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 Cars for Hope, 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
$2,116.50 incl GST - earlybird offer for a table of 10 - ends 30 November 2025
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.
$360 per room, per night (Room only)
$395 per room, per night (buffet breakfast included for 1 guest)
$430 per room, per night (buffet breakfast included for 2 guests)
Please call the hotel and ensure you quote the MTA NSW rate.
Reservations Number: (02) 9228 9188
Email: h3665-re10@sofitel.com
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.
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Alternatively, guests can choose to stay at the nearby Paradox Sydney, which is a 3 minute walk to the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney. MTA NSW has negotiated a 10% discount off the best available rate.
Hotel: Paradox Sydney
Address: 27 O’Connell St, Sydney, Sydney
To book: Please use the following booking link which offers a 10% discount off the best available rate.
Booking Link - https://www.idem.events/r/mta-nsw-2026-f71e9c00
Terms & Conditions
Cut-off date for bookings at this rate is Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Free Cancellation up to 30 Days prior to arrival.
100% Deposit Due 30 Days prior to arrival. This deposit is non-refundable and the hotel reserves the right to retain the amount in the event of late cancellation or no-show.
Full Buffet Breakfast at 20% off (normally 45AUD per adult).
Late bookings or additional room inventory may be requested directly with hotel, subject to availability and rate change.
DOING GOOD TOGETHER:
Cars For Hope
We’re proud to support Cars For Hope, an Australian non-profit dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people experiencing depression, anxiety, self-injury and self-harm. An auction on the night will raise vital funds for this important cause.
Refer to their website Cars For Hope
We’re proud to support Cars For Hope, an Australian non-profit dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people experiencing depression, anxiety, self-injury and self-harm. An auction on the night will raise vital funds for this important cause.
Refer to their website Cars For Hope