Loading…
Monday, August 17
 

8:00am CDT

You Didn't Sign Up For This
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
You Didn't Sign Up For This 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...
See More →
Event Organizers
Monday August 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
TBA

8:00am CDT

Badger Startup Summit
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
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...
See More →
Event Organizers
Monday August 17, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Engineering Centers Building

9:00am CDT

Forward Fest Welcome Coffee
Join us for coffee and networking hosted by StartingBlock Madison to kick off the 2025 Forward Festival! Come at any time to say hello to fellow Festival-goers.

*Note: if you purchased a Forward Pass with Swag, your items will be available for pick up during this time. Attendance is not necessary, pick up is available all week.
Event Organizers
Monday August 17, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
StartingBlock Madison 821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, USA

11:00am CDT

SalesLab: A tech sales workshop
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
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...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Roberto Muñoz

Roberto Muñoz

Founder, Strategic Growth Group
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 Madison 821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, USA

1:00pm CDT

How We Show Up Matters
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
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...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Kim Walters

Kim Walters

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

4:00pm CDT

Forward Fest Happy Hour Kickoff Party 
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
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!

Hosted by SupraNet Communications, Inc.
Event Organizers
avatar for Rachel Whitmore

Rachel Whitmore

Vice President, SupraNet Communications, Inc.

Sponsors
Monday August 17, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Delta Beer Lab 167 E Badger Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53713, USA
  Free, In Person

7:00pm CDT

Sweat Equity Sauna Happy Hour
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
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...
See More →
Event Organizers
R

Roshelle 

Founder & CEO, Saunaday
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
Saunaday 315 S Blount St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
 
Tuesday, August 18
 

8:00am CDT

Assets That Think: From Data to Decisions
LIMITED
Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Assess readiness, connect your assets, and use AI to turn data into real-world action.  

Hosted by Source-Right Inc

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. 
Event Organizers
Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

8:30am CDT

First In Breakfast
LIMITED
Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
First In Breakfast is a gathering designed to bring together founders, investors, and operators from across the Midwest startup ecosystem. The event is intentionally structured to maintain a strong mix of builders and capital providers, creating an environment where meaningful conversations and real relationships can take shape. The format includes a short, insight-driven discussion followed by...
See More →
Event Organizers
LB

Lamarr Banks

Venture Associate, Gateway Capital

avatar for Mason Cook

Mason Cook

Managing Director, Mastercraft Ventures
Pre-seed startup investor.
Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Bandit - Tacos & Coffee 640 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA

10:00am CDT

Design Workshop: Building a New Knowledge Stack
LIMITED
Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
AGENDA10:00 AM Welcome and Overview: Knowledge-as-a-service and Knowledge-Centered Service (KCS©) methodology and it's various applications.10:30 AM Share your Story: We all have a (customer service) story to share - some good, some bad, and some extremely ugly. We'll share experiences from the real life and I'll share some gems from my time with over 100+ different customer service...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Christina Libs

Christina Libs

Knowledge Strategy Consultant, Service Knowledge Operations
Questions? Contact Christina Libs at any time.
About Christina Libs:
Christina improves accessibility and reusability in organizational operations. She is a fractional knowledge systems program manager for enterprise businesses. She's open to project-based contracts for any small (5-50) teams supporting large customer bases (100s-1000s+). She i... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
TBA

10:30am CDT

10x Faster Without the Burnout. Subtitle: How Laws of Energy accelerate growth and returns for Successful Entrepreneurs
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available

Madison’s startup ecosystem operates under intense pressure to: • Accelerate timelines to market • Deliver strong financial returns • Compete for capital in a demanding investment environment However, herein lies the problem: Financial results are not delivered through physical effort alone. More hours, more hustle and more pressure often produce exhaustion not outcomes.  Because...
See More →
Event Organizers Sponsors

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
StartingBlock Madison 821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, USA

10:30am CDT

Is the Government Your Next Growth Customer?
Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
A practical workshop for Wisconsin founders deciding whether government sales can become a real growth channel — and which path to pursue first. Agenda:  The Wisconsin Opportunity Map What Wisconsin companies already sell to the government, including defense manufacturing, food/ag, healthcare, logistics, construction, technology, and professional services. The Founder Decision Tree Should...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Laura Strong

Laura Strong

CEO, Valency Fund

Sponsors
Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
TBA

12:30pm CDT

Navigate Environmental Requirements with Confidence: Tools and Support for Wisconsin Entrepreneurs
Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Starting or growing a business comes with challenges, including understanding environmental requirements. Fortunately, help is available! Join this webinar to learn how Wisconsin DNR’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program helps entrepreneurs save time, avoid compliance headaches and make informed decisions from the start. We will showcase free services, practical tools and one-on-one...
See More →
Event Organizers

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Virtual

1:00pm CDT

MadAI/IEEE - Engineering Software with AI
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
MadAI will be discussing engineering challenges of using AI code automation tools, such as claude code and code, to build and ship code bases which solve problems.   We will first discuss a real world use case and then work together on building a solution to the use case in this session.   Bring your laptop and a friend, we are going to get our hands dirty and build....
See More →
Event Organizers
CH

Christopher Harrison

Founder, Prismscope.ai

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Madison Public Library - Central 201 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
  Free, Hybrid

3:00pm CDT

Pressure Chamber 2026
LIMITED
Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL ATTENDEES -  REGISTRATION OPENING SOONFree for Greater Madison Chamber Members and Forward Fest All Inclusive Pass Holders | $30 for Non-MembersPressure Chamber returns for its 13th year as the region's top emerging companies pitch for the coveted "golden suitcase," which guarantees a reserved spot in the Chamber's exclusive Greater Madison startup...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Alanna Thiede

Alanna Thiede

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

avatar for Sharla Rowe

Sharla Rowe

Events Manager, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

Sponsors

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Sylvee 25 S Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

5:00pm CDT

AI & Open Source Mixer
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
Cloud Native Madison presents the AI & Open Source Mixer!Following a massive Agentic AI Summer, we’re heading to The Rigby Pub for a night of technical networking focused on the real-world side of innovation. Talk shop with experts from Red Hat, Solo.io, and more while enjoying complimentary food and refreshments, plus a drink ticket to get you started. We’re also giving away a $999 Ardan...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Ryan Etten

Ryan Etten

Senior Architect & Team Lead, Red Hat
Ryan Etten builds cloud-native systems and rebuilds the communities that run them. A Senior Architect and Team Lead at Red Hat, Red Hat Certified OpenShift Architect, global speaker, and certification exam developer, he leads secure cloud-native digital transformations across the... Read More →
Sponsors

Tuesday August 18, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
The Rigby Pub, Grill, and Event Venue 119 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
  Free, In Person

7:00pm CDT

Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
LIMITED
Tuesday August 18, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Interested in the basics of AI?  This session will review some of the most popular tools available with demonstrations of their use with time to discuss tips & tricks and ask questions.

Hosted by Skapsmidja

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. 
Event Organizers

Tuesday August 18, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual
 
Wednesday, August 19
 

7:30am CDT

Tapping Trends: A step-by-step guide to assess trend relevance & brand fit
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
EVENT SUMMARY One of the biggest risks on social today isn’t missing a trend—it’s forcing one. By moving beyond chasing what’s popular and instead using trends as a strategic tool, brands can strengthen relevance, credibility and performance with intention, not impulse. This session will offer a clear, repeatable framework for deciding when to lean into a trend and when to sit it out, so...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Social Media Breakfast - Madison

Social Media Breakfast - Madison

Social Media Breakfast - Madison
Social Media Breakfast Madison is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization with a focus on social media education and professional industry networking. Our monthly events are FREE, and engage an ever-growing group of diverse professionals from a variety of industries including: academic... Read More →
Sponsors

Wednesday August 19, 2026 7:30am - 9:15am CDT
StartingBlock Madison 821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, USA

8:30am CDT

Wisconsin Founders and Funders Breakfast
LIMITED
Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Join other founders, investors, and innovators in the Wisconsin ecosystem for breakfast with Hyde Park Venture Partners, a Chicago-based early stage venture capital firm who invests in midwest-based companies, for a community event focused on helping companies raise their first or second round of institutional venture capital. Know someone who would be interested in joining? Feel free to share...
See More →
Event Organizers

Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Café Hollander Hilldale 701 Hilldale Wy, Madison, WI 53705, USA
  Free, In Person

9:00am CDT

DevFest WI
LIMITED
Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
DevFest WI, https://www.devfestwi.com/, is an in-person conference for all technologists, organized by GDG Madison and volunteers from the Madison tech community. It will take place on Wednesday, August 19 at the Memorial Union in Madison, WI. Our conference theme is inclusivity: how to create development teams and software products that are welcoming to everyone. We are seeking presentations on...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Naveen VK

Naveen VK

Tech Director, nvisia LLC

Sponsors

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Memorial Union 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706, USA

10:00am CDT

From Research to Revenue: Where Deep Tech Gets Stuck and Why
LIMITED
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Early-stage deep tech companies rarely fail because the science doesn’t work. More often, they stall in the gap between research and real market traction. This session is a candid conversation with founders who started as scientists and are now navigating the transition to entrepreneurship, alongside the investors and funding partners who support them. We’ll unpack where things actually...
See More →
Event Organizers
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Virtual

11:30am CDT

Fireside Chat with WEDC Secretary John Miller and Maggie Brickerman
LIMITED
Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Join us for a fireside chat between WEDC Secretary John Miller and Tech Council President Maggie Brickerman. The conversation will focus on WEDC’s efforts to strengthen the Wisconsin’s innovation, startup and venture capital ecosystem, and the specific ways that innovators can leverage WEDC as a partner.
Event Organizers
avatar for Julie Johnson

Julie Johnson

Operations Director, Wisconsin Technology Council

Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Madison Club 5 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

12:00pm CDT

Ideate Prompt Prototype Repeat
Wednesday August 19, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Ever had a product idea but didn’t know how to begin building it?This live, interactive session is for startup founders, creatives, makers, and curious people who want to explore physical prototyping without needing deep technical experience or a big budget.Building on last year’s event, we’ll start with a basic introduction to AI-assisted hardware prototyping, then move into group ideation,...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Brett Hay

Brett Hay

Founder, Quantum Ideation and Prototyping LLC

Wednesday August 19, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
  Free, In Person

1:30pm CDT

Demystifying the Pro Forma: Building Financial Projections
LIMITED
Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In 40+ years of working with entrepreneurs, we have regularly observed that “the money part” of business planning is often what causes many business owners and would-be business owners alike the most anxiety and confusion. Yet the numbers don’t have to intimidate you. Instead, understanding a clear financial plan for your business will give you the confidence to make educated decisions about...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Heather Ferguson

Heather Ferguson

Program Manager, UW-Madison SBDC

Sponsors

Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

2:00pm CDT

Introduction to Patents for Entrepreneurs
LIMITED
Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
A high level introduction to patenting innovations for entrepreneurs. Learn from a seasoned pro when patenting an innovation is or is not appropriate, the different paths that can be taken to receive a patent, and when is the right time to consult a patent practitioner. Hosted by E Epstein Patent AgencyThis is a virtual event. For those who are logged in and have RSVP'd, the streaming link...
See More →
Event Organizers
Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Virtual

3:30pm CDT

How Branding Matters
LIMITED
Wednesday August 19, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In today’s dynamic marketplace, standing out is essential for success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or a creative professional, a branding can be powerful in your organization. Join us for an immersive and interactive workshop designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to build a strong and compelling brand identity. Led by Ibrahim Harun of IH...
See More →
Event Organizers
Wednesday August 19, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
100state 17 South Fairchild Street fl 7, Madison, WI, USA
  Free, In Person

4:00pm CDT

Stone Soup 101
LIMITED
Wednesday August 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
How did the long and twisted path of one man lead to a new product and business? By combining little bits of information and experience from each of his stops into something new and powerful. Have you ever asked yourself the "How did I get here" and "How will I ever use that chapter" questions?  Come hear how it has come together for one and be encouraged that "it" is...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Jesse Barry

Jesse Barry

Owner, Higher Ground dba ColdSpell Cooling garments
I have designed a Cooling garment that outperforms all of the commercially available Cooling products currently available.  Based on the technology used in hospitals and the military i have brought definitive care Cooling to the job site, sideline and community center.
Wednesday August 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
TBA
  Free, In Person

4:30pm CDT

THE "ANTI-BURNOUT" BLUEPRINT: Wellness for Solo Founders and Small Business Owners
Wednesday August 19, 2026 4:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
This dual-track workshop is designed to help attendees build a business that sustains them rather than breaks them.Hollie H. Hollister and Ross Larson will co-facilitate this community learning exchange by bridging insights from Psychological Resilience and Heart-Centered Leadership. Solo founders and small business owners will learn how to scale their impact without the soul fatigue of misaligned...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Hollie Hollister

Hollie Hollister

Founder, H Cubed Group
Hollie H. Hollister is a pragmatic visionary who aspires to combine the personal with the professional to bring fresh thinking, unique insights and holistic solutions that help heart-based small business owners grow their businesses and themselves (all without stifling who they are... Read More →

Wednesday August 19, 2026 4:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
100state 17 South Fairchild Street fl 7, Madison, WI, USA

5:00pm CDT

Jazz with Venture Capitalists
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
Come enjoy a beautiful Wisconsin evening and engage in lively conversation about the Money for Minnows investment strategy and the future of venture capital in Wisconsin. Join us at the Jazz at Five performance on the King Street Walkway of the Capitol Square, where Venture capital fund managers from eight Wisconsin-based funds will be in attendance. the Jazz at Five performance. The Badger Fund...
See More →
Event Organizers
LY

Larissa Yenkey

Analyst, Badger Fund of Funds

Wednesday August 19, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
On the King Street Walkway of the Capitol Square King St, Madison, WI, USA
  Free, In Person
 
Thursday, August 20
 

8:00am CDT

How We Show Up Matters
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
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...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Kim Walters

Kim Walters

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 →

Thursday August 20, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am CDT
Aubergine: a Willy Street Co-op Community Space 1226 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

9:00am CDT

Practical Tools for Kickstarting your Go-to-Market (GTM)
LIMITED
Thursday August 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Have you reviewed your business from your customers’ point of view? Do you know your products or services inside and out, but do not have formal sales experience? Are you new to finding customers, but passionate about connecting your product or service with your customers? Practical Tools for Kickstarting your Go-To-Market (GTM) is a founder-focused guide to building and testing sales and...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Heather Ferguson

Heather Ferguson

Program Manager, UW-Madison SBDC

Sponsors

Thursday August 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

9:00am CDT

LinkedIn Glow-Up Lab
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
This hands-on LinkedIn workshop is warm, welcoming and fun. It walks attendees through the full ecosystem of building a powerful presence. Participants will learn how to optimize their profiles so they clearly communicate value, attract the right audience, and open doors—whether that’s landing a dream role, growing a business, or expanding influence. The session moves beyond setup into...
See More →
Event Organizers Sponsors

Thursday August 20, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Event Hall at Hydrate IV Bar 4707 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705, USA

10:30am CDT

From Stage to Strategy: Voices & Dreams in Action
LIMITED
Thursday August 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
What happens after someone finds their voice? In this interactive panel and workshop, Araceli Esparza and Aida Leflore are joined by graduates of the Voices & Dreams Academy to share how storytelling translates into real-world outcomes—from building confidence to generating income, clients, and community impact. Participants will hear directly from Latina and Black women founders who have used...
See More →
Event Organizers
Thursday August 20, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Leflore Accounting Services 306 E Wilson St #2e, Madison, WI 53703, USA

11:00am CDT

Cup of Joe featuring Oscar Aguilar
LIMITED
Thursday August 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Join us for a special Cup of Joe conversation featuring Oscar Aguilar, founder of Novel Minds, a Wisconsin-based technology consulting firm focused on innovation, strategic leadership, and custom technology solutions. Oscar will share his entrepreneurial journey—from building a business around problem-solving and technology to helping organizations turn ideas into action. We'll explore the...
See More →
Event Organizers
ES

Emily Schmitzer

Regional Director of WWBIC's South Central Office


Thursday August 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Black Business HUB - WWBIC 2352 S Park St suite 226, Madison, WI, USA

12:00pm CDT

Overcoming Gender Bias by Adopting an Entrepreneurial Mindset
LIMITED
Thursday August 20, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
As a woman with over 10 years of experience in the highly male-dominated engineering world, I wish to share insights that have helped me stay. This field is, at times, unwelcoming or even outright hostile. A key to my success has been developing business acumen, sometimes learned through entrepreneurial events including Forward Fest! Key topics: • Why gender bias is so sticky in fields like...
See More →
Event Organizers
Thursday August 20, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm CDT
100state 17 South Fairchild Street fl 7, Madison, WI, USA

12:00pm CDT

The Becoming Experience: Healing, Purpose & Entrepreneurship
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
The Becoming Experience is an interactive workshop and networking experience designed for entrepreneurs, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals ready to transform their story into impact. Hosted by entrepreneur, speaker, and founder Tennisha Loggins, this experience blends authentic storytelling, business strategy, mindset transformation, and practical tools to help attendees move from...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Tennisha Loggins

Tennisha Loggins

Founder & CEO, Loggins Family Business
I'm Tennisha Loggins, Founder & CEO of Loggins Family Business LLC, an entrepreneur, speaker, and storyteller. I help people turn ideas into income and purpose into action. Let's connect if you want to talk about entrepreneurship, food trucks, pop-ups, small business growth, coaching... Read More →

Thursday August 20, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Leflore Accounting Services 306 E Wilson St #2e, Madison, WI 53703, USA

12:30pm CDT

Bridging Generations at Work: Leading Multigenerational Teams Through Technology & Change
LIMITED
Thursday August 20, 2026 12:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever before, with six generations working side by side, each bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and relationships with technology.  While this diversity creates incredible opportunities for innovation and growth, it also introduces real challenges, especially when organizations are implementing new tools, systems, or digital strategies. ...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Vanessa Costanzo

Vanessa Costanzo

VP of Operations, NaviCu


Thursday August 20, 2026 12:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Delta Beer Lab 167 E Badger Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53713, USA
  Free, In Person

1:00pm CDT

A Missing Opportunity—Bringing Agentic AI to UW-Madison
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
Agentic AI UW is a new club founded just this April. The purpose of the club is that there's a missing opportunity on campus. There are a lot of engineering clubs on campus that focuses on a single project where a team of engineers work together. However, UW-Madison lacks that kind of project-based clubs for CS students. We're at a turning point in history where three things converge into one, the...
See More →
Event Organizers
Thursday August 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Engineering Hall Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
  Free, In Person

1:00pm CDT

Future of VC: Digital Assets & Policy
LIMITED
Thursday August 20, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
The venture capital landscape is being reshaped by digital assets, tokenized equity, and an evolving regulatory environment — and Wisconsin's entrepreneurial ecosystem needs to be part that conversation. Future of VC: Digital Assets & Policy is a forward-looking forum bringing together founders, investors, and policy advocates to explore how emerging digital asset frameworks are transforming...
See More →
Event Organizers Sponsors
Thursday August 20, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
TBA

3:00pm CDT

Certified Organic in Wisconsin & New Wisconsin Online Organic Directories
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
Understanding Certified Organic in Wisconsin Wisconsin is a national leader in organic food production—but for many consumers  the certified organic system still feels opaque. “Understanding Certified Organic in Wisconsin” is a practical, interactive session designed to demystify how organic really works in our state and to introduce new tools that make it easier than ever to find,...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Noreen Mucha

Noreen Mucha

Executive Director, Wisconsin Organics
Noreen Mucha is the Founder and Director of Wisconsin Organics-dedicated to building the digital and coordination infrastructure necessary for Wisconsin’s organic sector to thrive. With more than two decades of experience in global food systems and nutrition across 40+ countries... Read More →

Thursday August 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Giant Jones Brewing 931 East Main Street Entrance on, S Brearly St Suite 9, Madison, WI 53703, USA
  Free, Virtual

3:00pm CDT

VentureHome Pitch Day
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
Ambitious founders have gone through the Level Up! Pre-seed Accelerator at a WiSys VentureHome location across Wisconsin. Whether you are an investor, a founder, or someone interested in entrepreneurship, this pitch day will provide a sneak peek at Wisconsin's emerging tech startups. The pitches will each be 6 minutes, followed by 4 minutes of questions from the audience. The event will be...
See More →
Event Organizers
Thursday August 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
TBA

5:00pm CDT

High Tech Happy Hour 25th Anniversary Celebration
LIMITED
Thursday August 20, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Join SupraNet Communications and Yahara Software for the 25th anniversary of High Tech Happy Hour! Raise a glass, network and help us celebrate 25 years of connecting the Greater Madison community!

Hosted by SupraNet Communications, Inc. and Yahara Software
Event Organizers
avatar for Rachel Whitmore

Rachel Whitmore

Vice President, SupraNet Communications, Inc.

Sponsors

Thursday August 20, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Memorial Union 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706, USA
  Free, In Person
 
Friday, August 21
 

8:00am CDT

You Don’t Have to be Rich to be a Philanthropist: Building a launchpad for your legacy
LIMITED
Friday August 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
As entrepreneurs, you work to build a better world. Forward thinkers and innovators have always been a key to social change and community well-being. Join one of Madison’s top rising philanthropists, Dan Rashke, Chairman of the Board at TASC, to discuss innovative philanthropy. He will joined by a fellow philanthropist and financial advisor.  This interactive session is led through the...
See More →
Friday August 21, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am CDT
TBA
  Free, In Person

9:00am CDT

AI in Community Building - Build together
LIMITED
Friday August 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available

Join the ASK (Actionable, Support , Knowledge ) platform online challenge , join the zoom everyday 30 mins to work on your Claude AI prototype - 8:00 am with your community and assist each other. Meet in hybrid or in person to learn about ASK and showcase your work 8 /21 . Topics to choose My First ( App, chatbot, website) AI for cause ( Lonliness, inclusive, hunger) Ai for sales Anything else...
See More →
Event Organizers

Friday August 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
TBA

9:00am CDT

You Vibe-Coded an App. Now What?
LIMITED
Friday August 21, 2026 9:00am - 1:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
AI can help you generate an application faster than ever. But once the demo works, what comes next? Join Flexion, a Madison leader in system modernization, human-centered design, and modern software delivery, for a live, interactive session where we take an AI-generated proof-of-concept application and move it closer to something real. In this hands-on session, we’ll start by exploring the...
See More →
Event Organizers
Friday August 21, 2026 9:00am - 1:00pm CDT
100state 17 South Fairchild Street fl 7, Madison, WI, USA
  Free, In Person

10:00am CDT

Commercial Real Estate Leasing 101
LIMITED
Friday August 21, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Buying or selling a commercial property can feel overwhelming—especially when you don’t understand the process and terminology. This session cuts through the noise and gives you the clarity you need to make smart decisions. You’ll understand the full sales process, what really drives value, and how to prepare so you don’t lose time, money, or opportunities. Whether you’re purchasing...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Heather Ferguson

Heather Ferguson

Program Manager, UW-Madison SBDC

Sponsors

Friday August 21, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

10:00am CDT

Maintaining One's Humanity in an Age of AI
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
While we should all strive to retain the skills and attributes that characterize us as being authentically human, it is easy to surrender control to technology that makes our lives easier-- but at what cost? Join two experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and psychology as they lead a presentation through conversation, games, and team activities that explores our reliance on technical automation...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Victor Johnson, PhD

Victor Johnson, PhD

Madison Area Technical College

Friday August 21, 2026 10:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Madison College - Goodman South Campus 2429 Perry St, Madison, WI 53713, USA

12:00pm CDT

From Side Hustle to Small Business
LIMITED
Friday August 21, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Have you been thinking about turning your hobby into a business, but aren’t sure where to start?  Do you have a side hustle that’s grown and you want to explore next steps? Are you interested in learning more about how to explore a business idea you have?  This session will teach you how to use a visual business planning tool call the Business Model Canvas. This tool will...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Heather Ferguson

Heather Ferguson

Program Manager, UW-Madison SBDC


Friday August 21, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

1:30pm CDT

Fuel Your Growth: Define Your Market to Build Awareness and Attract Customers
LIMITED
Friday August 21, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
You have the big idea, the technical expertise or know-how, and a product or service you believe in and excites you. But if you feel like you haven’t unlocked the same level of excitement and awareness from potential buyers, you’re not alone. Understanding how you can apply principles of marketing strategy in your business could be the missing puzzle piece to fuel the next level of your...
See More →
Event Organizers
Friday August 21, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBA

2:30pm CDT

The Traction Trap: How Angels Are Pricing Themselves Out of Their Own Asset Class
LIMITED
Limited Capacity seats available
As angels apply more rigorous diligence standards to pre-seed and seed deals, conviction is arriving later in the cycle. The issue is that the very signals investors wait for, revenue, growth rate, retention, are the same signals that attract institutional capital and reprice the round. By the time they appear, much of the upside has already been compressed, leaving angels with institutional-style...
See More →
Event Organizers
avatar for Sahab Aslam

Sahab Aslam

Angel Investor, Sukun Ventures
Friday August 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
StartingBlock Madison 821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor, Madison, WI 53703, USA

5:00pm CDT

Forward Fest Closing Happy Hour
LIMITED
Friday August 21, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Wrap up an incredible week of innovation, connection, and community at the Forward Fest Closing Happy Hour hosted by 100State. After five days of events, ideas, and new relationships, this closing gathering brings together founders, builders, and supporters from across the ecosystem for a final opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate everything that makes Wisconsin’s startup community...
See More →
Event Organizers
Friday August 21, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
100state 17 South Fairchild Street fl 7, Madison, WI, USA
  Free, In Person
 
From $0.00

Forward Fest 2026
From $0.00
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.