Walkley Award-winning journalist and AI ethics advocate to headline Australia’s premier diversity in tech awards as tickets go on sale
TechDiversity Foundation today announced that Tracey Spicer AM GAICD, a multiple Walkley Award-winning journalist, author, and AI ethics advocate, will MC the TechDiversity Awards 2026. The announcement coincides with the opening of ticket sales for the 11th annual awards ceremony, to be held on Friday 31st July 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Following a record-breaking 10th anniversary event in Melbourne, the Awards are relocating to Sydney, Australia’s largest tech hub. Organisers are anticipating a sell-out event, with over 500 attendees expected.
About Tracey Spicer AM GAICD
Tracey Spicer AM GAICD is one of Australia’s most respected journalists and advocates. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, she has anchored national programmes for ABC TV and radio, Network Ten, and Sky News. As the inaugural national convenor of Women in Media, Spicer has been at the forefront of conversations about gender equality, workplace culture, and ethical technology. In 2019, she was named NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year and accepted the Sydney Peace Prize alongside Tarana Burke for the global #MeToo movement. Her book, MAN-MADE: How the bias of the past is being built into the future, examines how artificial intelligence systems can embed and amplify discrimination. The book won the Social Responsibility category at the Australian Business Book Awards and was longlisted for a Walkley Award. Spicer was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to broadcast media and as an ambassador for social welfare and charitable groups. In 2024, she was named one of the 50+ women over 50 in tech. An MC Aligned with This Year’s Theme The TechDiversity Awards 2026 carries the theme “Influence Redefined, Power in Every Voice”, recognising that leadership is not about who has the loudest voice, but who creates space for every voice to be heard, valued, and acted upon. Spicer’s work on AI bias and inclusive technology aligns closely with TechDiversity Foundation’s mission, including its recently launched AI Governance Practitioners Programme, which equips individuals and organisations to apply a diversity lens to AI capability and governance. Luli Adeyemo, Executive Director of TechDiversity Foundation, said:
“Tracey Spicer has spent decades asking who gets heard and who gets overlooked. At TechDiversity, we’ve spent 11 years celebrating the people who are changing that answer. This year, we’re bringing those two things together on one stage. There’s no one better to address the intersection of technology, diversity, and leadership.”
Tracey Spicer AM GAICD, said:
“The TechDiversity Awards celebrate the people who are building technology that actually works for everyone, not just the default user. That’s the future I want to be part of. And honestly, after writing a whole book about what’s going wrong with AI, it’s a joy to be in a room full of people getting it right.”
Nominations Close 30th April Nominations for the TechDiversity Awards 2026 remain open until 30th April 2026. Entry is free across all five categories:
- Business: Organisations driving diversity and inclusion within their workforce or through their products and services
- Government: Public sector initiatives advancing inclusion in tech, policy, or service delivery
- Education: Programmes creating pathways into tech for underrepresented groups
- Campaign of the Year: Initiatives that shifted the conversation and inspired action
- Tech for Good: Technology creating real social impact in accessibility, health, environment, or community
Finalists will present to a panel comprising representatives from government, industry, education, and the media. Nominate now
Tickets Now On Sale Tickets and table bookings for the TechDiversity Awards 2026 are now available. Early booking is recommended as the event is expected to sell out. Book your table or buy a ticket
Sponsorship Opportunities Category and event sponsorship opportunities remain available. Sponsors align their brand with Australia’s leading recognition programme for diversity and inclusion in technology, gaining visibility with senior leaders across government, industry, education, and media. Enquire about sponsorship
About TechDiversity Foundation TechDiversity Foundation is a social enterprise that is dedicated to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Australian tech workforce. Now in its 11th year, the TechDiversity Awards recognise and celebrate strategic investments in workforce capability, innovation, and competitive advantage. The Foundation’s initiatives include the annual Tech Reflects Study, the AI Governance Practitioners Programme, TD Academy, and the Student Ambassador Network.
Media Contact
- Jen Murray Content and Marketing Lead, TechDiversity Foundation Email: jen@bestcasescenario.com.au
- Luli Adeyemo Executive Director, TechDiversity Foundation LinkedIn: Luli Adeyemo
