This Friday night, Magnet, Madison’s premier organization for young professionals, will mark its 20th anniversary with a gala at the Bur Oak on Winnebago Street on Madison’s east side. Founded in 2004, the organization has grown into a cornerstone of the local professional community, providing opportunities for connection, growth, and giving back.
“A couple of young professionals got together 20 years ago with this crazy idea of making Madison feel like home for all young professionals,” Magnet cofounder Henry Sanders said. “That the mission is still going strong 20 years later shows the need was real. People still want to connect and feel a sense of belonging.” Sanders is also CEO of 365 Media Foundation and publisher of Madison365.
The event is a celebration and a fundraiser, benefiting the Literacy Network, a local nonprofit dedicated to adult literacy and learning. Attendees will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, raffles, a wine pull, and keynote speeches, including one from Sanders.
“I want to share how Magnet was built to help people feel like they belong,” Sanders said of his planned remarks. “That sense of community is still at the core of what we do.”
For current president Joey Broms, the anniversary is a chance to reflect on the organization’s evolution. Broms first got involved with Magnet when he moved to Madison nearly eight years ago.
“I didn’t know many people in Madison, and Magnet was a great way to meet like-minded professionals and find a sense of community,” he said. Today, Broms leads an organization that has rebounded from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to become Madison’s largest young professional network.
Magnet has grown significantly, not just in size but in its impact.
“COVID was tough on us,” Broms said. “We were down to about 50 members at one point. Now, we’re stronger than ever, expanding our board and hosting events that are not only fun but also meaningful. Last year, we donated over $5,000 to local nonprofits. This year, we’re building on that momentum.”
The charity gala exemplifies Magnet’s dual mission of fostering connections and giving back. Broms described it as a chance for members to experience “a big gala feel without the big price tag.” The evening will also feature a Literacy Network student speaker, highlighting the importance of the cause Magnet is supporting.
As Sanders looks back and Broms looks ahead, the event underscores the lasting impact of Magnet. For young professionals navigating the challenges of remote work and building community in a new city, the organization continues to provide a vital outlet.
“Remote work can be isolating,” Broms noted. “Magnet offers a way to connect—whether it’s a professional development event, a volunteer opportunity, or just sharing a beer with new friends.”
The gala will be held Friday, December 6, from 7:30 to 11:00 PM at the Bur Oak on Winnebago Street. Tickets are still available at MadisonMagnet.org, but they are selling quickly.
Sanders notes that the founders came from a variety of political and social backgrounds.
“When people from diverse backgrounds come together with a shared mission, the results can be incredible,” Sanders said. “Magnet is proof of that.”
