IIBA Australia & New Zealand
2026 Business Analysis Awards
About the Awards & Nomination Process
These highly prestigious Awards recognise excellence in the Business Analysis world, promoting the BA profession and the value business analysts add to their organisations.
We invite you to nominate yourself or a colleague for one of our five award categories, or support the program by becoming a Judge or Sponsor.
Read on for more information on each award, including eligibility criteria, nomination tips and instructions.
Awards:
- Dr Cecily Macdougall Business Analyst of the Year
- Emerging Business Analyst of the Year Award, sponsored by PM-Partners
- Business Analysis Leader of the Year Award
- Business Analysis Practice of Year
- Business Analysis Innovation of the Year
2026 Timeline
Judge Expressions of Interest
Sponsor the Awards
How to Submit a Nomination
FAQS
- All nominations are submitted online and assessed by a judging panel based on the information provided
- You may submit a nomination for yourself or on behalf of another individual or team
- Multiple nominations are permitted, including across different categories
Before you begin
- Select the most appropriate award category and review the eligibility criteria below
- Prepare your responses to the nomination questions (250–400 words per question)
- Ensure you have your supporting testimonial ready
- Nominating someone else? You will need their email address and must have their permission
Nomination Questions
- Context and Contribution
Describe what you have achieved and why we should consider you for this award. - Approach and Execution
How was the work delivered in practice, including your key actions, decisions, and use of business analysis approaches? - Impact and Outcomes
What outcomes were achieved, and what value was delivered? - Challenges and Influence
What challenges did you face, how did you overcome them, and what broader influence or learning resulted? - Testimonial
Request a testimonial from a senior supervisor to supplement your application (150–300 words). The testimonial should be a short, specific statement supporting the nominee’s contribution and impact. Focus on observable outcomes and examples rather than general endorsement.
Award Categories
Dr Cecily Macdougall Business Analyst of the Year
Dr Cecily Macdougall was a champion of change, in all forums whether it be meetings, workshops, mentoring, leadership discussions, public keynote speaking or informal conversations over a cup of tea – all were punctuated with her sharp intellect, insightful wisdom, authenticity and generosity of spirit. A kind and insightful professional. A remarkable person. Above all she demonstrated determination throughout her career and, as her career grew, this courage to lead large scale transformations.
The award will be given to the person who has demonstrated the most significant contribution to business analysis throughout the year. The award acknowledges those who not only deliver remarkable results but also inspire and elevate the practice of business analysis globally.
The successful nominee exemplifies the highest standards of performance, strategic thinking, and drives impactful results. The nominee should provide comprehensive and compelling information that highlights your key accomplishments, contributions to your organisation or community, and your continuous pursuit of professional growth.
- Clear description of a single key initiative
- Depth of Business Analysis practice applied
- Tangible value delivered to stakeholders or organisation
- Ability to overcome complex challenges
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influence
- Broader contribution to BA practice or profession
- Practising in Business Analysis as at 1 August 2026
- Must be an IIBA member in good standing, associated with the Australia or New Zealand Chapter.
- Individual submissions only
- The nomination must be supported by a testimonial from a senior supervisor or mentor.
Prize
Finalists and winning submissions will receive exposure in IIBA Australia & New Zealand communications.
- An Award Certificate
- One complimentary ticket to the 2027 Festival of Business Analysis in their nearest location
- An IIBA Membership (valid for 12 months)
Emerging Business Analyst of the Year Award, sponsored by PM-Partners
- Clear career progression and development
- Application of learning in real work contexts
- Use of BA standards, tools, or practices
- Active engagement with feedback and improvement
- Contribution to BA community or team learning
- The applicant must have begun working in the BA field within approximately the last 1-5 years
- Practising as at 1 August 2026
- Must be an IIBA member in good standing, associated with the Australia or New Zealand Chapter.
- Individual submissions only
- The nomination must be supported by a testimonial from a senior supervisor or mentor.
Prize
Finalists and winning submissions will receive exposure in IIBA Australia & New Zealand communications.
- An Award Certificate
- One complimentary ticket to the 2027 Festival of Business Analysis in their nearest location
- An IIBA Membership (valid for 12 months)
Business Analysis Leader of the Year Award
- Clear leadership values in action
- Evidence of decisions that enabled outcomes
- How others were supported, developed, or empowered
- Influence on BA practice within their organisation
- Contribution beyond individual delivery
- Practising in Business Analysis as at 1 August 2026
- Must be an IIBA member in good standing, associated with the Australia or New Zealand Chapter.
- Individual submissions only
- The nomination must be supported by a testimonial from a senior supervisor or mentor.
Prize
Finalists and winning submissions will receive exposure in IIBA Australia & New Zealand communications.
- An Award Certificate
- One complimentary ticket to the 2027 Festival of Business Analysis in their nearest location
- An IIBA Membership (valid for 12 months)
Business Analysis Practice of Year
One Business Analyst can be incredibly valuable for an organisation, however, there is vast potential in greater numbers. A great Business Analysis Practice helps to balance the benefit of predictability with the power of adaptability. Those working in and with great Practices understand how the collective can provide greater value to their organisation when consistency and creativity can coexist.
Whether through innovative approaches, transformative outcomes, or the ability to drive meaningful change, the Business Analysis Practice of the Year Award honours practices who have set new standards and inspire others in the profession.
- How the practice operates as a cohesive team
- Evidence of value delivered to the organisation
- How BA standards, frameworks, or ways of working are embedded
- How capability is developed across the practice
- Contribution to broader BA maturity or community
- Practice operational between 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026
- Based in Australia or New Zealand
- At least one team member is an IIBA member in good standing, associated with the Australia or New Zealand Chapter
- The nomination must be supported by a testimonial from a senior supervisor or mentor.
Prize
Finalists and winning submissions will receive exposure in IIBA Australia & New Zealand communications.
- An Award Certificate
- Three complimentary tickets to the 2027 Festival of Business Analysis in their nearest location
Business Analysis Innovation of the Year
The IIBA Business Analysis Innovation of the Year Award celebrates creativity, forward-thinking, and the ability to transform practice through innovative solutions. It recognises individuals, teams, or projects that introduce new approaches, tools, or methods that address key challenges and deliver measurable improvements.
- What makes the approach innovative or different
- The problem it addressed and why it mattered
- How it was implemented in practice
- Measurable outcomes and impact
- Evidence of adoption or recognition
- Sharing or influence beyond the original initiative
- Innovation delivered between 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026
- Originated in Australia or New Zealand
- Individual or team nominations accepted
- At least one team member is an IIBA member in good standing, associated with the Australia or New Zealand Chapter
- The nomination must be supported by a testimonial from an end-user of your innovation
Prize
Finalists and winning submissions will receive exposure in IIBA Australia & New Zealand communications.
- An Award Certificate
- Three complimentary tickets to the 2027 Festival of Business Analysis in their nearest location
