The Alternative & Direct Investment Securities Association has named seven recipients of its 2026 industry awards, including winners in four new categories recognizing contributions across the alternative investments sector.
The awards were presented during ADISA’s 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show, being held Oct. 5–7 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. The annual event brings together approximately 1,000 professionals from across the alternative investments industry.
The Bowman Law Firm was named Difference Maker of the Year, an inaugural award recognizing an organization or individual whose idea, structure, technology or process has meaningfully affected industry operations.
MDS Energy Development received the Sponsor Champion of the Year award for its work in areas including investor stewardship, transparency, due diligence responsiveness and industry education.
Concorde Investment Services was named Allocator Champion in the firm category, recognizing its work in alternative investment due diligence, advisor education and industry engagement. Douglas Blake of Kingswood U.S. received the individual Allocator Champion award for his advocacy, education, industry involvement and mentorship.
ADISA also presented its longstanding President’s Award to Sydney Hockaday of Concorde Investment Services and Katie Shook of Eagle Point Securities. Recipients are selected by the president of ADISA’s board of directors based on professional contributions, public service or support of the association.
Dobbs Ackermann of Ackermann Group received the Foundation Award for his support of the ADISA Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds scholarships and projects supporting education in the alternative and direct investment sector.
“The alternative investments industry is made stronger by contributions that take many different forms, from thoughtful product sponsorship and rigorous due diligence to education, advocacy and innovation,” said Jade Miller, CEO of ADISA. “We are proud to congratulate each of this year’s honorees.”
Founded in 2003, Indianapolis-based ADISA represents the non-traded alternative investment industry. The association has approximately 5,000 members representing more than 220,000 professionals, with its membership spanning areas including non-traded REITs, business development companies, private and public funds, 1031 exchange programs and other alternative investments.