Thursday, April 28, 2022
6:00 p.m., White River Conference Center
Springfield, MO
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts a celebration of the last year in the travel and tourism industry for the Springfield, Missouri area. Join the CVB, city officials and leaders in travel and tourism on April 28, 2022 at the White River Conference Center for a night of celebration as we reflect on the last year in our industry, award some of the area's key players for their work and look ahead to a bright 2022.
Regular Pricing (April 1-28)
Single Ticket: $75 • Reserved Table of eight: $525
To reserve individual tickets or a table, please click here.
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Jane Rips at jrips@springfieldmo.org or 417-881-5300 ext. 105 or Hayden Ferguson at hferguson@springfieldmo.org or 417-881-5300 ext. 117.
Award Winners
The Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to announce the individuals and businesses to be honored at the 2022 Salute to Travel & Tourism Awards Banquet.
Pinnacle Award: Gary Ellison, owner of Gary Ellison Productions, a marketing and public relations agency in Springfield.
For individuals who have been active in the travel industry for many years and made substantial contributions to the betterment of the Springfield area’s travel industry.
Diplomat Award: Leslie Forrester, executive director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council
Presented to a government official, organization or employee who has provided significant support to the Springfield area travel industry.
Ambassador Award: Fred Spaulding, a military reunion planner who has brought dozens of groups to Springfield. Pam Prentice, who has more than 20 years of experience as a hotel general manager in Springfield.
For individuals or organizations that generated significant economic impact for the area by working to encourage tourism or secure a major convention or event in Springfield.
Spotlight Award: Trailspring for its trail development and the Singletrack Mind Festival that have helped grow the local tourism economy.
Presented to an individual, business or organization not usually considered part of the travel and tourism industry for noteworthy contributions in advancing travel and tourism in the Springfield area.
Hospitality Award: BigShots Golf, a new attraction on the northside of Springfield that hosts individuals and groups as well as events.
Presented to an attraction, lodging facility or restaurant which demonstrates outstanding hospitality to the traveling public and exhibits a team spirit in promoting the growth of Springfield area travel and tourism.
The evening will include a plated dinner, cash bar and awards banquet. All proceeds of the evening will go to the Springfield Regional Arts Council who contributes to the cultural fabric of our city, making it an incredible place to live and visit.
This program is brought to you by the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, a nonprofit marketing organization dedicated to improving the local economy through growth in travel and tourism.
