How do you plan an event that’s two thousand miles away in just two months?
For the past four years, we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Forbes on their massive Under 30 Summit. We supported them through their three-year tour of Ohio — but the event’s move to Phoenix meant we needed to reframe our approach.
Luckily, we’re a founding member of the Event Production Network — a highly vetted alliance of North American AV companies. We contacted our partner, ON Services, to collaborate with us on this event and connect us with their trusted local vendors. This partnership empowered us to create something truly spectacular, as if it were in our own backyard—with ample resources just minutes from the venue.
Forbes’ Under 30 Summit is a multi-day gathering of emerging young leaders, innovators, and creators. From a concert to casual fireside chats, this annual event celebrates growth across industries — and across the United States. In 2026, they set their sights on the “Silicon Desert,” immersing the Summit in Phoenix’s growing economy.
It takes a village to put together such a high-profile event. When our partnership with Forbes entered its fourth year, our team reached out to fellow EPN partner ON Services right away. Maintaining the integrity of the Forbes event was crucial, so it was vital to collaborate with a local partner we could trust.
“[ON Services] really worked as an extension of our team,” said Sarah Charlton, co-owner and Director of Sales at Colortone. “We had weekly calls with them throughout the planning process and toured their warehouse during a site visit in Phoenix. Learning that their process was so similar to ours made working in tandem seamless.”
With Phoenix, ON Services was our subject matter expert for the city and its regulations.
“They bring a level of familiarity, which helps bridge the distance,” said Charlton. “
For an outdoor event in Arizona, their experience working in the climate was another major advantage. They helped us create contingencies and a gear list that could withstand the heat.
This partnership didn’t just make our process easier — it also reduced our client’s budget. Without a local partner, we would have needed to ship multiple semi-trucks worth of gear across the entire country. Cross-renting equipment from an EPN partner saved $36,000 in shipping costs.
The Summit was a resounding success. Thousands came to Phoenix for three days of networking and programming — delivered without a hitch.
So, why does this matter? What can you take away from this?
Our work was made much more efficient, easy, and cost-effective thanks in no small part to our partnership with ON Services — an incredible team we may never have met without the Event Production Network. We’ve been part of the EPN since the beginning, and projects like this are clear proof of its power for both vendors and planners.
Working with an EPN company is more than convenient — it gives you access to a network of accredited, capable companies ready to support you.
Want a production partner with the connections to fulfill your vision wherever it takes you? Get in touch with us.
