
Recognize the Innovators Who Inspire and Push Boundaries
2025 Nominations
It’s a new year with new award categories and colleagues deserving recognition. Explore this year’s award categories below.
Nominees are only eligible every third year for nomination in a category they have previously won (example a winner in 2023 will not be eligible in the same category until 2026). Once nominated, applications for submission will be emailed to nominees promptly to allow time for submissions.
Nominations open June 24
Nominations close July 16
Submissions close July 29
Finalists will be announced by August 19
Event held September 26

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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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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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 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.
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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 in the K-12 or college levels who has made significant contributions to the field of technology education. 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 and honoree is 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.
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.
Register to attend the Excellence in Technology Awards Ceremony on Friday, September 26. Table Sponsorships are now available!

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)
An exclusive moment to welcome and express gratitude to attendees between dinner and the awards show, directly connecting with the audience.
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)
Reserved table for eight with personalized table tent.
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.
NEW Award Introduction & Company Highlight - $500 (2 of 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.