Forward Festival

media release: Entrepreneurs, innovators and creative professionals from across Wisconsin will gather for the 16th annual Forward Festival, taking place Aug. 18-22 at venues throughout the greater Madison area. The festival will feature a record-breaking more than 60 events across approximately 25 event spaces, with 70% being new events that showcase the significant expansion and growth of the festival. 

The 2025 event introduces expanded programming in wellness for entrepreneurs and creative industries, including Music Industry Night on Monday, Aug. 18 and Cinema Showcase on Wednesday, Aug. 20. These events join the festival’s continued focus on trends, including artificial intelligence, with eight sessions exploring how AI is reshaping business and technology.

The festival continues the mainstay events of the Badger Startup Summit on Aug. 18, now at the Engineering Centers Building, as well as the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Pressure Chamber pitch competition event on Aug. 19, now at The Sylvee.

Similar to last year, participants have three different options for the Forward Pass: a Free Events Forward Pass; the All-Inclusive Forward Pass with Swag, which provides access to all virtual and in-person events, the Forward Fest app and 2025 merchandise; and the All-Inclusive Forward Pass without Swag. Ticket prices will increase for the All-Inclusive Forward Pass without Swag on Aug. 7. Once participants buy a Forward Pass, they can RSVP to events with one click and have events synced to their calendars.

For a detailed listing of events happening during the Forward Festival, please visit www.forwardfest.org. Here's what's comingup the next couple days:

Events for Friday, August 22

• 8:00 AM: Twenty Minute Collaboration Salon: Collaborative Food Lessons
• 8:00 AM: Tech Recycling Event
• 10:30 AM: Mastering Strategic Pricing for Cash Flow Management
• 11:00 AM: Big Time! Your Big Story in a Big Way
• 1:00 PM: Business Taxes 101: A Beginner's Guide to Navigating Self-Employment and Small-Business Taxes
• 2:00 PM: Startup 2.0: AI Agents Meet 'The Sims'
• 3:00 PM: From Personal Experience to Purpose-Driven Business: Women Leading Eldercare Solutions
• 5:00 PM: Founders Finish Line Happy Hour

No matter which pass you choose, we can’t wait to see you there! Secure your tickets today and get ready for an unforgettable Forward Fest 2025. You can only add events that match the type of ticket you purchased. Please be considerate—if your plans change, remove your RSVP by deleting the event from your Sched calendar.

Forward Festival is sponsored by Fine Point Consulting, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, MG&E, Neider & Boucher, Swink, WEDC and the Wisconsin Union. Public relations support is provided by Revelation PR, Advertising & Social Media.