Nominations for Best of Madison 2021 start February 1. Read more about the categories and the process here.
Best of Madison
Best of Madison 2019 Winners
Step right up to find out which businesses, people and places were voted to the top of our 38th Annual Readers Poll.
Best of Madison 2018
Come along on a journey to find out which businesses, people and places were voted the very best.
Best of Madison 2017
The votes are in! #BestofMadison2017
Best of Madison 2016
It’s time to celebrate #BestofMadison2016! Let the confetti fly as we reveal the best this city has to offer.
Best of Madison 2015
The 34th annual readers' poll
Best of Madison 2021 Nominate Kit
We've made it easy for you to get out the vote! Download and use any of these materials to get out the vote to your customers, clients, partners and friends! Print Materials Use these materials in your print ads, in…
Announcing the Best of Madison 2021 categories
We are excited to announce the 2021 Best of Madison timeline and updated list of categories you'll see on the next ballot!
Best of Madison 2020 Winners
See the 572 winners our readers declared the bee’s knees in our 39th annual readers poll.
Best of Madison: Prohibition era cocktails then and now
Like many other cities, Madison was a place where breweries would create “near beer” and people would smuggle liquor into the city.
Forward Theater Co. unveils 2020-21 season of plays
Calling it “The United Stories or America,” Forward Theater Co.'s upcoming season features a four-pack of plays, including two Wisconsin premieres and a rolling world premiere.
Best Places to Work
Best Places to Work 2019
The top 30 companies named this year’s Best Places to Work share insight into how they attract and retain top talent, and how the Madison area helps them do so.
Best Places to Work 2018
When it comes to creating engaging, productive work environments, 35 Madison-area companies in this year’s Best Places to Work survey rise to the top.
The 2017 Best Places to Work
When it comes to keeping employees happy and productive, 35 Madison-area companies in this year’s Best Places to Work survey seem to have captured the right balance.
Best Places to Work 2016
Our annual survey demonstrates work cultures and environments that appeal to and retain employees.
Best Places to Work 2015
Step inside the twenty-six highest-ranking workplaces in the Madison area and see why employees love them.
Top Nurses
Madison's Top Nurses 2020
We pay tribute to courageous and compassionate front line nurses who show up, lead and innovate to care for patients.
Madison's Top Nurses 2018
The work of six health care professionals demonstrates why they are named 2018 Top Nurses.
Top Nurses 2016: Under their wings
Our 2016 Top Nurses are selfless caretakers making a difference in the areas of practice, innovation and leadership.
Madison's Top Nurses 2014
Meet seven nursing professionals doing important work on the front lines of patient care
Madison's Top Nurses 2012
Meet seven local health care pros who go beyond the call of duty
Best of Madison Business
Best of Madison Business 2020: Difference makes a difference
Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison Business celebrates 20 years of recognizing extraordinary business leaders.
Best of Madison Business 2019: Leaders with 20/20
On the cusp of 2020, our business sector is ready for its close-up.
Best of Madison Business 2018: Doing well by doing good
These five local leaders in the business community do more than just grow their own businesses.
Best of Madison Business 2017: Six leaders who are building up this city
We are watching Madison mature as a city right in front of our eyes.
Best of Madison Business 2016: Change Agents
Meet four business leaders who continue a legacy of innovation in Madison.
Best of Madison Business 2015: Investing in Innovation
Meet three business and community leaders who invest in and foster innovation throughout their work and their organizations
Best of Madison Business 2014: Inside the Ecosystem
This year's winners form a network of support that keeps the high-tech and biotech sectors growing
Best of Madison Business 2013: Leading the Way
This year's Best of Madison Business winner has lead the chamber into the 21st century
Best of Madison Business 2012: Poised to Break Through
Technology and the biosciences have been pillars of the Madison region’s economic development strategy for more than a decade now. We’ve invested heavily in these sectors, and the never-ending conundrum of a shortage of venture capital suggests untold, unlimited potential.
M List
The M List 2019: Evolutionaries
Five local innovators are creating opportunities for underserved populations, and they’re achieving it with ingenuity and passion.
The M List 2018: Innovation in the Arts
Madison is home to a strikingly rich population of innovators, creators, doers and dreamers.
Taking a look at the 2017 M List Winners
The 2017 M List recognizes local leaders and innovators in the health field who are influencing the economic landscape of the region.
The M List 2016: Mentors and Teachers
These 32 mentors and teachers are positively influential.
The M List 2015: Social Innovation
35 local innovations creating social change.
The M List 2013: Future Fantastic
Over the years, Madison Magazine has celebrated our Person of the Year and Top Madisonians in a variety of ways. This month, we rebrand the editorial project "The M List," kicking off a new Madison A-list of the people you should know.
Engaging the humanities: Center for the Humanities
Center for the Humanities is one of thirty-five social innovations that has made the 2015 M List.
Think fun: Games + Learning + Society
Games + Learning + Society is one of thirty-five social innovations that has made the 2015 M List.
Fountain of ideas: The Bubbler
The Bubbler is one of thirty-five social innovations that has made the 2015 M List.
Goal line save: Skate Armor
Skate Armor is one of thirty-five social innovations that has made the 2015 M List.
Top Doctors
Relief at last for patients with the 'worst pain in modern medicine'
Retiring UW Health surgeon Dr. Hans W. Sollinger pioneers an operation for patients with the ‘worst pain in modern medicine.’
Top Dentists 2019
This list includes listings for more than 110 dentists and specialists in the Madison and Dane County area.
Top Dentists 2018
Take a look at who was named as a Top Dentist in Madison.
Top Doctors 2018
This biennial guide of Top Doctors in the area can assist in the search for the best physicians.
Top Dentists 2017
The Madison area list is based on hundreds of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers.

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Creative Extra
Creative Extra podcast with Andy Wallman
Creative Extra is a show about the intersection of creativity and business and Madison, with host Andy Wallman interviewing successful pioneers, leaders and visionaries.