 2026 MTA NSW Automotive Excellence Awards; elevate your brand with a sponsorship.
Master of Ceremonies: Charlie Pickering
Smart, sharp and brilliantly quick on the mic, Charlie Pickering will steer the night with trademark wit and warmth. Charlie is the host of The Weekly with Charlie Pickering on ABC and a former co-host of The Project - bringing broadcast polish and impeccable timing to our awards stage.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Brad Blaze – speed painting, supercharged
Brad Blaze – speed painting, supercharged
Award-winning speed painter Brad Blaze delivers an electrifying set that fuses art, comedy and spectacle - think blank canvas to masterpiece in just minutes, with energy that lifts the whole room.
Bermuda Social – Sydney’s premier party band
A powerhouse live band featuring former Martini Club members, Bermuda Social keeps the dance floor heaving with fresh mash-ups and party anthems.
STAY THE NIGHT
For guests wanting to stay overnight at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney, MTA NSW has negotiated special room rates.
Please contact MTA NSW to organise accommodation for the night.
Phone Number: (02) 9016 9000
Email: mtaawards@mtansw.com.au
Parking
The hotel has valet car parking available through Wilson Parking on Bligh Street (the street that runs behind the hotel). Day parking is $65 and overnight parking is $70. In order to access these rates, tickets need be validated at the hotel reception.
We are proud to support Foodbank.
Foodbank NSW & ACT is the state and territory’s largest food relief organisation, delivering vital food assistance to individuals and families through a network of community partners across NSW and the ACT.
All proceeds from the event auction, will go directly to this incredible charity, helping support everyday Australians who are going without.
Foodbank NSW & ACT is the state and territory’s largest food relief organisation, delivering vital food assistance to individuals and families through a network of community partners across NSW and the ACT.
All proceeds from the event auction, will go directly to this incredible charity, helping support everyday Australians who are going without.