Join fellow entrepreneurs, nerds, geeks, hackers, foodies, and creatives from the Midwest in an 8-day celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship.

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New Events

Thu, Aug 22, 2019

Badger Startup Summit

8:00 am – 4:00 pm |

Now in its seventh year the Badger Startup Summit is a highly interactive event connecting Badger entrepreneurs * everywhere - share ideas, exchange experiences and meet new contacts. - Hear from Wisconsin entrepreneurs during the Disruptive (r)Evolution Showcase talk about how their technologies are shaping new business solutions.- Make connections with all the key players in the Madison startup tech scene during the lunch time 1 Millon Cups VenFair.-...

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8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery

Conference
Startup
Mentor
Pitch Event
Showcase
networking
entrepreneur

Badger Startup Summit

Social Good Summit

9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Hosted by Collaboration for Good

Not Just an Event, An Experience! The Social Good Summit is not just your average 'pitch' event, it is an experience! You get a pitch session, a mini-expo, networking, and a hands-on brainstorming/problem-solving session all in a single day with coffee, food, and fun! Come enjoy a fast pace, introduction to several of our Social Good Accelerator projects. In the morning, you'll have multiple opportunities to get up and...

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9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Madison Public Library

Pitch Event
Startup
Showcase
Founder
Mentor
Summit
social good

Social Good Summit

VenFair

11:45 am – 1:30 pm | Hosted by 1 Million Cups

The VenFair is the startup community's equivalent of a food court; connections with and information about investors, mentors, and supporting organizations - all will take their spots at tables for speed meetings on the fly with all comers. Oh, and there is lunch too. The VenFair is a stand-alone event but runs over an extended lunch as part of the Badger Startup Summit.

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11:45 am – 1:30 pm

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery

Social
vendor
lunch

VenFair

General

BUSINESS FOR GOOD: Using Entrepreneurship To Create Social Change with Greg St. Fort

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Hosted by DreamBank

Entrepreneurship can be used to empower individuals, drive dreams, build community, push technology, support collaboration and even create jobs and social change. In this talk, Greg St. Fort, founder of Let’s Keep Building Inc, will share his thoughts on using entrepreneurship to create social change and how to build a brand message that will change the community. Get ready to receive some strategies to apply to your business or no...

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12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

American Family Insurance - DreamBank

presentation
DreamBank
Social Change
Community
entrepreneur
small business
Social
social impact
DreamFearlessly
presentation

BUSINESS FOR GOOD: Using Entrepreneurship To Create Social Change with Greg St. Fort

Social Good

Finance Your Business with Kiva

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Hosted by WWBIC and Novel Coworking

Does your business need some financing to grow? WWBIC is proud to support Kiva Milwaukee and Kiva Greater Madison. Kiva believes in character over credit and the power of community-based lending. Kiva provides funding opportunities for entrepreneurs who may not be ready for conventional financing. Kiva loans are crowdfunded microbusiness loans with 0% interest. WWBIC can work with you to see if a Kiva loan, a WWBIC loan, or combination is...

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2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Novel Coworking The Capitol

workshop
finance
Coworking

Finance Your Business with Kiva!

General

Workforce Meridian & Business After 4 at Garver Feed Mill

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Hosted by Monona East Side Business Alliance

Come and learn some of the hottest trends in workforce development from leaders at Carex Consulting Group and Organic Valley. Two speakers will present at the Workforce Meridian from 2-4pm. Afterwards, MESBA will host a ribbon cutting for Ian's Pizza and a happy hour networking event. The event is free and open to all area professionals. #mesba

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2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Garver Feed Mill

Conference
Happy Hour
networking

Workforce Meridian & Business After 4 at Garver Feed Mill

Food
General

High Tech Happy Hour - 18th Anniversary Celebration

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm |

Please join us as we help kick of the 10th annual Forward Festival and celebrate the 18th Anniversary of High Tech Happy Hour! Enjoy views of Lake Mendota from the Tripp Commons Deck while networking and enjoying complimentary beer and appetizers. The Anniversary Celebration is brought to you by your hosts, SupraNet Communications and Yahara Software. #HTHH www.hthh.org

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5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Memorial Union Terrace - Tripp Commons

Social
Happy Hour
networking
free

High Tech Happy Hour - 18th Anniversary Celebration

Book Club: Emily Chang's Brotopia

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Hosted by Ellevate

Join us at Square Wine Company for a wine tasting, charcuterie, and uplifting conversation with local ladies around the ups and downs of supporting each other as we build careers in tech and other male dominated industries, with prompts inspired by Emily Chang's 2018 Best-seller, Brotopia.So.... What is a NO PRESSURE book club?!We all know that life gets busy and sometimes we don't finish the book...or even the...

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5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Square Wine Company

Social
women in tech
book club

Book Club: Emily Chang's Brotopia

Fri, Aug 23, 2019

Crafting your Story

8:00 am – 9:30 am | Hosted by TruScribe

Telling the compelling story of your startup, your established business, or even your own thought leadership is key to engaging the client and partners and, demonstrating the value that you bring. During this session, participants will develop a concise, visual way of telling their stories - like an elevator pitch only way more interesting. #drawntochange

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8:00 am – 9:30 am

workshop

Crafting your Story

General

Growing your business with a successful internship program

10:00 am – 11:30 am | Hosted by the Wisconsin Internship Initiative

As an entrepreneur in a start-up business, you likely have more work to do than time to do it. Maybe you've thought about taking on a college-level intern but are worried that they will just take up more of your time without contributing to your success. Come listen to representatives from young businesses who have had success taking on college-level interns and learn what did and didn't work for them....

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10:00 am – 11:30 am

State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Panel
discussion
internship

Growing your business with a successful internship program

General

Idea <—> App

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm | Hosted by Ride Spot and amuz apps

Eric Lynn and Jim Zellmer plan to discuss brand building, customer experience goals, financing options and surprises on the journey. Lunch will be provided. Eric Lynn is Founder of the blackriver, the software that powers PeopleForBikes’ Ride Spot app. Jim Zellmer co-founded one of the first SAAS businesses and created amuzapp.com #LunchLearnericjim

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12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

Graze (Mezzanine)

Lunch and Learn
graze
fun
amuz
Ride Spot

Idea <—> App

Lost in Startuplandia Wayfinding for the Weary Entrepreneur

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Hosted by Doyenne Group

Come hear from entrepreneur & author Kelly Fitzsimmons about her new book Lost in Startuplandia Wayfinding for the Weary Entrepreneur. Doyenne will co-host the event with Kelly to have a real conversation about how battling the everyday crisis, and the BIG crisis's that happen while being an entrepreneur and building your dream. Come hear from someone who's gone through the rollercoaster and come out on the other side.

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2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

StartingBlock Cafe

workshop

Lost in Startuplandia Wayfinding for the Weary Entrepreneur!

General

Attracting Diverse Employees and Retaining Them Through Inclusion

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Hosted by Madison Women in Tech, Memra, Feelings at Work and Northwestern Mutual

Free; food and drink provided! Join us for a series of 5-minute lightning talks from area experts who are successfully addressing diversity and inclusion at companies big and small. We'll discuss specific steps for attracting diverse employees, as well as explore inclusion as a means of retention. Our expert speakers will share what's worked, and what hasn't - and why. Interspersed between talks will be structured discussion in small groups;...

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4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The Madison Concourse Hotel

diversity
inclusion
HR
talent
Happy Hour

Attracting Diverse Employees and Retaining Them Through Inclusion

General

Alumni Reunion

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Hosted by YWeb Career Academy

YWeb Career academy has helped people from the community get involved in the field of tech. Join YWeb alumni in a reunion as we reconnect with the community in a mixer and networking event. Networking 7:00pm - 7:30pm Event: 7:30pm - 9:00pm

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7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Happy Hour
Social

Alumni Reunion

Sat, Aug 24, 2019

Code.forGood()

10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Hosted by Collaboration for Good

Technology acceleration for social good ventures. A coding day for a cause. Code.forGood() brings diverse coders and content makes together for a cause. A mission-based engagement activity for those with programming skills at a variety of levels to help push a social good cause forward in the development of their website or app.This year we will help refresh two local nonprofit websites. The Code.forGood(); series brings together...

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10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Horizon Coworking

coding day
Hackathon

Code.forGood()!

Bringing RPGs Back Home: A Wisconsin Game Park

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Hosted by Wonderfillled, Inc

Role-playing games have seen a boon in recent years unprecedented, solidifying them as a cultural force. This new form of game, the RPG, was created here in the Midwest, specifically in Lake Geneva Wisconsin in the 1970s. Join us as we explore our heritage and continue to unveil our secret project in its spirit to bring the edge of role-playing back to Wisconsin. http://wunderfilled.com/ http://giantlands.com/

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1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

100state Classroom

Conference
gaming
rpg

Bringing RPGs Back Home: A Wisconsin Game Park

After Hours: Annual Forward Fest After Party

8:00 pm – 11:59 pm | Hosted by 100state

Shake up your normal networking routine with 100state's annual Forward Fest after party! WHO >> 100state + UnderBelly + YouWHAT>> After Hours: 100state's annual Forward Fest party WHERE >> Old Sugar Distillery, 831 E Main St, #8, Madison, WIWHEN >> 8PM-MIDNIGHT, Saturday, August 24th, 2019HOW >>>+ Music by DJ PHIL MONEY+ Live performance by LANDON DEVON+ $10 tickets in advance, $15 day of+ Included with Forward Pass, just remember...

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8:00 pm – 11:59 pm

Old Sugar Distillery

Social
Community
after hours
party

After Hours: Annual Forward Fest After Party

General

Sun, Aug 25, 2019

Startup Week(night): Women+

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Hosted by Startup Weekend Madison and Madison Women in Tech

Instead of Startup Weekend's 3 days, we’re crafting new companies in 3 hours! Learn what it takes to get an idea off the ground from supportive entrepreneurs in a fun, off-kilter race against the clock! This year, Startup Weekend Madison is partnering with Madison Women in Tech, and focusing on women and nonbinary folks in the Madison community interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, business and startups. Using provided craft supplies an...

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2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

entrepreneur
business
hands-on
fun
workshop
family events
startup weekend
Madison
women
women in tech

Startup Week(night): Women+

Parentpreneur Night at the Museum

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Hosted by Matrix Coworking and SupraNet

Parentpreneur Networking presents the 5th Annual event, A Night at the Museum! Bring your kids and join us for Madison’s premier family focused networking event, where entrepreneurs and business professionals will be celebrating this year's 5th anniversary at the Madison Children’s Museum for a unique night of food, fun and new friends. This is a free social event where your children can play while you enjoy delicious pizza, samp...

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6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Madison Children's Museum

family
parentpreneur

Parentpreneur Night at the Museum!

Family

Mon, Aug 26, 2019

Data for Impact Conference

9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Hosted by Collaboration for Good

SMALL DATA CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACT Set your focus on using data to make an impact— drive decisions, spur change, assess impact, and communicate. Join us as we bring together nonprofits, businesses, government organizations, philanthropic organizations with data scientists, social entrepreneurs, civic hackers, and community members for a day-long exploration of data— how to use, collect it, visualize it, tell stories with, and more. Join us, as...

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9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Focused Discussions
Conference
Panel
Nonprofit
Analytics
Tech/Software
data
Social

Data for Impact Conference

Forward Technology Conference

11:00 am – 8:00 pm |

We have an amazing line up for the 2019 Forward Technology Conference. There will be speakers specializing in Entrepreneurship & Leadership, Marketing, Design, and Technology. FTC is by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. You’ll get real perspective from tech startup leaders who are actually in the trenches building successful companies. You’ll hear everything from best practices to war stories, and you’ll walk away with real concrete learnings and actionables - not high l...

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11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Conference
Panel
Founder
Mentor
Startup
Innovation

Forward Technology Conference

Media Lounge

10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Hosted by Doyenne & Lady Laughs Comedy

The Doyenne & Lady Laughs Comedy Media Lounge creates space for festival attendees to tell their stories, address trends, explore new ideas, and call out the bullshit entrepreneurs face while building their ventures. After the events, the conversations collected will be turned into a 6-10 podcast series for release later in the year. Attend the Forward Technology Conference and hang out in the Media Lounge between sessions. *No registration is required...

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10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Memorial Union - 2nd Floor

Social

Media Lounge

General

Capital Challenges: Victories and Roadblocks in Access to Capital for Minorities and Women

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Hosted by American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact

Mary Ann Azevedo, in a recent Crunchbase article, says it well, “Maybe the VC community is tired of hearing about it; certainly, there are plenty of people who are tired of dealing with it. And yet, the funding landscape for minority and women-owned startups continues to underwhelm.” Our outstanding panel of voices on the national stage will discuss the continuing challenges faced by entrepreneurs and some of the inspiring victories and...

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12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

UW Memorial Union

entrepreneur
women
minorities
capital

Capital Challenges: Victories and Roadblocks in Access to Capital for Minorities and Women

General

Forward Festival Startup Showcase and Reception

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm |

The Startup Showcase is a high energy stage that celebrates and showcases what’s next in Madison’s startup ecosystem. It features an evening of startup pitches from some of Madison’s most compelling emerging companies. A select group of 5 rising startups will give a 5-minute “demo day” style pitch showcasing their company. In addition, Startup Showcase alumni from past years will take part in a lightning round of 1-minute update pit...

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5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Pitch Event
Social
Startup
Showcase
Celebration
Innovation
networking
entrepreneur

Forward Festival Startup Showcase and Reception

Bringing Startup Values to the Enterprise

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Hosted by Centare

Startups and enterprises are very different, but there’s a lot bigger companies can learn from their startup counterparts. Stop by for a discussion on how to bring startup values into the enterprise. We’ll begin with a presentation and then open it up for questions, discussion, and networking. Our Speaker: The gulf between startups and enterprises seems vast, but some have bridged the gap. Buzz Buswell has spent the past...

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6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Great Dane Brew Pub-Fitchburg

workshop
Social

Bringing Startup Values to the Enterprise!

Tue, Aug 27, 2019

Project Innovate Classroom: Tips for raising capital and paying your people

7:30 am – 9:00 am | Hosted by Godfrey & Kahn

Venture attorneys from Godfrey & Kahn will host an interactive discussion of best practices for seed financings and compensating early employees. Coffee, bagels and networking from 7:30 - 8 a.m. and discussion from 8 - 9 a.m. #gettingpaid

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7:30 am – 9:00 am

entrepreneur
coffee
getting paid

Project Innovate Classroom: Tips for raising capital and paying your people!

General

BUSINESS: Demystifying the Startup Ecosystem with Scott Resnick

9:00 am – 10:00 am | Hosted by DreamBank

We want to create a place where startups succeed, but what programs are actually moving the needle forward? This talk will review key indicators that matter when measuring the health of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and discuss big ideas to further Wisconsin as an entrepreneurial hub. Hear from Scott Resnick, a distinguished entrepreneur who grew his company from $0 to an eight-figure revenue small business, on how to move Wisconsin forward in...

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9:00 am – 10:00 am

Conference
workshop
seminar
DreamBank

BUSINESS: Demystifying the Startup Ecosystem with Scott Resnick

General

Social Media for All of Us: Making Content Accessible and Inclusive

10:30 am – 11:30 am | Hosted by Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired

Have you ever wondered how your content is accessed by people who are blind or visually impaired? As web accessibility and creating inclusive communities becomes more prevalent, it’s vital to evaluate what you’re doing each day on social media to ensure everyone can participate. People often do not know where to start in making posts accessible. In this session, we’ll give you the tools you need to take t...

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10:30 am – 11:30 am

Madison Public Library – Central

workshop

Social Media for All of Us: Making Content Accessible and Inclusive

Investable AI Startups: A Conversation with Chicago VCs

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Hosted by 5 LAKES & University Research Park

Join Armando Pauker, Managing Director and Co-founder at Tensility Venture Partners and Allison Weil, Senior Associate at Hyde Park Venture Partners, for a discussion moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kathleen Gallagher about the AI landscape in the Great Lakes region from an investor's perspective. This brown bag lunch will be informal with lots of room for audience involvement. Hear from the following speakers: Armando Pauker Armando is a co-founder and Ma...

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12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

StartingBlock Cafe

brown bag lunch

Investable AI Startups: A Conversation with Chicago VCs!

Tech/Software

Benefits of 3D Printing for Startups

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Hosted by GLW Technologies

According to the Times, we are in the midst of a 4th industrial revolution. But, what is 3D printing, what can it really do? We discuss about what is Design for Additive Manufacturing, and fused deposited material, or FDM/3D printing is, and how it can apply to entrepreneurs and start ups.

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1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery

presentation
discussion
3D printing

Benefits of 3D Printing for Startups!

Tech/Software

Pressure Chamber

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Hosted by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

Pressure Chamber returns for its sixth year as emerging companies again compete for the coveted “golden suitcase,” as well as a spot on the Chamber’s exclusive Madison-area startup delegation to San Francisco this fall for meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms. Past Pressure Chamber winners have credited the initiative for helping their company close successful funding rounds. Participating companies have included EatStreet, Propeller Health, Redox, Datica, Fetch Rewards, Health...

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2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Overture Center

Pitch Event
Startup
Investment
Showcase
HealthTech
Social

Pressure Chamber

Innovation Roadmap

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Hosted by Widen

Widen has undergone many transitions over its 71 year history; from plate engraving, to pre-printing press work, and now to marketing software. Innovation is core to our survival as a company, and it's crucial to our future as well. We will share how we've shaped our current path toward developing a purposeful and planned innovation intent and roadmap as well as lessons learned along the way.

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4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Innovation
Technology
software

Innovation Roadmap

Tech/Software

neXXpo

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Hosted by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

Discover what’s next in business at neXXpo 2019, a celebration of innovation in Greater Madison. Join hundreds of attendees in checking out creative, cutting-edge businesses at our “innovation hubs” and casting your vote for the fourth annual Most Innovative Company (MIC) Award. The finalists will be announced at neXXpo, with the MIC being awarded to the champion later this year at our nex7 Stage event. In addition to voting in this e...

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4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Overture Center

Social
Innovation
Showcase
Celebration
Happy Hour
networking
start-up
business
entrepreneur

neXXpo

Hacker's Havoc Happy Hour

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Hosted by Information Technology Professionals

The dark web is a scary and dangerous place. What information is safe to share online? Which large retailer is experiencing a credit card breach now? Is your private information being stolen or sold with malicious intent? Some of the greatest threats to your environments are not viruses or ransomware - but rather the individuals within your organization, sharing sensitive information. The business impact of a cyberattack is real: 71% of...

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5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Palette at Hotel Indigo

Happy Hour
cybersecurity

Hacker's Havoc Happy Hour

Tech/Software

Venture Debt Fund Event

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Hosted by MDC Venture Debt Fund

To provide information and exposure to MDC's Venture Debt Fund, which provides high-tech companies with the critical funding they need to reach profitability, in addition to offering qualifying emerging companies the liquidity needed to reach cash flow breakeven and beyond.

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6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Boardman & Clark

Social
informative
Investment

Venture Debt Fund Event!

What I Wish I Knew Before Fundraising

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Hosted by 100state

Often, we have the wonderful opportunity to hear from investors about the dos and don'ts of fundraising. But what about the startup leaders that actually have to go through the fundraising process? Join a panel of local entrepreneurs who have successfully closed rounds as they discuss their best practices, lessons learned in the process, and storries from the trenches. WHERE: 100state, 316 W. Washington Ave. Suite 675WHEN: 8/27 6:00-7:30p Networking from 6...

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6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Panel
Happy Hour
fundraising
entrepreneur

What I Wish I Knew Before Fundraising!

Predicting and hiding personal information from face images using deep learning

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Hosted by Big Data Madison

Dr. Sebastian Raschka, Assistant Professor of Statistics at UW-Madison and author of the book Python Machine Learning, will speak on the following topic.Abstract: In the modern digital age, researchers have developed a vast array of genuinely fascinating techniques that can enhance our everyday life. However, as more and more data is collected and extracted, the protection and respect for users' privacy have become a big concern. In the first...

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6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Madison Central Public Library

Data Science
Tech
Deep Learning
Big Data

Predicting and hiding personal information from face images using deep learning!

Tech/Software

Hack Night

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Hosted by Madhackers

// make some stuff Hack nights are a great opportunity to work on a project that you've been putting off or just to get some help with a project you've been banging your head against! We encourage hackers to pair up as well as making mentors and whiteboards available to help you power through challenges.Hack = Working to find clever solutionsHack != Pretending to be Neo and Hacking the Matrix while wearing...

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6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

workshop
hack night
side projects

Hack Night

Tech/Software

Wed, Aug 28, 2019

Podcasting: Reach Your Audience And Build Community Worldwide with Neil Mathweg

7:30 am – 9:30 am | Hosted by Social Media Breakfast - Madison

Podcasting: Reach Your Audience And Build Community Worldwide You’ve thought of starting a podcast to reach your audience, but you have no idea where to begin. Or you have a podcast but can't figure out to grow your reach. Join Neil Mathweg as he presents on how to reach your audience and build a community worldwide through a podcast. Neil has built his real estate agent coaching business via po...

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7:30 am – 9:30 am

Goodman Community Center BRASSWORKS

Social Media
digital marketing
podcast

Podcasting: Reach Your Audience And Build Community Worldwide with Neil Mathweg

General

5x5x5 Pitch Event

8:30 am – 10:00 am | Hosted by Doyenne Group

Each year Doyenne Group opens the application for women-led businesses based in Wisconsin, in all industries, to apply to pitch their business during Madison’s Forward Festival, for a chance to be awarded a $5,000 Seed Grant. Businesses can be all levels of startup phase. This grant is separate dollars than the Doyenne Evergreen Fund. Some criteria is different than what we require to apply for funding through the Evergreen Fund. #Do...

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8:30 am – 10:00 am

Pitch Event
Social
Innovation
networking
women
entrepreneur

5x5x5 Pitch Event

Free Coworking Day

9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Hosted by 100state

We are excited to support the growth of the Madison entrepreneur and creative community. Free Coworking Day is an opportunity to experience a work day at 100state and connect with the 100state community. Bring yourself, your laptop, and even your team to come for a day of coworking and community! 100state is Wisconsin's largest coworking community. We provide a home for entrepreneurs, creatives, freelancers, remote employees and nonprofits. We look...

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9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Coworking
entrepreneur

Free Coworking Day

General

Wisconsin’s New Hemp Industry is Cultivating High Hopes amid Strong Oversight

11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Hosted by Neider & Boucher, S.C.

Hemp has become a new and legal industry in Wisconsin. Many entrepreneurs are jumping in to capitalize on the market. State regulation is still being formulated and there are a lot of lingering questions. Is there an application process? Can I sell CBD at the retail level? What liability considerations are there? Join Attorneys David Gorwitz and Joseph Camilli as they provide an overview for entrepreneurs considering or starting a...

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11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Lunch and Learn

Wisconsin’s New Hemp Industry is Cultivating High Hopes amid Strong Oversight!

Food
General

Round-table with Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Hosted by StartingBlock

Join Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and other local ecosystem builders for a conversation on how to make the Madison the best location to start and grow a business. We will be discussing ideas, challenges, and the solutions to expand our startup community. Here from the following round table members: Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison Adam Barr, Chamber of Commerce Amy Gannon, Doyenne Group Katy Stanton, Urban Manufacturing Alliance Nhi Le, StartingBlock

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12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

government
presentation

Round-table with Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

General

Impact/SRI Investing with Your Values

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Hosted by Baird

Impact/Socially Responsible Investing is one of the fastest growing areas as investors seek to build a more equitable world by including social, environmental and corporate governance issues in their strategies. Please join Baird Financial Advisors as they welcome John Taft, Baird Vice Chairman and author of “A Force for Good: How Enlightened Finance Can Restore Faith in Capitalism.” John will share how you can invest with your values and make...

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2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Baird Patio - US Bank Building

workshop
Social
networking
Innovation
SRI
Investor

Impact/SRI Investing with Your Values

International Data Protection in the Era of GDPR

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Hosted by London & Partners

Join London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s promotional agency, and the Department for International Trade (DIT) of the UK Government in a fireside chat about data protection, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and its effects on companies looking to do international business. The conversation will be led by data experts and local data-driven start-ups who will share their experiences. This event will be a great opportunity to engage with th...

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4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Industrious Madison

business
information
fireside chat
networking
Happy Hour

International Data Protection in the Era of GDPR!

5X5X5 Celebration and Networking

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Hosted by Baird & Doyenne Group

Join us for beautiful views on the US bank patio to celebrate Doyenne's 5x5x5 winner and to networking with others interested in investing in women entrepreneurs!

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5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

networking

5X5X5 Celebration and Networking!

General

Forward Fest X PechaKucha

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Hosted by High Tech Happy Hour, SupraNet Communications and Yahara Software

Join us on August 28th for “Forward Fest x PechaKucha” as our speakers showcase innovative and creative ideas that elevate Madison and surrounding areas to the next level. PechaKucha is one of 50+ events during the 10thAnnual Forward Festival; bringing together entrepreneurs and creatives in an 8 day celebration of innovation and collaboration. Hosted by High Tech Happy Hour, SupraNet Communications and Yahara Software. #pechakuchaMSN

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5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

networking
presentation
entrepreneur
Innovation
Social
networking

Forward Fest X PechaKucha

General

Badger Fund Manager Meet and Greet

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Hosted by Badger Fund of Funds

Venture capital fund managers from new venture capital funds supported by the Badger Fund of Funds will be at the August 28th Jazz at Five performance on the corner of State and Capitol. The Badger Fund of Funds is sponsoring the event and will provide beer and pizza for attendees at no cost. Come enjoy a beautiful Wisconsin evening and engage in some hot conversation about the future of venture...

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5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Corner of State Street and the Capitol Square

Investor
Venture Capital
Music
networking
Social

Badger Fund Manager Meet and Greet!

Networking for Good

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Hosted by Madison Tech & Social Impact

Are you looking to share your skills and make a difference in your community, or do you belong to an organization in need of folks with tech abilities? You've come to the right place! Networking for Good aims to bring together folks with tech skills looking to make an impact, and nonprofits and social good organizations who have tech needs they're looking to fill. Let's do amazing things together. EVENT...

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5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Propeller Health

networking
social impact
Nonprofit
Community
Social
Tech

Networking for Good

What’s modern (tech) product management - why you should care

6:30 pm – 7:45 pm | Hosted by ProductTank Madison

Join us for an informal and authentic panel format discussion with seasoned product leaders from local startups including Propeller Health, Ionic, and Mobile Doorman. Discussion topics will include: *How has the role of a product manager in a tech company evolved in the last 5 years? *What sets a great product manager apart from a good product manager? *How do you know when to hire your first product manager and first...

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6:30 pm – 7:45 pm

Propeller Health

Panel
Social
project management

What’s modern (tech) product management - why you should care!

Tech/Software

GLEAM, Art in a New Light

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm | Hosted by Olbrich Gardens

Olbrich Gardens’ 5th annual GLEAM exhibit is guaranteed to be BIGGER and brighter! Never before at GLEAM - a large-scale interactive installation on the Great Lawn, unique video mapping and a neon based installation! Creators from around the country including some local Wisconsin based Burning Man artists, transform the Gardens into an illuminated world of wonder.#olbrichgleam #gleamatolbrich #gleamolbrich$15 - general public / $11 Olbrich MembersAdmissions for the exhibit are sold onsite on...

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7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Olbrich Gardens

art
exhibit
light installations
video mapping

GLEAM, Art in a New Light!

Thu, Aug 29, 2019

Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs

9:30 am – 1:30 pm | Hosted by American Family Insurance

Design thinking is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to envision the future for their companies. Join our design thinking experts for a workshop to explore how you can apply design thinking systematically to evaluate early stage concepts in order to determine their viability as businesses. Access to this event is included with your Forward Pass however capacity is limited so we may not be able to accept walk ins. Please...

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9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Design Thinking

Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs!

General

"We Built It. So Will They Come?" - Strategies for Building a Fan Base

10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Hosted by Madison Roller Derby

"If you build it, they will come." But will they? Whether a new business or a new sports team, in the end, it's always about the end users, the buyers, the FANS. Hear from sports marketing and PR teams from Forward Madison FC, The Flock, Madison Radicals, Madison Capitols and Madison Roller Derby who have built, maintained and managed fan bases, some from the ground up. Learn more about how...

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10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Monona Terrace - Hall of Fame Room

sports
marketing
pr
brand management

"We Built It. So Will They Come?" - Strategies for Building a Fan Base

General

Ladies Who Lunch: Forward Fest Edition

11:30 am – 1:00 pm | Hosted by Ellevate

Come enjoy lunch with us and learn more about Madison's tenth annual Forward Festival!Join us for a lunch and learn about the history (and exciting future) of Madison, WI's signature Forward Festival, a celebration of Food, Entrepreneurship, Science and Technology. We will share our experiences on the last day of the festival and recap the events and discussions that impacted us, ensuring the spirit of the week lives beyond...

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11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Goodman Community Center Brassworks

lunch
Social
women in tech

Ladies Who Lunch: Forward Fest Edition!

Food
General

Lunch 'n' Learn: Prevent or Reverse Health Risks that Come with a Desk Job

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm | Hosted by Posturally

Sitting or standing at a desk for hours at a stretch comes with health risks. For IT and office workers, this may lead to stress, pain or even a medical condition. For employers, it can get expensive, fast. In this Lunch 'n' Learn, we'll talk about "outer" and “inner” strategies for true well-being at the desk. Topics include: Recommended ergonomic positions and how to achieve them. Disease, pain & injury risk link...

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12:00 pm – 1:15 pm

DreamBank Library

HR
talent
Tech/Software
health
posture
employee health
Workstation Ergonomics

Lunch 'n' Learn: Prevent or Reverse Health Risks that Come with a Desk Job

Media Lounge

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Hosted by Doyenne & Lady Laughs Comedy

The Doyenne & Lady Laughs Comedy Media Lounge creates space for festival attendees to tell their stories, address trends, explore new ideas, and call out the bullshit entrepreneurs face while building their ventures. After the events, the conversations collected will be turned into a 6-10 podcast series for release later in the year. Attend the Media Lounge at the CE Rooftop Social as it closes out Forward Fest with beautiful views...

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5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Boardman & Clark

Social

Media Lounge

General

Rooftop Social (and Forward Fest Wrap Party)

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Hosted by Capital Entrepreneurs

Join Capital Entrepreneurs as we wrap up the 2019 Forward Festival with a rooftop celebration on the Capitol Square. Come mingle with Madison’s up-and-coming innovators at the Capital Entrepreneurs Rooftop Social. Enjoy great networking and Capitol views from Boardman & Clark's beautiful rooftop terrace, as well as a variety of beverages and snacks from local producers. Please note: This is a private event and advance registration is required.

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5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Boardman & Clark

Social
Celebration
meetups
Happy Hour
networking

Rooftop Social (and Forward Fest Wrap Party)

GLEAM, Art in a New Light

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm | Hosted by Olbrich Gardens

Olbrich Gardens’ 5th annual GLEAM exhibit is guaranteed to be BIGGER and brighter! Never before at GLEAM - a large-scale interactive installation on the Great Lawn, unique video mapping and a neon based installation! Creators from around the country including some local Wisconsin based Burning Man artists, transform the Gardens into an illuminated world of wonder. #olbrichgleam #gleamatolbrich #gleamolbrich $15 - general public / $11 Olbrich Members Admissions for the exhibit are sold on...

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7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Olbrich Gardens

art
exhibit
light installations
video mapping

GLEAM, Art in a New Light!