IBM has opened the nominations for IBM Champions for 2017. This is how they describe the program:
The IBM Champion program recognizes innovative thought leaders in the technical community and rewards these contributors by amplifying their voice and increasing their sphere of influence. An IBM Champion is an IT professional, business leader, developer, or educator who influences and mentors others to help them make best use of IBM software, solutions, and services.
So if you know someone who have helped you or who deserve to be honored for their committment, go and nominate her or him! I have a list of people I plan to nominate myself.