Annual Awards Gala

International talk show host, broadcaster and author, Tavis Smiley, will present the keynote address at the ITSMF Awards Gala on Friday, February 8, 2008 at the JW Marriott Hotel Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. Smiley, who hosts the late night television talk show "Tavis Smiley" and the radio program "The Tavis Smiley Show, " has been dubbed one of the nation's "Captains of the Airwaves."

The ITSMF Awards Gala honors industry leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of Information Technology while continuously demonstrating proactive leadership in advancing diversity.

The event which is open to the public will host more than 500 guests. 90 % of the tables have already been sold! To register, click the "RSVP" button to the right.

Award Gala Highlights

• One of the largest gatherings of African American IT executives
• Guests include the "Who's Who" of IT Leaders from the public and private sectors
• Confirmed attending companies in addition to the sponsors listed below include: American Airlines, Bank of America, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cisco, Coleman & Associates, Cox Enterprises, Disys, Embarq, Global Lead, IBM, Korn Ferry, Magellan Associates, Marriott, Medtronic, Merck, Pitney Bowes, UBS, Wells Fargo Bank, Whirlpool, and WSF Associates
• Tavis Smiley's keynote address will center on "Leadership in the 21st Century"
• Reception and silent auction featuring vacation getaways, high tech gadgets and more

Gala Sponsors

Freddie Mac and PepsiCo

Award Sponsors

Dell, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Oakland Consulting

Event Sponsors

Delta, EDS, Hewlett Packard, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Wachovia

Industry Recognition Awards

Diamond Leadership Award

The Diamond Leadership Award recognizes a Senior Level Executive (VP or above) within a Fortune 1000 company who has contributed to the advancement of the information technology industry through thought leadership, active personal role-modeling/mentoring and support of diversity initiatives that opened doors for others to follow.

Beacon Award

The Beacon Award recognizes an entrepreneur or small business leader of an information technology firm who has demonstrated innovation and/or significant growth in the industry while demonstrating active personal role-modeling and support of diversity initiatives that opened doors for others to follow.

Summit Heritage Award

The Summit Heritage Award acknowledges the thought leaders of the information technology field. They are widely recognized for their vast contributions to the industry and for being innovative role models for others.

Ivory Dome Award

The Ivory Dome Award recognizes those individuals who are dedicated to the education and advancement of IT students. It is through these efforts that the individual contributes to the mission of ITSMF: filling the pipeline with the next generation of African American IT leaders.

Sterling Leadership Award

The Sterling Leadership Award recognizes a Senior Level Executive (VP or above) within the Public Sector who has contributed to the advancement of the information technology industry through their thought leadership, active personal role-modeling/mentoring and is an advocate for increasing contracting opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.

Special Recognition Awards

Corporate Sponsor of the Year

This award will be presented to an organization that has contributed significantly to the success of ITSMF over the past year. Contributions may include financial support as well as in-kind donations. Additionally, the corporate sponsor understands the value of ITSMF and has shown a willingness to partner with ITSMF in support of shared goals.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The levels of sponsorship provide an opportunity to exhibit support for ITSMF to an audience of upper-level IT managers and Fortune 500 company executives.