Events | Economic & Business Development

M+DEV

· Oct 31, 2019 ·

The Wisconsin Games Alliance (WGA) and the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) announced Nika Nour, the executive director for the International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDAF) and Bravo Spy Games reality TV contestant will be addressing the Third M+DEV Conference in Madison on February 14, 2020. The conference expects to attract hundreds of game developers from across the Midwest to the Alliant Energy Center.

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is the world’s largest organization serving individuals who create games and its foundation, IGDAF, is dedicated to forging new paths on diversity and inclusion in games. “Diversity and inclusion efforts are critical to ensuring the growth and success of video game developers, players and businesses, said Nour. “The industry can do more to support women, minorities, LGBTQ, accessibility needs and under served communities, and the IGDA Foundation’s work would be incomplete if we didn’t focus on the whole inclusivity pipeline.”

“Building a bridge between WGA and industry organizations as important as IGDA and IGDAF is vital to support our ever-growing Midwest game development industry,” said WGA President Brian Pelletier. “We’re thrilled to feature both an industry thought leader and major player in indie game development in our slate of speakers for M+DEV 2020.”

Nour is also currently featured on Bravo TV’s Spy Games, a show featuring 10 contestants living together in a large house and attempting to gather intel on their fellow players while competing in challenges designed by three former spies, alumni of the CIA, Secret Service, and FBI. Players will be eliminated until one remains to claim a $100,000 prize.

“The Madison Region continues to garner attention nationally and internationally as a growing hub for game development. M+DEV is an important tool to build community and raise awareness about the importance of this sector,” said MadREP President Paul Jadin. MadREP, the Region’s economic development organization, supported development of the Wisconsin Games Alliance.

Joining Nour as a plenary speaker is Felix Kramer, a freelance producer, PR, and business developer who has collaborated with indies and small publishers for the past nine years. They work from their home in Canada with teams all over the world, with the goal of making business and production in indie more accessible and available to small teams. Currently they work with Finji (Overland, TUNIC), Shedworks (Sable), Panic (Untitled Goose Game), and Polytron (FEZ). Past collaborations include Night School (Oxenfree), Chance Agency (Neo Cab), and Iron Galaxy (Videoball, Capsule Force).

Game developers for all platforms are welcome as well as creators of board games and card games. For those interested in getting involved, opportunities are available to sponsor, volunteer and more. Tickets are available for pre-sale and at the door. Learn more at mdevconf.com. Questions about Spy Games should be directed to Paria Sadighi at Kinetic Content [310.883.7240 | 818.621.4257 | psadighi@kineticcontent.com].

2019 Early Stage Symposium

· Oct 23, 2019 ·

Experienced ‘treps, investors on hand Nov. 6 for six panels at 2019 Early Stage Symposium

Some of the most active entrepreneurs, investors and service experts from Wisconsin and beyond will take part in informative panel discussions during the first day of the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium in Madison. The conference, which continues Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, will also feature speakers, workshops, company pitches and an “Investor Intros” segment to connect emerging companies with angel and venture capitalists.

The conference will also feature:

More than 40 company presentations and the “Investor Intros” speed-dating segment, which more than 430 one-on-one meetings.
Keynote speakers Marques Ogden, former NFL lineman turned entrepreneur, and tech veteran and investor Jeff Schumacher
A conversation with Anne Smith, the winner of the “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award.
“Office Hours,” offering the opportunity to meet with subject experts on a variety of topics in small discussion groups or one-on-one.
A Nov. 6 evening conference reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.

Learn more, check out sponsors and register at wisearlystage.com.

Anatomy of a build: Exact, Findorff and Potter Lawson Partnership Topic at Tech Council luncheon

· Oct 1, 2019 ·

Get an insider’s view of the planning, technology and resources that went into construction of the recently opened Exact Sciences clinical laboratory by attending the Oct. 22 Tech Council Innovation Network luncheon in Madison.

The luncheon will be held at The Coliseum Bar & Banquet on E. Olin Ave. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon and the presentation at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for students and returning veterans, $25 for individual members, $35 for non-members and included for Tech Council corporate members. Click here to register.

Exact Sciences is a molecular diagnostics company with current products that focus on the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. Findorff, one of Madison’s oldest construction firms, wrapped up work this summer on Exact Science’s clinical laboratory space on the city’s southwest side. Work continues on other Exact Sciences buildings.

Panelists are Bob Hougard, science and technology lead of Findorff, Jeremy Hulsey, senior project manager of Exact Sciences and Eric Lawson, president and chief executive officer of Potter Lawson.

“With 2,300 employees today and openings for many more, Exact Sciences continues to grow through projects such as its 169,000-square-foot clinical laboratory and warehouse space,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “The lab will process samples from people who use the company’s Cologuard screening kit for colorectal cancer, which kills about 50,000 people a year – mostly in cases where the disease was not detected early enough.”

The luncheon is sponsored by Old National Bank and is in partnership with the Wisconsin Healthcare Business Forum.

The Wisconsin Technology Council is the independent, non-profit science and technology adviser to the governor and Legislature, with events, publications and outreach that contribute to Wisconsin’s tech-based economy. To join, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call 608-442-7557.

WEDA 2019 Fall Conference

· Sep 25, 2019 ·

Join us at the Fall Conference! The conference is approved for EDFP, CEcD, and AICP continuing education credits.The conference will be held in Stevens Point, WI at the Holiday Inn on October 3rd, and 4th. Our reception on Wednesday evening will be at SentryWorld after our preconference golf outing or agri-business tours, which are fundraisers for the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute (WEDA’s foundation).

Thursday:

We will introduce you to seven of the new state agency leaders with a networking break to allow for informal introductions. We will have regional executives discussing trends impacting their industry sectors. The final presentation will discuss the new Sands Golf Course Development in central Wisconsin.

Friday:

This session is open to small business owners and will discuss the following topics:

Panel discussing how small businesses can recruit, re-skill and retain a rural workforce
Break out sessions with local businesses expanding on their workforce philosophies
Economic Data – where can it be found and how the economic outlook is for Wisconsin
WEDC will be sharing how local communities and businesses can utilize the tools and campaigns as part of their workforce strategy

General Registration Questions – If you are having issues registering with the web site, please email weda@weda.org

Conference Sponsorships are still available, which includes free conference registration(s)

(scroll down to the Fall Conference sponsorships)

Registration – Exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and corporate membership levels of (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze)

Please work with Kathy Davies (conference planner) if you have questions related to your registration. Her email address is kdavies@weda.org . The system is designed to take your registrations. With each Exhibitor Package, you receive one registration.

In Business Expo & Conference

· Sep 25, 2019 ·

Imagine a day with over 1,000 face-to-face connections, the room abuzz with the excitement of burgeoning business opportunities and innovative solutions. Now, add in a keynote with customer service insight from one of the world’s leading brands, and three professional development opportunities for your team.

This is the In Business Expo & Conference.

This is where Madison does business.

On Oct. 16, 2019, In Business magazine will host the 9th annual In Business Expo & Conference at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. This is Dane County’s premier business-to-business expo with over 1,000 attendees and more than 100 exhibitors.

The 2019 In Business Expo & Conference includes:

An all-day expo with business exhibitors from around the Greater Madison region and the state
A morning networking reception to kick off the day
A keynote presentation featuring a former Disney executive
A chance to network with more than 1,000 professionals, 50 percent holding management-level titles or higher
Information-packed seminars to help your business
Opportunities to win valuable prizes
And more!

Madison RegionEconomic Partnership

Madison Region
Economic Partnership