It's called the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, but the state's oldest venture conference — launched in Madison 30 years ago — has taken on a decidedly Upper Midwest look.

Investors, entrepreneurs, speakers and other visitors from beyond Wisconsin's borders were among the 560 people who attended the two-day conference, which is primarily a pitch event for emerging companies. Still largely a Wisconsin show, the event's appeal to people from other states spreads the word that the Badger State economy boasts more than beer, brats and bovines.

Our bytes, biotech and bandwidth of tech-based ideas and talent are pretty impressive, too.