#TDA26 Awards: Judging Panel Unveiled for 2026
Meet our expert panel of industry leaders tasked with selecting this year’s top venue design and innovation projects for #TDA26.
Meet our expert panel of industry leaders tasked with selecting this year’s top venue design and innovation projects for #TDA26.
We are delighted to unveil the expert Judging Panel for this year’s TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards (#TDA26).
Marking our 15th annual edition, the 2026 Summit (taking place in Manchester, 30 Nov – 2 Dec) will be honouring the visionaries, architects, and operators who push the boundaries of sports and entertainment infrastructure globally at the eight edition of the Design & Development Awards.
The #TDA26 judging line-up brings together a massive wealth of experience across venue design, structural engineering, and sustainable delivery – providing the much-valued, independent expert assessment across all nomination categories.
The judges are tasked with the challenging role of selecting winners from a diverse pool of nominees, ensuring that the highest standards of excellence are maintained.
Our hearty thanks to all of the judges for their support of this year’s Design & Development Awards:
- Rob Amphlett, Partner, Buro Happold
- Andy Broad, Managing Director, Wire & Sky Ltd
- Stephanie Bax, President of Venue Development (Asia), Live Nation
- Alain Belsoeur, Head of Stadia Committee, Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP)
- Renee Brown, General Manager, MyState Bank Arena
- Amy Casterton, Business Development Director, ES Global
- Ursula Friedmann, Chief Non-Sports, BSC Young Boys AG
- Guy Hedderwick, Lead Consultant – Venues, Live Nation Middle East
- Hannu Helkiö, Founder, Managing Director, HH Sportsbase + Venues
- Ange Hodson, Commercial Director, Lancs Cricket / Emirates Old Trafford
- David Hufer, Head of Stadium Development & Corporate Strategy, FC Nürnberg
- Alice John, Director, Deloitte
- Eleni Stefania Kalapoda, Architect ARB, Embedded Climates Design Group
- Javier Llarena, Technical Director, Architectural Engineering (EN) & Buildings, IDOM
- Adam Lowe, Commercial Director, Warwickshire CCC / Edgbaston Stadium
- Henk Markerink, Chairman & former CEO, Amsterdam Arena, Sportstad Heerenveen
- Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive, Bath Rugby
- Sarah Medcalf, Head of Supporter Services, Newcastle United Football Club
- Aidan Miller, Chief Strategy Officer, Wrexham AFC
- Kirsty Mitchell, Regional Leader – Sports, Recreation & Entertainment, HOK International
- Dirk Noy, General Manager, Europe WSDG
- Ian Nuttall, Founder, Xperiology Ltd
- Emma Owens, Director of Culture and New Business, WOO Architects
- Catherine Pease, Co Founder & Director, vPPR Architects
- Thomas Perslund, CEO, Uppsala Arenor och fastigheter AB
- Markus Pfisterer, Associate Partner, gmp Architects
- Andrea Santini, Stadium Manager, Sport e Salute (Stadio Olimpico)
- Ruth Shilston, Technical Director & Global Practice Lead, Mott MacDonald
- Guy Wickett, Consultant Project Manager, Crystal Palace FC
- Gené Willis, Chartered Health & Safety Consultant
- Derek Wilson, Architect/Owner, WilsonSEA
The judges will receive the full dossier of shortlisted entries plus all supporting evidence – with one vote each per category. Over the last 8 years, our awards have celebrated and highlighted industry-defining projects – from community-focused local gems to iconic architectural marvels.
If your team or venue has delivered – or you have seen – outstanding venue design, fantastic client service or real innovation then put it in for a nomination. Nominations are free, take just a few minutes to complete and offer global recognition for the best projects in our sector.
Let the countdown to #TDA26 begin!
Share this