‘Launch’ panels focus on startups June 1 at Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Finding resources you need to launch your company and learning more about industry sectors that have drawn the attention of the National Science Foundation will be part of the “Launch” panel discussion track at the June 1 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 “LAUNCH” track is one of three conference tracks open to all attendees at the 21^st annual conference. Panel discussions in the “Launch” track are:

10 a.m. June 1 – Wisconsin technologies to watch: Learn more about the state’s hot industries
Our Midwest state isn’t a “one-trick badger” when it comes to industries that lever technology. From life sciences to ag-tech, and from water-tech to energy, learn about sectors that are among those that set Wisconsin apart from others. This will include a look at two “Regional Innovation Engine” grants out of 44 nationally awarded this month by the National Science Foundation.

Moderated by Jessica Silvaggi, UWM Research Foundation. Panelists: Amy Jensen, The Water Council; John Lucey, UW-Madison Center for Dairy Research; and Adhira Sunkara, WiSys

2 p.m. June 1 – Core services for growing your company: Strategic steps around accounting, banking, HR, and legal needs
Questions often come much earlier than you think as you grow your business. Dive into strategy around accounting, banking, compensating team members, and managing assets as your venture prepares for growth and investment.

Moderated by Scott Brunner, Husch Blackwell. Panelists: Scott Hess, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen); Bill Stone, Wintrust; and Stephanie Timmers, Lauber Business Partners & Timmers

Four other panels in the “Grow” and “Succeed” tracks will be announced soon. Attendees may attend all or parts of any track.

“Crossroads of innovation” is the theme of the 21^st annual conference, where entrepreneurs from around the state will showcase their ideas, services and technologies. Seven panel tracks formed under three unique stages of “launch,” “grow” and “succeed” will appeal to entrepreneurs in all stages. Detailed panel information is posted 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 May 31
• Charles Ross, Milwaukee native and chief executive officer of International Business Innovation Accelerator, to keynote morning of June 1
• Plenary panel including angels and venture capitalists on how to pitch to investors when the industry is puckering up, mid-morning June 1
• Deb Carey, co-founder of New Glarus Brewing Co. to accept 2023 ‘Seize the Day’ award over lunch on June 1
• Governor’s Business Plan Contest “Diligent (Baker’s) Dozen” awards announcements June 1
• Innovation Showcase featuring exhibits from Wisconsin companies
• Plenty of chances to network with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors over food and refreshments, including a May 31 reception at the Italian Community Center

Sponsors thus far are: Aberdean Consulting, Affiliated Engineers, Alliant Energy, Amazon, American Family Insurance, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, AT&T, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, BDO, Business Fitness, Center for Technology Commercialization, City of Fitchburg, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), DeWitt, Findorff, First Business Bank, Foley & Lardner, Godfrey & Kahn, HealthX Ventures, Husch Blackwell, Insperity, J.P. Morgan, Lost Boys Interactive, Madison College, Madison Development Corp., Madison Gas & Electric, Makin’ HEY! Communications, MalamaDoe, Marquette University, Microsoft, N29 Capital Partners, Neider & Boucher, Perkins Coie, Quarles & Brady, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, Ruder Ware, Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction, Technology Entrepreneurship Office at UW-Madison, Technology Innovation Center – Milwaukee, UMOS One Workforce – TechStars, University Research Park, U.S. Bank, UWM Research Foundation, UW-Madison Innovate Network, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, UW-Madison Office of University Relations, Venture Investors, Versiti, WE Energies, Whitewater University Innovation Center/Fiscal Economical Research Center, WIPFLi, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Wisconsin Dept. of Financial Institutions, Wisconsin Technical College System, WiSys 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.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.