STC held a kickoff event for the first Learning Over Lunch in 2024 on January 11 with 65 members and nonmembers attending. An outstanding turnout on a frigid day in between weather events!

Dan Watson, Chair, shared his thoughts about 2023 in an earlier blog post. Along with other board members, he shared 2023 highlights and a look ahead to 2024 at January’s event.

Our signature events
- STC Squared conference
  - 500 registered, doubling attendees from previous year
  - 37 Exhibitors, 25 Speakers, 1 Robot Dog, Sponsor involvement
  - Media coverage and positive attendee reviews
- Excellence in Technology Awards
  - 250 attendees
  - 15 awards
  - Sponsor involvement
  - Media coverage and positive attendee reviews

Beyond the success of our signature events, STC provided a year full of additional events. The quality of our monthly programming was wonderful thanks to our Events Chair, Kelly Robertson, and her committee. STC partnered with Women in Tech for the inaugural Tech Workplace Survey. Pondurance sponsored our Cyber Security series with four popular quarterly events. The Tech Group Leader lunches continued with sponsorship by Decibel/Losh Network Services, bringing together tech-focused group leaders to help build a stronger community.

Jason Arend, Founding Board Member, put hundreds of hours into the amazing new website you’re currently viewing, along with a new average of 2,000 viewers per month. Our online presence and press coverage have both dramatically increased. The migration of the area’s tech events calendar to STC’s website has resulted in an easy to find, cohesive platform to stay up to date with all things tech in the Ozarks, as well as select regional events.

The number of registered members surpassed 500. Jack Henry signed on as a new year-long sponsor, joining our existing year-long sponsors Bluebird Network, SRC, Pitt Technology Group, and CNH Reman. The varying levels of involvement from the entire tech community helps STC work toward our goals of supporting tech, connecting people, and improving the community.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, board of directors, members, nonmembers, and our community partners for your support in 2023. We look forward to continuing to build this community with you.

In 2024, we plan to hold our signature events again along with monthly programming while working toward goals such as increasing sponsorship revenue, memberships, and more. Watch for another blog post this month with the PowerPoint from this event, which includes a goal overview and ways you can get involved with STC. STC cannot do this work without the dedication, support, and involvement of others. We need your help to continue doing great things for the tech community!

Until then, Heather Noggle, Vice-Chair, shares a brief background and a quick overview of STC membership options. Sponsorship opportunities can also be found on this website or as always, please reach out to us!

Background:

Previous Springfield Tech Organizations AITP (Association of Information Technology Professionals) and MATA (Mid-America Technology Alliance) joined together to form the Springfield Tech Council in 2021, throwing a big July event to celebrate and commemorate the day. From there, the all-volunteer organization has helped area technology groups communicate their events and work together while also providing great content for individual and organization members. The first full-time hire of an Executive Director, Emily Buckmaster, happened in January 2023. She collaborates with board members, volunteers, and the membership as a whole and manages the non-profits’ operations.

Why you should join:

Technology Professionals

Connection, content, food, sometimes drink, and fun. Find other people seeking what you offer (or need). The $199 membership fee earns you entrance to all regular events with no additional charge. Attend all Lunch and Learn events, and that’s a lot of free(ish) food.

Students

College and university student pricing is only $99 for a year-long membership. Gain everything the Technology Professional experiences and more…for half the price.

Companies

Your entire company can join – all members eligible to attend – for a fixed price. All of the same benefits, more value. Starting at $500 annually.

Community Partners

Nonprofits and educational institutions can join for $500, with up to five staff members participating. Includes the same benefits as a company membership.

Join – and volunteer to help us build stronger events and membership – today! Still unsure – come see us March 27th at our annual conference STC Squared – all day – FREE – at the DoubleTree Hotel.