MADISON, Wis. – A forum focusing on economic and technology development issues and featuring many 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; Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, State Sen. Kelda Roys; and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes have agreed to take part. Rodriguez, Roys, Crowley and Hughes are Democrats; Schoemann is a Republican.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, also a Republican candidate, is not expected to attend because Congress is scheduled to be in session. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and State Rep. Francesca Hong have been invited and decisions are pending.
The primary election in both parties will take place Aug. 11, 2026, and the general election will be held Nov. 3, 2026.
Matt Smith, political director of WISN-TV and executive producer and co-host of the statewide public affairs show “UPFRONT,” will moderate the discussion.
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.
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.
State Sen. Roys was elected to her current post in 2020. Prior to that, she entered elected office in 2008 and later served as the Democratic Chair Caucus and is also the founder of real estate startup OpenHomes.
Former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Hughes led the state’s economic development agenda from 2019 until late September. Before her appointment, she spent 17 years as an executive at Organic Valley, serving as general counsel and chief mission officer.
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.
The deadline to apply online is 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. 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, Fine Point Consulting, 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, Silver Lining Foundation, 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 Dept. of Financial Institutions, Wisconsin Energy Institute and Wisconsin Historical Society.
To learn more about sponsorship information, please reach out to Angela Schlobohm at angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
