Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference 2026
Green Lake, Wisconsin: May 13-15, 2026
2026 Wisconsin Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
A hands-on, immersive conference aimed at strengthening rural Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Photo: Fried Egg Golf
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference: About Small Towns, For Small Towns
Join us for a hands-on, immersive conference designed to strengthen rural Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Bringing together local leaders, business owners, and innovators, this event explores new ways to grow and sustain thriving local economies.
Set in beautiful Green Lake—a picturesque lakeside community known for its crystal-clear waters, historic charm, and welcoming small-town atmosphere—this conference offers an inspiring environment that blends creativity, collaboration, and rejuvenation.
Attendees will experience engaging presentations, practical insights, and technical programming, all focused on helping rural communities build strong foundations where entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive. Stay tuned for speaker and session details!
Location & Lodging
The conference will take place in businesses and community institutions across Green Lake. Stay tuned for locations!
The conference has a hotel block at Heidel House Hotel & Conference Center, 653 Illinois Ave, Green Lake, WI 54941. Rooms are available at state rates until April 12, 2026.
Additional Lodging Options
Sponsor the CEC Conference
Your Support Helps Grow Wisconsin’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
$100 Level: Local Business Champion
Sponsor locally sourced goods to be featured at the conference
Benefits:
Logo in conference program
$500 Level: Entertainment Sponsor
Sponsor local music entrepreneurs to showcase at the conference
Benefits:
Logo in conference program
Recognition during opening ceremony
$1,000 Level: Creative Economy Sponsor
Sponsor the Plein Air Painting contest for creative entrepreneurs
Benefits:
Logo in conference program
Recognition during opening ceremony
Social media feature
1 free ticket
$2,500 Level: Rural Leadership Sponsor
Sponsor rural leaders to attend the conference
Benefits:
Logo in conference program
Recognition during opening ceremony
Social media feature
Name in conference press release and conference website
2 free tickets
$5,000 Level: Networking Event Sponsor
Sponsor one of the networking events with local food and activities
Benefits:
Logo in conference program
Recognition during opening ceremony
Social media feature
Name in conference press release and conference website
Announce a keynote speaker
4 free tickets
$10,000+: Conference Benefactor Sponsor
Help ensure that the CEC Conference will continue into 2027
Benefits:
Logo in conference program
Recognition during opening ceremony
Social media feature
Name in conference press release and conference website
Serve on 2027 site selection committee
10 free tickets
Contact Us to Become a Sponsor
If you would like to sponsor the 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference, please direct inquiries to: Maggie Cornelius, Outreach Specialist, Rural Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Initiative at mmcornelius@wisc.edu
