Forward Fest 2025

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9:00am CDT

DevFest

Tuesday August 19, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CDT

DevFest WI is an inclusivity-themed conference for any and all folks in tech. Now in our seventh year, we're returning again to the beautiful UW Memorial Union for a day filled with a wide variety of talks on topics related to building inclusive and accessible products, teams, and environments.

Hosted by Women In Tech / GDG

Event Organizers

Jillana Kelly

Forward Fest Board

Sponsors

GDG

Tuesday August 19, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CDT
University of Wisconsin Memorial Union 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706

Premium, In Person (DevFest)

Host Organization Women In Tech / GDG
Category Tech / Software
Interaction Type Conference, Social

10:00am CDT

Innovative Creators: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Success

Tuesday August 19, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

The Creative Company

Join The Creative Company for an engaging and dynamic session where entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators come together to explore the cutting-edge strategies and tools that are shaping the future of entrepreneurship. This event is designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to elevate your business. Expect discussions on creativity, innovation, and actionable insights on how to scale your entrepreneurial venture. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, this event will provide the inspiration and resources you need. With interactive workshops and expert speakers, it’s an unmissable opportunity to grow, learn, and connect.

Event Organizers

Ben Sefarbi

Tuesday August 19, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
The Creative Company 622 W Washington Ave #101, Madison, WI 53703

Free, In Person

Category Arts, Social Good, Tech / Software, General
Interaction Type Social, Workshop

3:00pm CDT

Pressure Chamber 2025

Tuesday August 19, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

The Sylvee

Check out our Website

SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL ATTENDEES - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Free for Greater Madison Chamber Members and Forward Fest Pass Holders | $30 for Non-Members

Pressure Chamber returns for its 12th year as emerging companies pitch for the coveted "golden suitcase" and a reserved spot in the Chamber's exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

Participating companies will present in front of a panel of national investors and a live audience, with the winning company chosen based on a combination of judges' scoring and audience votes.

Thank you to Presenting Sponsor Michael Best; Supporting Sponsors State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), UW–Madison Office of Business Engagement and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation; Reception Sponsor Fetch; Registration Sponsor TruStage; Voting Sponsor Associated Bank; Community Sponsors JP Cullen and The Gialamas Company, Inc.; Investor Sponsors 4490 Ventures, Baird Capital, Idea Fund and Rock River Capital Partners; and Venue Sponsor FPC Live.

Hosted by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.

Event Organizers

Sharla Rowe

Events Coordinator, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday August 19, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Sylvee 25 S Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703

Premium, In Person

Host Organization Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce
Category Bio / Health, Social Good, Tech / Software, Business
Interaction Type Happy Hour, Social, Live Pitches

6:00pm CDT

Tech Community Game Night

Tuesday August 19, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

100state

Calling all members of the startup community and local entrepreneurs! Come unwind and connect at our board game night with some friendly competition, exciting games, and a chance to socialize with peers from different organizations. It's the perfect low-key opportunity to get out, meet new people, and enjoy a night of playing alongside fellow innovators, and is hosted by AlphaTech Counsel, a law firm supporting emerging tech companies, and 100state, a coworking space fostering collaboration in a supportive community!

Hosted by AlphaTech Counsel and 100state

Event Organizers

Rachael Kelly

Tuesday August 19, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
100state 17 S Fairchild Floor 7 Madison

Free, In Person

Host Organization AlphaTech Counsel and 100state
Category Social Good, Tech / Software, Games
Interaction Type Social

7:00pm CDT

Pitch Karaoke: low stakes and high fun practice

Tuesday August 19, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Git Gud Lounge

This 2-hour event is designed for entrepreneurs, creators, and aspiring founders attending Forward Fest with and without pitches. Many participants may be working on new ideas or navigating early stages of their ventures. In the high-stakes world of business pitches and product demos, this session offers a refreshing way to build confidence in the chaos. Participants will practice speaking off-the-cuff, rebounding from mistakes, and getting reps in for thinking on their feet culminating in pitches to the group from a few volunteers—all in a fun, low-stakes, high-energy setting. Those with active pitches or those wanting to develop their pitches are welcome. Attendees should be ready to participate in all activities.

Hosted by Amalgam Improv and Git Gud Lounge

Event Organizers

Ben Rush

Founder, Amalgam Improv

Hello! I'm Ben, and I am a scientist and improviser. I've been performing improv, running side hussles, and conducting research for many years! I run Amalgam Improv, which is a new improv group in Madison, WI, focused on independent improv teams and fusing topics with improv, like... Read More →

Tuesday August 19, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Git Gud Lounge 2841 Index Road-Madison,WI

Premium, In Person (Pitch Karaoke)

Host Organization Amalgam Improv and Git Gud Lounge
Category Games, General, Public Speaking
Interaction Type Social, Workshop

Forward Fest 2025

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