Forward Fest 2024

10:00am CDT

Avoid the Common Pitfalls When Introducing Your Next Software Solution

Tuesday August 20, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Are you starting a new software solution and don’t even know where to begin? Are you having trouble getting your project over the finish line? Whether your first time taking on a software project or you’ve been through it before, questions and challenges are bound to come up. Join industry experts from Earthling Interactive and Yahara Software for this panel discussion which will focus on common pitfalls through the entire development process, from sales to deployment, and how to avoid them. Come with your questions on everything from website to custom application projects!
Hosted by Earthling Interactive

Event Organizers

Jamie Role

Director of Applications, Earthling Interactive

Bekee Gibson

Director Marketing Technologies, 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 →

Chuck Rodriguez

Earthling Interactive

Tuesday August 20, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Virtual

Free Event, Virtual

11:00am CDT

The Dark Side of AI and the Need for Cybersecurity Awareness

Tuesday August 20, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Virtual

Artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes multiple industries, providing unprecedented automation, analytics, and decision-making capabilities. However, the rapid advancements in AI technology have also led to the emergence of sophisticated social engineering attacks, posing significant challenges to individuals, businesses, and governments. This presentation will explore the impact of AI on social engineering, highlighting the potential benefits, dangers, and strategies for defending against these new-age threats.

Free Phishing Test: https://info.knowbe4.com/phishing-security-test-partner?partnerid=001Dm000002KhCHIA0

Hosted by: American Technology Consulting - ATC

Event Organizers

Don Eiling

atc.

Fan of technology. Helping companies build innovative software, platforms and re-engineering legacy applications.

Sponsors

KnowBe4

Tuesday August 20, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Virtual

Free Event, Virtual

9:00am CDT

Demystifying the Pro Forma

Wednesday August 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am CDT

Virtual

Website

In 40+ years of working with entrepreneurs, we have regularly observed that “the money part” of business planning is often what causes many business owners and would-be business owners alike the most anxiety and confusion. Yet the numbers don’t have to intimidate you. Instead, understanding a clear financial plan for your business will give you the confidence to make educated decisions about the viability of your business idea, access needed capital and actively manage cash flow as your business grows.

By joining us for this overview session, you will build a solid foundation of concepts that can help you understand how to put real numbers to your dreams and learn the path to projections. Whether you plan to seek funding from a bank, determine the feasibility of your business idea, or explore new directions for your business, following the ideas we’ll cover in this session will help you build success based on knowledge.

Hosted by: UW-Madison Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Event Organizers

Heather Ferguson

Program Manager, UW-Madison SBDC

Wednesday August 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Virtual

Free Event, Virtual

11:00am CDT

Navigating Digital Accessibility: Laws, Compliance, and Consequences

Wednesday August 21, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Virtual

In an era where digital presence is paramount, ensuring accessibility for all users is not just a moral imperative but a legal obligation. Our webinar will explore the pressing need for digital accessibility, examining the dynamic regulatory framework governing it. From ADA to WCAG, we'll decode the acronyms and dissect the legal mandates, providing clarity on what it means for your digital platforms. Moreover, we'll delve into the tangible consequences of non-compliance, ranging from legal liabilities to reputational damage. Whether you're a business owner, developer, or simply passionate about inclusivity, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of digital accessibility confidently.

Hosted by American Technology Consulting - ATC

Event Organizers

Don Eiling

atc.

Fan of technology. Helping companies build innovative software, platforms and re-engineering legacy applications.

Sponsors

ADA Site Compliance

Wednesday August 21, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Virtual

Free Event, Virtual

3:00pm CDT

Embracing our Strengths as Sensitive, Introverted Leaders

Wednesday August 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

Virtual

Website

You’ll have an opportunity to meet with other introverted, sensitive leaders in an interactive workshop to explore your paradigm-busting leadership style and gifts. As introverts, our tendency is to step back and remain in the background in new situations. We invite you to take the leap and show up on camera with openness and a willingness to participate in a discussion with similarly-wired humans. We hope you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for your unique strengths as sensitive, introverted leaders as well as new connections with prospective allies and partners in fulfilling your potential.

Hosted by Perspectives and Insights Coaching and Consulting

Event Organizers

Shirin Lee

Founder, Perspectives and Insights Coaching and Consulting

Wednesday August 21, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Virtual

Free Event, Virtual

8:30am CDT

From Setbacks to Comebacks: Mastering Resiliency Against All Odds

Thursday August 22, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am CDT

Virtual

Website

Join us for a transformative workshop designed to redefine your approach to resilience in the face of challenges. This session offers a blend of interactive exercises, personal storytelling, and practical strategies aimed at fostering a resilient mindset in professional settings. Dive into the core of resilience with insights from thought leaders, participate in reflective exercises to map your resilience journey, and discover actionable strategies to enhance your adaptability, support networks, and well-being. This workshop is not just about enduring tough times but thriving through them with purpose, connection, and a positive mindset. Whether you're facing personal obstacles or professional hurdles, this session will equip you with the tools to navigate adversity with confidence and grace. Prepare to transform setbacks into comebacks and emerge stronger than ever.

Hosted by The Perk

Event Organizers

Leah Roe

Founder + Leadership Coach + Culture Consultant, The Perk

Leah Roe is the Founder of The Perk, a premier Leadership & Culture Development studio on a mission to build the world's best leaders & teams. Leah loves taking dynamic & complex topics, like trust, culture, communication & psychological safety, & breaking them down so leaders have... Read More →

Thursday August 22, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Virtual

Free Event, Virtual

9:30am CDT

Is it the Real World? Or is it AI? An Entrepreneur’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Thursday August 22, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am CDT

Virtual

Website

You’ve heard plenty about Artificial Intelligence being a “game changer” across industries – but what does that mean for your day-to-day work? We asked ourselves this question – and how AI could level the playing field for small businesses – and did some investigating.

We know that as a small business owner, manager, or employee, there's so much you need to keep up on - so when do you have time to learn how to use AI? Today is the day! In this beginner-focused session, join us as “AI Explorers” as we discuss the basics of Artificial Intelligence.

You will leave this session with sample prompts to try, tools and resources to explore, and the confidence to embrace being an AI Explorer - starting today!

Hosted by: UW-Madison Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Event Organizers

Heather Ferguson

Program Manager, UW-Madison SBDC

Thursday August 22, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am CDT
Virtual

Free Event, Virtual

5:00pm CDT

High Tech Happy Hour Anniversary Celebration

Thursday August 22, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT

UW Memorial Union

Website

Join SupraNet Communications and Yahara Software for the 23rd Anniversary of High Tech Happy Hour! Raise a glass, network and help us celebrate 23 years of connecting the Madison community!

Hosted by SupraNet Communications, Inc. & Yahara Software

Event Organizers

Rachel Whitmore

VP of Strategic Business Development, SupraNet Communications, Inc.

Sponsors

SupraNet Communications, Inc

Yahara Software

Thursday August 22, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
UW Memorial Union

Free Event, Virtual

8:30am CDT

AI Powered Lightning Fast Testing Solution

Friday August 23, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

Virtual

ATC is a software product firm helping companies build innovative technology. Internally we have built an AI Testing Framework to increase our productivity and now sharing this approach with companies interested in doing the same.

Key Differentiators:
-50% Less test case design time for automation vs. manual through updating design system and use of AI tools.
-Less than 15 minutes to test the entire application using auto-scalable cloud infrastructure.
-Test across browser, devices, operating systems and mobile devices.
-Use of AI tools to ensure 100% code coverage.
-Test case design in Java, C#, JavaScript, Groovy or Python as needed.
-100% integration with CI/CD pipeline.

Hosted by American Technology Consulting - ATC

Event Organizers

Don Eiling

atc.

Fan of technology. Helping companies build innovative software, platforms and re-engineering legacy applications.

Friday August 23, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Virtual

Free Event, Virtual

9:30am CDT

From Side Hustle to Small Business

Friday August 23, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am CDT

Virtual

Website

Have you been thinking about turning your hobby into a business, but aren’t sure where to start? Do you have a side hustle that’s grown and you want to explore next steps? Are you interested in learning more about how to explore a business idea you have? This session will teach you have to use a visual business planning tool call the Business Model Canvas. This tool will help you understand how 9 functional areas of business work together to create a model of operation. The class will also give you information about resources and next steps.

Hosted by: UW-Madison Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Event Organizers