The Convention & Visitors Bureau is planning its annual Salute to Travel & Tourism awards banquet and is seeking sponsorships for this prestigious event recognizing the “best of the best” in the local travel industry.

Five awards highlighting various areas of tourism achievement will be presented along with a program celebrating the past year’s achievements and the CVB’s plans for 2017 to increase tourism and boost the Springfield area economy. CVB volunteers also are honored for their years of service to the organization and the tourism industry.

Click here for a list of sponsorship opportunities and ways you can get involved. Please note that to receive full sponsorship benefits, your commitment must be received by Dec. 16.

We also encourage you to nominate individuals and businesses for the awards presented at the banquet set for Feb. 16 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center. Nominations can be submitted at http://bit.ly/CVBAwardNominations or click here for a form you can fill out and mail or fax. To view a list of previous award recipients, go to http://bit.ly/RrDDfZ. Previous recipients are eligible to receive awards. Nominations are due Dec. 14 to be considered.

For more information, call the CVB at 417-881-5300 or 800-678-8767.