MILWAUKEE, Wis. – To succeed over time, young companies must find revenue sources that range from sales to strategic debt to rounds of investment as well as marketing strategies that work in today’s climate. Learn more in the “Succeed” panel track June 6 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference.
The conference at the Italian Community Center returns to the “Cream City” to celebrate the region’s rise as a startup and scale-up hub within the Midwest. Registration is open at witrepsconference.com or linked here.
The “SUCCEED” track is one of three conference tracks open to all attendees at the 22nd annual conference. Panel discussions in the “Succeed” track are:
10 a.m. June 6 – How we funded our companies: Hear from entrepreneurs on their funding strategies
What funding path works best for you? How much capital do you need? How much equity are you willing to give up? Those are among questions entrepreneurs should ask themselves as they consider where and how they find sources of capital. We will hear how some young companies pulled it off … their own way.
Moderated by Mark Ehrmann, Quarles & Brady. Panelists thus far are Chad Johnson, Tip a ScRxipt; and Serge Romero, Bend Health
11 a.m. June 6 – Marketing in the muddle: How to communicate effectively in the age of media dysfunction
Most newspapers are struggling to find the right digital strategy. Television is being supplanted by a myriad of streaming services. Social media is encountering massive public mistrust, not to mention rumbles of government regulation. So, what’s a young company to do? Learn about multiple approaches to telling your story. After all, it’s all about attracting and retaining customers – and positioning your firm for growth.
Moderated by Spencer X. Smith, AmpliPhi. Panelists are Mindy McCord, Siren Shrubs Co.; Kate Rodgers, GE Healthcare; and Jeremy Truxal, Exact Sciences
The “Launch” and “Grow” panels were recently announced. Attendees may attend all or parts of any track.
“Mapping the entrepreneurial mind” is the theme of the conference, where entrepreneurs from around the state will showcase their ideas, services and technologies. Six panel tracks formed under three unique stages of “launch,” “grow” and “succeed” will appeal to entrepreneurs in all stages. Detailed panel information will be posted soon at witrepsconference.com.
Produced by the Tech Council, the Entrepreneurs’ Conference is among the largest and affordable events for entrepreneurs and early stage investors in the Upper Midwest. Other highlights will include:
- Diligent (Baker’s) Dozen: Top 13 finalists from the Governor’s Business Plan Contest square off on the afternoon of June 5
- Ken Hendricks Memorial “Seize the Day” 2024 award winner, Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter award ceremony
- Maneesh Arora, Elephas, keynote speech morning of June 6, sponsored by Ideal Builders
- Governor’s Business Plan Contest “Diligent Dozen” awards announcements June 6
- Innovation Showcase featuring exhibits from Wisconsin companies
- Plenty of chances to network with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors over food and refreshments, including a June 5 reception at the Italian Community Center
Sponsors thus far are: Affiliated Engineers, Apple, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, AT&T, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, BDO, Business Fitness, Center for Technology Commercialization, City of Fitchburg, City of Milwaukee Office of Equity & Inclusion, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), DeWitt, Findorff, First Business Bank, Foley & Lardner, Godfrey & Kahn, Husch Blackwell, Ideal Builders, J.P. Morgan, Lost Boys Interactive, Madison Development Corp., Madison Gas & Electric, Makin’ HEY! Communications, Marquette University, N29 Capital Partners, Neider & Boucher, NuvaBox, Perkins Coie, Quarles & Brady, Raven Software, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, Ruder Ware, Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction, SustainableHR PEO, Technology Innovation Center – Milwaukee, University Research Park, UW-Madison Center for Dairy Research, UW-Madison College of Engineering, UW-Madison Innovate Network, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, UW-Madison Office of University Relations, VC3, Venture Investors, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, WE Energies, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Whitewater University Innovation Center, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Technical College System and Yahara Software.
To become a sponsor, contact Angela Schlobohm at angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com. For more information, visit witrepsconference.com or call 608-442-7557.
