Forbes Under 30 Summit Names Phoenix, Arizona As Host City For 2026–2028

The Valley of the Sun will welcome thousands of young innovators ready to launch, grow, and redefine what’s possible April 19-22, 2026

December 11, 2025, NEW YORK & PHOENIX — Coinciding with the 2026 Under 30 List Launch event in New York, Forbes announced that Phoenix, Arizona will become the official host city for the Forbes Under 30 Summit beginning in 2026, marking the start of a new multi-year chapter for the global gathering of young leaders, founders and innovators. The move signals an expanded vision for the Summit rooted in growth, ambition and impact, and reflects Forbes’ commitment to elevating the next generation of entrepreneurs while supporting the long-term momentum of a city rapidly becoming an engine for innovation in the United States. The 2026 Summit will take place April 19-22 in locations throughout Phoenix and will be in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority.

“The Forbes Under 30 Summit is the world’s greatest gathering of young entrepreneurs and game-changers, and Phoenix is the perfect host for the next stage of this impactful event,” said Randall Lane, Chief Content officer at Forbes. “We love the economic growth, strong leadership and the vibrant lifestyle. In moving the event to April, we’ll capture even more enthusiasm from our new Listers — and the perfect Arizona weather.”

Home to a fast-rising startup ecosystem and a surge of investment in technology, venture funding, clean energy, bioscience and advanced manufacturing, Phoenix has emerged as one of the most compelling environments in the country for young builders. Since 2020, the state has won more than 60 semiconductor expansion projects and over $210 billion in investment – the most in the nation. By selecting Phoenix as the Summit’s next location and moving the timing of the event up to April, Forbes is laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration with local partners, and establishing a base where Under 30 Listmakers and alumni can connect with new opportunities, mentorship, and capital in one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the nation.

“Arizona is one of the most dynamic hubs of innovation and talent in the world,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Hosting the Forbes Under 30 Summit is a testament to the momentum we’ve built in Arizona and why so many of the next generation’s entrepreneurs and problem-solvers call our state home. I’m excited to welcome this global summit to the Grand Canyon State and look forward to making the 2026 Summit one to remember.”

The Forbes Under 30 Summit will bring thousands of founders, creators, investors and cultural leaders to Phoenix each year for four days of programming, performances, networking and hands-on learning along with the opportunity to give back to the local community through Service Day initiatives. Mainstage conversations will feature leading voices across technology, business, science, entertainment and policy, and the Summit will highlight innovation taking place throughout Phoenix and the broader Arizona region, shining a global spotlight on local founders while drawing new talent and energy into the ecosystem. The goal is to ensure that the Summit leaves a lasting legacy: fueling entrepreneurship, elevating homegrown success stories and inspiring future Under 30 honorees who call Arizona home.

In the coming weeks, Forbes will release additional programming details, speaker announcements and community initiatives connected to the Summit’s arrival. A formal save-the-date notification will be shared with Under 30 Listmakers and alumni, along with information on how founders, students, creators and emerging leaders across Arizona can become involved.

With Phoenix as its next stage, the Forbes Under 30 Summit enters an exciting new era championing bold thinking, accelerating innovation and expanding what is possible for the next generation of global changemakers.

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