Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Madison's Tech Scene

The Madison tech scene is straight fire! It's buzzing with opportunities to connect and launch your career.

We've got over 290 tech companies stacking that bread, employing around 20K peeps. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Epic are slaying it here, but the real hype comes from all these lit startups popping up.

Just last year, startups in the region raised a mind-blowing $541 million in VC funds!

Networking is key to thriving in this wild community. As Michael Fazio from Voximetry puts it, "Companies of all sizes are down to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and help each other crush challenges." You gotta tap into hubs like Forward Festival (Wisconsin's biggest tech and entrepreneurship conference), MadHacks (student-run hackathons connecting devs), and Madison Women in Tech (empowering ladies in STEM).

Linking up at these spots can unlock mentors, job leads, and priceless insider knowledge.

So get out there, hit up events, and start building your network - Madison's tech world is waiting for you to make moves!

Forward Festival is the biggest tech and entrepreneurship fest in Wisconsin, taking place every August over 5 epic days with 40+ events and over 5,000 attendees.

It's like a wild party for all the tech geeks, startup founders, and innovators in the Midwest to connect, get inspired, and have a blast!

This jam-packed festival is a networking goldmine for anyone trying to break into Madison's buzzing tech scene.

From interactive workshops and panel discussions led by industry pros to lively socials and pitch events, you'll have countless chances to rub elbows with like-minded people and potential mentors or investors.

Plus, the career fair is a prime spot to meet some of the region's top tech employers and maybe even land your dream gig.

To truly slay at Forward Fest, come prepared with a solid elevator pitch, a pocket full of business cards, and an open mind.

Attend events that align with your interests, ask thought-provoking questions, and actively engage in conversations. Don't be shy about introducing yourself to new faces – you never know who you might meet or what doors could open up.

And remember, following up with your fresh connections is crucial if you want to build lasting relationships and expand your network.

MadHacks is back for real this November 9-10, and you don't wanna miss the biggest hackathon in Madison! This 24-hour non-stop coding sesh brings together students from all over to compete in creating the sickest projects.

But it's not just about grinding code - MadHacks welcomes total newbies too, with mentors and workshops to help you level up your skills fast.

Past MadHacks had over 300 participants from across the nation! It's like a tech party where you can network with driven students while chowing down on free food (hello endless snacks!)

Besides the coding challenges, MadHacks hooks you up with chances to connect with industry pros.

Tech giants like Microsoft and Epic have judged projects in the past, so you can rub shoulders with potential employers. You'll also gain teamwork and problem-solving experience, which looks fire on your resume.

But even better, you could win epic prizes like 4K TVs, AirPods, and more! Just by joining MadHacks, you're already expanding your network and setting yourself up for success in Madison's thriving tech scene.

Networking on LinkedIn is essential for building connections and growing in Madison's buzzing tech scene.

87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to scope out candidates, so having a solid profile is key. Madison has some awesome LinkedIn groups to join:

• Madison Tech Meetup (4,000+ members): A diverse community of tech geeks, entrepreneurs, and professionals across different industries.
• Madison Web Professionals (2,000+ members): Web devs, designers, and digital marketers hang out here to share ideas and discover job opportunities.
• Madison Tech and Beer (1,500+ members): Chill group where you can talk tech and grab a cold one.

To really leverage these groups, post insightful comments, share relevant industry content, and lend your expertise in discussions.

According to Sarah Johnson from RoundPegg, "Authentically engaging on LinkedIn groups helps build meaningful connections that can lead to career opportunities." And don't just stay online - attend their in-person or virtual events to network face-to-face and make deeper connections in the Madison tech community.

Consistently participate and provide value, and you'll establish yourself as a knowledgeable pro, boosting your visibility and growing your network in this thriving ecosystem.

The Madison Women in Tech group is a tight-knit community that brings together ladies and non-binary folks interested in technology.

Whether you're a designer, programmer, recruiter, or student, this inclusive space welcomes everyone with open arms.

Their events are a total vibe, covering everything from professional development and technical workshops to casual networking sessions.

It's the perfect spot to connect with like-minded individuals, swap stories, and gain insights from industry pros and your peers. Plus, they make sure all their in-person events are accessible, with gender-neutral bathrooms and dietary options for everyone.

Upcoming highlights include the DevFest WI: Tech & Inclusivity Conference on August 22nd, where you can catch presentations on building inclusive products, teams, and environments.

They're also hosting the 3rd Annual Job Fair for Women & Non-Binary Folks on the same day, featuring companies like Moxe Health, Summit Credit Union, and Raven Software.

Beyond the events, Madison Women in Tech creates a supportive space for members to grow, learn, and uplift each other.

Whether you're seeking mentorship, career guidance, or just a crew to vibe with, this group has your back.

Check this out - Capital Entrepreneurs is a seriously awesome community for anyone trying to make it big in the startup world.

These guys have been around since 2009, and they've grown into a solid crew of over 300 members from Madison's most successful startups. It's like a cool kids' club, but for entrepreneurs!

Being part of Capital Entrepreneurs means you get to connect with a ton of different founders, innovators, and tech geeks at their monthly meetups and epic annual Founder Day event.

It's the perfect chance to network, swap ideas, and maybe even find your next business partner or mentor.

But it's not just about the social side – Capital Entrepreneurs hooks you up with a ton of valuable resources too.

We're talking coworking spaces, accelerators, legal services, and even entrepreneurial bootcamps to help you level up your skills. They've got connections with all the major players in the Madison startup scene, so you can tap into that insider knowledge and support.

One of the coolest things about this group is that they're super inclusive.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, they welcome everyone with open arms. It's about fostering that entrepreneurial spirit and helping each other succeed.

So, if you're looking to get your foot in the door of Madison's thriving tech community, Capital Entrepreneurs is definitely the way to go.

Startup Weekend Madison is where it's at if you wanna connect with the city's thriving startup scene! This 54-hour event challenges you to build a startup from scratch in just one weekend.

By volunteering, you'll get an inside look at how Wisconsin's entrepreneurs are making moves and meet tons of awesome people.

Volunteers are the real MVPs, helping with registration, logistics, and keeping everything running smoothly.

But it's way more than just grunt work – you'll be rubbing elbows with entrepreneurs, investors, and other go-getters who are just as passionate about startups as you are.

Just ask Richard Johnson, a UW-Madison alum who says,

"Volunteering at Startup Weekend Madison was a total game-changer. I made connections that'll last a lifetime and learned so much about what it takes to launch a startup."

Volunteering at this event is a serious level-up opportunity:

1. Hands-on experience: Get a chance to witness the entire startup process from idea to pitch.
2. Networking: Network like crazy with mentors, investors, and fellow volunteers who get it.
3. Skill development: Level up your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
4. Impress employers: Impress potential employers with your entrepreneurial mindset.

And the benefits don't stop when the weekend ends.

Just ask Michael Harris, a serial entrepreneur who says,

"Startup Weekend Madison was the spark that ignited my entrepreneurial journey. The connections and skills I gained were invaluable for launching my own successful startup."

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own thing or just want to immerse yourself in Madison's innovative tech community, volunteering at Startup Weekend Madison is a can't-miss opportunity.

It's your chance to expand your network and gain real-world startup experience – an opportunity you won't find anywhere else.

Check this out, Madison's tech scene is making some serious noise online with active Slack channels for all things code, data, and design. These virtual hangouts are where the cool kids go to share knowledge, team up on projects, and make killer connections.

Whether you're a coding pro or just getting started, joining the Madison Community Slack can hook you up with mad resources and a crew that's all about helping each other level up.

Here are a few must-join channels to keep on your radar:

• Madison Developers: The place to be for spilling the tea on coding languages, frameworks, best practices, and finding your next collab crew.
• Madison Data Science: Data nerds unite! Dive into data science, machine learning, AI, and all that juicy tech with local masterminds.
• #random: When you need a break from all the tech talk, kick back in this channel for some epic banter and meme sharing.
• #job-postings: Stay ahead of the job hunt game by keeping tabs on the latest gigs posted right in this channel.

To get in on the action, just search for the channel names on Slack or hit up their social pages for an invite link.

Once you're in, don't be a lurker – introduce yourself, ask questions, and show off your skills. Pro tip: craft a killer profile showcasing your areas of expertise to attract your tribe.

These Slack channels are the virtual watercoolers where opportunities flow and connections are made.

So, quit sleeping on Madison's online tech scene and start building your network from wherever you're at. Your next big break could be just a few clicks away!

Alright, check this out - the Doyenne Group is a total game-changer for women entrepreneurs in Madison. These badass ladies are on a mission to empower and uplift women-owned businesses, and they're doing it in style.

First up, let's talk about their epic Jessica Thompson - the boss babe behind Blueprint Events.

This chick is all about bringing people together and making event visions come to life. Her company specializes in corporate events throughout Wisconsin, and they're not messing around.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Doyenne's crowdfunding campaign is an absolute must-see. They're raising funds to pilot programs in Milwaukee and Green Bay, with the goal of expanding their killer model across the country.

And they've got matching partnerships with major players like American Family and AmFam Ventures, so every dollar you donate gets doubled. Talk about a sweet deal!

And let's not forget about the events, because these ladies know how to throw a party.

From informational sessions to showcases and networking bashes, Doyenne's calendar is jam-packed with opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs, learn from the best, and maybe even snag some investment dollars.

It's like a one-stop shop for everything you need to level up your business game.

So, if you're a woman entrepreneur in Madison (or anywhere, really), do yourself a favor and get involved with Doyenne.

It's a community of fierce, ambitious ladies who are rewriting the rules and paving the way for success. Trust me, you won't regret it.

If you're trying to land a remote tech job in Madison, enrolling in a coding bootcamp like Nucamp is a total game-changer.

These programs aren't just about learning to code – they're like a fast-track to networking with other tech-savvy folks who share your passion. At Nucamp, you'll be part of a tight crew of classmates collaborating on projects, swapping career tips, and building connections that'll last way beyond the bootcamp.

It's like having a built-in support system cheering you on every step of the way.

But that's not all – Nucamp also hooks you up with industry experts and local tech companies.

They bring in guest speakers and host networking events, so you can learn effective job hunting strategies and rub shoulders with potential employers.

It's like a shortcut to getting your foot in the door and understanding what's happening in Madison's tech scene.

And let's not forget about the alumni network.

Nucamp's got a solid crew of former students who are crushing it in the industry, and they're always down to mentor the next generation. So you'll have access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from folks who've been in your shoes.

Like Lisa Thomas, who landed a sweet front-end dev gig at a top Madison company after completing Nucamp's Full Stack bootcamp. She credits the connections she made during the program for helping her stand out and network at local tech events.

Bottom line: Nucamp isn't just about learning to code – it's an opportunity to surround yourself with a community of like-minded techies, make valuable industry connections, and gain access to resources that'll give you a serious advantage in Madison's competitive job market.