Nearly 6,000 registrants enjoyed networking, celebrity panels, a pub crawl and more
Cleveland’s reputation as a host is well-traveled. The city received raves around the country for its welcoming charm during the 2016 Republican National Convention, the 2022 NBA All-Star Game Weekend and various Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies.
We showcased our dining districts, hotels, bars and clubs, concert and entertainment venues. In return, the mega-events provided a boost not just to the local economy, but also to our civic psyche.
Cleveland has strived long and hard to plot a comeback and elevate its image… and, yes, we’ve shown that Cleveland belongs.
We can make it happen.
The Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit provided a twist to the make-it-happen attitude.
From October 8-11, the New York business magazine honored hundreds of entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who took a chance even as the economy, personal finances, family and friends told them to play it safe. It also brought in celebrities such Halsey and Latto, to perform, and Bad Bunny, Machine Gun Kelly, Kendall Jenner, Alix Earle, Druski, Matt Rife and others to talk about their career paths.
The Summit had nearly 6,000 registrants (up 105% over the previous summit in Detroit), nearly 4,000 in-person attendees from 49 states and 60 countries, and nearly 2,000 virtual registrants.
By day, the Forbes Under 30 hosted panels and discussions in which attendees shared their struggles and successes. By night, attendees and locals celebrated together in bars and restaurants.
In between drinks, this event sent a very different message:
No, you might not be president of the USA, or an all-star hooper, or a rock star. But if you have an idea, take a chance and work hard you too can make your own success story.
“The summit was good on every level for the city,” says Sam McNulty, an Ohio City bar owner and restaurateur. “It brought people to Cleveland who might not otherwise – and it allowed Clevelanders to rub elbows with people around the world who created something.”
McNulty hosted a bar crawl during the summit that brought more 2,000 people to West 25th establishments he co-owns – places such as Market Garden Brewery, Bright Side, Clandestina and the just-opened Smoke and Mirrors.
McNulty came up with the idea for the bar crawl while taking Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list creator Randall Lane on a tour of the city back in 2022.
“Forbes had been looking to bring the 2023 summit to Cleveland and Randall came in from New York during NBA All-Star Weekend to check out the city,” says McNulty. “He asked me to give him tour of the neighborhoods, bars and layout of the city – and when we were done, he was like, ‘We can make this happen.’”
The make-it-happen sentiment was pervasive throughout the summit, says Marisa Sergi-Schumann, the CEO of L’uva Bella Winery (pictured above). The Youngstown-based winemaker and her husband-partner, Chagrin Falls native Evan Schumann, were recognized as 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees in the Food & Drink category.
“It was about more than honoring people,” says Sergi-Schumann. “There was a lot of networking where you could meet with people and share stories about what it’s like to be an entrepreneur – both the struggles and the successes.”
Both are especially important for the new wave of entrepreneurs.
“If you’re young and trying to start a business you often find yourself in a bubble because there aren’t that many people your age out there doing something like that,” says Sergi-Schumann. “It really helps when you can see that your struggles are no different than the ones others are going through. Seeing how people overcome them can inspire you.”
Sergi-Schumann also found the way Cleveland handled the event inspiring.
“I went to a Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston and found that the Cleveland one was better organized and more productive,” she says. “We have a lot of entertainment districts close to downtown and there are a lot of venues that can accommodate sightseers and events – like the Rock Hall, which is a museum that can double as a meeting place. It makes you realize that this is a city that can get things done.”
The Rock Hall hosted a party to celebrate the summit, but also a spirit that has spurred on musicians and entrepreneurs alike.
“Our place was filled with 3,500 diverse young people and was hosted by Mayor Justin Bibb and Machine Gun Kelly,” says Rock Hall CEO Greg Harris. “And here we recently had an event at the Rock Hall that brought a group of politicians and governors from all over the Midwest and Canada.”
“It shows that there is a lot of diverse activity happening in the city that runs counter to a perception some people have nationally,” adds Harris. “Every city has a convention center and sports teams, but the important thing to have is energy and young people and a diverse demographic doing interesting things.”
All of these things are important, because they feed on each other, according to Nafis Azad, co-founder of Lucky App, a fast-growing start-up that connects consumers to their favorite brands to create a more efficient shopping experience.
“The obvious inspiring part is meeting so many smart and ambitious people, and for me running into the more ‘veteran’ alums that have achieved a lot of success already really showed the value of the network,” says Azad (above left), a Columbus native who was honored with his partner Sneh Parmar, as members of the Forbes Under 30 Class of 2023.
“Living in Miami now, I still keep tabs on the Ohio startup scene and have always been impressed at the growth but seeing all the positive energy there was amazing,” he adds.
Energy is the key word – the thing that pushes young entrepreneurs to keep following their dream, even when the economy and family and friends warn caution.
It underscores that, yes, the Cleveland is welcoming place to outsiders and fertile ground for Clevelander to pursue an idea.
“From the shout outs about Ohio from the different speakers and performers, to highlighting local businesses,” says Azad, “I felt like it was a special moment for the city of Cleveland and the state that I’m sure won’t be forgotten anytime soon.”
Learn more
2023 Forbes Under 30 Summit: Agenda, celebrity guests and more
Forbes Under 30 Summit coming to Ohio for 3 years - Greater Cleveland Partnership
30 Under 30 Local 2023: Cleveland (forbes.com)
Forbes Under 30: NoBaked Cookie Dough has a sweet recipe for success - Greater Cleveland Partnership
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