FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2026
CONTACT:
Amanda Sawney
asawney@wict.org
The WICT Network Announces Call for Nominations for Inaugural 2026 Touchstones Awards
Awards to be presented in New York at The WICT Network Touchstones Luncheon, on Tuesday, October 6
ARLINGTON, VA (June 25, 2026) – The WICT Network is accepting nominations for the inaugural 2026 Touchstones Awards, a new recognition program honoring organizations whose initiatives, programs, campaigns, platforms, and strategic efforts are shaping the future of media, entertainment, technology, communications, sports, and gaming. Unlike traditional individual honors, the Touchstones Awards recognize organizational achievement and collective impact.
The awards will be presented during the Touchstones Luncheon on Tuesday, October 6, at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. The luncheon is a cornerstone experience of The WICT Network Leadership Conference, taking place October 6–7, 2026.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 24, 2026.
The WICT Network will present awards in three categories:
The Catalyst Award honors organizations using technology—including, but not limited to, AI, data, platforms, network solutions, security, or emerging tools—to drive meaningful innovation in how the industry creates, operates, delivers, or scales.
The Connect Award honors organizations creating meaningful audience, fan, or community connection through storytelling, engagement, participation, or culturally impactful experiences.
The Inspire Award honors organizations demonstrating bold leadership, courageous decision-making, and transformative vision during periods of disruption, reinvention, or significant change.
“Throughout our industry, organizations are developing groundbreaking solutions, creating powerful connections, and leading through unprecedented change,” said Tracy Pitcher, President & CEO of The WICT Network. “The Touchstones Awards were created to recognize the teams and initiatives making a meaningful impact and helping shape the future of our industry. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable achievements at this year’s Touchstones Luncheon.”
The Touchstones Luncheon is the premier gathering to connect with and recognize the innovative leaders and their teams from across media, entertainment and technology.
About The WICT Network – Empowering Women across Media, Entertainment & Technology
The WICT Network is a global organization advancing leaders and future leaders across media, entertainment, technology, sports, gaming, and adjacent industries. Our mission is to elevate the workforce by empowering and educating individuals through high-impact professional development programs, original gender research, and a B2B network that supports talent development and advancement. For almost 50 years, The WICT Network has partnered with top companies and key stakeholders to strengthen the leadership pipeline. Founded in 1979 to advance women in cable television, The WICT Network has transformed into a digital powerhouse serving nearly 10,000 individuals through 24 domestic and international chapters, making The WICT Network the largest and oldest professional association of our kind. Charter Communications, Comcast NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Discovery, and NCTA Education Foundation are The WICT Network’s Strategic Touchstone Partners. To learn more about the organization and our research, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn (@WICTHQ).
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