Events Hall 2A at The Sydney Showground was transformed into a glittering gala venue for what was a fitting night of recognition and celebration for the 2026 Easy Signs National Sign & Graphics Awards, the 10^th biennial honours run for the Australian sign and graphics industry.

The Awards, which were established by the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) 20 years ago, provide the most comprehensive showcase of the very best work produced across the country’s sign and graphics sector, and provide an important platform for the recognition of excellence.

The night was attended by more than 270 industry professionals and hosted by comedian and performer, Dave O’Neill, who struck a perfect balance between keeping the proceedings moving through five separate groups of Awards categories, and tapping into the energy of the room to bring some great entertainment, humour and warmth to what was a fun and memorable night.

Dave was joined on stage by ASGA President and Victorian Chair, Mick Harrold, and sponsor representatives from Diamond Sponsors Easy Signs, Gold Sponsors Avery Dennison, ORAFOL, Spandex and Visual Connections, and Bronze Sponsors Currie Group, HP, Pozitive and SMIB, to present the Awards.

Also playing a role were Mick’s fellow National Executive Members: Damian Nielsen, ASGA’s Membership & Events Manager and also its Queensland chair, Lisa Michelanny, SA Chair, Wade French, WA Chair and Marc Martello, NSW Chair.

As well as the accolades across the 25 competition categories, the night include presentation of two very special awards for lifetime achievements.

“We were delighted on the night to be able to recognise the enormous contribution of two people who can rightly be called industry legends – Vernon Kingman and Fran Thorne.

“Both of these people have not only set the standard for our industry in the work they have done over the course of their careers but have taken every opportunity to give back to the sector,” said ASGA President, Mick Harrold.

“Whether this is by sharing their knowledge with industry peers, sitting on important industry committees, or providing the background support and contribution which is essential to associations like ours and to the delivery of events like tonight, they have made a genuine and lasting contribution to the ongoing development and success of our sector.

“We congratulate both Vernon and Fran most sincerely, thank them for everything they have contributed so far, and are honoured to welcome them as Life Members of ASGA.”

As well as providing an important platform for businesses to benchmark their business against the best in the industry, review and evaluate their business processes and achievements, and to promote their brand and building profile with customers and key industry stakeholders, Mick says the Awards are an important chance to recognise and celebrate everything that is good about the diverse and exciting sign and graphics sector.

“Opportunities to get together as an industry are rare, and it’s one of the things that makes the ASGA Awards so important, and so valued,” he says.

“This milestone Awards Dinner was not just an opportunity to celebrate the achievement of excellence, although that’s important. It was also a chance to make new connections, catch up with industry colleagues and friends, and to celebrate our industry together.

“We certainly did that, and are already looking forward to the next Awards in 2028.”