Excellence in Tech Awards
The Springfield Tech Council's Annual Awards Gala is the premier event of the year, illuminating the city's most innovative leaders and technologies. An elegant dinner and cocktail hour create an atmosphere of revelry as fifteen awards recognize the city's best and brightest visionaries and their pioneering contributions over the past year that keep Springfield on the cutting edge.
The Excellence in Technology Awards return Sept 26, 2025. Register to attend or secure a table sponsorship today.
Watch a Recap of 2024’s Award Ceremony
Check out the recap video of the 2024 Excellence in Tech Awards for a glimpse of the event. Consider getting involved in 2025 as a sponsor or by nominating deserving colleagues for an award to help recognize their accomplishments in the tech industry.
Nominations Are Opening Soon
Key Dates
Nominations open June 9
Submissions close July 9
Finalists announced by August 15
Ceremony held Sept 26
View Award descriptions at bottom of page
2025 Award Categories
Most Innovative Solution
Community Impact
Technology Executive of the Year- Small Business (1-10 FTE)
Technology Executive of the Year- Large Business (11+ FTE)
Rising Star
Solution Designer of the Year
Technology Services Provider of the Year
Network Provider of the Year
Project Manager or Coordinator of the Year
Digital Creative of the Year
Sales Person of the Year
Programmer, Analyst, or Developer of the Year
Technology Professional of the Year, Small Team (1-10 Technical Employees)
Technology Professional of the Year, Large Team (11+ Technical Employees)
Volunteer of the Year
Best Booth at STC Squared
Best Speaker at STC Squared
Technology Educator of the Year (Traditional)
Technology Educator of the Year (Non-traditional)
Attend Excellence in Tech 2025
Purchase a seat or sponsor a table today!
Event Agenda
6PM - Arrival/Cocktail Hour
7PM - Dinner
8PM - Awards Show
Dinner
Fresh Berry Salad: Ozark greens, fresh berries, mandarin oranges, smoked almonds, goat cheese, with wildberry poppyseed dressing.
Dijon and herb crusted seared filet of beef & rosemary all-natural chicken breast with a lemon butter pan au jus.
Chocolate Cake or Cheesecake
*Vegetarian option available at time of registration
Excellence in Tech 2025 Sponsors
Thank to our sponsors for supporting the Excellence in Tech Awards and helping showcase the hard working professionals that make our community stronger.

2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
Spotlight Your Brand at Springfield's Annual Tech Gala
Sponsoring the Excellence in Technology Awards solidifies your brand's presence among Springfield's tech elite, connecting you with innovators, leaders, and visionaries. It's a prime opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to fostering innovation and excellence within the tech community. Attendance has been at 250 in 2023 & 2024.
Premiere Sponsor - $5,000 (1 of 2 available)
Significant exposure with logo featured on digital promotions, registration pages, and the EIT website for sustained visibility over six months.
Reserved table for eight with personalized table tent and champagne, magnifying your gala experience.
Cocktail Hour Sponsor - $3,000 (1 of 1 available)
An exclusive moment to welcome and express gratitude to attendees during the Cocktail Hour, directly connecting with the audience.
Logo showcased on all bar signage.
Two complementary tickets, perfect for networking or hosting special guests.
Recognition as Cocktail Hour Sponsor on digital communication and social platforms, extending your brand reach.
Logo and link on the EIT website for six months, enhancing online visibility.
Acknowledgment on ticketing page, reinforcing your brand’s support for the tech ecosystem.
Photo Booth Sponsor - $2,000 (Sold for 2025!)
Logo featured on the photo booth backdrop, ensuring memorable brand integration.
Recognition as Photo Booth Sponsor on digital communication and social platforms, extending your brand reach.
Logo and link on the EIT website for six months, enhancing online visibility.
Acknowledgment on ticketing page, reinforcing your brand’s support for the tech ecosystem. Table Sponsor - $1,500 (many available)
Table Sponsor - $1,500 (23 available)
Logo featured on the photo booth backdrop, ensuring memorable brand integration.
Recognition as Photo Booth Sponsor on digital communication and social platforms, extending your brand reach.
Logo and link on the EIT website for six months, enhancing online visibility.
Acknowledgment on ticketing page, reinforcing your brand’s support for the tech ecosystem. Table Sponsor - $1,500 (many available)
NEW Award Introduction & Company Highlight - $500 (4 available)
30 second video or speech showcasing your company, followed by presentation (scripted by STC) of one award.
Recognition as a sponsor through your logo and link on the EIT website for six months, enhancing your online visibility.
Logo promotion and tagging on social media platforms, extending your reach. Logo featured on the photo booth backdrop, ensuring memorable brand integration.
Excellence in Tech News

2025 Award Categories and Descriptions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Recognizes an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that has shown outstanding service, reliability, and innovation in network solutions. It celebrates their capability to deliver high-quality, dependable internet services that consistently meet and surpass customer expectations.
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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.
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Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional talent and innovation in the fields of graphic design, web design, video production, and other digital creative disciplines. This award celebrates their ability to create compelling and impactful digital content that drives engagement and delivers outstanding results.
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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.
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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 coding, problem-solving, and creating effective software solutions. It highlights their ability to develop innovative applications, improve existing systems, and solve complex technical challenges.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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STC’s two largest events collide as we award one exhibitor for this year’s conference the award for best booth. Décor, swag, interaction, and attendee feedback will determine the winner.
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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.