A 1-hour session for founders who are building a business — not running errands for one
You launched a startup to build something. Instead, you're switching between 8 tools, chasing invoices, fixing shift schedules, and wondering why your ""lean team"" still feels like chaos.
This session is for founders who are done with that.
In one hour, we'll show you how fast-moving startups are collapsing their entire ops stack — CRM, projects, HR, contracts, billing — into a single platform, cutting $3,000+ a month in subscriptions, and getting back to the work that actually grows the business.
What you'll walk away with: - A clear map of which tools you can replace today - A live look at how OneHermes works in a real startup workflow - A 30-day plan to simplify your stack — no migration nightmare
Format: 20 min talk · 25 min live demo · 15 min open Q&A
Seats are limited. Bring your mess — we'll show you how to clean it up.
The Badger Startup Summit is Wisconsin’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs, innovators, and supporters of the startup ecosystem—and the official kickoff to Forward Fest 2026.
Founded over 14 years ago, the Summit brings together founders, builders, investors, and community leaders for a full day of ideas, insights, and connection that set the tone for the entire week.
The program features a curated lineup of talks and discussions designed to be both inspiring and practical, covering topics such as: • Lessons from experienced founders (“Chapter Zero”) • The future of AI and agent-driven technology • Real-world startup journeys—from bootstrapped to venture-backed • What it actually takes to raise capital in today’s market This year, the Summit will feature interactive programming designed to engage attendees more directly, including opportunities for founders to share ideas, get feedback, and connect with peers and experienced operators in a more open, collaborative format. The Summit also includes a VenFair and networking lunch, connecting attendees with valuable resources, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching your first idea, scaling a company, or supporting the innovation ecosystem, the Badger Startup Summit is where Wisconsin’s startup community comes together to kick off Forward Fest.
After several months and tens of pitches, your MVP is done and ready for prime time. Entering the commercial stage of your business requires another adaptation: you need to ditch the pitch and learn to guide a conversation with your ICP. It's not about you anymore, now it's about them. Who needs your product? ... for what, when, and how? Start developing a sales strategy that will lead you to find the answers and activate that much needed cash flow. In this interactive workshop you will discover a few insights to translate your features into crisp business messages for your client conversations. Drop by, bring a pen, and get ready to draft your next sales call.
Sales Coach and Consultant. I took what I learned in 25 years of selling telcom gear and now work with growing tech companies to build an impactful sales strategy. Goals: shorten sales cycles and build meaningful relationships with higher-ups.
Monday August 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT StartingBlock Madison821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Technical expertise gets you in the room. How you show up determines what happens next.
In this interactive session, consultants will examine the attitudes, assumptions, and habits they bring into client and colleague relationships, and how those choices shape trust, collaboration, and results. Through meaningful dialogue with peers, you’ll uncover blind spots that may be limiting connection or effectiveness in your work.
You’ll leave with practical tools and simple mindset shifts you can apply immediately to improve communication, foster more inclusive relationships, and create better outcomes for your clients and your business. Because in today’s marketplace, how you work with people is just as critical as what you deliver.
Hosted by Yes...And LLC
This is a virtual event. For those who are logged in and have RSVP'd, the streaming link will appear on this page starting 10 minutes before the session.
Owner | Cultural Engagement Specialist, Yes...And LLC
Kim Walters is the Owner and Cultural Engagement Specialist of Yes...And LLC, a boutique consulting firm that helps organizations build cultures of respect and belonging through leadership development and self-awareness. She partners with leaders and teams to strengthen communication... Read More →
Monday August 17, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT Virtual
Join us as we kickoff the 2026 Forward Festival with a free pint of the latest Forward Festive-Ale at Delta Beer Lab! A free SupraNet + John Kovalic pint glass and a pint of Festive-Ale will be provided for the first 75 attendees, hosted by SupraNet Communications!
Sweat Equity Happy Hour is a reimagined alternative to traditional networking—designed for founders, creatives, and builders who want something more real than surface-level conversation.
Hosted at Saunaday, guests move through a guided thermal cycle: Steam → Sauna → Cold Plunge → Rest & Hydration
Shared challenges—like heat and cold—naturally break down barriers and create space for more open, grounded connection.
What to expect: -2-hour, open-format thermal contrast experience -Light guidance on the sauna + cold plunge cycle -Complimentary beverage -Tech-free, presence-driven environment
Roshelle Ritzenthaler is the co-founder and CEO of Saunaday, Wisconsin's fist Nordic bathhouse. An architect and service designer by training, she previously led innovation and service design at UW Health before leaving healthcare to build one of the Midwest's most celebrated wellness... Read More →
Monday August 17, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT Saunaday315 S Blount St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
