With registration numbers running high, hundreds of people
are set to attend the 13th annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference. Here are
10 reasons to join them Tuesday and Wednesday at Madison’s Alliant Energy
Center for one of the Midwest’s premier events for entrepreneurs.
Register through 10 a.m. Monday at www.WiTrepsConference.com. Or register
Tuesday and Wednesday at the Alliant Center, just off John Nolen Drive in
Madison. Why attend?
1.
You’ll hear from
topical speakers: Jerry Jendusa,
the co-founder of EMTEQ and STUCK LLC, will speak Wednesday morning about his
startup and scale-up success story – and how he’s now passing on those lessons
to other entrepreneurs. Christal
Sheppard, the director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the
Midwest, will underscore the role of intellectual property in driving the
modern economy when she speaks Tuesday morning. Also, a Tuesday morning panel
of digital health experts will
discuss trends shaping one of Wisconsin’s prominent tech sectors. And Jonathan Zuckerbrod of the Milwaukee
Bucks will talk Wednesday about how technology is in the starting lineup for
one of the NBA’s playoff franchises.
2.
You’ll watch the
“Diligent Dozen” finalists in the 12th annual Governor’s Business
Plan Contest sweat it out: Talk about pressure! Our judges will decide who
takes home the top prizes in the 2015 BPC after 13 finalists (OK, it’s a
baker’s dozen) give short pitches between 3:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
We’ll announce the winners over lunch Wednesday – which is also when the winner
of the Wisconsin YES! youth business plan contest will present!
3.
You’ll learn
from successful entrepreneurs: The panelist list includes Mark Cook, Isomark; Hathaway Dilba, Ale Asylum; David Dupee, CraftFund; Margaret Ebeling, Tiara Betty; Dr. Sanaz Cordes, healthfinch; Liz Eversoll, SOLOMO Technology; Kelly Fitzsimmons, HarQen; Andrew Foxwell, Foxwell Digital; Jonathan Fritz, Web Racing Inc.; Scott Fulton, Cellara; Mark Gehring, HealthMyne/Propeller
Health; Josh Herritz, MIOsoft; Robert Hopton, Health eFilings; Matt Howard, EatStreet; Brian Jensen, Fishidy; Chris
Kratochwill, Wise Green Planet; Joe
Kremer, Isomark; Max Lynch,
Ionic; Mark McGuire; Hershel Miller, Shoutlet; Emile Nuwaysir, Cellular Dynamics
International; Ugo Nwagbaraocha,
Diamond Discs International; Joe Scanlin,
Scanalytics; Henry Schwartz,
MobCraft Beer; Spencer Smith,
Spencer X. Smith Consulting; and Cara
Tucker, Exact Sciences.
4.
You might bump
into a seasoned investor: The panelist list includes Mark Bakken, HealthX Ventures; Dr.
Frank Byrne, HealthX Ventures; David
Guinther, WISC Partners; Ken Johnson,
Kegonsa Capital Partners; Patrick Meenan,
Arthur Ventures; John Philosophos,
Three Oaks Venture Fund; Ben Robbins,
Google Ventures; William Robinson,
Silicon Valley Bank; Carl Ruedebusch,
Northwoods Angels; Andy Shrago,
Wisconsin Investment Partners; Michael
Thorson, Inventure Capital; Troy
Vosseller, Gener8tor; and Bob Wood,
Wisconsin Investment Partners. Other investors from Wisconsin and well beyond
will scout the event, as well!
5.
There’s no lack
of program choices: The program features 15 panels spread over two days,
with common themes being the elements of “Launch,” “Grow” and “Succeed.” For
attorneys who may attend, we’ve applied for continuing legal education credits
for seven of the 15 panels.
6.
You’ll walk away
with some goodies: Our 60-page program is a storehouse of information from
sponsors and other resources. Honkamp Krueger & Co. will provide a free tax analysis for
entrepreneurs who are registered for the full conference. The analysis would
cover 2014 tax returns for entrepreneurs regardless of incorporation status. Uber, the transportation network, has
offered one free ride (up to $20) for first-time users who are registered for
the full conference.
7.
You can tour the
Wisconsin Innovation Showcase in our exhibit area: Forty-five companies,
including many Business Plan Contest finalists, will be featured in an exhibit
space that serves as a crossroads between major program venues.
8.
You’ll meet a legendary
entrepreneur: Dr. Jim Berbee,
co-founder of Berbee Information Networks, is the recipient of the 2015 Ken
Hendricks Memorial “Seize the Day” award and will speak Tuesday. Think
mailbag.com, the Berbee Derby and CDW’s 2006 acquisition of a company that grew
into one of the nation’s largest, privately held internet solution providers.
Pay particular attention to the bronze award sculpture from Rivers’ Edge
Foundry in Beloit.
9.
You won’t leave
hungry: Two luncheons, a reception and two breakfasts are included in your
registration fee. It’s hard to go wrong on that alone!
10. You’ll be a part of a major networking
event: Whether it’s the luncheons, the reception, the panel discussions or
lobby conversations, you’ll meet hundreds of people who are building
Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial economy. Join them!
Register or learn more by visiting www.WiTrepsConference.com.
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