MADISON – A series of six small-group discussions will offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to dive into specific issues with experts and their peers on Nov. 4 at the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium at Madison’s Monona Terrace.

The third annual “Office Hours” sessions are designed for hands-on mentoring from experts in banking, accounting, tax, law and regulations related to young companies. Scheduled during the conference’s opening day, the 30-minute sessions will focus on corporate structures, how to obtain state Qualified New Business Venture status, protecting your intellectual property, documents needed for investor meetings, how traditional lenders can help emerging companies, as well as compensation, classification and covenant best practices.

Moderators will include Drew Coursin, Neider & Boucher; Steve Gardner, Quarles & Brady; Kevin Kelbel, Smith & Gesteland; Derek Matzke, BDO; Josh Meinen, Baker Tilly; Alton Multhauf, First Business Bank; Tom O’Day, Godfrey & Kahn; Jason Reed, Murphy Desmond; Chris Schiffner, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.; Julie Spitzack, Summit Credit Union; and Melissa Turczyn, Michael Best & Friedrich.

Produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners, the annual symposium is the premier event where companies can gain visibility among investors, other entrepreneurs and business leaders. Nearly 500 companies have presented during the conference over the years in one format or another. This year, 45 companies will have an opportunity to present during the Wisconsin Angel Network Investors’ track and the 11th annual Elevator Pitch Olympics.

Previously announced speakers include Zach Halmstad, founder of JAMF Software; Sue Marks, founder and chief executive office of Cielo; and Mike Splinter, the former chairman of Applied Materials and Intel executive. The conference will also feature:

–  A dozen panel discussions and educational seminars featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector.

–  The 2nd annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation.

–  SBIR/STTR awards luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.

–  A Nov. 3 “Wisconsin WOMEN Reception” (Women, Opportunities, Mentors, Networking, Entrepreneurs). This event is open to both men and women.

–  A Nov. 4 reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.

The Tech Council produces the conference. Sponsors include: Aberdean; Alliant Energy; American Family Insurance; American Transmission Co.; AT&T; Ascendancy Advisors; Aurora Research Institute; Baird Capital; Baker Tilly; BDO; BloodCenter of Wisconsin; BMO Harris; Boardman & Clark; Carroll University; City of Fitchburg; Concordia University; Cresa Madison; Dane County Regional Airport; Dedicated Computing; DeWitt Ross & Stevens; Eppstein Uhen Architects; Findorff; Fine Point Consulting; First Business Bank; Functional Biosciences; Godfrey & Kahn; HealthX Ventures; HP Enterprise Services; Keane Consultants; M3 Insurance; Madison Gas & Electric; Makin’ HEY Communications; Marquette University; Marshfield Clinic Applied Sciences; Medical College of Wisconsin; Michael Best & Friedrich; Midwest Prototyping; MIOsoft; Morgridge Institute for Research; Murphy Desmond; Neider & Boucher; Nelson Schmidt; NEW Capital Management; Pendio Group; Promega Corp.; Quarles & Brady; RDC National Inc.; Red Arrow Production; Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren; Setter Roche; Skyward; Smith & Gesteland; State of Wisconsin Investment Board; Summit Credit Union; University Research Park; UW-Madison Office of Corporate Relations; UW-Milwaukee Research Foundation; UW-Oshkosh Business Success Center; Venture Investors; WERCBench Labs; Whitewater University Technology Park; Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek; Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation; Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.; Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority; Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership; and WTN Media.

Learn more and register for the conference at www.wisearlystage.com.