MADISON, Wis. – A forum focusing on economic and technology development issues and featuring the announced major-party candidates for Wisconsin governor will be held Thursday, Nov. 6, during the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium in Madison.
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, New Berlin business owner Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann have agreed to take part; other major-party candidates will be invited as they announce. Rodriguez is a Democrat; Berrien and Schoemann are Republicans. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who announced his candidacy as a Democrat Tuesday, has also been invited.
The primary election in both parties will take place Aug. 11, 2026, and the general election will be held Nov. 3, 2026.
General registration is now open by clicking here!
“This is the first open race for governor in Wisconsin in more than 20 years, and the field in both parties is expected to grow,” said Tom Still, president of the non-partisan Tech Council. “The earlier we start discussing issues central to Wisconsin’s economic prosperity, the better.”
Born in Milwaukee and raised in Brookfield, Rodriguez is a registered nurse and public health expert who has served since 2023 as lieutenant governor. She was elected on a ticket with Gov. Tony Evers, who announced in July he would not seek re-election.
Berrien is CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision, based in New Berlin. He acquired the company in 2012; it makes precision machined components for industries such as aerospace, defense and agriculture. Berrien was a Navy SEAL for nine years.
Washington County Executive Schoemann was first elected to that office in 2020 after serving six years as County Administrator and was re-elected in 2024. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2023, earning an Army Commendation Medal during his tour.
The 2025 conference will feature four pitch opportunities: the two-minute “Open Mic” Quick Pitches, five-minute Tech Council Investor Networks presentations, the 90-second Elevator Pitch Olympics and “Investor Intros,” which pair pre-selected companies with angel and venture investors for brief one-on-one meetings.
Instructions for how to apply for all or a mix of the investor presentation opportunities can be found at wisearlystage.com on the “ESS Application” tab.
To enhance greater access for entrepreneurs, our registration fees are affordable. At least one representative from each applicant company is required to register in advance at the discounted rate of $79. The registration fee includes two breakfasts, two lunches and a reception as well as getting your company summary and contact information in the investor-only conference booklets.
Participating entrepreneurs can reserve free table space during networking sessions to showcase their businesses, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited and applicants must complete both the application and event registration to qualify.
The deadline to apply online is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Remember to register first AND to apply for a chance to present in a company forum.
The conference will also feature:
- Keynote speakers, targeted panel discussions and workshops featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector making an impact nationwide.
- Exhibit hall showcasing innovative Wisconsin companies.
- A Nov. 5 conference reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.
The Tech Council produces the conference. Sponsors thus far include: Advocate Aurora Health, Amazon, Apple, ATC, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, BDO, City of Fitchburg, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), Dairyland Power Cooperative, DeWitt, EUA, Exact Sciences, Findorff, First Business Bank, gener8tor, Godfrey & Kahn, HealthX Ventures, Husch Blackwell, Kimberly-Clark, KW2, M3 Insurance, Madison Development Corp., Madison Gas & Electric, Makin’ Hey! Communications, Michael Best, Neider & Boucher, One City Schools, Raven Software, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, RSM US, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, SustainableHR PEO, Technology Entrepreneurship Office at UW-Madison, Technology Innovation Center – Milwaukee, University Research Park, UWM Research Foundation, UW-Madison Center for Dairy Research, UW-Madison Dept. of Computer Sciences, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, VC3, Venture Investors, Versiti, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., WIPFLi, Wisconsin Energy Institute and Wisconsin Historical Society.
To learn more about sponsorship information, please reach out to Angela Schlobohm at angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
