FAQ

Forward Fest badges and T-Shirts are included with the All Inclusive Forward Pass with Swag ticket option. Pick up is required.

The full Forward Fest 2025 calendar will be live in June! Take a look at the calendar and see what events interest you. 

Purchasing tickets and RSVPing to events can be done through our ticketing platform. RSVP to the events you intend to attend by clicking "Add to Sched" or by checking the circle next to the title. This updates event organizers of your attendance and saves your seat. Continue adding events to your personal schedule and build out your itinerary for the week. You will only be able to add events that correspond to the type of ticket you purchased. Please be courteous to the event organizers. If you no longer plan to attend, please remove your RSVP by removing the event from your Sched calendar.

Tickets must be purchased using an internet browser, but reviewing the lineup and RSVPing for events can be done on the Forward Fest 2025 app as well as the web.

If you have trouble or need help, please contact us at info@forwardfest.org.

Streaming links for virtual events will become visible on the individual event page 10 minutes before the start of the session for those who have RSVP’d and are logged in.

Purchasing a ticket requires an internet browser to complete. Enter forwardfest2024.sched.com in your internet search bar. Use the app (or web) for creating and accessing the Forward Fest lineup and your personal schedule on the go. If you need further assistance contact info@forwardfest.org.

Yes! The Forward Fest app is continually updated with the most current information and event details. 

When the app is ready for 2025, you'll be able to search for "Forward Fest 2025" in the Apple app store or Google Play. Anyone can access the app! Please note - you cannot buy tickets via the app, that must be done in a browser window.

A new app is built every year. The 2024 app will not update with info for 2025.

If you have questions, contact info@forwardfest.org.

The Forward Pass is the fastest, easiest, and the most cost-effective way to take advantage of all that Forward Fest has to offer. This one pass gets you into all the events (free and paid) listed on our website as included in the pass. 

There are three different options for the pass, including a Free Forward Pass at no cost thanks to our sponsors. Once you secure a ticket, you'll be able to RSVP by adding events to your personal calendar. The All Inclusive Forward Pass  is a paid pass and will unlock more events to add to your calendar. Remember to register early, as many events have capacity limits. 

Yes! Click here to subscribe to the Startup Digest email to get monthly news and updates.

Forward Fest has a Board that sets overall direction for the Festival, and several committees who work on promotions, tech and outreach. We’re always looking for more volunteers to help - let us know if you’re interested!

Anyone can host an event during Forward Fest, as long as the event:

• Is open and inclusive

• Cross-promotes the Festival and other events

• Is related to entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity

The first step to hosting an event is filling out the event form on the website. Once you’ve submitted, we’ll follow up and let you know of any questions.

You can choose any venue that you like in the greater Madison area; there are no required or “central” venues during the Festival. We find that events near downtown Madison often get more attendees than those farther away, but it’s totally up to you. Let us know if you need suggestions!

The Forward Fest team is here to answer any questions you have and help you with anything you need! Our goal is to make this a smooth event for you and your attendees. We maintain the ForwardFest.org website, handle Forward Pass ticketing, and manage the registration system. We will provide you with social media tools and guidelines to help you promote your event, and do some promotion to our email lists and social media followers. If there’s anything you need, just ask!

The Few Events Forward Pass allows access to a large percentage of Forward Festival events. All Inclusive Forward Pass allows access to all events.

When someone buys a Forward Pass, they'll get access to most events and have the option to add swag like a t-shirt. Please let us know if your event has limited capacity, so we can be sure that Forward Pass holders know your event is first come, first served for them.

You do not need to pay a fee to be part of the Forward Festival. You are welcome to host an event, as long as you follow the guidelines outlined in this FAQ.

You can sell tickets, solicit sponsorships, or ask for in-kind donations to fund your event. The Festival will recognize any sponsors that give more than $2,500 across all events (including in-kind donations, such as event space), which will get their names on signs at the Festival's 40+ events. 

In order to do that, we ask that you please let us know of any event sponsors who commit to supporting your event.

There will be some attendees who find your event from the Forward Fest website, app, and other promotions, or through your listing with the Forward Pass.  However, because the calendar is so busy, you should plan to get the majority of your attendees through your own network and promotions. Remember that your event can be any size you like - in fact, some of the most effective events are smaller in scale.

Forward Festive-ale is beer brewed specifically for Forward Fest by a local brewery. You can order this beer in kegs of various sizes or cans on the event form, and serve it at your event. An invoice will be handled through your event venue, or sent directly to the person you indicate on the event form. Please be sure you are following the alcohol service policies of your event venue, which may mean having your caterer order the beer directly. We can help if you have questions.