Category: Client news

2025 Forward Festival Reaches All-Time Record in Events

Posted on by Maggie Boettinger

(MADISON, Wis.)—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.

“This year’s Forward Festival represents unprecedented growth and diversification,” Laura Strong, festival board member and CEO and founder of the Valency Fund said. “What’s particularly exciting is seeing so many new organizers getting involved – it shows how this event, made by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, continues to evolve.”

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.

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.

For a detailed listing of events happening during the Forward Festival, please visit www.forwardfest.org.

 

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Date, Grand Marshals Announced for 25th Anniversary of Madison’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Posted on by Taylor Kennedy

(MADISON, Wis.)—WKOW 27 news anchors Amber Noggle and Brandon Taylor will serve as the grand marshals of the 25th annual Madison St. Patrick’s Day Parade, scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16 on the Capitol Square.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Madison St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the greater Madison community,” Joe Herr, event spokesperson and member of the organizing committee, said. “The parade continues to bring locals together with live music, floats and family-friendly festivities, all while supporting local charities.”

Noggle and Taylor have nearly two decades of combined experience in journalism and have been fixtures of the community.

The celebration will kick off with the Dane County Shamrock Club raising an Irish flag at noon in the Capitol Rotunda. A raffle drawing will take place at LJ’s Sports Tavern & Grill, located at 8 N. Paterson St, shortly after the parade concludes.

Similar to past years, the free event will traverse counterclockwise around the Capitol Square, exiting at E. Washington Avenue. Proceeds will benefit the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, the Jim B. Lemon Foundation and Logan’s Heart and Smiles.

For more information about the parade, visit https://www.stpatsmadison.org/.

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Babes Grill & Bar is Back!

Posted on by Taylor Kennedy

(MADISON, Wis.) – After closing in 2019, Babes Grill & Bar will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 29 as Babes at Vitense Grill and Bar, located inside Vitense Golfland at 5501 Schroeder Rd.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the reopening of such an iconic Madison restaurant,” Vitense Golfland Co-Owner Joel Weitz said. “The addition of Babes at Vitense will amplify the significance of offering a unique Madison experience by combining the success of a 35-year local sports bar business with a nearly 70-year-old family recreation destination founded in 1955 by George Vitense, a Madison golf professional legend.”

Lynn Haker, the owner of the former Babes Grill & Bar, has been involved in the creation of the new establishment. Although he has no ownership, Haker will serve as the restaurant’s Food and Beverage Director. One of the most interesting features of the new restaurant area will be the large mural on the north wall featuring captivating pictures and descriptions of the decades of progression of the Madison landmarks.

The 2,000-square-foot restaurant will feature casual American food, a full-service bar and an outdoor patio. Many of the popular items from the original Babes, which closed after 35 years for the development of an apartment complex, will be featured at the new Babes at Vitense restaurant just across Schroeder Road from the old location.

Babes at Vitense Grill and Bar will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to the closing time of Vitense Golfland. The friendly, neighborhood establishment also will be available for private events.

For more information about Babes at Vitense Grill and Bar, visit: https://www.vitense.com/babes-at-vitense/

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