ITA Seeks Industry Innovators for 18th Annual ITA

CHICAGO, IL --(Marketwired - May 30, 2017) - The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is seeking the nomination of local tech industry fast trackers for its 18th annual CityLIGHTS Awards . The ITA CityLIGHTS Awards, presented by Deloitte, is the premier annual event that elevates and honors achievements from the local tech community. Because of the rigorous and balanced judging process, the awards have become a strong indicator of future success. CityLIGHTS award winners have amassed $53.4 billion in exits, $1.1 billion in IPO and $2.7 billion in venture capital.

"Chicago's tech scene is in full gear. Each year we see an increased number of companies vying for Chicago tech's longest running, most respected award," said ITA CEO Julia Kanouse. "The regional ecosystem is on the fast track to owning and creating its own identity. This year's awards are all about elevating that identity and providing a platform that demonstrates Second City tech's accelerated success."

Nominations can be submitted for the following awards:

• CEO of the Year
• CityLIGHTS Industry Champion
• Industry Disrupter
• Lighthouse
• Outstanding Business Innovation
• Prominent Woman in Tech
• Rising Star
• Technologist of the Year

Join ITA for one of its two webinars on Thursday, June 8 ( 11am or 2pm ) to get more information about the program, each of the eight categories and tips for submitting a nomination.

See full award criteria and submission information at itacitylights.com .

The finalists in each category will be announced on Monday, August 7 when public voting will open. The category winners will be announced on Thursday, September 14 at the 18th Annual ITA CityLIGHTS Awards event , the largest technology gathering of tech industry executives in Illinois and Chicago with more than 600 in attendance.

Thank you to the 2017 presenting sponsor, Deloitte; premier sponsors, Armanino, Gogo, Madison Dearborn Partners and Silicon Valley Bank; VIP reception sponsor, Lantern Partners and supporting sponsor, QTS. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this year's program, contact Kelly Faso at kelly@illinoistech.org .