The 16th annual Forward Festival takes place Aug. 18-22 throughout the Madison area and features more than 60 events across 25 venues.

“This year’s Forward Festival represents unprecedented growth and diversification,” Festival Board Member Laura Strong said in a statement. “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.”

New programming to the festival includes wellness-focused events and creative industry programming such as Music Industry Night on Aug. 18 and the Cinema Showcase on Aug. 20. The schedule also includes a focus on AI’s impact on business, with eight sessions dedicated to the topic, and opportunities to meet investors, including at the Wisconsin Founders and Funders breakfast on Aug. 20. 

Returning mainstay events include the Badger Startup Summit (Aug. 18) and Pressure Chamber (Aug. 19). Events will be held both virtually and in-person at venues such as 100state, DreamBank and the UW Memorial Union.

Forward Festival concludes with the Founders Finish Line Happy Hour on Aug. 22. 

Tickets can be purchased here.