Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival.

Conference
Startup
Mentor
Pitch Event
Showcase

Better By Design Workshop

Dig in with thought leaders and experienced practitioners in UX, user research, accessibility, and more. Round out your experience at the Better by Design conference the following day, on Aug 18.

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

workshop

Social Good Summit

The 3rd annual Social Good Summit focus is not on profits, but social change. Madison's innovative community is poised to move the needle on social good acceleration — changing the way business and work will touch our lives. Every week, accelerators launch hundreds of business initiatives into fruitful realities. But these opportunities are scarce for those who want to create meaningful work, public good, community well-being, and sustainable...

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Madison Public Library

Pitch Event
Startup
Showcase
Founder
Mentor
Summit

VenFair

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.

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Badger Rock Neighborhood Center

Social

General

Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders

Building Bosses is a mentoring program that pairs successful business owners with young people. AJ Carr, the 14 year old owner of Building Bosses, will be sharing more detailed information about the program and all that he's trying to accomplish.Please reach out to buildingbossesinc@gmail.com to register. If you cannot attend the 12:00 PM event there is another at 4:30 PM!

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Mentors
CEO
Founders

Fast-Track to Funding Your Start-Up Panel

Ready to get your business dream up and running? Get real world knowledge to help fund your start-up with this special panel, led by director of StartingBlock Madison Chandra Miller Fienen. Panelists include Managing Director at Venture Investors Scott Button, Gener8or Program Director Louis Condon, and President and Cofounder of Redox, and Co-founder of 100State Niko Skievaski. Be sure to attend to be eligible to win a $50 gift card....

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

DreamBank

Panel
Founder
Mentor
Startup
Investor

Fast-Track to Funding Your Start-Up Panel

General

High Tech Happy Hour Anniversary Event

The 16th anniversary of High Tech Happy Hour will help kick off the 2017 Forward Festival. Join us at the UW Memorial Union from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and enjoy hosted beverages and appetizers while networking with local business professionals. Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. All are welcome, so come and bring your friends!

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Social

General

Rise and Shine

Join us for a fun & casual morning of meeting and mixing with fellow women in business. Whether you already launched your company, or are just thinking about starting one- jump into our event to build your community, share ideas & experiences, and make new connections. THE JILLS OF ALL TRADES™ is a platform for Freelancers, Consultants and B2B Entrepreneurs that creates community, connections, and convenience. THE JILLS’ mission is gr...

7:30 am – 9:00 am

Synergy Coworking

Social
Founder
Startup
Mentor
Introductory

General

Widen Chats hosted by Matthew Gonnering

Coffee and networking @ 8-8:30a.  Interview with storytelling, video and production experts,   David and Michael Neelsen @ 8:30 - 9:30a. StoryFirst Media is a video content production company helping tell stories for companies like Nordic Consulting, Renaissance Learning, Quad Graphics, University of Chicago, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, TDS, Widen and more. Join StoryFirst Media co-founders Dave & Michael Neelsen as they share their story...

8:00 am – 9:30 am

Widen

Meet up
Focused Discussions

Better by Design Conference

Get inspired by practitioners using thoughtful design to make things better for projects, people, and our world. Enjoy one full day of expert presenters and inspiring case studies on design thinking, user experience (UX), product design and more! Round out your experience with a workshop (or two!) the day before on Aug 17.

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Conference

Industrious Madison Sneak Peek Tour

This is your chance to get an exclusive first look at Madison’s newest premium coworking space, Industrious, before anyone else. Located in the newly renovated Old National Bank building at 25 W. Main, this group tour will include amazing lake views and Capitol views as well as an opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs over a local craft beer. Come learn more about the community we're building at Industrious and what se...

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Industrious

hard hat tour
Social

General

Immigrant Entrepreneurship

Immigrants make up a disproportional share of entrepreneurs in the United States. Join gener8tor for a discussion about this important policy topic including perspectives from national thought-leaders, local immigrant entrepreneurs and policymakers.

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Foley & Lardner

Panel
Focused Discussion

Better By Design Community Social

Are you wondering where Madison's UX and design community is? We want to meet you! Join design-minded folks from Madison and beyond for a social hour. Connect with other UXers and designers and enjoy a summer evening on the patio of Union South. Don't be shy - this event is open to and inclusive of all!

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Grand Hall at Capitol Lakes Retirement Community

Social

Challenge Cup : Madison — local qualifier competition hosted by StartingBlock Madison

StartingBlock Madison is hosting the Challenge Cup qualifying pitch competition.  Part of the global Challenge Cup competition organized by 1776 and Revolution, Challenge Cup : Madison will highlight our region’s most innovative and interesting startups, each delivering a 2-minute elevator pitch, followed by a 1-minute Q&A with a panel of judges.  The Madison winner will win airfare and accommodations to the Global Challenge Cup finals in Ne...

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Pitch
Founder
Developer
Scientist
Mentor
Startup
Investor
Elected

Challenge Cup : Madison — local qualifier competition hosted by StartingBlock Madison

General

Live on King Street

Festival Foods Presents Live on King Street with THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS and OUGHT & TROPHY DAD ▸ WHAT: Seven FREE outdoor concerts on Friday nights featuring nationally touring artists.▸ WHERE: On King Street right in front of the Majestic.▸ WHEN: Friday, August 18, doors open at 6:00 pm.▸ WHY: Because live music, summer, and beer were meant to be together. And more importantly, because we love you, Madison....

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Majestic

Heymiss Progress Presents: Chat + Chomp + Plan

Come through and have brunch with us! We're kicking off the morning featuring a lively discussion featuring SaVance Ford who'll share his experience in coding camps and working for Adorable.io. Over brunch we'll get right into a lively discussion on creating inclusive environments and you'll leave with a plan you can act on right away!

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Adorable

Brunch
Focused Discussion
Social

Heymiss Progress Presents: Chat + Chomp + Plan

#Parentpreneur 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 in Madison that values and supports founders and their families. We are advocating for the children of founders of both “startups” and “small businesses”. After all, if we want Madison to be th...

4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Matrix Coworking

Social

Pre-Pride Parade Continental Brunch at Red Elephant Chocolate

Join OPEN (Out, Professional Engagement Network) Madison at the Pre-Pride Parade Continental Brunch right on the Pride parade route, featuring a light brunch of various chocolate specialties including chocolate covered bacon! Each guest receives one mimosa with registration, additional available for purchase.  Red Elephant Chocolate specializes in premium, handcrafted chocolates featuring artistic truffles, caramels, figures, gift boxes and also selections made with the world’s rarest, single-origin chocolate. Located ju...

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Red Elephant

Social

makeshift

A new festival that celebrates the visual & culinary arts alongside the rich history of Madison's public spaces.

3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Olbrich Park

Festival

Food
Arts

Drop In Workday at Revel

Attending Forward Fest? Use Revel as your downtown office on a busy day of sessions! Take a break between sessions to catch up on emails, snack, network, and perhaps enjoy a cold beverage ;) Revel's inspiring space is conveniently located just off the Capitol Square and has ample room for co-working, conversation, and more. Drop in any time between 9am-5pm and enjoy high-speed Wifi, complimentary snacks generously provided by Bassett...

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Revel

Social
Coworking
Craft

Arts
General

Exploring Silvertech: Innovations For Seniors And Caregivers

The conversation about aging adults and tech needs to shift from focusing on an "untapped opportunity" to thinking about the realities around aging and how technology might revolutionize the way we live-as and care-for seniors. Aging2.0 Madison presents a panel of experts on aging and technology that will examine ways silvertech can improve quality of life, assist aging in place, and support care givers and providers. From wearables to telehealth,...

9:30 am – 2:30 pm

Panel

Exploring Silvertech: Innovations For Seniors And Caregivers

Pitch to Ditch

How can startups, free lancers, and entrepreneurs best help solve our communities toughest issues? Individuals with ideas to pitch will share with a crowd of community-minded individuals who want to be a part of solving tough problems. A great opportunity to and learn!

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Boardman & Clark

Pitch Event
Innovation

Social Good

Business BarCamp

Business BarCamp 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 2017 to bring you our second annual Business BarCamp. Attendees will participate in business focused breakout sessions hosted...

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Kromrey Middle School

General

Technology and Regional Planning

A Greater Madison Vision is an exciting region-wide conversation on growth and development. The region is growing and changing rapidly, and we are trying to envision a wide range of potential future changes and plan for a region that works for everyone. Join us for an immersive regional planning experience, where you can play a "Sim Region"-type computer game, design neighborhoods with model blocks (and experience your new neighborhood...

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

DreamBank (American Family Insurance)

Pressure Chamber

Pressure Chamber returns for its fourth year as emerging companies again compete for the coveted “golden suitcase,” as well as an all-expenses paid spot on the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce’s exclusive Madison-area startup delegation to San Francisco this October for meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms. In its three years, participating Pressure Chamber companies have gone on to raise more than $100 million from investors, and each Pressure Chambe...

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Overture Center

Pitch Event
Startup
Investment
Showcase

General

neXXpo

Experience what’s next in business at neXXpo 2017, 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 second 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 special nex7 Stage event. For attendees, you can help y...

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Overture Center

Social
Innovation
Showcase
Celebration

General

Wisconsin Games Alliance Social

The Wisconsin Games Alliance hosts quarterly social events to further solidify the Madison and Wisconsin game development community. All are welcome to attend these casual social events to network and make friends with area game developers and industry professionals.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

North Street Cabaret

Social

Games

ART+ Mass

ART+ Mass will offer a dialogue on art as a lens and tool for exploring and documenting new discoveries in particle physics. The panel will feature:• Artist Sonja Thomsen, whose immersive lobby installation at MMoCA is meant to transform a viewer's encounters with light, space, time, and movement. Thomsen's interest lies in “creating spaces that highlight the inaccessible. There should always be a place for wonder; it is a direct line...

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

MMOCA

Social
Focused Discussion

Doyenne Mentor Match

It can be difficult for entrepreneurs to connect with mentors who have the knowledge, skill, and/or time to become a valuable advisor. Doyenne’s Mentor Match expedites this process by matching ready, willing and able mentors with entrepreneurs in need.  Prior to the event, entrepreneurs and mentors apply to find a match. In addition to providing bios and background information, each indicates their specific areas of need or ex...

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Hotel RED

Mentor
Social
Focused Discussions

General

Mead, Music, and Microfinance

This is a fundraiser for Wisconsin Microfinance that will feature Unity the Band, along with other bands opening for them, performing reggae music. Guests will be invited to try mead and a featured island-inspired cocktail. It will be a fun happy hour/Monday night concert. Recommended donation of $15 at the door.

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Bos Meadery

Social

Arts
General

Forward Summit: Breathe For Change - Yoga and Mindfulness Class

Do you want to show up to this event present, collected, ready to learn and excited to collaborate? Take time for yourself! Your well-being matters and positively impacts those around you. During this one-hour yoga and meditation practice hosted by Breathe for Change, you'll be lead through a brief meditation followed by an asana practice. All are welcome! Feel free to come in whatever you are comfortable wearing - yoga...

7:30 am – 8:30 am

1st floor deck overlooking the lake at the Memorial Union

Yoga

Forward Summit: Forward Technology Conference

The headline tech conference of the Forward Festival, the Forward Technology Conference (FTC) is geared toward startup founders, tech geeks, and those wanting to build successful technology companies. Whether you’re thinking about launching a startup business or you’re an experienced entrepreneur, you’ll find this conference relevant and insightful.  FTC is by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. You’ll get real perspective from tech startup leaders who are actu...

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Conference
Panel
Founder
Mentor
Startup
Innovation

Forward Summit: Forward Technology Conference

Forward Summit: BigDataWisconsin Conference

Back in 2016, the organizers of several Big Data Groups across Wisconsin all had the same thought: It’s high time for an event we can call our own to help nurture and grow the state of Big Data use and expertise right here in Wisconsin. A few vendors joined in to help with the task and the result was the inaugural BigDataWisconsin Conference.  It was such a success that we...

8:30 am – 6:00 pm

Memorial Union Terrace

Scientist
Developer
Conference

Forward Summit: BigDataWisconsin Conference

Tech/Software

Forward Summit: Data for Impact

SMALL DATA CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACTData has transformed the way we work, interact, engage, and communicate— it’s amazing for its power to change and terrifying for its power to codify existing privileges and prejudices.  We live in times of unparalleled access to data and information, that provides a world of possibilities, and a super-powered dose of responsibilities. #DataForImpactIf you believe that data can be used to ma...

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Focused Discussions
Conference
Panel
DataViz
SocialEnt
Nonprofit
NGO
Analytics
Tech/Software

Forward Summit: Madison Tech Meetups

While the Forward Technology Conference is an anchor event during Forward Festival, we heard from attendees who wanted additional opportunities to learn about technology beyond entrepreneurship. We reached out to Madison area Meetup groups to partner on creating a full tech track on issues from software to hardware.  Many thanks to our Meetup partners: Internet of Things - Madison, Ionic Madison, Madhackers, Madison Women in Tech, MASD (Madison Area...

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

meetups
Social

Forward Summit: Health Care Innovation: a patient-centered exploration

This mini-summit will feature case studies of health care innovation as a means of sparking dialogue. Explore meaningful innovation, not just change. Bring your ideas and questions of what it means to enhance health care for the patient's benefit and from the patient perspective.

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Mini-summit
Innovation

Forward Summit: Health Care Innovation: a patient-centered exploration

Bio/Health

Forward Summit: Kids STEAM Programming

Kids STEAM programming including meeper BOTS, engineering challenges and more! Ticket includes snack, lunch, and ice cream break. Parents are welcome to stop by during the day, or pick up at 3:00 pm. Intended for kids ages 5-14, the day will include programming from community partners and volunteers at Memorial Union during the Forward Summit. Kids will play with and program their own robotic cars, hear from local entrepreneurs, and get...

8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Family

Forward Summit: 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 rising startups will give a 5-minute "demo day" style pitch showcasing their company. These presenting companies include: - hankr- Hive Social Club- Kilter Rewards- Kurbi- TheoremReach- Building Bosses In addition,...

4:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Pitch Event
Social
Startup
Showcase
Celebration

Forward Summit: Startup Showcase and Reception

General

Social Media Breakfast presents "How Should I Be Using Analytics?"

Learn about the digital marketing metrics you should be watching and what you should be doing with them. Get Found Madison owner Eagan Heath will show you how to get the most out of free Google tools like Analytics, Search Console, Tag Manager and Data Studio, including how to measure the effectiveness of your paid ads and how to re-target previous website visitors.

7:30 am – 9:00 am

Brix & Mortar Coworking

Social Media Breakfast presents "How Should I Be Using Analytics?"

UW-Madison Business Engagement Day on Campus

Register now for UW–Madison’s premier business engagement event. Take this opportunity to connect with UW–Madison business engagement teams along with companies already deploying UW resources. We’ve designed a fast-moving event with interactive sessions, an inside look at some amazing Badger innovations, and time for you to meet with content experts. Develop next steps for beginning or expanding your relationship with UW–Madison Improve awareness of the breadth of...

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Conference

UW-Madison Business Engagement Day on Campus

General

Hacking Healthcare with Epic

Healthcare is better together! Catch-up on Epic’s new App Orchard developer program, including available APIs and other services. Check out presentations from Epic and guest speakers already working on exciting new apps with the program. Come ready to learn the world of healthcare and network with like-minded innovators, developers, designers, and entrepreneurs tackling healthcare’s trickiest challenges.

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Corner of State Street and the Capital Square

Startup
Meetup
Focused Discussion
Developer

The LLC or the C-Corp? What's Right For Your Startup?

The LLC or C-Corp debate has been a heated discussion for years. We’re bringing this debate to a public forum so we can finally settle this once and for all. 2016 Wisconsin Business Lawyer of the Year and drafter of the LLC statute, Attorney Joe Boucher of Neider & Boucher, S.C., debates with corporate governance and securities attorney John Blimling of Quarles & Brady, LLP. With twenty plus years of legal ex...

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Quarles & Brady

Panel

The LLC or the C-Corp? What's Right For Your Startup?

General

Badger Fund Manager Meet and Greet

Venture capital fund managers from four new Wisconsin venture capital funds will be at the August 23rd Jazz at Five performance on the corner of State and Capital. 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 Money for Minnows investments strategy and the future...

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Social
Music
Venture Capital

General

What’s Brewing in Trademark Law?

As a start-up, you’re likely aware that trademarks are a key aspect of protecting the viability of your company as it grows.  But how do trademarks really work, and what strategies should you implement to ensure your brands and products hold steadfast, advantageous positions in the market?  In “What’s Brewing in Trademark Law” we turn to an industry overflowing with concrete examples of trademark strategy in action.&...

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Offices of Boardman & Clark

Social
Focused Discussion

Food
General

Healthtech Capitol Presents: Healthtech Hob Nob

The Health Highway   With some of the top health systems, insurers, manufacturers, researchers and technology companies in the world, the I-94 corridor from Milwaukee to Madison is a leader in health innovation. Join HealthTech Capitol, an initiative of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, for a panel discussion with healthcare leaders on the opportunities and outlook for strengthening Wisconsin’s health innovation ecosystem.   Attendees will also enjoy co...

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Findorff

Panel
Social
Technology

The Dolphin Tank: Madison

Springboard Enterprises Dolphin Tank® programs are “helpful feedback-driven” pitch sessions for entrepreneurs to receive constructive insights from knowledgeable professionals. Dolphin Tanks aren’t about sharks, piranhas, dragons, or competing for the best idea – they’re about channeling the expertise of the people in the room. The Dolphin Tank is an interactive discussion led by an expert panel that focuses on one thing: “How can we help?” The objective is to provide connect...

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

100State Coworking Space

Pitch Event

General

Community Shares of Wisconsin at Forward Fest: A Focus on Charlottesville

Join Community Shares of Wisconsin for an event focused on local responses to white supremacist violence earlier this month in Charlottesville. The event is hosted as part of The Forward Festival and is sponsored by Dane County Credit Union.   **Note: In light of the white supremacist activities and subsequent violence in Charlottesville, we have shifted this event to focus instead on the ways different organizations and community members are...

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Plan B

Social

Community Shares of Wisconsin at Forward Fest: A Focus on Charlottesville

Community Supported Entrepreneurism

Madison has a strong supporting community consisting of graphic designers, lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, and insurance agents, etc., who are more than willing to help a new businesses grow. While these services may not be core to the products or software, they are essential to successful business startup and growth. This Happy Hour will bring Young Professionals to the entrepreneurial community and look at ways to increase the connection between...

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Madison Club

Founder
Mentor
Community
Social

General

ProductTank Madison - 2 Founders on Identifying & Vetting Product Opportunities

Hear from two founders and CEOs from the healthcare IT industry to hear their perspective on providing solutions to customers' problems as opposed to selling them products. As part of this discussion they will share their experiences of identifying and vetting new product or company opportunities, and when to listen to customers and when to deviate from what they are asking for. Speakers: Shree Kalluri, Founder, CEO, and Chief Customer...

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm