Forward Fest 2025

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1:00pm CDT

Future Self Mixer

Thursday August 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

The Future Self Mixer is a unique blend of high-level networking and personal development for ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders. You’ll connect with like-minded peers while stepping into the mindset, presence, and confidence of your next-level self. Through guided prompts and intentional conversations, you’ll build powerful relationships and gain clarity on who you’re becoming - professionally and personally.

If you’re building something big, who you are becoming matters just as much as what you’re doing. This event offers a rare opportunity to zoom out from the daily grind and embody the version of you who’s already achieved what you’re working toward. Whether you’re seasoned in personal development or just getting started, the Future Self Mixer is a low-pressure but transformative space to expand your vision, shift how you see yourself, and walk away with fresh clarity, confidence, and momentum for your business journey.

Hosted by The Empowered Living Space LLC

Event Organizers

Andrea Andree

Thursday August 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
100state 17 S Fairchild Floor 7 Madison

Free, In Person

Host Organization The Empowered Living Space LLC
Category General, Personal Development
Interaction Type Social

4:00pm CDT

Behind the Numbers: Open House & Startup Mixer

Thursday August 21, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

StartingBlock Madison

Step into the home of Madison’s startup-centric CPA firm and experience finance with a fresh perspective. At this open house, we’re blending numbers with networking—bringing together founders, small business owners, and community partners to connect over light refreshments, good conversations, and shared goals.

You’ll get a chance to:
- Meet the Novii CPA team (yes, we’re real people—who love startups!)
- Tour our space and learn how we serve biotech, tech, life sciences, and manufacturing businesses
- Make meaningful connections with other Forward Fest attendees, startup operators, and resource providers
- Whether you're an early-stage entrepreneur, an established founder, or just CPA-curious, we’d love to welcome you.

Hosted by Novii CPA

Event Organizers

Victoria Thayer

CEO and Founder, Novii CPA

Thursday August 21, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
StartingBlock Madison 821 E. Washington Ave., Madison

Free, In Person

Host Organization Novii CPA
Category Social Good, Music
Interaction Type Happy Hour, Social

5:30pm CDT

Game Together-Forward Fest Edition

Thursday August 21, 2025 5:30pm - 11:00pm CDT

The Guild

Check out our Website

Join us for Game Together-Forward Fest Edition, a vibrant social gaming night where innovators, creatives, and tech lovers connect over games and craft drinks with our community. Hosted by The Guild gaming lounge, this event blends the thrill of multiplayer games with the laid-back vibe of happy hour—think Mario Kart tournaments, co-op chaos, and Jackbox shenanigans on the big screen. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a gamer, or just game-curious, this is your space to unwind, connect, and be entertained.

* Game Together runs from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Come by whenever you’re ready to jump in, and feel free to head out whenever you’ve had your fill of fun! Stay for a bit or hang all night—it’s totally up to you!

* This event is free to attend. We’ll also have discounted game passes for PC and console gaming. Don’t forget to check out our tasty food & drink specials going all night long!

Hosted by The Guild

Event Organizers

Sonia Tan

The Guild

Thursday August 21, 2025 5:30pm - 11:00pm CDT
The Guild 668 State Street Madison WI

Free, In Person

Category Food, Games
Interaction Type Happy Hour, Social

6:00pm CDT

Play & Pitch: Game Night for Innovators

Thursday August 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

Git Gud Lounge

Check out our Website

Join us for a casual and collaborative evening where entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators can gather to unwind, network, and share ideas over their favorite games. Whether you're into board games, console classics, virtual reality, or PC multiplayer, Git Gud is a space where creativity meets community.

Meet fellow makers, startup founders, artists, and tech enthusiasts in a relaxed environment that celebrates fun and innovation. Bring your favorite game or just show up ready to play. Expect spontaneous connections, creative sparks, and maybe even the start of your next big idea.

This special edition of Git Gud Game Night is powered by the Network for Health Technology & Innovation (NHTI) — supporting entrepreneurs at the intersection of creativity, community, and business. It’s part of Forward Fest, Wisconsin’s largest tech and entrepreneurship festival, and hosted by Git Gud Lounge, a vibrant hub for games, collaboration, and creation.

Hosted by Git Gud Lounge & NHTI (Network for health technology & innovation)

Event Organizers

Naomi Shumway

Git Gud Gaming Lounge

Thursday August 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Git Gud Lounge 2841 Index Road, Fitchburg Wi

Premium, In Person (Play&Pitch)

Host Organization Git Gud Lounge & NHTI (Network for health technology & innovation)
Category Arts, Family, Social Good, Tech / Software, Games, General
Interaction Type Social

Forward Fest 2025

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