AUG. 21st - 25th, 2023

Who We Are

Click each box to learn more!

Board Members

You!

Sponsors

The Forward Fest Board comprises members from across the Madison tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem, including folks with nonprofits, private companies and social good enterprises.

Executive Directors

Libby Gerds
Groundwork Events
Molly Walsh
Groundwork Events

Board Members

Ross Larson
Paradigm
Mary Carbine
UW - Madison Innovate Network
Erin Courtenay
Board Member
Alnisa Allgood
Collaboration for Good
Preston Austin
Rabble
Bryan Chan
SupraNet Communications, Inc.
Tiffanie Mark
Matrix Coworking
Jillana Peterson
Zendesk
Terri Leigh Rhody
Covance
Hilary Stohs-Krause
Ten Forward Consulting, Madison Women in Tech
Laura Strong
Exact Sciences
Rachel Whitmore
SupraNet Communications, Inc.
Matt Younkle
Forward Fest Board Chair

There are numerous ways to be a part of Forward Fest, and we pride ourselves on having something for everyone. See below for more details!

Attend

Every year, Forward Fest features more than 30 events across 5 days, located all across Madison. They range from day-long workshops to lunchtime get-togethers, and many are free to attend.

Sign up here to be the first to know when passes and registration are available!

Host

Have an idea for an event you'd love to see? Awesome - we'd love to have you!

Anyone can host an event; past Forward Fest event hosts have included such disparate organizations as Madison College, Collaboration for Good and Olbrich Gardens. Learn all about what's involved in hosting an event, as well as the myriad resources we provide to event hosts, on our "Host an Event" page!

Volunteer

Looking to donate your time, energy and talent to Forward Fest? We have multiple opportunities available, including:

  • On-site volunteering
  • Joining an official Forward Fest organizing committee
  • Hosting a Forward Fest event
  • and more!

Shoot as an email at info@forwardfest.org to learn more!

Sponsor

Forward Fest has grown every year, and much of that is thanks to our generous sponors. We have a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities available, and are happy to work with interested companies or organizations on an individual level to find something that works for you.

Shoot as an email at info@forwardfest.org to learn more!

Nothing that happens during Forward Fest would be possible without generous financial support from our sponsors, including the myriad event sponsors who provide space, refreshments, promotion and more!

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Send us an email at info@forwardfest.org to learn more!

Festival Sponsors

Special Thanks To