Attend Excellence in Tech 2026

Based on attendee feedback, we will award the best speaker at this year’s STC Squared conference with an Excellence in Technology Award. Attendee feedback, session ratings, and social media feedback will determine the winner.

This award recognizes a business or organization that has used technology to make a significant impact in the Ozarks, whether that's building business-changing applications or using technology to make a difference for people in our community.

Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and impact in the field of software development and analysis. This award celebrates their expertise in analysis, coding, problem-solving and validation of software solutions as part of a team or as an individual. It highlights their contributions to the creation or maintenance of features, products and systems directly impacting the businesses and customers they support.

Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to deliver successful projects. This award celebrates their expertise in managing resources, timelines, and stakeholder expectations to achieve outstanding results. It is specifically aimed at professionals with PMP, PMC, or equivalent, highlighting their significant contributions to project management excellence.

This award recognizes the excellence of an up-and-coming local professional who has been working in technology for less than five years. Nominations must fully describe the individual and the impact being made.

Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional performance in selling tech products, services, and/or solutions through their ability to understand client needs, build strong relationships, and communicate product benefits effectively.

Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and impact in creating comprehensive solutions. Specifically aimed at those behind the scenes, such as presales engineers, this award highlights their ability to integrate infrastructure design, support, software applications, and all related components to deliver outstanding results

This award recognizes an outstanding educator working outside traditional K–12 or higher education settings—such as in tech companies, bootcamps, workforce development programs, or community-based learning initiatives—who has made significant contributions to technology education. Honorees demonstrate excellence in instruction, creativity in delivering content, and a deep commitment to empowering learners of all backgrounds. Through innovative approaches and real-world applications, recipients of this award inspire individuals to pursue and thrive in technology careers, helping to shape a more inclusive and skilled tech workforce.

Recognizes an outstanding educator who has made significant contributions to the field of technology. This award honors those who demonstrate excellence in teaching and the ability to inspire students to explore and excel in technology-related subjects. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their dedication to enhancing student learning experiences and their contributions toward advancing tech in the workforce.

Honors the leadership and vision it takes to successfully run a department, company or organization in the Ozarks. The nominee's position should be within the technology world, but the company does not have to be a technology provider.

Honors the leadership and vision it takes to successfully run a department, company or organization in the Ozarks. The nominee's position should be within the technology world, but the company does not have to be a technology provider.

Recognizes an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional technological expertise and innovation within larger technical teams. This award celebrates a professional who has significantly contributed to the success and growth of their company, showcasing exemplary skills in leveraging technology to solve complex problems, streamline operations, and drive business outcomes. This award is open to professionals in diverse roles such as helpdesk support, installers, network/system engineers, and other vital front-line technical positions that contribute significantly to their organization's success.

Recognizes an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional technological expertise and innovation within smaller technical teams. This award celebrates a professional who has significantly contributed to the success and growth of their company, showcasing exemplary skills in leveraging technology to solve complex problems, streamline operations, and drive business outcomes. This award is open to professionals in diverse roles such as helpdesk support, installers, network/system engineers, and other vital front-line technical positions that contribute significantly to their organization's success.

Recognizes a company or organization that has demonstrated exceptional service and innovation in the technology sector. This award celebrates their ability to deliver outstanding technology solutions, support, and services that meet and exceed client needs

Recognizes an outstanding technology team that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, technical excellence, and measurable impact within their organization. This award celebrates teams that successfully deliver solutions, maintain critical systems, and support business operations through innovation, reliability, and a strong culture of teamwork.

Recognizes a technology solution that radically improves the way our community members and beyond live, work or play. Whether hardware or software, we want to acknowledge the next-level innovations coming out of the Ozarks.

Honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the success of the organization through their volunteer efforts. This award honors those who go above and beyond their regular duties, showing a commitment to the organization's values and mission. The recipient of this award has made a significant impact through their selfless contributions, inspiring others to engage and contribute to the organization's goals. Their volunteer work not only enhances the organization's operations but also fosters a spirit of community and cooperation among its members. Open to board members and committee members with feedback solicited from the board and the honoree then determined by executive director.