5 LAKES Forum to Convene Region’s Top Technologists, Entrepreneurs

Milwaukee — 5 LAKES Forum is planning a one-day technology and entrepreneurship conference on Tuesday, May 14 that will draw entrepreneurs, venture investors, innovators and technologists from around the Great Lakes region.

5 LAKES Forum has a unique format based on rapid, engaging content sessions that promises to help tech and startup leaders create meaningful connections and navigate high-level business and technology topics.

“To build a strong, competitive ecosystem we need all of the top players in our region working together,” said Matt Cordio, Founder of Startup Wisconsin and Co-founder of the 5 LAKES Forum. “Our vision is to make 5 LAKES Forum a convening force for advancing technology in the Great Lakes region.”

“Technology is reshaping our economy and our lives,” said Kathleen Galagher, Executive Director of Milwaukee Institute and Co-founder of 5 LAKES Forum. “To compete globally we need to harness the energy and brain power of the entire Great Lakes region including cities like Cincinnati, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Toronto and others.”

The event will be held in the Conference Center at the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons. Opened in August 2017, Northwestern Mutual’s glass tower is one of the first significant 21st century building projects for Milwaukee and has reshaped the city’s skyline.

Programming includes morning General Sessions during which high-profile technologists and startups will discuss issues and new ideas that have broad appeal.

In the afternoon, attendees will enjoy three tracks: A Startup Track, during which some of the most successful startups in the Great Lakes region will discuss their growth tactics, how they overcame bumps in the road, investment strategies and other key information; a Technology Track, during which our region’s top talent will discuss the most relevant technologies that are influencing their work and shaping our world; and a Venture Track. The Venture Track will feature pitches from a curated group of emerging startups to investor groups from around the Great Lakes region. Startups that apply to pitch will receive free admission to the conference.

Confirmed speakers to-date include: Matt Gorniak , Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer, G2 Crowd; Matt Howard, Co-founder and CEO, EatStreet; Becky Lang, Editor-in-Chief, Discover Magazine; Max Lynch, Co-founder & CEO, Ionic; Kyle Nakatsuji, Founder & CEO, Clearcover; Dan Reed, Managing Director, American Family Ventures; Scott Resnick, Co-founder and COO, Hardin Design and Development and Entrepreneur in Residence, StartingBlock Madison; Carmel Ruffolo, Associate Vice President – Research & Innovation; and Troy Vosseller, Co-founder, gener8tor.

To register for the May 14 5 LAKES Forum, go to this link.

5 LAKES Forum Organizers:

Startup Wisconsin is building Wisconsin’s startup and technology ecosystems through unique programming, partnerships and events. Startup Wisconsin Week provides programming that connects, educates and celebrates entrepreneurs across Wisconsin. The 2018 event was attended by more than 8,000 entrepreneurs, investors and startup enthusiasts and included more than 200 events hosted by more than 100 community partners in 12 Wisconsin cities. Startup Wisconsin operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Skills Pipeline Group which focuses on ecosystem development and talent recruitment for growing technology firms in the Midwest.

Milwaukee Institute is a not-for-profit with roots in Milwaukee, but connections across the Great Lakes region and a belief that for our region to compete and thrive in a global economy, we must band together to leverage our strengths. The Institute supports entrepreneurial assistance and computer science education efforts, operates events for entrepreneurs and provides thought leadership in the areas of technology and entrepreneurship through a variety of programs, including the “How Did You Do That” radio show and podcast co-hosted by its Executive Director.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.