OFFICE HOURS
March 18, 2024 - Lambeau Field in Green Bay
| 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. | Fueling innovation in Wisconsin: Programs designed to help early-stage businesses succeed Joey Frayne, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. @_InWisconsin The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) and its partner networks support technology-based companies through a variety of initiatives. A veteran WEDC representative will provide an overview of key programs and resources available to innovative startups and emerging firms. Examples include the Qualified New Business Venture tax-credit program, Technology Development Loans and the Capital Catalyst program. |
| 10:30 to 11 a.m. | Business development in a digital world: How to prospect and win new business using social media Spencer X. Smith, AmpliPhi @AmpliPhiBiz Depending on the stage of your company’s growth, different advice applies to get you to where you want to be. Led by a nationally known social media expert (and former rock drummer!), this session will discuss the distinctions in your actions and goals in order to grow or sustain your momentum. |
| 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. | Dos and don’ts when pitching to investors Jennifer Abele, VC 414 Jonathon Horne, Idea Fund of La Crosse Emerging companies need to establish partnerships with larger companies to drive sales, revenues and more. Such partnerships may not be the only source of emerging capital for young companies, however. Learn a few of the dos and don’ts of pitching to investors when hoping to secure angel or venture capital funding. |
| 2 to 3 p.m. | Wisconsin’s best shots at federal dollars: How to engage Dean Amhaus, The Water Council @TheWaterCouncil Wendy Harris, BioForward @BioForward Tom Still, Wisconsin Technology Council @WiscTechCouncil Adhira Sunkara, WiSys @WiSysTTO Federal legislation has set in motion a series of “use-inspired” research efforts in various sectors that could drive more innovation and job creation in industry in Wisconsin. Learn how you might engage with any one of three multi-state projects that are competing for dollars in areas as diverse as water and energy, agricultural technologies, personalized medicine and bio-health technology. |
| 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. | Plexus’ digital transformation journey Cristian Butcovan, Plexus Plexus is a global manufacturing and engineering company with clear growth goals. Learn from their journey into accelerating and scaling digital enablement and how they overcame challenges, harnessed the power of technology and embraced automation to achieve greater efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction along with their IT journey. |
| 4 to 4:30 p.m. | How young companies can engage with the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay Aaron Popkey, Green Bay Packers @Packers The 2025 National Football League draft is coming to Lambeau Field, Titletown and other Green Bay locations from April 24-26, 2025, meaning the Packers and the community will welcome thousands of fans and visitors. It’s the NFL’s largest off-season event and a chance for businesses and people in Wisconsin to get involved in its execution. Join Aaron Popkey, director of public affairs for the Packers, for a discussion of what the three-day event entails. |