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Monday, August 18
 

2:30pm CDT

VentureHome Pitch Day
Monday August 18, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
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 fast-paced, captivating, and open to anyone who would like to attend.

Hosted by WiSys VentureHome
Event Organizers
AS

Adhira Sunkara

Director of Strategy & Innovative Ventures, WiSys
avatar for Wilson Fay

Wilson Fay

Innovative Ventures Associate, WiSys
Monday August 18, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
WEDC 2352 S Park St Suite 303, Madison, WI 53713
  Free, In Person

3:30pm CDT

Venture Discovery Reception and Networking
Monday August 18, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Venture Discovery Reception and Networking hosted by UW Tech Exploration Lab + D2P
August 18 | 3:30–4:30 PM
1403 University Avenue | Open to All

Join the UW Tech Exploration Lab and Discovery to Product (D2P) for a casual networking reception celebrating student-led innovation and entrepreneurship at UW–Madison. Stop by to meet student teams working at the intersection of real-world problems and emerging technologies, and connect with others from the startup, business, and investment communities who are passionate about building Wisconsin’s innovation ecosystem.

This event follows a private Venture Discovery Salon hosted by the UW Tech Exploration Lab (2:30–3:30 PM), where select students will present their summer progress for feedback from invited mentors and advisors. The public networking reception at 3:30 PM is your chance to meet the teams informally, learn about the ideas being explored, and discover ways to get involved.

Light refreshments provided. No registration required for the 3:30–4:30 event.

Hosted by UW Tech Exploration Lab + D2P
Event Organizers

Monday August 18, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
1403 University Ave. 1403 University Ave.
  Free, In Person
 
Tuesday, August 19
 

7:30am CDT

Cut through the noise : accelerate your next quality hire
Tuesday August 19, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Cut Through the Noise – Accelerate Your Next Quality Hire
Struggling to find top talent fast?
Discover proven hiring strategies that actually work.
Get tools, insights, and real-world success stories.
Join us – and hire smarter, faster.

Hosted by Source- Right 
Event Organizers
Tuesday August 19, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

9:00am CDT

AI for Non-Techies: Yes, You Can Use This Too
Tuesday August 19, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Curious about AI but feeling overwhelmed by the tech lingo? This session is designed for small business owners who want practical, approachable ways to use artificial intelligence—no coding, no jargon, no prior experience needed.

In just 60 minutes, you’ll get a clear understanding of what AI is (and isn’t), how it fits into your day-to-day operations, and how to confidently begin using it. We'll walk through five easy-to-use AI tools that can help with tasks like content creation, scheduling, email writing, customer communication, and more.

You’ll learn:

How AI can work with you (not replace you)

What tools are worth trying first—and why

Live demos of each tool with real-world small business examples

Tips for using AI while keeping your voice authentic and human

By the end of the session, you’ll leave with simple next steps, no stress, and a better understanding of how AI can support your business today—not someday.

Hosted by Golden Innovation Group
Event Organizers
avatar for Amy Calder

Amy Calder

Principal Owner, Golden Innovation Group
Amy Calder is the founder of Golden Innovation Group and a business optimization consultant who helps small business owners and solopreneurs streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and reclaim their time. Drawing from over two decades of corporate leadership in life sciences... Read More →

Tuesday August 19, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

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
avatar for Jillana Kelly

Jillana Kelly

Forward Fest Board
Sponsors

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

10:00am CDT

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

10:00am CDT

2025 Job Fair for Women and Nonbinary Folks in Tech
Tuesday August 19, 2025 10:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Madison Women in Tech is hosting our fourth annual job fair!

Join us Aug. 19th at the UW Memorial Union to explore opportunities with a wide variety of both Madison-based and national employers, everything from startups to corporations, including internships and entry-level positions.

Is your company hiring and interested in having a booth? Learn more and register at https://madisonwomen.tech/job-fair/employers.

Hosted by Madison Women in Tech
Event Organizers

Tuesday August 19, 2025 10:00am - 2:00pm CDT
UW Memorial Union
  Free, In Person (DevFest)

11:00am CDT

Cloud War Games LIVE!
Tuesday August 19, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Cloud War Games LIVE: Real Teams. Real Chaos. In-Person Showdown.

Join us in person for the ultimate test of cloud engineering skill, speed, and strategy. Cloud War Games LIVE is a hands-on, high-intensity competition where cloud pros battle real-world Amazon Web Services (AWS) outages in real time—on stage, in front of a live audience. This is not your average tech talk. It’s a tactical team showdown where infrastructure breaks, and only the most prepared will rise.

What’s Going Down:
Live AWS incident simulations with surprise chaos injected mid-game
Teams of engineers racing against the clock to detect, triage, and restore systems
Live commentary + big-screen action so the audience sees every decision unfold
Post-battle breakdowns: What worked, what failed, and what to do better next time

Who Should Be in the Room:
Cloud Architects • DevOps & SREs • Platform Engineers
Tech Leads & Engineering Managers
Career-transitioners and students hungry for hands-on exposure
Builders, indie hackers, and curious tech folks who thrive under pressure

Why It Matters:
When production is on fire, theory isn’t enough. Cloud War Games LIVE delivers the closest thing to on-call chaos without paging your team at 2am. Whether you’re playing or watching, you’ll walk away smarter, sharper, and ready for anything your infrastructure throws at you.

Hosted by Schematical 
Event Organizers
avatar for Kelly Pagac

Kelly Pagac

Community and Program Director, 100state

Tuesday August 19, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pm CDT
100state 17 S Fairchild Floor 7 Madison
  Free, In Person

2:00pm CDT

MadAI
Tuesday August 19, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Madison AI Meetup: Where Minds & Machines Connect
Join the vibrant community of AI enthusiasts and professionals at Madison's premier artificial intelligence meetup!
The Madison AI Meetup brings together diverse minds passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning in a collaborative, welcoming environment. Whether you're a seasoned ML engineer, data scientist, AI researcher, or simply curious about how AI is transforming our world, this community is designed for you.

What to Expect:

Engaging Presentations from local industry experts and academic researchers sharing cutting-edge AI developments
Hands-on Workshops covering practical applications of machine learning, deep learning, and AI tools
Networking Opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, and mentors
Accessible Discussions that bridge the gap between technical concepts and real-world applications

Who Should Attend:

AI professionals seeking community and knowledge exchange
Students and academics interested in applied machine learning
Business leaders exploring AI implementation strategies
Curious minds wanting to understand AI fundamentals in a supportive setting

Our meetups typically feature a 30-45 minute presentation followed by Q&A and dedicated networking time, all in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages authentic connections.
Event Organizers

Tuesday August 19, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Central Library 201 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, Hybrid

3:00pm CDT

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

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
avatar for Sharla Rowe

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

4:30pm CDT

AIpocalypse? The tectonic moment for brand and creativity in the time of Artificial General Intelligence and beyond
Tuesday August 19, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm CDT
Optimist or pessimist? Architect or casualty? The world is changing—now—and creativity, branding, and identity will never be the same.

AIpocalypse is a bold, live-studio experience hosted by technologist and thought leader **Matt Boatright-Simon**, joined by a powerhouse lineup of visionary artists, strategists, futurists, and AI experts. Together, they explore the radical disruption—and unexpected possibility—AI brings to the creative world.

Will humanity be rendered obsolete? Will we unlock superpowers beyond imagination? Or are we entering entirely uncharted terrain?

From provocative demos to unscripted conversations, **AIpocalypse** dives into the cultural, economic, and existential stakes of Artificial General Intelligence.

This description written by a human + AI hybrid
Event Organizers
avatar for Matt Boatright-Simon

Matt Boatright-Simon

SPEAK.STUDIO
https://www.mattboatrightsimon.com/ FOUNDER/CEO BIO SPEAK.STUDIO founder and CEO Matt Boatright-Simon is a developer/coder, UX and UI designer, thought leader, entrepreneur, stage play & screenwriter, and filmmaker. Boatright-Simon is a pioneer in experimentation & development... Read More →
Tuesday August 19, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm CDT
SPEAK STUDIO HQ at The Hub @ 2352 S Park Street 53703
  Premium, In Person (Apocalypse?)

6:00pm CDT

Tech Community Game Night
Tuesday August 19, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
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
Tuesday August 19, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
100state 17 S Fairchild Floor 7 Madison
 
Wednesday, August 20
 

7:30am CDT

Minimum Viable SEO: How to Boost Your Visibility & Credibility On a Budget
Wednesday August 20, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am CDT
Description:

If you’re already investing in content marketing but haven’t seen real results from SEO—or haven’t tried it at all—this talk is for you. SEO today isn’t about gaming the algorithm or writing dry, keyword-stuffed blog posts. It’s about making sure your best content gets discovered by the right people, at the exact moment they’re searching for solutions like yours.

In this session, content strategist and SEO consultant Olivia Barrow will show you how to integrate modern SEO best practices into your existing content workflows—even if you only publish one article a month. You’ll learn how to validate your content ideas with keyword research, create articles that match search intent, and optimize posts so they rank better in search without sacrificing clarity or credibility.

This is not a technical SEO workshop—it’s a practical, approachable framework for small marketing teams that want to get more ROI from content they’re already creating. Whether you’ve had disappointing SEO results in the past or have never touched it, you’ll leave with a clear, actionable process for increasing your visibility and establishing your brand as a trusted authority in your industry.

Key Takeaways:

Why traditional “SEO content” no longer works—and what to do instead

How to layer SEO onto a content strategy focused on thought leadership and trust

A simple keyword research method for validating blog topics

How to structure and optimize articles to match search intent & reader knowledge level

How to tap into internal expertise to add original insights to your content

When and how to use GenAI to enhance your content

How to get started even if your site has technical issues or past content that’s not optimized
Event Organizers
avatar for Margie Romani

Margie Romani

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 →
avatar for Genéve Friede

Genéve Friede

Board Member, Social Media Breakfast - Madison
Experienced Store Manager and Store Social Media Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit industry. Skilled in Grassroots Marketing, Operations Management, Coaching, Retail, and Sales. Strong sales professional with a Associate’s Degree focused in Electron... Read More →
Sponsors
Wednesday August 20, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am CDT
DreamBank 821 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703

8:30am CDT

Wisconsin Founders and Funders Breakfast
Wednesday August 20, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
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.

Hosted by Hyde Park Venture Partners

Wednesday August 20, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hollander Grand Cafe - Hilldale 701 Hilldale Way Madison, WI 53705

9:00am CDT

Inside the Code: Your Team and AI in action
Wednesday August 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Join Flexion, a Madison leader in system modernization and human-centered design, for a live, interactive build where you don’t just watch innovation, you help create it. In this hands-on session, Flexion’s engineers, designers, and product experts will guide this session as we:
1. Decide, Collaborate, Kick off
• Cast an up-front vote to choose our community-submitted product idea
• Collaboratively refine scope using Liberating Structures for truly inclusive design
2. Build Together
• Apply Ensemble Coding (driver-navigator) enhanced by GenAI assistance
• Deploy a working minimum viable product (MVP) to the cloud by lunchtime under a strict Definition of Done
3. Architect for Adaptation
• Reveal Option-Enabling Architecture (OEA) principles that let us refactor live safely
• Blend Lean UX discovery with agile delivery for always-deployable quality

Who Should Attend?
• Product and Technical Leaders (entrepreneurs, decision makers, product managers) eager to see human-centered, high-velocity development in action
• Hands-On Teams and Coders ready to master AI-augmented ensemble and cloud-first workflows
• Anyone passionate about innovation and modern software development practices

What You’ll Gain
• Practical workflows for live ensemble and AI-powered coding
• Hands-on experience with adaptive architecture
• Techniques to bake quality and continuous deployment into every sprint
• New connections across Madison’s innovation community
• Entry into our hourly attendee list and a final drawing: one lucky winner receives free Flexion software consulting services to fuel rapid, effective innovation

This participatory showcase reflects Forward Fest’s spirit of entrepreneurial collaboration and technical creativity. Be part of the action, help build the future of software live at Forward Fest 2025!

Hosted by Flexion Inc (flexion.us)
Event Organizers Sponsors

Wednesday August 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
100state 17 S Fairchild Floor 7 Madison

1:30pm CDT

Idea - Prompt - Prototype - Repeat
Wednesday August 20, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Ever had a product idea but didn’t know how to begin building it?

This live, collaborative session is designed for startup founders, creatives, and curious minds who want to explore physical prototyping without needing deep technical experience or a big budget.

Using AI tools and off-the-shelf components—like sensors, LEDs, or displays—we’ll brainstorm simple ideas as a group, generate code together using AI (like ChatGPT or Claude), and test the results live on real hardware.

We’ll wire things up, upload code, and troubleshoot in real time. Some builds may work on the first try, others may need iteration—or we may pivot quickly to keep things moving.

The goal isn’t polished engineering—it’s about making prototyping feel possible. You’ll see how even non-technical founders can take the first hands-on step toward proving an idea, testing feasibility, or creating a rough proof of concept—before investing in custom design or outsourced development.

You’ll walk away with:

A clear example of how AI and modular hardware can help test real ideas

Insight into how to build early proof points—without upfront design costs

Tools to begin your own shoestring prototyping journey

Inspiration to turn sweat equity and creativity into real momentum

From zero to prototype—experience it live with AI and real hardware.

Hosted by Quantum Ideation and Prototyping
Event Organizers
Wednesday August 20, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Starting Block 821 E Washington Ave, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, In Person

4:00pm CDT

EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange
Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Join us for an engaging gathering of EdTech entrepreneurs, product leaders, researchers, funders, and policy advocates. The EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange is a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and share insights on the future of education technology. Whether you're building tools for K-12, higher ed, workforce development, or lifelong learning, this event offers space to exchange ideas, find partners, and uncover new opportunities. The program includes open networking and small-group discussions focused on building solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and research-informed. Appetizers and drinks will be available.

Hosted by Flexion, Inc. & Filament Games
Event Organizers
avatar for Jennifer Javornik

Jennifer Javornik

Chief Partnerships Officer, Filament Games
Jennifer Javornik is an international speaker and thought leader on the topics of game-based learning and games for positive impact. As a video game executive specializing in partnerships, revenue growth, and entrepreneurship, Ms. Javornik is currently the Chief Partnerships Officer... Read More →
Sponsors

Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
TBA TBD somehwere downtown

5:00pm CDT

Trivia: UX edition!
Wednesday August 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
UX/UI Pub Trivia: Bragging Rights, Beer, and Buttons That Actually Work

Passionate about UX? UI-curious? Plain old competitive? Join us for an hour-long pub-trivia event open to everyone—from first-timers to seasoned pros. Come with friends or solo—we’ll build teams on the spot so you can meet fellow Madisonians. Drinks can be purchased. Hamburger menus will be debated. Winners will be crowned. And maybe… Don Norman will be made proud.

Hosted by Functionaire
Location: The Deliciouser 931 E Main Street
Food and drink available for purchase. 

Event Organizers
Wednesday August 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Deliciouser 931 E Main St Suite 7, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, In Person

6:00pm CDT

Cinema Showcase – Forward Fest Edition
Wednesday August 20, 2025 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Join us for COPA Presents: Cinema Showcase - where we showcase screenings from some of Wisconsin’s most talented and visionary filmmakers—many of whom have gained national and international recognition, including at festivals like Cannes. More than just a night at the movies, COPA Movie Night often includes live workshops, behind-the-scenes conversations, and interactive Q&As with the creators themselves. Whether it’s screenwriting, directing, or DIY filmmaking tips, each event offers a hands-on opportunity to explore film as both a creative art form and a launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures.

Celebrate local cinema, connect with fellow storytellers, and discover how Wisconsin filmmakers are turning artistic passion into professional opportunity.

Community Organizations Promoting the Arts empowers community arts organizations and creative professionals by providing space that promotes programming for both youth and adults, so they can collectively advance missions, achieve goals, expand access to critical resources and create—together.  https://copamadison.org/

2841 Index Road, Fitchburg WI

Hosted by COPA (Community Organizations Promoting the Arts) & Wisconsin 48hr Film Project
Event Organizers
DS

Dale Sticha

COPA (Community Organizations Promoting the Arts)
avatar for Naomi Shumway

Naomi Shumway

Git Gud Gaming Lounge
Wednesday August 20, 2025 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
COPA (Community Organizations Promoting The Arts) 2841 Index Road, Fitchburg WI
 
Thursday, August 21
 

7:30am CDT

Vibe Coding - Lets build together
Thursday August 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Explore what can be done with vibe coding - automate tasks or talk with your developer without the overwhelm
In this 1-hour session, you'll explore simple tools that require no coding experience.
We’ll introduce you to the world of "vibe coding" – where creativity meets tech.
Get hands-on and start turning ideas into action with ease.
Perfect for beginners ready to explore what’s possible.

Hosted by Source-Right Inc
Event Organizers
Thursday August 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

10:00am CDT

ADA Title II and You
Thursday August 21, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
In April 2024, the Department of Justice finalized long-awaited updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, setting specific standards for the accessibility of websites, applications, and digital documents. This session provides a clear, actionable overview of the new requirements and what they mean for public-facing digital content. We’ll cover the intersection of legal compliance and inclusive design—what’s now required, how these rules are being enforced, and why it matters not just for state and local governments, but also for nonprofits and federally funded organizations that may be impacted down the line.

Hosted by Earthling Interactive

Event Organizers
avatar for Bekee Gibson

Bekee Gibson

Director - Usability + Web Development, Earthling Interactive
People will hear me talking about dogs, food, knitting, Fallout 4, and polymer clay. But I'm also passionate about building usable digital experiences for both customers and administrators. Having been no stranger to repetitive stress disorders, I live to automate repetitive processes... Read More →
Thursday August 21, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

11:00am CDT

Capital That Fits: Exploring Options, Learning from Experience, Building Readiness
Thursday August 21, 2025 11:00am - 3:00pm CDT
The funding landscape has evolved beyond traditional VC, but many founders don't know their options. Join Valency Fund for a half-day deep dive into different capital solutions that fit your business model and growth goals.

Three focused sessions will cover:
1: Panel with diverse funders across the risk/reward spectrum—from traditional VC to revenue-based financing
2: Real founder stories from Wisconsin entrepreneurs using non-traditional capital to scale
3: Financial readiness workshop on building fundable, sustainable companies

Lunch included.

You'll leave with practical frameworks, real connections, and clarity on which funding path actually fits your business. Perfect for founders who want to make informed capital decisions while building lasting value.

Hosted by Valency Fund
Event Organizers

Thursday August 21, 2025 11:00am - 3:00pm CDT
TBA TBD somehwere downtown

12:30pm CDT

From Spreadsheets and Silos to Data-Driven Efficiency
Thursday August 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
From Spreadsheets and Silos to Data-Driven Efficiency is a compelling case study in business transformation. If your organization is grappling with scattered data, clunky workflows, and inefficient systems that limit your growth, this session is for you.

Join us to learn how one organization shifted from using dozens of disconnected tools, documents, and manual processes to a centralized, integrated, and scalable custom business solution. By leveraging technology to unify operations, they unlocked major time savings, improved staff productivity, and positioned themselves for growth.

We’ll walk you through the practical steps of evaluating your business systems, identifying where your team’s time is being wasted, and how to prioritize what to fix first. You’ll also see how low-code platforms and smart integrations (APIs) can help build a “single source of truth” that reduces friction across departments—without needing a huge tech team or budget.

Whether you're an early-stage startup or a more established organization looking to scale, this session offers actionable insights for building a smarter, more efficient business foundation.

Hosted by NaviCu
Event Organizers
Thursday August 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Delta Beer Lab 167 E Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713
  Free, In Person

6:00pm CDT

Play & Pitch: Game Night for Innovators
Thursday August 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
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
avatar for Naomi Shumway

Naomi Shumway

Git Gud Gaming Lounge
Thursday August 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Git Gud Lounge  2841 Index Road, Fitchburg Wi
 
Friday, August 22
 

8:00am CDT

Tech Recycling Event
Friday August 22, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm CDT
Bring your old laptops, cell phones, tablets, and other digital devices to be reused or recycled! Madison-based nonprofit DANEnet is teaming up with Cascade Asset Management to collect residential digital devices to be securely wiped then recycled or refurbished for distribution to low-income households without computers. It’s good for our community AND good for the planet!

- BRING: computers, laptops, monitors, TVs, computer devices, smart watches, tablets, and cellphones.
- DO NOT BRING: appliances, copiers, fax machines, medical tech devices, or technology from businesses.

For a detailed list of all tech that can be accepted at this event, use the WI DNR list as a guide here: https://tinyurl.com/49p4dxja
If your business is interested in hosting a computer recycling event or has questions about business equipment recycling, contact info@danenet.org.

Hosted by DANEnet 
Event Organizers
avatar for Sarah Linn

Sarah Linn

Director of Development, DANEnet
Sponsors

Friday August 22, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm CDT
Warner Park 2930 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704
  Free, In Person

2:00pm CDT

Startup 2.0: AI Agents Meet 'The Sims'
Friday August 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Have you ever played the game The Sims?

If not, the core gameplay revolves around creating and controlling virtual people known as "Sims," managing every aspect of their lives, from relationships and careers to personal needs and desires.

But what if while you were sleeping all the characters in The Sims acted autonomously by making decisions, interacting with others, and building a society on their own?

Enter AI Agents—an emerging technology that's redefining productivity for startups and small businesses. AI Agents independently automate complex workflows, integrate seamlessly across multiple tools, and allow teams to reclaim valuable hours.

We're not just talking about ChatGPT or Grok—this is an entire ecosystem of intelligent agents that operate autonomously or collaboratively, dramatically amplifying your team's effectiveness.

As a startup or small business owner, you're constantly balancing limited hours against endless demands, and agents can help fill-in the gaps.
Event Organizers
MW

Matthew Walz

Founder & CEO, The Jenny Project
Friday August 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBA TBD somehwere downtown
  Free, In Person
 
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