Forward Janesville Events

Where Janesville's Business Community Comes Together

Great business connections don't just happen. They're built through conversations, shared experiences and opportunities to learn from one another.

Forward Janesville brings business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders together throughout the year through some of Rock County's most popular networking opportunities and signature events.

Whether you're looking to meet potential customers, strengthen existing relationships, showcase your business or learn something new, our events help you make connections that move your business — and our community — forward.

Find your next opportunity to connect below!

Upcoming Events

From monthly networking to signature annual gatherings, there's always something happening at Forward Janesville.

CivicCon | Reaching for the Future: Leading Change - a presentation by Tom Murphy

Janesville Performing Arts Center

11/19/26
5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Join CivicCon to understand how transformative change happens in a community – and who is responsible for leading it.

Advance Registration is Required - register HERE!

Attend this inspirational talk by Tom Murphy, the former Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, about how to vision our future and lead the change.

Tom will take us through his own journey of transforming Pittsburgh from an economically depressed former industrial powerhouse that had lost half of its population and thousands of jobs into a thriving high-tech hub. Then, he will walk us through equally transformative projects in three other U.S. cities.

Check-In | 5:00 - 5:30 PM
Presentation and Q&A | 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Networking & Cocktails | 7:00 - 8:00 PM

CivicCon events are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Quint & Rishy Studer, Ryan, Inc., Tobin & Oakleigh Ryan, Massas Investments, JP Cullen, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville and The Janesville Gazette. We are grateful for their commitment to advancing important conversations that shape the future of our community.

Our Signature Annual Events

Annual Dinner

Our premier annual gathering brings hundreds of business and community leaders together for an evening of connection, inspiration and celebration of Janesville's past, present and future.

Awards Luncheon

Each spring, we celebrate the businesses, organizations and individuals making an extraordinary difference in the Janesville community.

Rock Regional Business Expo

Connect with businesses from across the region, discover products and services, and explore new opportunities for learning, collaboration and growth.

Golf Outing

Build relationships, entertain clients and enjoy a day of networking and friendly competition with business professionals from across the community.

Make Connections All Year Long

Business After Five

One of Forward Janesville's most popular membership benefits, Business After Five brings members and guests together for casual networking at local businesses.

Typically held on the second Thursday of the month, BA5 is a chance to make new connections, reconnect with familiar faces and experience some of the great businesses that make up our membership.

Typically drawing 150-200 business professionals, there's no better way to see the strength of Janesville's business community than to be part of it.

Put Your Business in the Room

Forward Janesville events offer more than opportunities to attend. They're also a chance to introduce your business to new audiences, build brand awareness and demonstrate your commitment to the community.

Interested in sponsoring an event, hosting a networking opportunity or learning more about the benefits of membership?

Let's connect and find the right opportunity for your business.