The ITA CityLIGHTS Awards celebrates some of the many successes made possible by talented individuals attracted to and retained in Illinois.  Celebrating the successful companies and individuals who are driving the industry showcases the growth and interesting companies that call Chicago home, creating allure for potential employees.  And we all know how hard it is to find the talent we need to grow this industry!

CityLIGHTS provides an opportunity to recognize some of the leading technology companies and individuals in our community whose leadership and success are driving growth in Illinois. The Awards Gala is also an opportunity for the industry to connect: technology executives, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and investors come together for an evening of dining, socializing, and celebration.

The 2012 ITA CityLIGHTS Award Categories, described below:

• Write-In Award: Of the people, by the people, for the people!  This award will be created based on public input.  Nominations are open for this award category.

• New Concept Award: Presented to the company or individual regardless of size and status of the company with the best new technology-focused concept of the year.

• Best Strategic Use of Technology Award:  Presented to the non-tech organization who has leveraged technology to provide a differentiated product or service, or has transformed the norm in their industry.  

• CityLIGHTS Award: Presented to an individual or business that actively and consistently supports the growth of the Illinois technology industry through demonstrated collaborative involvement, driving awareness of the community on a national level.

• CEO of the Year Award: Presented to the CEO who has led extraordinary business growth of their technology company over the past year.  

• 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.

• Newcomer Award: Presented to the company that has the strongest potential to emerge from its start-up phase to become a leader in the technology industry.

• Rising Star Award: Presented to the company, which, through innovation in products, services or business approach, has grown to become a serious competitor in the marketplace.

• Lighthouse Award: Presented to the company who has taken a leading role in the national industry while attracting national attention to the Illinois technology industry.

ITA encourages everyone to get involved! 

March 5, 2012
Company and Individual Nominations Open for all Awards.

March 26, 2012
All Nominations Close.

April 13, 2012
Finalists named and public voting period begins.

April 27, 2012
Voting closes.

May 10, 2012
Winners announced at 12th Annual ITA CityLIGHTS Awards Gala at Union Station.

To join in our efforts to attract and retain technology talent, email us! 

ITA thanks Presenting Sponsor, Grant Thornton, for their continued support of the local technology community.