Events

Senator Fred A. Risser was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. A veteran of World War II, Risser went to college on the GI Bill and received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Oregon. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1956 at age twenty-nine—the fourth generation in his family to serve in the state legislature. During his long tenure in office, Risser authored more than 240 bills that became law and was a legendary champion for his constituents. He lives in Madison with his wife, Nancy. 

Doug Moe has worked for more than four decades as a magazine editor, newspaper columnist, and freelance writer. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including, most recently, Moments of Happiness: A Wisconsin Band Story, with Mike Leckrone. Moe lives in Madison.

Keisha Harrison is the inaugural CEO of the Madison Public Market Foundation. A native of Chicago, she has extensive experience in project management, strategic planning, and change management, most recently serving as the Executive Director of the historic Indianapolis City Market. Recognizing the importance of having a third place, Keisha is excited about the opportunity to help create a new tradition for Madisonians in its forthcoming public market, envisioning it as a cherished space where generations come together.

The Madison Public Market will be a year-round, inclusive public marketplace near downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Housed in the renovated former Fleet Services building, it’s designed to showcase locally grown and prepared foods, handcrafted goods, art, and beverages, while serving as a vibrant gathering place for the community. The Market emphasizes equity through entrepreneurship, providing affordable merchant spaces, a commercial kitchen, and business incubation support to help new and diverse small businesses grow and thrive. Learn about its history and current project status and get a sneak preview of what's coming

Join Lisa Smith, as she presents the Wisconsin Girl Report—a clear, data-driven look at what girls across our state are experiencing right now, and what that means for our collective future. The report surfaces critical trends, persistent gaps, and emerging pressures shaping girls’ confidence, leadership, and sense of belonging. It makes one thing unmistakable: when girls are supported early and consistently, the impact lasts far beyond childhood. To share key findings from the Wisconsin Girl Report and how they are being used to inform real action across the state.

Casey FitzRandolph will take us on his journey, from performing as a Munchkin in a “Wizard of Oz on Ice” production at Madison Ice Arena at age 2, to becoming the fastest man in the world on skates at age 27, giving us a window into what it takes to convert a childhood dream of gold into reality.  He’ll take us behind-the-scenes to give us a better understanding of what the men and women we’re watching in Milan Cortina have been through to get there…and what they’re feeling and experiencing as they try to make their often decades long dream come true at their moments of truth!

Christy Clark-Pujara is the Chair and a Professor of History in the Department of African American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on the experiences of Black people in British and French North America in the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries. She is particularly interested in retrieving the hidden and unexplored histories of African Americans in small towns and cities in the North and Midwest. This talk examines how the practice of race-based slavery, Black settlement and advocacy for full civil rights, and debates over abolition and the political rights of Black people shaped the state’s white-black race relations.

Everyone wants a life that is both long and sweet. Dr. Zorba Paster will introduce the five spheres that shape longevity: Physical health; Brain, Mind, and Mood; Social connection; Spiritual well-being; and Material security. Together, these form a practical, personal longevity plan. The basics—eat well, stay active, avoid tobacco. Those matter. But what about the other softer, less measurable parts of life? How do meaning and purpose, social relationships, and financial stability influence how long you will live?  Dr. Paster will share ideas and insights designed to stir your thinking, so you can craft a longevity plan that fits your values, your priorities, and your lifestyle.

China began its economic reforms in the 1980s as a minor importer of foreign capital and technology and an exporter of simple manufactured goods.  From that base China has evolved into not only an industrial powerhouse, but also a major exporter of capital and a major importer of commodities from around the globe. This presentation by Dr. John Ohnesorge will cover the basic framework of China’s Belt & Road Initiative, launched in 2013, as well as recent developments in countries such as Venezuela.

Asian American history in the Midwest? Doesn’t Asian America only exist in California and the West Coast?  Many people (including Asian Americans) do not know that Asian America has a long history in the heartland (at least 155 years.) Dr. Victor Jew, a historian who teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will share aspects of that history and show its deep connection to the histories of the Midwest and the United States as a whole.

Join Tom Still, President of the Wisconsin Technology Council as he delves into the evolving presence of AI and Data Centers in our world, and in Wisconsin. Tom Still has worked for the Wisconsin State Journal, with a weekly Inside Wisconsin column, focusing on public policy, business, politics, and trends in technology. He was also a Senior Lecturer for 16 years in the Department of Life Sciences Communication at UW-Madison, where he continues to serve on advisory roles.

Have you experienced the wonder of planting a tree and watching it grow from seedling to maturity?

Come meet the guy who wants to give every child this joy…and, in the process, beautify our neighborhoods, remove carbon from the atmosphere, and help instill in the hearts of our little ones a sense of magic, wonder, and love for our planet. What started as a seed in Minneapolis in 2010 has grown into a continent-wide movement ~ one of the largest and fastest growing tree planting initiatives in North America involving youth. Since 2010, Neighborhood Forest has mobilized over 4,500 schools, libraries, and youth groups, engaged over 750,000 volunteers, and given over 450,000 children in all 50 states (plus Canada and Mexico!) the opportunity to plant their very own tree!

Join Vikas Narula, Co-Founder of Nieghborhood Forest, for an inspiring session and learn how you can help grow the forest in Madison and beyond!

Barry Burden is the professor of political science and director of the Elections Research Center at UW-Madison. His presentation will look ahead to the upcoming midterm elections across the country, highlighting the factors that political scientists have identified as important predictors of election outcomes as well as unique aspects of the 2026 election cycle.