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

Interested in hosting an event?

Events

Thu, Aug 16, 2018

Introduction To Talent Maximizer Workshop Series

Hosted by StartingBlock

Kick off of StartingBlock's fall Talent Maximizer Workshop Series. Six part series covers the most critical talent-related topics, including finding the right talent; full-time v. freelance considerations; and equity / compensation strategies. Plus, information on applying for StartingBlock's 2nd Annual SNAP that matches students interested in interning at a startup and startups who want student interns. We've found a way to make finding the right internship a SNAP!

9:00 am – 10:00 am

StartingBlock Madison

  • talent
  • recruiting
  • team building
Introduction To Talent Maximizer Workshop Series

Social Good Summit

Hosted by: Social Good Madison

It can be hard to determine when you're making a difference. So, let's make it easy. The Social Good Summit has always focused on social change and how community and entrepreneurship collide to create a wonderful world of hope and most importantly, make a difference. The 5th annual Social Good Summit focus is a showcase of Madison's change-makers. Join us for this showcase event and meet the people and projects...

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Madison Public Library

  • Pitch Event
  • Startup
  • Showcase
  • Founder
  • Mentor
  • Summit
Social Good Summit

LIVE WEBCAST: Using Design Thinking To Grow Your Business with Dr. Darin Eich

Hosted by DreamBank

What is design thinking and how can it help you grow professionally? Join expert Dr. Darin Eich and discover this powerful approach to business success. You’ll learn how to develop an innovative mindset, an understanding of your customers and what they need from your business. From there, you’ll be able to create products your customers really want, are willing to pay for, and how to reach them using simp...

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Webinar - Online

  • Design Thinking
  • Webcast
  • In-person
LIVE WEBCAST: Using Design Thinking To Grow Your Business with Dr. Darin Eich

Pressure Chamber

Pressure Chamber returns for its fifth year as emerging companies again compete for the coveted “golden suitcase,” as well as a spot on the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce’s exclusive Madison-area startup delegation to California this fall for meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms.  Participating companies will pitch in front of a panel of out-of-state investors, business executives and a live audience, with the winning company chosen based...

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Overture Center

  • Pitch Event
  • Startup
  • Investment
  • Showcase
  • HealthTech
  • Social
Pressure Chamber

Mentor Mindset Workshop

Hosted by The Commons

Join The Commons for an interactive workshop on what modern mentorship looks like and why it’s so important to organizational culture, talent identification and talent retention. You’ll learn how to put a method to mentorship and create relationships with individuals that help turn conversations into rewarding connections. So, come and join us in this workshop all about making meaningful mentoring relationships for any age, level or profession. “The best m...

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

StartingBlock Madison

  • Innovation
  • students
  • Mentors
  • entrepreneur
  • entrepreneurial mindset
  • college
  • high school
  • corporate
Mentor Mindset Workshop

neXXpo

Experience what’s next in business at neXXpo 2018, a celebration of innovation in our region hosted by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. Join hundreds of attendees in checking out creative, cutting-edge businesses at our “innovation hubs” and casting your vote for the third annual Most Innovative Company (MIC) Award. The finalists will be announced at neXXpo, with the MIC being awarded to the champion at a special nex7 Stage event...

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Overture Center

  • Social
  • Innovation
  • Showcase
  • Celebration
  • Happy Hour
  • networking
  • start-up
  • business
neXXpo

B2B Software Meetup: A Discussion of Design and Development Challenges

Hosted by Widen

B2B software is used by a variety of people with different goals. How do you design software for users you don't hear from? Join Mandy Wagner, Leah Ujda, and Bob Samuels from Widen to learn how to get the information you need to design useful, usable software. You'll learn about tools and techniques used at Widen and your fellow attendees during a group discussion. **Happy hour fare will be...

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Widen Enterprises

  • Happy Hour
  • UX
  • product design
  • software
  • user experience
B2B Software Meetup: A Discussion of Design and Development Challenges!

High Tech Happy Hour - 17th Anniversary Celebration

Sponsored by: SupraNet Communications
Sponsored by: Yahara Software
Sponsored by: Zendesk
Please join us as we help kick of the 2018 Forward Festival and celebrate the 17th 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. www.hthh.org

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Memorial Union Terrace - Tripp Commons

  • Social
  • Happy Hour
  • networking
  • free
High Tech Happy Hour - 17th Anniversary Celebration

"IoT": Its Application in the Industrial World

Hosted by The Madison IoT Meetup Group

David Vasko, is currently the Director of Advanced Technology at Rockwell Automation. He is also a board member of the Milwaukee Institute, the IoT Talent Consortium, the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition and is a member of the Visiting Committee on Advance Technology with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. We will be hearing about his thoughts around “IoT” and it’s application to the Industrial World. Like . . . where it has be...

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

100state

  • Tech
  • Meetup
  • Innovation
  • InternetofThings
"IoT": Its Application in the Industrial World!

Pop Up Event: Professional photos for entrepreneurs

Hosted by StartingBlock and Nomadic Creative

Every growing team needs beautiful professional pictures, for ad, social and pitch decks. Here’s your chance! Come check out the amazing spaces at the brand new StartingBlock and receive professional photos of you and your team. If you have products, bring them as well! Sign up below, space is limited but the Nomadic Creative team will try to fit everyone in! Questions? Contact Justin @ 312 493-5523

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

StartingBlock Madison

Pop Up Event: Professional photos for entrepreneurs!

Fri, Aug 17, 2018

Wake Up Fearless

Hosted by: Bunker & THE JILLS OF ALL TRADES

The future of work is radically and rapidly changing. There will soon be more independent contractors and freelancers than employees in the workforce. Are you ready for the new normal? Are you aware of how to access the tools and resources that will set you up for success? Join us for bagels and beer-mosas, and learn from co-hosts, BUNKER & THE JILLS OF ALL TRADES™ on why working ‘On-Demand’ is ‘In-Dem...

7:30 am – 9:30 am

Bunker

  • Meetup
  • coffee
  • morning meetup
  • Social
  • networking
Wake Up Fearless

Startup Legal Issues

Hosted by Nieder & Boucher

Attorneys Jeff Bartzen and Joe Boucher will present on iInformation on Cyber Security Legal Issues for Small and Start Up Business Owners and the impact of recent tax legislation for starts ups and small businesses. Presented by attorneys of Neider & Boucher. Jeff Bartzen Joe Boucher

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Horizon Coworking

Startup Legal Issues!

Why Language Is The Best Technology Humans Have Ever Invented - And How You Could Be Capitalizing On It

96% of executives cite ineffective communication as the reason for workplace failures. 33% of employees say that lack of open communication has the most negative impact on morale. No matter your field, you use language everyday to achieve business outcomes: how you use language MATTERS. Learning even just a little bit about how language works can benefit you and your company. Memra Language Services uses cutting-edge linguistic research to 1) analyze the linguistic...

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Dreambank inside the Spark Buidling

  • workshop
  • launch
  • Social
  • data
  • research
  • interactive
Why Language Is The Best Technology Humans Have Ever Invented - And How You Could Be Capitalizing On It

Have a Pint, Change a Life

Hosted by Wisconsin Microfinance

Music, microbrews, and microfinance! Do good while while enjoying some great drinks and live music from upcoming Madison artist Bear In The Forest!For the last 8 years, Wisconsin Microfinance has been working in the Madison area to empower small business owners in developing countries to break out of the cycle of poverty. Through small loans as little as $20, these entrepreneurs are given the chance to build their own futures by...

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Avenue Club and The Bubble Up Bar

  • empowerment
  • social good
  • microfinance
Have a Pint, Change a Life

Live Undiscovered Music (LÜM) Launch Party

Sponsored by: Foley & Lardner LLP
This event is the launch of LÜM's iOS application. Live Undiscovered Music is a music discovery and streaming platform that is built on a social network. LÜM focuses on up and coming artists around the world by providing the ability for users to discover, share, and circulate music to decrease the disparity in exposure between corporate music and new music, and link local areas into the undiscovered music th...

7:30 pm – 12:00 am

Monona Terrace

  • Drinks
  • Live music
  • LÜM
  • App
  • Social
  • networking
Live Undiscovered Music (LÜM) Launch Party

Pop Up Event: Professional photos for entrepreneurs

Hosted by StartingBlock and Nomadic Creative

Every growing team needs beautiful professional pictures, for ad, social and pitch decks. Here’s your chance! Come check out the amazing spaces at the brand new StartingBlock and receive professional photos of you and your team. If you have products, bring them as well! Sign up below, space is limited but the Nomadic Creative team will try to fit everyone in! Questions? Contact Justin @ 312 493-5523

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

StartingBlock Madison

Pop Up Event: Professional photos for entrepreneurs!

Sat, Aug 18, 2018

Code.forGood()

Social Good Madison

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. The Code.forGood(); series brings together a small, but growing community of technology, content, and other...

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Horizon Coworking

  • coding day
  • Hackathon
Code.forGood()!

Main Street Bazaar: Business Incubator Open House

Hosted by Common Wealth Development in partnership with SupraNet Communications

Sponsored by: SupraNet
Sponsored by: Old Sugar Distillery
Sponsored by: Giant Jones Brewing
OPEN HOUSE! Find yourself in a business bazaar in Main Street Industries within the booming Madison Maker's corridor on the East Isthmus. Meander your way through a self-guided tour of the incubator facility, visiting office, light-industrial, and retail space, stopping at Old Sugar Distillery, and Giant Jones Brewery to redeem your two free beverages, and chatting with entrepreneurs with open doors and business booths along the way. The incubators provide...

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Main Street Industries

  • Social
Main Street Bazaar: Business Incubator Open House!

Sun, Aug 19, 2018

Pre-Pride Parade Brunch Reception

OPEN Madison

This year we have teamed up with the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and Fresco to bring you a unique experience you will not want to miss. There will be plenty of mingling, food, drinks, and of course PRIDE to go around. Come celebrate with us before the parade with direct access to the parade route. Feel free to join us in the parade as well as we march to...

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

  • Social
  • Brunch
  • pride
  • parade
  • networking
Pre-Pride Parade Brunch Reception

Wine and Wellness in the Digital Age

Hosted by Healthy and Hygge

Health technology is defined by the World Health Organization as the application of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of life. This Wine and Wellness event will discover new ways of approaching wellness through the integration of technology to hold individuals accountable while reaching their wellness goal. 2018 is all about developing a holistic...

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Winestyles of Sun Prairie

  • Happy Hour
  • Wellness
  • Social
Wine and Wellness in the Digital Age!

Parentpreneur Ice Cream Social

Hosted by SupraNet Communications, Zendesk and Matrix Coworking

Sponsored by: SupraNet Communications
Sponsored by: Zendesk
Sponsored by: Matrix Coworking
What do parenting and running a business have in common? MULTITASKING! We would like to invite you to a family-focused, all-ages networking event. You heard us! Family time + Business networking! Are you an entrepreneur or business owner looking to meet other business professionals who seek work/family balance? So are we! And we have noticed a significant gap in the support network. Our goal is to foster a startup ecosystem...

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Henry Vilas Zoo

  • family
  • networking
  • Social
  • entrepreneur
Parentpreneur Ice Cream Social!

Yum Yum Fest

THE MOST DELICIOUS DAY OF THE SUMMERAdmission includes access to 30 of the Madison area's best chef's and restaurants, music by DJ Radish, entertainment provided by Underground Aerial, coloring book pages, hands-on activities by the Discovery Building about the science of food, yard games, and of course, the most delicious day of the summer. Small plates are $5 per plate and beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. Yum Yum...

3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Breese Stevens Field

  • Festival
  • foodie
  • food and drink
  • Local
  • yum yum fest
  • Madison
Yum Yum Fest!

Mon, Aug 20, 2018

Data for Impact Conference

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...

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Union South

  • Focused Discussions
  • Conference
  • Panel
  • Nonprofit
  • Analytics
  • Tech/Software
  • data
  • Social
Data for Impact Conference

Free Coworking Day

Industrious

Industrious is a premier coworking space located on the Capitol square. With incredible views, amenities, and design this space offers an exciting work environment for any industry or business. Come and experience what it's like to work out of Industrious for a day! Breakfast, coffee, drinks, and snacks throughout the day will all be provided.

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Industrious Madison

  • Coworking
Free Coworking Day

Wisconsin Ag Innovation Forum

Hosted by Earthling Interactive

Sponsored by: Earthling Interactive
From university-led research, to scrappy start-ups, to corporate investment, Wisconsin has been at the forefront of the evolution of agriculture. Perhaps overlooked, is how these different centers of innovation are interconnected. Research ideas from the university are spun off into start-ups; start-up acquisition leads to innovation at larger ag tech companies, which in turn support funding of university research. In addition, Wisconsin innovations in ag have had a profound impact...

12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Discovery Building - Orchard Room

  • forum
  • Panel
  • speakers
Wisconsin Ag Innovation Forum

Giving Design a Seat at the Lean Table

Hosted by Design Concepts, Inc

Design Thinking and Lean Startup are two approaches to product and service development that can co-exist with some creativity and flexibility to create a better result. Join us for this inspiring talk, first given at SXSW, by Amy Lee, Senior Design Researcher & Strategist, and Roshelle Ritzenthaler, Design Strategist. A light lunch will be served.

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Design Concepts

  • seminar
  • Social
Giving Design a Seat at the Lean Table

MADWAUKEE Lunch & Learn with Archna Sahay

Hosted by StartingBlock

ARCHANA SAHAY, Philly superstar, known as the city’s “Best Connector”, will be in Madison talking about Philadelphia’s innovation scene and strategies to build a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. Archana served as the Director of Entrepreneur Investment for the City of Philadelphia until Summer 2017 when she joined J. Nowak Strategies.

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

StartingBlock Madison

  • fundraising
  • workshop
  • discussion
MADWAUKEE Lunch & Learn with Archna Sahay

Business BarCamp - 2018

Hosted by Middleton Chamber of Commerce

BarCamp is an ad-hoc unconference born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. You may have previously attended a BarCamp focused on technology, music, or even gaming. The Middleton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to collaborate with Forward Festival 2018 to bring you the area's only Business BarCamp. Attendees will participate in business focused breakout sessions hosted at Madison College - West Campus. Immediately following...

12:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Madison College West Campus

  • bar camp
  • networking
Business BarCamp - 2018!

Seminar & Social: Impact / SRI - Investing with Your Values

Sponsored by: Robert W Baird
Impact / SRI 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. Learn how you can invest with your values and make a difference with Mary Strickland and Laura Murray. www.bairdoffices.com/madison_w... @rwbaird #rwbaird

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

US Bank Capitol Square

  • workshop
  • Social
  • networking
  • Innovation
  • SRI
  • Investor
  • ESG
  • Impact
Seminar & Social: Impact / SRI - Investing with Your Values

CANCELLED: Investment Readiness: Interactive Panel and Workshop on Problem Statement and Value Proposition

Hosted by Kinnektor

*NOTE: This event has been cancelled.Hors d'oeuvres, Coffee, Water, Soda provided by Assure Professional Panel Discussion: Interactive Q&A: Problem Statement and Value Proposition are the subjects of this event. Subject matter experts, moderator and audience are part of opening up these topics. Identifying and articulating the problem, and then the process of identifying the value proposition are both difficult, and important processes. This discussion will begin with pre-selected...

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

StartingBlock Madison

  • Panel
  • workshop
  • deep dive
  • Mentor
  • Social
CANCELLED: Investment Readiness: Interactive Panel and Workshop on Problem Statement and Value Proposition!

A HealthTech Capitol Relay Conversation

Event Description: Two chairs. One interviewer and one interviewee – each coming from different perspectives in Greater Madison’s healthtech scene. After a few questions, the interviewer exits and the interviewee moves over to the interviewer chair. A new health innovation leader takes the interviewee chair and the conversation continues.  Join HealthTech Capitol, an initiative of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, for an evening of networking – featuring complimentary beverages and li...

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Findorff

  • HealthTech
  • networking
  • start-up
  • business
  • Technology
A HealthTech Capitol Relay Conversation!

CANCELLED: Innovation in Advocacy

Hosted by Planned Parenthood

Building strength in uncertain times is dependent on a simple, but often ignored set of tools. Join Nicole Safar, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, as she sheds light on innovations and insights from the organization's experiences in 21st century advocacy.

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

The Terrace at 33 E Main

CANCELLED: Innovation in Advocacy

Startup Week(night)

Every spring, Madison Startup Weekend descends on University Research Park for 54 straight hours. On August 20th, we’ll be hosting a micro version of this annual event: learn what it takes to get an idea off the ground from serial entrepreneurs in a fun, off-kilter race against the clock, but in 3 hours instead of 3 days! Based on a set of provided materials, attendees will have the chance to invent a pr...

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

EatStreet

  • start-up
  • entrepreneur
  • business
  • hands-on
  • fun
Startup Week(night)

Intro to Blockchain Panel

Hosted by 100state

This panel is designed to provide an introduction and discussion about emerging blockchain technology. Panelists will focus on the impact blockchain technology will have on the Madison ecosystem. It is open to anyone from the enthusiast to curious. Panelists include : Will Pangman: Founder, Badger Labs Sidarth Ramesh: Founder, Chainguru Vash Marada: CEO, Bitpayer Roz Stengle: President, Badger Blockchain Note: seating is limited so make sure to reserve your spot!

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

100state

  • Panel
  • networking
  • blockchain
Intro to Blockchain Panel

Pop Up Event: Professional photos for entrepreneurs

Hosted by StartingBlock and Nomadic Creative

Every growing team needs beautiful professional pictures, for ad, social and pitch decks. Here’s your chance! Come check out the amazing spaces at the brand new StartingBlock and receive professional photos of you and your team. If you have products, bring them as well! Sign up below, space is limited but the Nomadic Creative team will try to fit everyone in! Questions? Contact Justin @ 312 493-5523

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

StartingBlock

Pop Up Event: Professional photos for entrepreneurs!

Tue, Aug 21, 2018

FTC: Pop Up Preschool Sessions

Hosted by Treehouse Programs

Treehouse Programs is a new division of The Seventeenth Radish, a locally owned preschool and drop-in childcare program. Our two area facilities offer flexible, part time activities and drop-in childcare with a science focus. Treehouse Programs is now taking the fun, hands-on programming that we are known for on the road and hosting Pop Ups at events, senior centers, coffee shops, corporate facilities and more! Age Range: 4 - 10 years old...

8:30 am – 2:30 pm

UW Memorial Union

  • preschool
  • education
FTC: Pop Up Preschool Sessions

Forward Technology Conference

We have an amazing line up for the 2018 Forward Technology Conference. There will be tracks specializing in Entrepreneurship & Leadership, Marketing, Design, and Technology. Learn more about each track along with our Keynote speaker, John Zeratsky, here. 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...

8:30 am – 8:00 pm

Memorial Union

  • Conference
  • Panel
  • Founder
  • Mentor
  • Startup
  • Innovation
Forward Technology Conference

FTC: Kids FTC Programming

Hosted by Zendesk

Ticket includes snack, lunch, and ice cream break. Parents are welcome to stop by during the day, or pick up at 3:30 pm. Age Range: 8 - 12 years old Program Agenda: 10am - 12pm: Bot Squad with the Girl Scouts : Robots! Need we say more? Discover how to program robots to do your bidding! J/K :) Use the latest bot tech to make the world a better place, working with a partner...

10:00 am – 3:30 pm

UW Memorial Union

FTC: Kids FTC Programming!

Forward Festival Startup Showcase and Reception

The Forward Festival 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, over 15 Startup Showcase alumni from past years will take part in a lightning round of 1...

4:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Memorial Union

  • Pitch Event
  • Social
  • Startup
  • Showcase
  • Celebration
  • Innovation
  • networking
Forward Festival Startup Showcase and Reception

Wed, Aug 22, 2018

Badger Startup Summit

Sponsored by: Baker Tilly
Sponsored by: Findorff
Sponsored by: Kollath CPA
Sponsored by: Makin' Hey
Sponsored by: Murphy Desmond
Sponsored by: Morgan Stanley
Sponsored by: University Research Park
Sponsored by: WARF
Now in its sixth 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 noon time VenFair.- Participate in...

8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery

  • Conference
  • Startup
  • Mentor
  • Pitch Event
  • Showcase
  • networking
  • entrepreneur
Badger Startup Summit

5x5x5 Pitch Event

Doyenne Group

Sponsored by: City of Madison
Sponsored by: American Family Insurance
Sponsored by: MG&E
Sponsored by: Fine Point Consulting
Sponsored by: Dirigible Studio
Sponsored by: Hinckley Productions
Sponsored by: Strategic Partners Marketing
Sponsored by: Baird
For five years, Doyenne holds a state-wide open application process for women entrepreneurs to submit for a chance to be awarded $5,000 during the 5x5x5 event.  The application is open for the month of June, a selection committee narrows it down to five presenters who Doyenne works with to get their t-minute pitch ready to present at the event. The companies selected are early-stage, innovative in their industry and...

8:30 am – 10:00 am

Grainger Hall

  • Pitch Event
  • Social
  • Innovation
  • networking
5x5x5 Pitch Event

Older Adults: How To Develop and Market Products for America’s Largest Demographic

Hosted by Aging2.0

Sponsored by: Earthling Interactive
Sponsored by: National Guardian Life Insurance
Sponsored by: Lift Consulting
Sponsored by: KW2
Sponsored by: Aging2.0
We are excited to announce our upcoming event held in coordination with National Guardian Life Insurance: "How To Develop + Market Products for America's Largest Demographic" on August 22, with keynote by demographer and futurist Ken Gronbach. Marketers and entrepreneurs commonly overlook older adults when thinking about user testing and persona planning. In his talk Ken Gronbach shares insights derived from customized demographic research. His understanding of worldwide demographics, migration, aging, immigration...

8:00 am – 11:30 am

The Edgewater Hotel

  • keynote
  • Panel
  • demographics
  • marketing
Older Adults: How To Develop and Market Products for America’s Largest Demographic!

VenFair

Hosted by 1 Million Cups

Sponsored by: Baird
Sponsored by: Fine Point Consulting LLC
Sponsored by: Atlas Providers
Sponsored by: Ogden Glazer & Schaefer
Sponsored by: Organic Payroll
Sponsored by: Venture Investors LLC
Sponsored by: Jahr Media
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.

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery

  • Social
VenFair

Peer-to-peer business lending - Kiva coming to Madison

Kiva is a peer-to-peer business lending platform founded in 2005 to help small ventures raise money. The platform creates opportunities for ventures that need small loans (under $10K) to get started. It addresses a critical gap in the funding pipeline. Our team is working to make Madison an official KIVA city. This event will introduce KIVA to our entrepreneurial ecosystem and fund a few Madison businesses that are on the platform.

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

StartingBlock

  • funding
  • lending
Peer-to-peer business lending - Kiva coming to Madison!

Startup Business Forum

Hosted by State Bank of Cross Plains

Do you have a business idea, side hustle, or recently started business, but don't know where to go from here? Or do you have questions, but don't know who to ask or trust? This event is for you! Come network with entrepreneurs, and hear successful business owners have real discussions about what they did starting out, what worked, what didn't, and what they might have done different. In addition, there...

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The Madison Club

  • startup forum
  • networking
  • Happy Hour
  • Social
Startup Business Forum!

Wisconsin Games Alliance Forward Fest Social

Hosted by Wisconsin Games Alliance

Sponsored by: Good City Brewing
Sponsored by: Domeloz Honey Spirit
The Wisconsin Games Alliance (WGA) hosts quarterly social events to further solidify the Madison and Wisconsin game development community. All are welcome to attend these casual social events to connect and make friends with area game developers and industry professionals.Our 3rd quarter event is part of Madison's annual Forward Fest, a celebration of the area's technology and entrepreneur community. Join us at the brand new StartingBlock Madison for an...

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

StartingBlock Madison

  • Happy Hour
  • Social
Wisconsin Games Alliance Forward Fest Social

BioTech Happy Hour Fundraiser for the Wisconsin Science Museum

Sponsored by:
Join us at the next BioTech Happy Hour for great beer, engaging science people, cool exhibits and fun contests! All for a great cause. Wisconsin has incredible science, technology and biotech stories, and many discoveries that helped change the world happened right here. Madison and the biotechnology industry have grown together, and collaborations between public and private organizations have helped develop a city directly on the edge of innovation. Our...

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Wisconsin Brewing Company

  • Happy Hour
  • fundraiser
BioTech Happy Hour Fundraiser for the Wisconsin Science Museum

Badger Fund Manager Meet and Greet

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 22nd 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...

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!

Launch Night: “Madison Tech & Social Impact” networking group

Sponsored by: 100State
Sponsored by: DANEnet
Sponsored by: Zendesk
Using our powers for good in our own backyard. Madison Tech & Social Impact is a new monthly networking group launching at Forward Fest 2018. It was inspired by a packed-house, one-off event last year, which illustrated there’s a strong demand for a space where tech and nonprofit folks can collaborate, innovate and learn from each other. Snacks and drinks will be provided! Did you know that Dane County is one of...

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

100state

  • networking
  • social impact
  • social justice
  • Nonprofit
  • Community
  • launch
  • launch party
Launch Night: “Madison Tech & Social Impact” networking group

PechaKucha Night Madison

Hosted by High Tech Happy Hour

No idea is too big or too small during The Forward Festival! Join us for Forward Fest x PechaKucha as current and budding entrepreneurs share their ideas or wildest dreams relating to innovation and advancement! Since 2010, The Forward Festival has been Madison’s flagship technology and entrepreneurship festival. Forward Fest x PechaKucha joins 50+ events during the festival to showcase innovative and creative ideas that elevate Madison and surrounding areas to th...

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Monona Terrace

  • networking
  • presentation
  • entrepreneur
  • Innovation
PechaKucha Night Madison

Thu, Aug 23, 2018

Be Your Own Hero - Startup Stories from the World of Roller Derby

Sponsored by: Ian’s Pizza
Sponsored by: Just Coffee Co-op
"Well, put some skates on, be your own hero." ~ Whip It Roller derby is a sport that encourages people to put on their own skates and be their own hero. Entrepreneurs who have done just that - dreamed big, taken the leap, laced up their skates and took the track - will be sharing their stories and experiences of what it took to prepare and set off into brave new...

10:00 am – 11:30 am

StartingBlock Madison

  • Panel
Be Your Own Hero - Startup Stories from the World of Roller Derby

Social Good Social Hour

Hosted by HEART Consulting, LLC

For anyone who has, or is considering, starting a business that has a focus on positive social impact, let's get together! This is an opportunity to network with other organizations looking to make social changes in their communities and share our triumphs and pitfalls, to learn from each other and find out more about the great work that is happening in our communities.

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The Brink Lounge

  • Social
  • Happy Hour
Social Good Social Hour!

SOLD OUT: Rooftop Social (and Forward Fest Wrap Party)

Capital Entrepreneurs

Sponsored by: Baird
Sponsored by: Fine Point Consulting
Sponsored by: Neider & Boucher
Sponsored by: Baker Tilly
Sponsored by: BDO
Join Capital Entrepreneurs as we wrap up the 2018 Forward Festival with a rooftop celebration on the Capitol Square. Come mingle with Madison’s up-and-coming innovators at the Capital Entrepreneurs Open 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.

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Boardman & Clark

  • Social
  • Celebration
  • meetups
SOLD OUT: Rooftop Social (and Forward Fest Wrap Party)

Pop Up Event: GIVE BACK: Volunteer with StartingBlock and United Way

Hosted by StartingBlock and United Way

Let’s give back together! StartingBlock and United Way have teamed up to create Forward goers a chance to meet each other while doing good! Put on an old Forward Fest shirt, grab a paint brush and help us spruce up the YWCA on the Capitol Square. Let’s help give the YWCA's residential hallways a facelift! Your help will directly impact the women and families we serve, helping maintain thei...

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

YWCA

Pop Up Event: GIVE BACK: Volunteer with StartingBlock and United Way!