AWARD School speaker & shift to national lectures revealed as B&T, Ad Council announce 2026 partnership

Some of this year’s speakers.

AWARD School has announced this year’s lineup of speakers and tutors alongside a new national lecture model, bringing together creative leaders from Europe, the United States, New Zealand and Australia as part of the industry-led program.

The 12-week course develops creative thinking and problem-solving. The shift to national lectures moves it away from primarily state-based, in-person sessions to a broader online format, designed to expand access to international creative leaders and ensure students across all states receive the same learning experience.

Participants respond to a series of briefs across multiple mediums, developing ideas through critique and collaboration with working creatives from Australia and overseas. No formal qualifications or prior industry experience are required.

The news comes as B&T and Advertising Council Australia, which powers AWARD School, announce a partnership aimed at strengthening pathways into the industry.

“B&T has supported AWARD School for many years and shares our commitment to nurturing emerging creative talent,” said Tony Hale, CEO of the Ad Council.

“Their continued backing of creativity and education helps ensure the next generation of Australian creatives has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed, and we’re excited to have B&T support AWARD School in 2026.”

Together, AWARD School and B&T will spotlight and champion emerging Australian creatives through a series of initiatives.

“We couldn’t be happier to partner with AWARD and Ad Council,” said Rosie Oakshott, managing director of B&T. “Our respective missions to elevate and celebrate creativity and craft are more than symbiotic; we’re practically peas in a pod. We cannot wait for you all to see what comes next.”

Confirmed AWARD School speakers for 2026 include:

• Justine Armour, chief creative officer international, 72andSunny (Europe, Middle East & Asia)

• George and Tom McQueen, ECDs, Droga5 New York (US)

• Sam Stuchbury, ECD & founder, Motion Sickness (New Zealand)

• Alex Roberts, director, Finch (New Zealand)

• Jim Curtis, chief creative officer, LePub (US)

• Tara McKenty, chief creative officer, AKQA ANZ

• Hilary Badger, ECD, Leo Australia

• Bridget Jung, ECD, Ogilvy Australia

• Ralph van Dijk, founding creative director, Eardrum & Earmax Media

• Lucy and Annabel Hay, Former agency creatives and co-founders, Clutch Glue.

AWARD School national head Josie Fox, creative director at BMF Australia, said the depth of the 2026 speaker lineup reflects AWARD School’s focus on learning directly from people shaping the industry today.

“Having creatives of this calibre involved, from Justine Armour to George and Tom McQueen, gives students access to thinking they’d rarely encounter,” Fox said. “These are people doing the work at the highest level.”

National Head Tom Lawrence, creative director at Clemenger BBDO, said the national model allows AWARD School to raise the bar on who students hear from, while keeping the course grounded in real-world practice.

“Opening lectures up across the country means we can bring in more global voices without losing what makes AWARD School effective,” Lawrence said. “Students are learning how ideas are shaped, challenged and improved in some of the world’s strongest commercial environments.”

More than 50 tutors from ACA-accredited agencies including Droga5, TBWA, Ogilvy, BMF, Special Australia and Howatson+Company will mentor students throughout the 12-week program, providing weekly tutorials and feedback.

A free Info Night will take place online on Tuesday 3 February, ahead of applications opening on 5 February, where attendees can learn more about this year’s program and receive early access to the application brief.

The Info Night (register here) will be hosted by Fox and Lawrence and will feature state leaders from across Australia including:

• Huei Yin Wong, Senior Art Director (VIC)

• Ryan Clayton, Creative Director, Taboo (VIC)

• Ryan Petie, Executive Creative Director, Publicis Worldwide (QLD)

• Tim Newton, Creative Director, St John WA (WA)

• Rory Kennett-Lister, Creative Director, Showpony (SA)

• Seamus Fagan, Associate Creative Director, Leo Australia (Online program)

• Shyaire Ganglani, Associate Creative Director, Leo Australia (Online program)

AWARD School is once again supported by Meta, Outdoor Media Association and Commercial Radio & Audio.