Forbes Under 30 Summit

The Forbes Under 30 Summit is one of the most anticipated events for young entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators, bringing together over 2,000 attendees for four days of inspiring talks, networking, and entertainment. With high-profile speakers like Megan Thee Stallion and Steve-O, the event required a seamless production experience that could blend in-person and virtual elements, enhance engagement, and create memorable moments. 

In both 2021 and 2022, Forbes entrusted Bluewater to bring their vision to life at the Detroit Opera House—ensuring every detail, from stage production and lighting to technical support and interactive experiences, was executed flawlessly. The challenge in 2022 was to elevate the attendee experience even further based on feedback from the previous year. 

To refine and enhance the experience, Bluewater focused on: 
✅ Seamless event production – Managing staging, lighting, audio, and hybrid event elements to ensure a smooth experience for both in-person and virtual attendees. 
✅ Curated networking & dining spaces – Designing an outdoor networking area featuring local food trucks, music, and refreshment stations, keeping attendees engaged without leaving the venue. 
✅ Creative engagement activations – Introducing interactive elements, such as the “magic door” activation, which revealed different honorees each time it was opened. 
✅ Tailored experiences within the venue – Identifying locations inside the Detroit Opera House for private book signings, intimate roundtables, and sponsor activations, ensuring every part of the event added value. 
✅ Branding & sponsorship integration – Managing custom branding and sponsor engagement opportunities to enhance visibility and create immersive brand experiences. 

By focusing on innovation and attendee engagement, Bluewater helped Forbes deliver an unforgettable summit two years in a row. The enhancements introduced in 2022 elevated networking opportunities, streamlined event flow, and strengthened community connections—all while maintaining a high-energy, on-brand atmosphere. 

“The Bluewater team works seamlessly as an extension of our own to help bring our vision to life and build the event experience our attendees come to expect.  The attention to detail and overall knowledge this team brings to the table is unparalleled.” – Brett Cohen, Forbes | Executive Director, Production and Event Partnerships

Through strategic planning, technical expertise, and creative activations, Bluewater played a key role in shaping the Forbes Under 30 Summit experience, leaving a lasting impact on Detroit and the next generation of leaders.