AUSTRALIA: Michael Hassett, Founder and Managing Director of Technical Direction Company (TDC), has been named the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Australian Event Awards, recognising his 45-year contribution to technical production and event technology in Australia.

The award honours individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the country’s events industry. Hassett joins previous recipients David Atkins, Ignatius Jones, Peter Jones, Harvey Lister and Roslyn McLeod.

Hassett established TDC in 1981 after early experience as a roadie and band manager, followed by work as an electrician and tiler. That hands-on background helped shape an engineering-led approach to technical production, as TDC grew into a recognised name in Australia’s event technology sector.

Over the subsequent four and a half decades, Hassett has worked through major shifts in production technology, from video and large-scale projection to LED, virtual production and immersive technologies. His combination of engineering expertise and creative problem-solving has contributed to increasingly ambitious live and cultural experiences, including Vivid Sydney and the Lighting of the Sails on the Sydney Opera House.

Despite his leadership role and decades in the industry, Hassett remains closely involved in technical work, continuing to engage with system design, complex engineering challenges and the development of production solutions.

His contribution also extends to education and mentorship. Through sharing technical knowledge, lecturing for industry bodies and consulting on complex projects internationally, Hassett has helped develop generations of event professionals, many of whom have progressed to influential roles across the production sector.

“Michael Hassett has helped shape the Australian events industry for more than four decades. His commitment to innovation and his ability to push the boundaries of what’s possible have played a significant role in bringing some of Australia’s most ambitious events to life. Beyond his technical achievements, Michael’s dedication to sharing his knowledge and mentoring the next generation has left a lasting legacy across the industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises those who have made an extraordinary contribution to our industry, and Michael is a truly deserving recipient” said Ian Steigrad, Managing Director, Australian Event Awards

One of the Australian Event Awards’ most distinguished honours, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals whose careers have helped build and advance the nation’s events industry. Hassett will be formally recognised at the 2026 Australian Event Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 21 October, where the industry will gather to celebrate achievements across Australian events.