The 2023 Forbes Under 30 Summit recently took Cleveland by storm, uniting young professionals and America’s brightest innovators for a gathering of epic proportions. With over 6,000 attendees, this event was a testament to the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of the next generation.

The summit concluded with a bang, featuring Cleveland’s own Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) in a standing-room-only townhall at Public Hall. Titled “A Playbook To Building An Empire,” MGK shared insights into his business ventures and his strong connection to his hometown.

When asked why he chose to open his coffee shop in Cleveland, MGK replied, “I needed a foundation that will be indestructible, and this city is my rock. Anything I build here has support that isn’t going to break.” He also dropped hints about his future plans, including the expansion of his record label and 27 Club coffee shop, with potential locations in Tokyo and the Midwest.

MGK’s talk was not just business-focused; it also showcased his ability to handle unexpected situations with grace. An eager fan who jumped on stage was turned into a valuable business lesson, with MGK advising the crowd, “Let that be a lesson to pick the right time and place.”

The summit featured other Gen-Z A-listers, including Columbus-born comedian Matt Rife, who discussed his rapid rise to fame in a talk titled “Stand-Up To Stand Out: A Comedian’s Tips On How To Go Viral.” Rife shared advice for young professionals, emphasizing, “The era of gatekeepers is ending. You have the power.”

Creators Alixe Earle and Druski also drew a captivated audience with their talk on “Under The Influence: Cashing In On The Creator Craze.” With a combined social following of 21 million, their insights into the creator world were invaluable for young professionals seeking to make their mark. The Cleveland event was the first of three Forbes Summits scheduled for Ohio. Cincinnati and Columbus are set to host the summit in 2024 and 2025, respectively, providing more opportunities for young professionals to connect and collaborate.

JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef, the title sponsor, expressed his excitement, saying, “Cleveland and Ohio have been outstanding hosts for one of the largest-ever Forbes events in history, and the excitement has been felt across Northeast Ohio with thousands of the best and brightest young professionals coming together to see all our state has to offer.”
The summit not only brought together entrepreneurs and innovators but also offered opportunities for young professionals to explore the city. Attendees enjoyed tours of local attractions, including Market Garden Brewery, Sherwin-Williams, Black-owned restaurants, and the Cleveland Clinic quantum computer, fostering connections and networking among young professionals.

The grand finale of the summit featured a party at the Rock Hall hosted by MGK, with a special appearance by Cleveland Mayor Bibb. As MGK enthused, “The Land looks good tonight,” and indeed, it did.