The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is seeking the nomination of innovative tech companies and industry leaders for our 16th Annual ITA CityLIGHTS Awards. Learn more and submit at itacitylights.com.

1. PLATINUM SPONSORS
16th
Annual Awards
NOW ACCEPTING
NEXT:
AWARD CATEGORIES
NOMINATIONS
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
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2. BREAKING THE TECH BARRIER
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
#itacitylights @ITAbuzz
Presented to a company CEO who has led successful company
growth through leadership, ability to attract and retain
talented resources, financial accomplishments and strategy for
continued company growth.
Judging & Award Criteria:
1. Leads a company with growing revenue/profitability that exceeds
industry averages
2. Solid track record with longevity and persistence in position
3. Has leadership and vision for the company
Any individual in a leadership position employed by an Illinois-based technology business, or division of a corporation
operating in Illinois, may be nominated for this award. Leadership qualities such as entrepreneurship, community
involvement, and management expertise will be considered.
CEO OF THE YEAR AWARD

3. BREAKING THE TECH BARRIER
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
#itacitylights @ITAbuzz
CITYLIGHTS AWARD
Presented to the company or individual who actively and
consistently supports the growth of the Illinois technology
industry through leadership and/or collaboration that brings
the spotlight to the community.
Judging & Award Criteria:
1. Forward looking contribution to the community (advising, mentoring,
aggregating, collaborating, helping, promoting)
2. Visible and evangelical
3. Long-term commitment and enthusiasm about the potential of Illinois as a
technology hub

4. BREAKING THE TECH BARRIER
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
#itacitylights @ITAbuzz
LIGHTHOUSE AWARD
Presented to the growth-stage company, which through
innovation in products, services or business approach, has
grown to become a serious competitor in the marketplace
(greater than $25 million in revenue).
Judging & Award Criteria:
1. Industry, regional or national reputation
2. Proven track record of long-standing partnerships with customers, as
demonstrated by high customer retention that exceeds industry norms
3. Must have annual revenue of greater than $25 million

5. BREAKING THE TECH BARRIER
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
#itacitylights @ITAbuzz
OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Presented to the company or organization that utilizes or
developed a technology tool, process or service that made a
substantial improvement on business metrics.
Judging & Award Criteria:
1. End product is not technology focused or marketed as a technology
product
2. Differentiation within the industry is technology enabled
3. Company must be a top competitor in their industry
Technology does not have to be the focus of the company or product, however, the utilization of technology to improve
consumer satisfaction or that differentiates the company from competitors. The company must be headquartered in
Illinois.

6. BREAKING THE TECH BARRIER
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
#itacitylights @ITAbuzz
PROMINENT WOMAN IN TECH
AWARD
Presented to a preeminent female in the local industry who
has championed a leading role for women by supporting their
growth and prominence in the industry.
Judging & Award Criteria:
1. Woman with a prominent role in the local technology industry
2. Active in advancement of women in the local tech industry
3. Supporting the growth of the local tech industry and supporting women
in the process

7. BREAKING THE TECH BARRIER
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
#itacitylights @ITAbuzz
RISING STAR AWARD
Presented to the company that has the strongest potential to
emerge and become a leader in the technology industry ($5 to
$25 million in annual revenue).
Judging & Award Criteria:
1. Experiencing or poised for rapid growth
2. Innovation and products/services must be technology enabled, focused
3. Must have annual revenue of $5 million to $25 million

8. BREAKING THE TECH BARRIER
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
#itacitylights @ITAbuzz
TECHNOLOGIST OF THE YEAR
AWARD
Presented to the individual whose talent has championed
true technology innovation, either through new applications
of existing technology or the development of technology to
achieve a truly unique product or service.
Judging & Award Criteria:
1. Utilized technology to create a differentiated product or service
2. Transformed a company through innovative use of technology
3. A true student and enthusiast of technology and its impact on industry

9. BREAKING THE TECH BARRIER
Submit by June 26 at itacitylights.com
#itacitylights @ITAbuzz
TRAILBLAZING AWARD
Presented to the company that has developed and/or
introduced an ingenious, non-traditional and innovative way of
doing business or creating culture that has produced significant
value and growth for the company.
Judging & Award Criteria:
1. Concept must be truly new and not a repositioning of an existing offering
2. Must be technology focused or technology enabled
3. Concept must have passed initial validity testing
The company can be a newly formed or an existing company with an innovative concept. The award winner can be of any
annual revenue, in any state of business development, but must be headquartered in Illinois.

10. THIS YEAR WE’RE CELEBRATING
THOSE WHO DARE TO BE
16th
Annual Awards