Springfield’s Premier Tech Conference and Expo
STC Squared, Springfield Tech Council’s Springfield Tech Conference, returns March 26th, 2025! Connect with leaders, local professionals, and innovative companies while elevating skills and immersing in the latest trends. Local/national exhibitors and multiple session tracks showcase the best in our tech community.
Exhibitor and Sponsor Registration is OPEN NOW!
STC Squared 2025
Join us on March 26th for an engaging conference that aims to educate, inspire, and challenge attendees from various technology backgrounds. STC Squared 2025 is the perfect opportunity to connect with industry leaders, seasoned professionals, and innovative companies while immersing yourself in the latest tech trends.
Registration Opens in Early 2025! Watch your email and STC socials for the first chanced to secure your spot at STC Squared 2025!
Conference Location STC Squared 2025 will once again be held at the Hilton DoubleTree in Springfield. Located at 2431 N. Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, Missouri, 65803, USA, this venue offers a convenient and comfortable setting for our conference.
Guest Accommodations To make your experience even better, DoubleTree by Hilton is offering a special discount on rooms for exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees of STC Squared 2025. Use the group code STC when you call 417-831-3131. For more information about the hotel and its amenities, please visit DoubleTree Springfield.
Sessions We will once again have an exciting lineup of sessions at STC Squared 2025! Look for the lineup to be announced in early March.
Exhibitor Space is Available Now Showcase your brand's innovation and success by reserving your spot today while they are still available. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with potential clients and industry professionals.
Sponsorship Opportunities Elevate your brand presence and connect with influential industry professionals through our incredible sponsorship opportunities. Whether you choose to become a Presenting Sponsor, Happy Hour Sponsor, or take advantage of other sponsorship options, STC Squared 2025 offers a platform for your brand to shine. Connect with us to discuss sponsorship packages that align with your goals.
Exhibitor and Sponsor opportunities are available soon. We are accepting session proposals from dynamic speakers now. Keep an eye out for updates and get ready to take your tech journey to new heights at STC Squared 2025!
Exciting Sponsorship Opportunities
With over 650 attendees and 20,000 website views in 2024, STC Squared 2025 is an excellent chance to showcase your brand both online and in person this March.
Lunch Sessions - $500 A sponsored lunch session is the perfect opportunity to engage some of the expected 500+ attendees. We'll serve boxed lunches in your ~70-person breakout room and give you the floor for a full hour of content of your choosing. It is a great opportunity for live demos, product demonstrations, new product introductions, or anything else you envision. Breakout rooms will have a projector and an HDMI connection for displaying content and be setup theater-style.
Happy Hour - $2500 Maximize your brand exposure during the Happy Hour with your name prominently displayed on signs near drink stations. Benefit from recognition on the STC Squared website and registration page. You also have the option to address attendees briefly or distribute drink tickets from your booth.
Swag Bag - $1000 Make a lasting impression by having your name displayed on the bags given to all attendees. Enjoy visibility on the STC Squared website and registration page.
Lunch - $1500 Enhance your brand visibility by having your name featured on signs near the buffet. Benefit from recognition on the STC Squared website and registration page.
Breakfast - $1000 Ensure a strong start to the day by having your name displayed on signs near the breakfast buffet. Enjoy visibility on the STC Squared website and registration page.
Snack/Drink Station - $1000 Keep attendees energized with your name prominently displayed on signs near snack and drink stations. Benefit from recognition on the STC Squared website and registration page.
Custom Sponsorship Package - Tailored Looking to support STC Squared 2025 in a unique way that aligns perfectly with your organization's goals and budget? With our Custom Sponsorship package, the power of choice is in your hands. This bespoke option allows you to craft an exclusive sponsorship experience tailored just for you. Engage with us to create a meaningful partnership that resonates with your brand and maximizes your visibility. Don't miss the chance to be part of something extraordinary! Contact Us today, and let's shape a sponsorship that suits your vision.
Photo Booth Sponsor - $2000 Following its tremendous success at the Excellence in Technology Awards, we're introducing the Photo Booth Sponsorship. Your name or logo will grace the backdrop of the photo booth, offering widespread visibility. Check out this post for an exclusive glimpse of the EIT photo booth experience.
Session Room Sponsorship - $500 We have significantly reduced the cost of the Session Room sponsorship while clarifying its benefits. As a Session Room sponsor, you'll have the opportunity to personally greet every attendee in your dedicated room. Additionally, you can kick off each session with a brief introduction of yourself and the speaker. Your name will be prominently displayed on all signs, the event website, and the registration page.
CIO Roundtable Sponsorship - $1500 Back by popular demand, the CIO Roundtable is making a comeback! This invite-only event will gather top executives from the area for an exclusive discussion. As a sponsor, you'll receive two tickets to the CIO Roundtable, a 5-minute introduction slot, and recognition on the STC Squared website and registration page. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with influential leaders in the industry.
Lanyard Sponsorship - $1500 Make a lasting impression by sponsoring the lanyards worn by all attendees. Your name or logo will be prominently printed on the lanyard insert, ensuring maximum visibility throughout the event. Benefit from recognition on the STC Squared website and registration page.
Presenting Sponsor - SOLD OUT Enjoy the prestige of being the Presenting Sponsor with your company's name featured on all event materials, preferred location, and verbal recognition at the event. Additionally, you'll have first choice of booth/table space on the exhibitor floor.
Don't miss out on these incredible sponsorship opportunities! Elevate your brand presence and connect with influential industry professionals at STC Squared.
Stand out as an Exhibitor at Squared 2025
Already renowned for interaction with attendees, our conference looks to improve upon 2024’s success. Attendees traverse the exhibitor hall to access the main speaking area, which drives day-long interaction.
Premium Booth - $3500 Be the first booth to catch attendees' attention as they enter the exhibit hall or return from the beverage station. This exclusive 10’ x 10’ booth is strategically positioned to face the door, ensuring maximum visibility and foot traffic.
Booth - $2750 Secure a 10’ x 10’ booth in the bustling exhibitor hall. Your booth comes with one 6’ table, two chairs, and a tablecloth which can be removed during setup, allowing you to customize your space to suit your brand aesthetic.
Table - $1500 Opt for a convenient 6’ table package in the exhibitor hall. This option includes two chairs and a tablecloth, providing a compact yet impactful presence at the conference.
Session Add-On - $500 Take advantage of our new session add-on option, guaranteeing you a 45-minute slot during the lunch period. Share your expertise and insights with conference attendees in one of three dedicated sessions. Stand out as a thought leader and engage with a captive audience.
Community Partners We are proud to support non-profit community partners at the STC Squared Tech Conference. A limited number of spaces will be available in the exhibitor hall or other shared areas within the conference center. Preference will be given to those with an STC Community Partner membership, so seize this opportunity to showcase your organization's mission alongside other industry leaders.
Take advantage of exclusive discounts available at checkout for members and special discounts for annual STC cornerstone & visionary sponsors.
Exciting Changes for Squared Exhibitors Make your mark at STC Squared by choosing one of our enhanced exhibitor options. As an exhibitor, your name or logo will be prominently featured on the official STC Squared / sgftechcouncil.com website.
Improved Noise Control To ensure better communication and a more focused environment, we're implementing a partial wall closure between the exhibitor space and the large session room. This adjustment will reduce noise interference and create a more conducive atmosphere for both exhibitors and attendees to engage in meaningful conversations.
Guaranteed Speaking Slots Elevate your presence and showcase your expertise by securing one of our three guaranteed speaking slots. These 45-minute sessions will take place during the two-hour lunch period, with attendees enjoying their meals right in the same room. Due to popular demand, we may also introduce breakfast sessions to provide additional opportunities for you to connect with a captive audience.
Excellence in Technology Award Recognizing outstanding exhibitor efforts, we are excited to announce the introduction of a new Excellence in Technology Award. This accolade will be presented in the fall, celebrating the Best Booth or Table at STC Squared. Let your creativity shine and position yourself for this competitive recognition.
Showcase your brand's innovation and success. Choose the exhibitor option that best suits your needs and secure your spot today.
Call For Speakers
Do you have expertise in technology that you're eager to share? STC Squared organizers are currently seeking dynamic speakers to deliver engaging sessions at our upcoming conference. With a wide range of technology topics to be covered, we need speakers who can captivate our diverse audience.
Session Details:
Duration: 45 minutes, including the option for Q&A.
Attendee Profile: Our audience consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, including C-level executives, first-year developers, cybersecurity professionals, and help desk personnel.
Room Setup: Each session room will be equipped with HDMI connections and displays suitable for the room size.
Key Dates and Deadlines:
Submissions close on February 1, 2025.
Please note that this event is free for attendees.
Event registration will open in early 2025.
Possible Topics:
We're particularly interested in sessions covering the following areas:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Application Development
Low Voltage/Audio-Visual Technologies
Cybersecurity
Development/DevOps
Emerging Technologies
Leadership in Technology
IoT/OT Security
Join us in March and become part of an engaging conference that aims to educate, inspire, and challenge attendees from various technology backgrounds. We look forward to receiving your submission!
Connect with Last Year’s Speakers and Presenters
Squared 2024 ignites the stage with a lineup of over 25 tech visionaries and leaders, each poised to dissect and discuss the ever-evolving digital landscape. This years roster will be delivering insights that bridge the gap between today's challenges and tomorrow's innovations.
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Sarah Jenkins, Emcee
Freelance Writer & Creative Director
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Doug Pitt, Keynote Panel Moderator
Owner, Pitt Technology Group
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Cheryl Hertel, Keynote Panelist
CIO, CoxHealth
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Dr. Hal Higdon, Keynote Panelist
Chancellor, Ozarks Technical Community College
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Ryan Stack, Keynote Panelist
CIO, SRC Holdings
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Simoriah Stogner, Featured Speaker
Senior Manager of Technology Services, Jack Henry
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Tom Douglas, Featured Speaker
CEO, JMARK
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Mike Miller, Featured Speaker
vCISO-Chief Information Security Officer, Appalachia Technologies
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Kevin Austin
System and Network Engineer, Chek Point Software
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Caleb Boston
Beyond Healing
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Adam Cass
Sytem Engineer, Veeam Software
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Carlos Luis Chacon
Director of Data Solutions, Marathon Consulting
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Mica Cooper
CEO & President, Aisus/InsureCrypt
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Chris Crosby
Information Systems Director, City of Republic
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Tim Goree
Owner, Baton Pass Leadership
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Bob Graham
Director of IT, Fiocchi of America
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Ismael Hernandez
VP Information Technology, The Larson Group
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Wes Hester
CEO, Foxhole Technology
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Zach Hoskins
CEO, The Efficiency Conductor
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Stefan Kelsey
Lead Engineer, Decibel-Losh Network Services
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Chris Kincaid
Founder, Instructor, Hackwoods Academy/OTC
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Jesse Kuschel
Solutions Architect, Team D3
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Kelley Lace
Business Development
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Adam Mansour
Chief Security Officer, ActZero
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Wade Passey
Director of IT, Pinegar Honda
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Ben Pomerenke
Founder/Director of Engineering, WareHQ Labs
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Flint Walton
Technical Services & Training Specialist, MO Employers Mutual
Previous Year’s Sessions
Now is the time to submit YOUR pitch to be a speaker at STC Squared 2025! Watch this space for announcements about 2025 speakers in February and March. We cannot wait to introduce you to this year’s content.
Time | Track | Room | Speaker | Organization | Session | Summary |
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7:30 AM | Check In & Breakfast | Check in and start your day with breakfast while networking and visiting the exhibitor hall from 7:30-9:00am. NEW - Breakfast sessions begin at 8! | ||||
8:00 AM | Breakfast | Outrun Strategies | Kevin Austin | Check Point | Generative AI landscape, it’s impacts to business and security | We live in an ever changing time, it seems that every day a new AI tool is talked about. We will have brief history of AI. Discuss the current landscape of some tools publicly and privately available. We will compare how some of these tools compare. We will explore various text, image, video generation tooling. Along with explore other AI powered tools. Organizations can either attempt to abolish it, or learn to adopt the tools into their workflows. The tools could be to augment and enhance a workers ability, not sacrifice security. |
8:00 AM | Breakfast | GuidePoint | Adam Cass | Veeam | Configuring inline malware detection with Veeam Data Platform | With the scene of the world changing and cyber attacks becoming more of a common occurrence clean recovery is more important than ever to your business. Walk with me as we show you how Veeam not only recovers your data quickly but clean and ready for production. |
8:00 AM | Breakfast | Scott | Tim Goree | Springfield Tech Council | TechEd @ Squared | IT in education meetup. |
9:00 AM | Keynote | decibel | Panel | Springfield Tech Council | Tech Talk with Springfield Leaders | Doug Pitt of Pitt Technology Group hosts our keynote session with prominent Springfield area leaders weighing in on the value, challenges, and opportunities in tech. Featuring Ryan Stack, CIO, SRC Holdings, Cheryl Hertel, VP/CIO, CoxHealth, and Hal Higdon, Chacellor, OTC |
10:10 AM | Leadership | decibel | Simoriah Stogner | Senior Manager of Technology Services, Jack Henry | One Size Fits All... Doesn't | Studies show 65% of tech companies currently struggle to fill open positions. And 46% of companies expect the IT skills gap to grow. What if outdated and ill-fitting tech talent strategies are causing this shortage? Drawing on her own experience as a tech practitioner and leader, Simoriah Stogner reveals three key strategies to recruit, engage and retain the tech talent needed for today's challenges and tomorrow's innovation. |
10:10 AM | Leadership | Next Level Solutions | Ismael Hernandez | VP Information Technology at The Larson Group | Change the "perception" and personality of your IT Team Through Communication | A focus on the "soft skills" required to lead IT and how communicating with leadership successfully is going to be the new necessary skill for IT leaders. Presentation focuses on a simple yet effective way to categorize your conversations about IT projects without losing the attention from C-level management or operational technology leaders. |
10:10 AM | IT | Scott | Stefan Kelsey | Lead Engineer, Decibel-Losh Network Services | Diagnosing VoIP Issues | VoIP is one of the areas of IT that most people understand the least. This session will explain how SIP and VoIP work and then we'll dive into common issues people see. |
10:20 AM | Developer | GuidePoint | Carlos Chacon | Director of Data Solutions, Marathon Consulting | What is all the Hype with Microsoft Fabric? | Let's talk about how Microsoft Fabric simplifies data warehousing and empowers citizen developers and engineers to analyze data and accelerate reporting and insights at any scale. |
10:20 AM | Developer | Outrun Strategies | Ben Pomerenke | Founder/Director of Engineering, WareHQ Labs | Reflections of a founder - Building a new product, team and business | Starting a business is daunting. Growing a new product team can be just as daunting. I would like to share my experience over the last 12 months. The twists and turns, the plans that worked out, the ones that didn't and everything in between. |
10:20 AM | AI | SpringNet | Wade Passey | Director of IT, Pinegar Honda | Driving Into the Future: The Intersection of IT and Automotive Innovation | Examine AI's role in revolutionizing the automotive industry. We'll explore emerging tech trends, focusing on AI, self-driving, and ADAS. Attendees will gain insights into the necessary IT infrastructure for dealerships and the importance of cybersecurity in this new landscape. |
11:15 AM | AI | decibel | Tom Douglas | CEO, JMARK | AI Meets ITIL: Navigating the Future of IT Service Management | AI Meets ITIL: A Transformative Integration" by JMARK, delves into how AI is reshaping ITIL processes, enhancing efficiency and predictive capabilities. This session offers a comprehensive understanding of AI's challenges and opportunities in ITIL, along with practical adaptation strategies and success stories. |
11:15 AM | Leadership | Next Level Solutions | Bob Graham | Director of IT, Fiocchi of America | Build free KPIs for Managing your IT Team | How to build your own free metrics report for a IT department. What information is important and how to obtain information to create the KPI for a IT department. |
11:15 AM | Cybersecurity | Scott | Mica Cooper | CEO & President, Aisus/InsureCrypt | Cyber Insurance For Starters | What is cyber and what is not, reviewing a cyber DEC, how much do I need and when? Where is data stored, software design, underwriting, tools and more. |
11:25 AM | Developer | Outrun Strategies | Jesse Kuschel | Solutions Architect, Team D3 | Infrastructure As Code: Be Consistently Faster | How does Infrastructure as Code (IaC) make modern IT teams faster, more consistent, and deliver value the business seeks? We'll briefly look at what IaC is and examine three use cases: cloud storage for a business unit, a growing web application, and a new cloud-based service offering for clients. We'll see how IaC makes these processes more efficient, paving the way for further innovation within IT departments. |
11:25 AM | Cybersecurity | GuidePoint | Wes Hester | CEO, Foxhole Technology, Inc. & Member, Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (MCCoE) | SOC 2 vs ISO 27001 thru the eyes of a Cyber Defender | Briefing and discussion on what is SOC2 and ISO 27001 - a comparison and pros and cons of each. |
11:25 AM | Leadership | SpringNet | Kelley Lace | Business Development | Effective Leadership for Growth-minded Companies | Not all leadership is created equal. Certain leadership styles can damage productivity even with positive intent. In this session, we will discover practical methods to effectively lead your organization into a future of growth and expansion. |
12:30 PM | Lunch Session | decibel | Caleb Boston | Beyond Healing, Session provided by Springfield Tech Council | Managing Stress for IT Professionals | The fast-paced and high-pressure world of information technology can take a toll on even the most seasoned professionals. This session will offer practical tips and techniques for managing workplace stress in healthy and productive ways. |
12:30 PM | Lunch Session | Next Level Solutions | Roundtable | Springfield Tech Council, Session sponsored by Arctic Wolf | CIO Roundtable-Invitation Only | This is an invitation-only event, aimed at CIO-level attendees. Room hosted by Arctic Wolf. |
12:30 PM | Lunch Session | Outrun Strategies | Matthew Matlack | Commscope/Ruckus | RUCKUS Networks introduction to WiFi 7 | RUCKUS Networks introduction to WiFi 7 and the importance of automation & analytics in optimizing the secure wireless experience for guests, employees, and contractors. |
12:30 PM | Lunch Session | GuidePoint | Adam Mansour | Chief Security Officer-ActZero, Session sponsored by ActZero | AI-Powered Attacks and Defenses | Join us for a demonstration of the latest A.I attack and defense tactics. ActZero is a pioneer of the full-stack autonomous Security Operations Center, powering its AI-driven Managed Detection & Response (MDR) service. Get a firsthand look at AI cyber defenses and its history within ActZero. |
12:30 PM | Lunch Session | SpringNet | Panel | Codefi, Session sponsored by Codefi | Rethink Your Tech Talent Pipeline: How to Leverage Capstone Projects and On-the-job Training to Set Your Organization Up for Success | Did you know the Missouri tech industry added 3,870 net jobs from 2021 to 2022? With Missouri outpacing the national average in tech industry growth, employers need strategies in place to attract and support regional talent. In this panel-style discussion, join Codefi along with former graduates of their software development program and local employers to talk about the impact of participating in capstone projects and on-the-job training programs. |
2:00 PM | IT | decibel | Mike Miller | vCISO-Chief Information Security Officer, Appalachia Technologies | Trends-What happened in 2023? What should we look for in 2024? | Looking back and looking forward. In this session we will talk about the Tech / Cyber topics (good and bad) that stood out in 2023 and where we are headed in 2024. In this conversation, we will be talking about lessons learned, how we can grow from them, and how to handle the upcoming years. |
2:00 PM | Leadership | Next Level Solutions | Tim Goree | Owner, Baton Pass Leadership | Leading Up and Leading Laterally | Explore techniques for building strong reciprocal relationships with lateral department heads in your organization, lateral leaders in other organizations, and superiors. This session helps the technical leader to build relationships where peers and even superiors happily "barter" with them to exchange important information and services that increase the technical leader's ability to get things done. |
2:00 PM | IT | Scott | Flint Walton | Technical Services & Training Specialist, Missouri Employers Mutual | Common sense safety in an IT environment. | IT personnel are often overlooked from a safety standpoint; however hazards exist, and we will look at simple solutions to the most common incidents. Most think of ergonomic issues when thinking about technology jobs, but that is not the only concern, we will delve into common injuries and solutions, some of these you will find surprising. We will also discuss Missouri Work Comp law regarding safety as well as touching on drugs/alcohol. |
2:10 PM | Developer | Outrun Strategies | Zach Hoskins | CEO, The Efficiency Conductor | Blueprint to Breakthrough: Revolutionizing Business Efficiency for Tech Visionaries | In the tech industry, it's easy for big, bold ideas to get muddled or stuck in the planning stage. That's where I come in. Think of me as your guide to clarity and practical action. With my unique scorecard tool, I help tech leaders like you turn those brilliant visions into reality, creating a workplace that's innovative, efficient, and set up for long-term success. |
2:10 PM | Cybersecurity | GuidePoint | Chris Crosby | Information Systems Director, City of Republic | Navigating Cybersecurity: Lessons Learned in Developing a Cybersecurity Program | Through my journey of building and maturing our cybersecurity program, I've encountered and navigated numerous challenges and sales pitches. In my presentation, I'll share insights from this firsthand experience. This talk is tailored for those looking to develop a robust cybersecurity program from the ground up, providing practical insights from someone who has walked this path in the unique setting of public service. |
2:10 PM | Cybersecurity | SpringNet | Chris Kincaid | Founder, Instructor, Hackwoods Academy/OTC | Gone Phish'n | Enhance your cybersecurity knowledge and safeguard against phishing threats. Explore the targeted nature of spear phishing, understand the risks associated with CEO (whaling) hunts, and learn how voice-based phishing (vishing) can compromise security. Gain insights into pharming, the manipulation of DNS settings leading to fraudulent websites, and discover the complexities of social media phishing. Navigate through the intricacies of search engine phishing (SEO Poisoning) and understand how attackers manipulate search results to lead users to malicious websites. |
3:00 PM | Happy Hour | Exhibitor Hall | Sponsored by Codefi | Happy Hour | End the day with networking and celebrating our tech community with a complimentary happy hour from 3ish to 4:30pm. |