Last week, ACT | The App Association hosted Queen City Mobile Summit with leading creative agency POSSIBLE and nationally-ranked startup accelerator, the Brandery in Cincinnati, Ohio.

More than 150 established app companies, emerging startups, and local entrepreneurs filled the newly-remodeled Union Hall – a bright and vibrant space at the heart of the city’s tech community. It was a smashing success where audience members gained insights on industry trends, engaged in candid conversations about new market opportunities, and networked with national and local leaders in the mobile economy.

Senator Rob Portman kicked off the event, highlighting the culture of entrepreneurism thriving in Cincinnati, as well as the importance of computer science education. He recognized Brandery alums ChoreMonster and Roadtrippers, as well as indie app-making family, the Alexanders. Senator Portman also used to platform to take questions from the crowd, discussing the the qualities that make Midwest talent so appealing to companies around the globe, and why Ohio is a great place to grow innovative companies.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a surprise speaker from Apple, who flew in from their Cupertino headquarters, to talk to the local developer community about creating great apps and maximizing their success on the App Store. The Apple presentation focused on strategies to develop and market a great app and analytics tools that help app makers thrive on the App Store.

A longtime leader in the app industry, POSSIBLE Mobile CEO Ben Reubenstein, who traveled from Denver for the event, gave audience members an inside look at lessons learned from eight years of app development. POSSIBLE Mobile makes apps for major brands including JetBlue, Hasbro, and NCAA’s March Madness.

Ben encouraged attendees to join local developer communities, and highlighted the importance of attending conferences including Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to stay up-to-date on the latest tools and platform changes.

The other stars of the day were local tech industry leaders.

Scott Miller, a serial software entrepreneur and member of Queen City Angels, focused on opportunities in B2B app development. Scott discussed how to identify and solve problems in a niche area, and then turn those solutions into a business. He also noted the importance of incorporating intellectual property decisions into a business plan from the start.

Scott’s experience with a multitude of companies in the area demonstrated how Cincinnati provides an ideal environment for tech companies to succeed.

Likewise, panelists Jon and Carrie Alexander of RocketWagon, Joshua Smibert of Roadtrippers, Glenn Platt of Miami University’s Armstrong Interactive Media Studies Program, and Chris Bergman of ChoreMonster talked about how Cincinnati provides a great environment for startups.

The leaders of ChoreMonster and Roadtrippers discussed how strategic partnerships fostered at the Brandery – and since graduating from the accelerator – have helped their companies grow into successful businesses with millions of active users. RocketWagon’s founders, on the other hand, told the audience how they turned app-making into a family activity with their two young daughters. And Glenn Platt explained how Miami University is preparing the next generation of the tech workforce.

Prior to the event, Senator Portman joined ACT | The App Association and POSSIBLE to present the Brandery with the App Economy Spotlight Award for its work to foster a culture of entrepreneurism in Cincinnati. The Brandery was the first 2016 honoree of the national award.

With a talented slate of speakers and an enthusiastic crowd, Queen City Mobile Summit made clear that Cincinnati will continue to grow as a hub for mobile innovation.

Find other pictures from the event here.