NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Australasia’s peer-reviewed procurement awards
DATE
14–15 October 2026
VENUE
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Honouring Procurement Excellence.
The PASA Procurement in Practice Excellence Awards, rebranded as ‘THE NIGELS’ in memory of the founder of PASA, Nigel Wardropper in 2020, are Australasia’s peer-reviewed procurement awards.
This year’s winners will again be announced at the region’s most influential procurement event, The annual PASA Premier ConfeX on 14 – 15th October 2026, at Crown Promenade Melbourne.
WHY ENTER
Why These Awards Are Different.
Winning a NIGEL – the PASA Award for excellence – is a prestigious recognition of best practice procurement, bolstered by the fact that the winners are reviewed by the audience of peers at the PASA annual Premier ConfeX event.
Simple to Enter
Complete the simple entry form online and submit a 12-slide PowerPoint presentation – a template is provided. No lengthy essays or complex submission forms.
Judged by Your Peers
Winners are chosen by your peers, making the judging completely democratic and not subject to any commercial conflict of interest.
Performance-Based Judging
Shortlisted entrants deliver a 10-minute live presentation to the PASA Premier ConfeX audience – replicating a real-world stakeholder influence situation.
Expert Coaching Included
Every entrant gets access to coaching by a subject matter expert who will support them in both content and delivery of their presentations.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Three Categories of Excellence.
Each category recognises a distinct dimension of procurement leadership. Click to explore the judging criteria.
The Most Improved Procurement Team 2026
This award recognises the team that has undergone the most significant positive transformation over the last 12-18 months. It isn't about being the "biggest" or "best" in the industry; it’s about the distance traveled. Whether it’s moving from a purely tactical function to a strategic partner or rebuilding a team from the ground up, we want to celebrate growth.
Criteria:
1. The Starting Point:
Clearly define the "before" state. What were the challenges, gaps, or perceptions of the team 18 months ago?
2. The Roadmap for Change:
What specific actions were taken to improve? (e.g., new technology, talent development, process redesign, or improved stakeholder alignment).
3. Evidence of Impact:
How has the business benefited? Provide evidence of improved performance, whether through cost savings, risk reduction, or internal stakeholder satisfaction scores.
The Internal Influencer Award 2026
We know that the hardest part of procurement isn't the contract - it’s the people. This category celebrates the "diplomats" of procurement. It is open to teams or individuals who have successfully broken down silos, changed internal mindsets, and turned reluctant stakeholders into active procurement champions.
Criteria:
1. The Engagement Challenge:
Describe a stakeholder engagement challenge. What were the issues that needed to be overcome?
2. The Strategy:
What creative or persistent methods did you use to build trust and influence? How did you align procurement goals with their business goals?
3. The Relationship Outcome:
What does the relationship look like now? Provide evidence of a "win-win" outcome where procurement is now seen as a value-add partner rather than a "police officer."
The Social Value & Local Impact Award 2026
ESG can often feel like a reporting exercise for large corporations. This award is different. It recognises procurement's power to do real-world good. We are looking for projects that delivered tangible benefits to the community - whether through supporting local SMEs, engaging Indigenous-owned businesses, or creating employment opportunities for marginalised groups.
Criteria:
1. The Purpose:
What was the specific social or local community goal? Why was this area chosen for focus?
2. The Procurement Lever:
How did you use the procurement process to drive this outcome? (e.g., unbundling contracts for smaller suppliers, changing tender weighting, or supplier mentoring).
3. The Human Impact:
What was the actual result? Move beyond the spreadsheet - tell us how this project improved a local economy, supported a diverse business, or created a social legacy.
THE JOURNEY
From Nomination to Victory.
A structured, supportive process designed to showcase the best in procurement.
Complete & Submit
Tell us who you are and which award you're nominating for. Pay the $45+GST entry fee — a donation to The Heart Foundation in memory of Nigel Wardropper.
Receive 12-Slide Template
PASA issues you with a category-specific 12-slide PowerPoint template. Adapt it to your organisational style and content.
Send to Coach
Once happy with your presentation, send it to the presentation coach for review and feedback prior to your session.
Dry Run & Feedback
Deliver a 30-minute online dry run on 21 Aug, 28 Aug, or 4 Sep AM. Receive immediate, actionable feedback on what to do differently.
Coaching Evaluation
Deliver your refined presentation again. The coach scores it using a structured evaluation framework. Top 4 per category are shortlisted.
Live at PASA ConfeX
Shortlisted finalists present live at the 15th Annual PASA Premier ConfeX on 14–15 Oct. Conference audience votes determine the winner.
IMPORTANT DATES
Key Dates to Remember.
Mark your calendar – here’s everything you need to plan your nomination journey.
DEADLINE
Tuesday 4 August 2026
COACHING
Coaching Session 1
21 August 2026 — AM
COACHING
Coaching Session 2
28 August 2026 — AM
COACHING
Coaching Session 3
4 September 2026 — AM
EVENT
The 14th Annual PASA Premier ConfeX & NIGELS Awards
14–15 October 2026
NOMINATE NOW
Ready to Be Recognised?
Take the first step towards Australasia’s most prestigious procurement awards. Nominate your team today.
The entry fee is a donation to The Heart Foundation of $45 + GST = $49.50 in memory of Nigel Wardropper, Founder of PASA (click here)
