Wisconsin has a full calendar of startup events and conferences in 2020. These startup events feature entrepreneurial education as well as opportunities to practice your pitch, network with other entrepreneurs, connect with mentors and investors.
Wisconsin Tech Summit
March - Hosted by the Wisconsin Tech Council
The Wisconsin Tech Summit brings together major companies and emerging startups in an environment where collaborations can be explored. Emerging companies apply. Qualifying startups are then matched up with major companies who have parallel technology and innovation needs. The goal of the event is to form business relationships which may include: contracting for R&D, integrating into the supply chain, or investment/acquisition strategies. The event features education, networking, and pre-scheduled 15-minute strategic meetings between major companies and emerging startups.
Small Business Week
April - Hosted by the SBA & Score
National Small Business Week recognizes America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners who contribute to their local community. Communities nationwide host events and award ceremonies. To culminate the Small Business Week, the SBA and SCORE co-host the Small Business Awards Breakfast where the Small Business Award winners are recognized. The Awards Breakfast also features a keynote speaker and various workshops.
BixThreeSixty
May - Hosted by Geneva Supply
BizThreeSixty brings leading experts in today’s business world to Wisconsin. It is more than a business event; BizThreeSixty provides inspiration, education, and networking. The all-day event is ideal for individuals looking to improve their business or career, and interact with like-minded individuals.
Entrepreneurs’ Conference
June - Hosted by the Wisconsin Tech Council
The Entrepreneurs’ Conference is one of the Midwest’s premiere “how-to” events for entrepreneurs of all ages and experience levels. The conference features keynote speakers, informative panel discussions, networking opportunities, and the Diligent Dozen - Top 12 Governors Business Plan Contest presentations. The conference concludes with the Governor’s Business Plan Contest luncheon where the top 12 participants are recognized and the winners are announced.
Summerfest Tech
June - Hosted by Summerfest
Summerfest Tech showcases technology, champions on behalf of regional businesses, and spotlights Wisconsin'‘s growing reputation as a tech hub. The two-day event features keynote speakers, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and the 5 Lakes Pitch event.
Forward Fest
August - Hosted by the Forward Fest Board
Forward Fest is Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship conference. Forward Fest spans 8 days and is a celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation. It is ideal for entrepreneurs, techies, foodies, and creatives. The festival features a variety of events related to entrepreneurship, games, music, bio/health, arts, food, social good, and tech/software. You can choose from countless events, workshops, and summits.
Wisconsin Innovation Awards
October - Hosted by Wisconsin Innovation Awards
The Wisconsin Innovation Awards celebrate and inspire innovation. The awards ceremony in October honors innovators with groundbreaking ideas. By bringing innovators together from various business sectors and from across the state, the Wisconsin Innovation Awards foster an environment of innovation.
Startup Wisconsin Week
November - Hosted by Startup Week Communities
Startup Week is designed to connect, educate, and celebrate entrepreneurship in Wisconsin. The programming revolves around entrepreneurial education, resources, and supporting organizations who help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
Startup Week takes place annually in November. Various communities in Wisconsin participate – Appleton, Beloit, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Stevens Point, and Two Rivers.
Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium
November - Hosted by the Wisconsin Tech Council
The Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium brings together entrepreneurs and angel and venture investors. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for pitch opportunities! The various pitch opportunities include the Investor Network presentation tracks, the Elevator Pitch Olympics, and Investor Intros. The conference features informative and inspiring speakers. educational workshops, and networking opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Event Series
In addition to the annual events listed above, there are various entrepreneurial workshops and event series through the state. Here are a few to get you started:
Entrepreneurons
Co-produced by WARF and Discovery to Product (D2P), Entrepreneurons provides practical advice and networking for entrepreneurs. The event series specifically focuses on the fundamentals of starting a new venture in the Madison community.
Innovation Network Luncheons
The Wisconsin Technology Councils host monthly luncheons across the state. The luncheon begins with networking and concludes with a presentation from experts in the industry. The luncheon topics revolve around technology and innovation.
SCORE Webinars & Workshops
In addition to their robust resource library of templates, blogs, checklists, videos, and other resources, SCORE frequently hosts live webinars and local workshops. You can pre-register to attend a live webinar, watch a recorded webinar on-demand, or watch an in-person workshop or event at one of their 300 chapters nationwide.
Did you notice a conference or event missing from this list? If so, send us the details at innovation@uww.edu and we will update the list accordingly!