Host An Event

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! 

This year, many events will be virtual, and we can help you figure that out. Please contact us with questions.

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 the Forward Pass ticketing, and can help set up your registration page, if you like. 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 Forward Pass allows access to a large percentage of Forward Festival events. As an event organizer, you can decide if you would like to participate in the Forward Pass or not. 

When someone buys a Forward Pass, they'll get access to most events plus the Forward Fest app and web platform. Please let us know if you have 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 50+ 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 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.

We're committed to making Forward Fest open and accessible to everyone this year, and so Forward Pass registration is available at no cost thanks to our sponsors. If you're able to support the work of the Festival, consider buying a "Friend of the Fest" pass, which includes a t-shirt and Forward Festive-ale.

Registering gets you access to the Forward Fest Web and Mobile Apps, which will allow you to network with the entrepreneurial community, create your custom agenda, and live stream most events.

Register for a Forward Pass or Friend of the Fest ticket here.

Follow these easy steps:

1. Register for your free Forward Pass here, or buy a "Friend of the Fest" ticket to support the Festival
2. Look for an email inviting you to download the free Forward Fest mobile app or access the web app (using the email you registered with)
3. Enjoy your new access to the app, where you can build your agenda, watch live and recorded sessions, connect with other FF attendees, personalize your profile, and more. 

If you already have your Forward Pass click here to download the mobile app or log into the web app (with your registered email address).

Most events will be live streamed on the Forward Fest web or mobile app. When you are in the app, simply tap on the "Join Live Stream" button (which appears 15 minutes before the session start time) to instantly launch the live stream on your mobile device or desktop computer. Click here to read more.

If you see an event on the app that says "Separate registration required", or you don't have your Forward Pass yet and instead individually registered for events, you will receive an email from the event organizer with your virtual link. Please check your spam folder in the days leading up to the event if you do not get the link.

After you log into the web or mobile app, tap the "Agenda" icon. You will see a list of dates at the top of the screen where you can see events on each day of the fest. Below that you'll see each day's lineup. Tap the + icon to the right of the event to add it to your agenda, or go into the event to read more and then tap the + inside each event.

After you've added events, you can view your personal agenda by going to "My Agenda" at the top of the screen. Click here to learn more.

Short answer, no! For most events, if you are able to add the event to your personal agenda on the web or mobile app, you do not have to register elsewhere.

There are a few events, which are clearly marked on the app, that require separate registration. You will have to follow the instructions listed to register for those events and you will receive your virtual link directly from that host organization.

This year, most networking will be done virtually. We encourage everyone to get a Forward Pass so you can network with other attendees on our mobile app. 

Once you download the FF app (instructions sent after you register for your pass) you can tap the "Attendees" icon to see everyone else who has registered. You can scroll through the list and tap on their name to read more. If they have not yet downloaded the app, the "Contact" button will appear. If they have the app, you'll see the "Add" button. Tap either option to connect with them and they will receive a notification that you want to connect. After they accept you can view their contact info, chat privately, set up meetings, and more. Click here to read more.

Forward Fest 2020 is on this year, with nearly all events happening virtually. We are committed to the safety of our attendees, event organizers, and the community. Please use good judgement and abide by the requirements set forth by Dane County Public Health and the CDC recommendations. 

We recommend you subscribe to our newsletter for updates.

Webinar from Meetup.com: "Bringing Events Online: How to keep your group engaged, healthy, and growing"