AUG. 13th TO 20th, 2020

Host An Event

Event Hosting FAQ

Submit an Event

Key Dates & Deadlines

Attendee FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get more involved in Forward Fest?

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!

Can I host an event during Forward Fest?

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

How do I host an event during Forward Fest?

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.

Where do I host my event?

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.

What does the Forward Fest team do?

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!

What is the Forward Pass?

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.

Do I have to pay to be a part of the Forward Fest?

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.

How do I cover the costs of hosting an event?

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.

How many Forward Fest attendees should I expect at my 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.

What is Forward Festive-ale?

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.

Still have questions?

We'd love to help!

Key Dates & Deadlines

03/05/2021: 12:00 PM

Join us as we virtually kickoff Forward Festival 2021! RSVP here.

04/15/2021: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Spring Tech Kickoff event. RSVP here

05/28/2021

Event details due for listing on website (price, registration link, summary of event, location, and 100-character teaser)

06/11/2021

Last day to add an event to the Forward Pass (FP prices set based on event details)

06/14/2021

Forward Pass sales open

06/18/2021

Last day to add an event to the early promo calendar

06/25/2021

Last day to order Forward Festive-ale for your event

07/21/2021

Last day to add an event and sponsors for Forward signage and event listings (can be on website if added later)

07/30/2021

Last day to order a Forward Pass

08/11/2021

Forward Pass pick up begins

08/12/2021

First day of Forward Festival

08/19/2021

The final day of Forward Fest

Interested in hosting an event?

Please fill out the form below if you would like to host an event during Forward Festival, August 2021.

Your responses will be used to populate the event listings here on the website, as well as in other promotional materials. You will be contacted by a member of the Forward Fest planning committee after your form is submitted if we have any questions.

The event organizer kickoff for 2021 will be held on Friday, March 5 at noon. RSVP here 

Don't have answers yet? No problem! Fill out what you have, and add more details later. Any questions? Contact us at info@forwardfest.org.

Event Basics

Maximum of 80 characters; used in brief promotions and short descriptions
Maxiumum of one paragraph; used to populate event page and longer promotional copy

Mission: "Forward Fest is an 8-day festival in Madison, for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs with locally organized events to connect and inspire innovation featuring all aspects of entrepreneurship."

Vision: "The Festival promotes Madison as a leading region in entrepreneurial success through supporting the growth of the entrepreneurs by connecting them with organizations, individuals, and the greater community."

Default images will be used if none are provided.
Which categories best describe your event?
Select all that apply.
Which tags would you like attached to your event?
Select all that apply.

Event Details

If applicable; see "Forward Fest Integration" section for more information.
List any hashtags separated by commas, ie: "#myevent2020, #companyname"
If applicable

Virtual Event Hosting

Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, at this point, Forward Fest is aiming to essentially plan for both possibilities: an in-person festival, and an online-only version. You can find more information on our COVID-19 page and in the COVID-19 Resources section for event organizers.

Is your event able to be held virtually?
Do you have your own platform to run your event virtually?
If "No", Forward Fest can help get you set up.

Financial Details

If applicable; please include all ticket types
Please list any sponsors you have currently confirmed for your event and the amount they have committed. We will compile your answers with other event organizers, and recognize sponsors who donate $2,500 or more total on all event signage.

Forward Fest Integration

Would you like your event to be part of the Forward Pass?
The Forward Pass is an all-access pass that festival attendees can purchase. Pass holders then register separately for your event to secure their seat, or they are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. A list of Forward Pass holders will be provided in advance, and you will be reimbursed for the number of Forward Pass holders that attend your event. If you'd rather not be a part of the Forward Pass, please let us know below.
How many seats will you plan to hold for Forward Pass attendees?
Would you like Forward Fest to create your registration page?
Forward Fest staff would create a page for you on Eventbrite, and then give you access to control it. (This is the most common choice.) If you answer "No", please be sure to add your event registration link in the field below.
If applicable; Forward Fest will provide an Eventbrite page for your event, if requested.

Promotion

Who will be the designated representative for media interviews? Please include name, title, cell phone number, and email address.
If yes, please share their contact information.
What are some (unique) highlights of your event that we could use as potential story ideas for the media? If you've organized this event before, what's new this year?

Forward Festive-ale

Every year, Forward Fest works with a partner to brew a beer for the Festival.

If we’re able to be in-person, would you want to serve Forward Festive-ale?
The brewery would work directly with your event venue to provide kegs, if you work with a venue with in-house catering. If you host an event in a venue without in-house catering, you'll need to pick up and pay for the beer separately. Forward Festive-ale would be available only on tap this year.

FAQs for Attendees

What's the latest re: Forward Fest and COVID-19?

Forward Fest 2021 is on this year! We expect events will happen both in person and virtually this year. 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.

What is the Forward Pass & how do I get one?

The Forward Pass is the fastest, easiest, and the most cost-effective way to take advantage of all the Forward Fest has to offer. This one pass gets you into all the events listed on our website as included in the pass. Plus, you’ll get an awesome t-shirt :)

Registration for the 2021 Forward Pass is coming in June. Stay tuned!

What are some resources for holding events online?

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

Article from Creative Bloq: "How to host a virtual event: 10 expert tips"