Forbes Under 30 Summit kicks off with Halsey, Latto and thousands of young innovators

Posted by: Laura DeMarco, Photos by Michael Collier on Sunday, October 8, 2023

The Forbes Under 30 Summit takes place October 8 - 11 in Cleveland

Nearly 5,000 young innovators and leaders have gathered in Cleveland this week for the 2023 Forbes Under 30 Summit. The event, which honors hundreds of the most innovative and inspiring young Americans, includes a two-day conference at Public Hall and a closing party hosted by Machine Gun Kelly at the Rock Hall Tuesday.

The gathering began with a networking party and concert featuring Halsey and Latto at Public Hall on Sunday.

The Cleveland event is the first of three Forbes Summits that will hit Ohio. Cincinnati and Columbus will host it the next two years, in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The Summit is also the launch of the Forbes Local Leaders lists, which feature our city as one of just ten innovation hubs nationwide.

“When selecting an Under 30 location we look for several factors: breadth of industry, education, cultural diversity and most of all, a base of young talent,” says Kristin Stoller, senior editor of the of the Forbes 30 Under 30 lists. “When we think about the future and those who shape it, it’s very clear that Ohio is a big part of that equation - being at the forefront of technology, infrastructure and industrial manufacturing, and building on its rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship.”

“We have set the bar high with an unforgettable experience here,” proclaimed Forbes' Steven Bertoni to open the night at the historic Cleveland venue.

Latto then took the stage for a high-energy 30-minute set that had the fashionable crowd dancing along.

After a break that featured DJ Mick spinning, Halsey took the stage in a stunning, midnight blue gown. It was her second time headlining a Forbes Summit, she noted. Her stage banter engaged the crowd almost as much as her seductive set.

She noted she had just had a birthday – her 29^th.

“I’m here to remind you to have fun, work hard and I am in fact, still under 30,” she bantered. “Give it up for Cleveland.”

Day two of the summit kicks off with opening remarks from Forbes Under 30 founder Randall Lane at 10 a.m. Monday. The day features a lined up of high-wattage influencers and celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny.

For more on the Summit: 2023 Forbes Under 30 Summit

Forbes offering 'Local Entrepreneurs' Summit Discount

You are invited to join the best and brightest entrepreneurs and celebrity guests for four days of connecting, learning, teaching and building. Forbes is now offering Ohio entrepreneurs discounted registration.

The growing list of celebrity speakers includes founder of 818 Tequila, Kendall Jenner; artist & entrepreneur, Cleveland's own Machine Gun Kelly; content creator, Alix Earle; comedian Matt Rife; and chart-topping Grammy winner Bad Bunny.

Find more on the Summit here.