The newly rebranded Forward Festival–formerly known as the Forward Technology Festival–has become more diverse now in its fifth year. The festival, which is dedicated to showcasing Madison’s continuously evolving startup scene, now includes music and food-related events. Let’s take a look at the latter, all of which take place on Monday:
Starting the day is the inaugural Edible Startup Summit at the Memorial Union. If you’ve ever wanted to start a food business–excluding a restaurant–this event will show you the ins and outs, from fundraising to product development to marketing. Speakers include Jonny Hunter of Underground Food collective and James Baerwolf of Sassy Cow Creamery. Note the event is now sold out.
After the ESS, which ends at 4 p.m., wait outside the Union for a free cab ride that will take you to FEED Kitchens, which is hosting a free event called “FEEDing the Entrepreneurial Spirit” from 4:30-7 p.m. In case you’re unfamiliar, FEED Kitchens provides five commercial kitchens that can be rented by the hour for individuals seeking to sell food to the public that need a legal place to prepare their food. Attendees will have a chance to sample foods made at the facility and network.
Finally, Madison Magazine has now made its annual Top Shelf Summer Taste a part of Forward Festival. From 6-9 p.m. at Nau-Ti-Gal, enjoy an array of food and cocktails from various vendors. Tickets cost $35. Natty Nation will be performing as well.