The Glasshouse

The Best Time of Year to Host an Event in New York City (From Our Perspective at The Glasshouse)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:01:33 GMT

In New York City, timing can shape an event just as much as the design itself. The city moves in seasons, and so does the event calendar.

Now well into our fourth year of hosting galas, celebrations, conferences, and experiential events at The Glasshouse, we have seen clear seasonal rhythms emerge. While every event is unique, understanding these patterns can help you plan more strategically and sometimes more creatively.

Here is what we have learned.

Conferences: Navigating Peak Season and Opportunity

Photo credit: Sarah Rodriguez

Conferences make up a significant portion of the events we host. As the new year begins, inquiries often pick up almost immediately, whether for last-minute spring gatherings or autumn debriefs.

Peak Season: March - June and September - November

There is a reason for it. Spring in New York City brings renewed energy. Guests are more inclined to travel, attendance is strong, and indoor-outdoor spaces begin to shine. In the fall, that momentum returns. September and October in particular tend to move quickly on our calendar.

May is peak conference season for us. With one event per day, prime dates can become highly competitive. That said, January, February, and even August can be strategic choices. These quieter windows often offer more flexibility, not just with venues, but with vendor partners as well.

If you are targeting spring or fall, begin conversations early. For large peak season conferences, we recommend starting 12 to 14 months in advance.

Galas: Tradition with Room to Be Strategic and Grow

Photo credit: Sarah Rodriguez

Gala season in New York City mirrors conference season.

High Demand: April - June and September - November

These months align with fundraising cycles and donor calendars, which naturally creates competition for top dates.

However, winter and late summer can be incredibly effective for galas. During January, February, and August, there is often more room to think creatively. Vendors may have greater availability, and your event is less likely to compete with multiple others on the same evening.

For organizations focused on both impact and budget awareness, off-peak timing can be a smart move.

One of the advantages of hosting your gala with us is the ability to grow within the same space. With a full capacity of 1,800 guests, organizations often establish a long-term home here, returning year after year and building meaningful relationships with our team and trusted vendor partners.

Celebrations: Weddings, Mitzvahs, and Milestones

Photo credit: Jill Sahner

Celebrations are beautifully consistent. They happen all year long.

While we cannot recommend the best time to celebrate a birthday, although we do believe half birthdays deserve a cheer, we can suggest thoughtful timing for a New York City wedding.

While summer may seem like the obvious choice, we actually see the highest demand in spring and fall.

That said, there is something magical about a summer evening in the city. Extended daylight, golden sunsets, and the skyline transitioning into night create an unforgettable backdrop.

Although outdoor spaces are rare in New York City, our two terraces, each accommodating 125 guests, allow for a blend of city sophistication and skyline views. They also offer a peaceful moment of fresh air, because when you are dancing the night away, you may want to step outside for a quick, quiet moment to take it all in.

Mitzvahs and milestone celebrations often follow school calendars and family schedules, but peak wedding months do book quickly across the board.

Experiential Events: Following the Industry Pulse

Photo credit: Sarah Rodriguez

Experiential events operate on their own timeline.

In New York City, February and September align with major fashion moments such as New York Fashion Week, while product launches often land mid-year or toward the end of the year. Upfronts and Newfronts follow established media calendars, leaving less flexibility when it comes to selecting dates.

Because these events are tied to broader campaign schedules, early planning is especially important.

Understanding the New York City Event Rhythm

The quieter months are not necessarily slower. They are simply different. For some clients, they offer the perfect balance of flexibility and impact. In today's climate, shifting timing can also help meet budget goals while preserving the overall vision of the event.

One thing we are truly grateful for is how far in advance many of our clients plan. During peak seasons, it is not uncommon for us to book a year ahead. Whether planning well in advance or working within a shorter timeline, we never take that trust for granted.

If you are considering 2027, being proactive gives you more options, more breathing room, and ultimately a smoother planning experience.

There is no single best time to host an event in New York City. There is only the right time for your goals, your audience, and your vision.

Whenever you are ready to explore dates, we would love to connect, learn more about your vision, and share what we are seeing on our calendar. Let us show you The Glasshouse way!

What We’re Leaning Into for 2026 (and What We’re Not)

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:42:29 GMT

A Look Ahead at What’s Shaping Events in 2026

Where the City Gathers

As we move into a new year, we find ourselves thinking less about trends for the sake of trends and more about intention.

What enhances the experience? What respects the architecture? What actually feels good to be in?

At The Glasshouse, our perspective is shaped by what we see day in and day out : how people move through a space, what elevates an event, and what quietly detracts from it.

Here’s a closer look at what we believe is worth leaning into—and what we’re ready to leave behind .

the ins

FUTURE-PROOFED & IMMERSIVE

the OUTS

OUTDATED & overengineerED

Translucent LED Walls

High-impact visuals are here to stay, but not at the expense of the space itself.

Translucent LED walls allow for dynamic branding, motion, and storytelling while preserving natural light and sightlines.

 Instead of closing off the room, they enhance it, adding energy without overwhelming the architecture or the view.

OUT

Blocking the Windows

We’ll say it plainly: the windows are the point. Covering them diminishes what makes the space special in the first place.

Natural light, skyline views, and a connection to the city aren’t distractions—they’re assets.

 Designing with the windows, not against them, is non-negotiable.

Corporate Events That Feel Social

The most successful corporate events no longer feel like conferences.

They feel like well-designed gatherings. Think cocktail party flow, thoughtful seating, elevated food moments, and environments that encourage conversation.

When brand experiences are designed with hospitality in mind, guests stay longer, engage more, and remember the experience.

OUT

Generic Ballroom Energy

This is New York. Events here should feel specific, intentional, and reflective of the city’s energy.

One-size-fits-all layouts dilute the experience. We’re moving away from anything that feels interchangeable and towards environments that feel rooted in place.

Statement Chandeliers & Hanging Installations

Design that draws the eye upward changes how a room feels.

Statement chandeliers and suspended installations create depth, drama, and a sense of occasion without adding clutter at the floor level.

 In a space with volume and views, vertical design becomes one of the most powerful tools.

OUT

Fluorescent Lighting Fatigue

Harsh lighting flattens everything—people, decor, and the atmosphere.

Thoughtful lighting design does the opposite. It warms, defines, and transforms a space.

In 2026, light should enhance the experience, not exhaust it.

the OUTS

OUTDATED & overengineerED

Translucent LED Walls

High-impact visuals are here to stay, but not at the expense of the space itself.

Translucent LED walls allow for dynamic branding, motion, and storytelling while preserving natural light and sightlines.

 Instead of closing off the room, they enhance it, adding energy without overwhelming the architecture or the view.

OUT

Blocking the Windows

We’ll say it plainly: the windows are the point. Covering them diminishes what makes the space special in the first place.

Natural light, skyline views, and a connection to the city aren’t distractions—they’re assets.

 Designing with the windows, not against them, is non-negotiable.

Corporate Events That Feel Social

The most successful corporate events no longer feel like conferences.

They feel like well-designed gatherings. Think cocktail party flow, thoughtful seating, elevated food moments, and environments that encourage conversation.

When brand experiences are designed with hospitality in mind, guests stay longer, engage more, and remember the experience.

OUT

Generic Ballroom Energy

This is New York. Events here should feel specific, intentional, and reflective of the city’s energy.

One-size-fits-all layouts dilute the experience. We’re moving away from anything that feels interchangeable and towards environments that feel rooted in place.

Statement Chandeliers & Hanging Installations

Design that draws the eye upward changes how a room feels.

Statement chandeliers and suspended installations create depth, drama, and a sense of occasion without adding clutter at the floor level.

 In a space with volume and views, vertical design becomes one of the most powerful tools.

OUT

Fluorescent Lighting Fatigue

Harsh lighting flattens everything—people, decor, and the atmosphere.

Thoughtful lighting design does the opposite. It warms, defines, and transforms a space.

In 2026, light should enhance the experience, not exhaust it.

Designing with Intention

rends will always evolve, but The Glasshouse principles remain the same: respect for the space, prioritizing the guest experience, and designing with clarity and purpose.

As we look ahead in 2026, we’re excited to continue creating events that feel modern, social, and unmistakably New York.

If you’re planning what’s next, whether it’s a corporate event or a brand moment, we’d love to help shape it thoughtfully.

Let’s start the conversation.

2025 Wrapped: A Year of Extraordinary Events.

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:04:16 GMT

Glow, Glam, or Garden: Which Design Style Fits You?

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:40:40 GMT

Take our Event Design Quiz to discover the look and feel that perfectly matches your celebration, then imagine bringing it to life in our space.

Celebrating Four Years of Iconic Events at The Glasshouse

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:44:36 GMT

FOUR YEARS OF ICONIC EVENTS

Since opening in 2021, The Glasshouse has become more than a venue . It’s become the stage for New York’s most influential and talked-about moments .

Four years later, we’re pausing (with Pumpkin Spice Lattes in hand, naturally) to reflect on the events, milestones, and partnerships that have defined our journey so far—and to toast what’s still to come.

Where the City Gathers

In just four short years, The Glasshouse has played host to it all: glittering galas , high-profile corporate summits , brand activations that stop you mid-scroll, and cultural milestones that put us on the global stage.

That range is no accident. Our flexible spaces and panoramic city views mean that one night can look like a black-tie gala for 1,000 guests , and the next can feel like an immersive art installation.

It’s this versatility, and our team’s eye for detail, that has made The Glasshouse a trusted home for the city’s most ambitious ideas .

Milestone Moments That Shaped Our Legacy

A look back at a few defining events that cemented The Glasshouse as a hub for prestige, culture, and creativity:

The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony (December, 2024)

One unforgettable night, three cities worth of stars. When MICHELIN chose The Glasshouse to announce the 2024 restaurant awards for New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., it was a clear signal: global culinary prestige belongs here.

Top chefs, industry leaders, and press gathered for an evening that reminded us that food is culture.

PHOTO CREDITS: Nikki Richter for The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival (May, 2025)

Business, tech, culture, and innovation all converged at The Glasshouse during this two-day festival. High-profile speakers, interactive exhibits, and the kind of networking you only get in New York—bringing the buzz straight to our venue and celebrating the future in style.

PHOTO CREDITS: NOBU RESTAURANT

Nobu’s 30th Anniversary (November 2024)

When Nobu turned 30, they needed a space as iconic as the brand itself. Enter: The Glasshouse.

The evening fused fine dining, star power, and luxury lifestyle into one celebration.

With founders, celebrity partners, and tastemakers in the room, it was proof that our venue can elevate even the world’s most established brands into something new, immersive, and unforgettable.

Reflections from the Top

To mark the occasion, we sat down with one of our longest-standing team members—our President, Gianluca Sardo .

Over the classic fall drink of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, he shared his thoughts on the last four years, what moments stood out most, and what excites him about the future.

Interview with Gianluca Sardo

Scroll the box below to read the full conversation

Looking Ahead

Four years in, The Glasshouse has built a legacy on bold ideas, iconic moments, and a stage like no other. If you think we’re peaked, think again. The next chapter is already taking shape, and we’re ready for more.

Want to become part of our legacy?

Reach out to schedule a site visit and see how The Glasshouse can help create your event.

First Day Feels: What It’s Like to Walk into The Glasshouse

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:11:17 GMT

At The Glasshouse , first impressions are everything. The skyline views, the scale of the rooms, and the light that pours through floor-to-ceiling windows make the space unforgettable from the moment you walk in.

But it’s not just the architecture that resonates — it’s the way the venue feels, and the people who bring it to life .

For our newest sales team member, Olivia , her first day on the job was also her first time truly experiencing the venue.

We asked her to share those early impressions — from the sensory details that surprised her, to the moments that made her feel like she belonged.

The Moment of Arrival

Olivia admits she came in expecting beauty — and The Glasshouse delivers.

 But what surprised her was the scale of the production infrastructure built right into the venue.

That reaction mirrors what many clients feel during their first walkthrough.

Hidden rigging points, programmable lighting, and fully integrated AV allow large-scale events to take shape seamlessly.

 The possibilities aren’t added on — they’re built in.

Photography by @gabesuazo

“I was amazed to see all of the production baked into the space already and all of the high-tech capabilities we have to offer. Seeing that the opportunities really are endless for each special event was such a surprise.”

Photography by @gabesuazo

“The effect the pop-up has with the dancing chandeliers really creates such a fun and custom vibe for clients. Seeing the lights come down, change colors, and move around was such a cool experience.”

The Details That Stay With You

Some details don’t translate in photos. For Olivia, it was her first time seeing the chandeliers come to life.

The programmable chandeliers have become one of The Glasshouse’s most recognizable features, instantly shifting the mood of the room.

 It’s a detail that makes the venue feel immersive rather than decorative.

Belonging Beyond the Space

Olivia also recalls her first day as engaging. Meeting each member of the team gave her a glimpse of the culture behind the venue.

Her perspective highlights what many clients discover: The Glasshouse is more than its design. It’s the people and collaboration behind the scenes that create the sense of belonging.

Photography by @gabesuazo

“Being a part of such a close-knit team is something that I really enjoy. What excites me the most is the creative and collaborative energy I’ve seen so far in how all of the teams curate an experience.

I’ve always wanted to be a part of work that feels strong and impactful, and that kind of environment is motivating and inspiring for me.”

From Newcomer to Insider

Within her first weeks, Olivia began to understand how clients must feel arriving for the first time.

Looking ahead, she’s excited to see her first full season unfold:

It’s a special feeling to see something you were part of in full form. I’m also excited to build strong client relationships and experience the full cycle of booking an event here.”

Photography by @gabesuazo

“I think that a guest or client coming to The Glasshouse for the first time would feel very supported because of how each and every team brings their expertise to the table.

It takes an army to put on these large-scale events with so much detail. Clients can sense the support and knowledge from The Glasshouse team.”

Olivia’s first weeks at The Glasshouse reflect what so many experience the moment they arrive: a striking sense of scale and possibility , paired with the collaborative energy of the team behind it all.

From the chandeliers that transform a room to the expertise guiding every detail, The Glasshouse is designed to set the stage for extraordinary experiences.

READY TO EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF?

A Sip of Creativity: Introducing The Glasshouse’s New Beverage Program for Spring/Summer 2025

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:28:09 GMT

At The Glasshouse, every detail is designed to create an unforgettable experience—including our cocktails.
Twice a year, our Beverage Team develops a new lineup of seasonal drinks, combining fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and bold flavors.

With a focus on balance, approachability, and sustainability, we’re excited to introduce our latest beverage menu.

Commitment to Sustainability & Creative Process

Each cocktail begins with an idea—whether inspired by seasonal produce, a unique garnish from a local market, or a desire to explore new flavor combinations.

Our team experiments with fresh, natural ingredients to craft drinks that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Sustainability is at the heart of our approach. We source local spirits whenever possible and incorporate eco-friendly practices, such as agave straws, to minimize waste.

By working with seasonal ingredients, we ensure our drinks remain fresh, flavorful, and responsibly crafted.

Introducing Our New Cocktails & Mocktails

Our latest beverage lineup features a mix of refreshing, innovative flavors and beautifully crafted drinks.

cocktails

Mocktails

PLAN YOUR EVENT

Hosting an event at The Glasshouse?

Our Beverage Team is ready to craft a drink selection that complements your occasion.
Explore our latest cocktails and let us elevate your next event—one sip at a time.

Inside the Wedding World: Eyal Tessler on Trends, Planning & The Glasshouse

Thu, 08 May 2025 16:09:54 GMT

Weddings are all about creating unforgettable moments, and having the right planner makes all the difference.

Eyal Tessler , founder of Tessler Events , has a wealth of experience curating dream weddings, including many at The Glasshouse . In this exclusive feature, we explore his journey, wedding trends, and what makes The Glasshouse a premier wedding venue.

EYAL'S FIRST PLANNED WEDDING

The first wedding Eyal planned and produced at The Glasshouse took place in December 2021 , just a few months after the venue's opening!

The Glasshouse - December 2021

THE 485-PERSON CELEBRATION

Eyal brings ideas to life at The Glasshouse - like this 485-person wedding that took place in 2023 .

The Glasshouse - December 2023

A PERFECT FEBRUARY

Eyal transformed The Glasshouse into the perfect backdrop for this February 2025 wedding .

The Glasshouse - February 2025

READY TO START PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY?

Book a tour or inquire about The Glasshouse here, and take the first step toward a wedding that’s uniquely yours.

A Day in the Life of a Glasshouse Venue Producer

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:37:26 GMT

Ever wonder what it really takes to pull off a flawless gala at one of New York’s most iconic venues? It’s not just candles, champagne, and perfectly styled tablescapes. Behind every perfectly outlined floorplan and dramatic curtain reveal is someone like Robert — our endlessly calm, hyper-organized Venue Producer.

We spent an entire day shadowing Robert through a real event at The Glasshouse—48 tables, 500 guests, and zero margin for error. From last-minute event flow changes to midnight breakdowns, here’s what it actually looks like to produce a major event from the ground up. Spoiler alert: it includes over 22,000 steps, 10 miles of pacing, an outfit change, and a relentless eye for detail.

What time does the gala start?

6:00 PM

What time does Robert, our Venue Producer, start prepping? Let’s just say… he runs on the excitement of events, not sleep.

8:00 AM

Robert Enters the Chat

Sometimes earlier, sometimes later—but today he’s in bright and early, printing floorplans before most people have hit snooze for the second time . Table tweaks? Handled. Bottle service notes? Made. Beverage team? Briefed.

The tables were set the night before , but our friends at Studio Productions are on-site to rework the layout and ensure every table is placed—and lit—like it’s about to receive a standing ovation.

9:30 AM

Plot Twist

Robert doesn’t drink hot coffee — ever. While drip is always flowing in The Glasshouse kitchen, he swears by his iced favorite. So he texts his colleague, Tanzilah , to grab one on her way to the office. A ritual for the best friends!

At this time, he’s checking green rooms, noting if the beverages need to be restocked, confirming towel supply, and walking the space to prep for the day ahead.

10:30 AM

Walk, Talk, and Table Time

By mid-morning, Robert is stationed on the event floor, bouncing between vendors and projects; he has definitely done this a few hundred times.

He checks in with Studio Productions team:
Lighting? Check .
Staging? Check .
Band load-in and AV? Double check .

It’s key to work with the best of the best vendors.

And iced coffee? Finally, check . Thanks Tanzilah .

11:30 AM

The FloorpLan Is Never Final

Ask any producer: there’s no such thing as a “final” floorplan.

Guest counts shift, tables move, VIP needs evolve. Robert rolls with it—confirming podium placement, adjusting green room flow, and reworking the schedule to keep things seamless .

He connects with Tanzilah who is helping to manage the event, two great minds are better than one!

2:15 PM

Still Standing

A quick lunch break in the office and then back to the event floor.

Robert is coordinating champagne service with the beverage team to finalize timing and make sure everything is properly chilled and stored for its big moment later.

Where to hand out the personalized gift bags at the end of the night?

Robert knows of course, and suggests the best spot in the venue to make sure every guest gets one.

5:30 PM

Showtime Prep Mode

While the house team polishes surfaces and catering finishes final touches, Robert shifts into quiet conductor mode—monitoring show flow with the production team, syncing with front of house, and keeping the client looped in every step of the way.

He uses his walkie to chat with Tanzilah and the house team, everyone is ready for go-time.

6:00 PM

Doors Open

Greeters are ready, coat check is staffed, and waiters line up with signature cocktails.

Guests start arriving—and the night officially begins .

7:00 PM

The Shift

As guests begin to transition from the cocktail area to the reception space, Robert syncs up with the production team and show caller to ensure everything is running smoothly .

Twenty minutes later, all 400 guests are seated, and the first course is served.

10:15 PM

CHEERS

The client delivers a heartfelt toast. The night is flawless.

Applause echoes, hugs are exchanged, and breakdown begins.

The house team resets for the next day , vendors load out, catering does their thing, and cleaning gets underway.

12:45 AM

Robert Clocks Out, Finally

Event? Complete .

Space? Spotless .

Steps walked? 21,000+ .

Distance covered? 9.7 miles .

Exhausted? A bit, but it’s all for the love of events!

Seamless events don’t happen by accident—and definitely not by magic.

They happen because of people like Robert ; people who care about the tiny details no one sees; who ask if the window bays have been dusted; who remember to chill the champagne and adjust the floorplan… again.

PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE HANDS OF ROBERT AND THE GLASSHOUSE

From the first floorplan to the final toast, Robert and The Glasshouse are ready to make your event extraordinary. Book your event with us today and let’s make it happen.

Catering Done Right: Meet Our Trusted Partners

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 21:31:17 GMT

Catering Done Right: Meet Our Trusted Partners

When it comes to choosing a caterer, there’s so much to consider . It’s more than just food; it’s about crafting a unique and delicious experience. At The Glasshouse , we know how important it is to choose a caterer that understands your vision without compromising on exceptional quality and service .

Whether you’re planning the wedding of your dreams or a grand fundraising gala, the culinary offerings enhance the overall ambiance of your special day. We’ve done the vetting for you , carefully selecting six exceptional catering partners who share our commitment to excellence.

Why Preferred Caterers Matter

Our partnerships with these caterers go beyond food service—they are built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and collaboration.

Here’s why working with our preferred vendors can make a significant difference in your event:

EXCLUSIVITY

Our preferred caterers are hand-picked not only for their culinary expertise, but also for their ability to successfully bridge the gap between vision and execution.

Each of these vendors is a trusted partner with a proven history of working exceptionally well with The Glasshouse team, and a dedication to delivering dining experiences that go far beyond the plate.

VERSATILITY

No one event is the same, neither should the menu be. Our preferred caterers accommodate a variety of event styles, guest counts, cultural preferences, and dietary restrictions.

From plated dinners to creative buffets, they are ready and willing to tailor their offerings to meet your unique needs.

ELEVATED DINING EXPERIENCE

Ever heard the phrase “you eat with your eyes”? Our caterers focus on crafting menus that complement your event’s theme while centering presentation, flavor, and customization—providing a feast for all five senses.

Meet Our Preferred Caterers

DELICIOUS DECISIONS MADE EASY

Choosing a caterer is one of the most important decisions in the event planning process. At The Glasshouse , we make that decision an easy one .

Need help choosing the right catering partner for your event? Our sales team is here to guide you! Reach out for personalized recommendations tailored to your vision.

The Roadmap to Planning Your Event at The Glasshouse

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:03:32 GMT

INQUIRE WITH THE SALES TEAM

Connect with a venue sales manager about the event you are looking to plan and discuss pricing and availability at The Glasshouse .

INQUIRE WITH THE SALES TEAM

Connect with a venue sales manager about the event you are looking to plan and discuss pricing and availability at The Glasshouse .

INQUIRE WITH THE SALES TEAM

Connect with a venue sales manager about the event you are looking to plan and discuss pricing and availability at The Glasshouse .

MEET STUDIO PRODUCTIONS

The sales team will introduce you to Studio Productions , our exclusive production team, to discuss all your lighting, video, audio, rigging and staging needs.

MEET STUDIO PRODUCTIONS

The sales team will introduce you to Studio Productions, our exclusive production team, to discuss all your lighting, video, audio, rigging and staging needs.

CONNECT WITH CATERERS

Align with one of our six preferred catering partners or select a caterer of your choice to give you a holistic idea of costs.

SIGN YOUR CONTRACT

There is no other venue like The Glasshouse! Once you are ready to move forward, sign your contract and let the fun begin - officially begin planning your unforgettable event.

MEET WITH OUR VENUE PRODUCER

Three months from your event you will be assigned a venue producer. They will assist you with all venue logistics in the planning process and be your go-to contact the day of your event.

FULL TEAM SITE VISIT

Arrange a full team site visit, led by your venue producer, where all vendors will gather for a walkthrough of The Glasshouse and discuss all aspects of your event.

EVENT DAY

The day you have been waiting for! With our prepared team and preferred vendors, your event will be seamless. Thank you for choosing The Glasshouse to be the venue for your event.

MEET STUDIO PRODUCTIONS

The sales team will introduce you to Studio Productions, our exclusive production team, to discuss all your lighting, video, audio, rigging and staging needs.

CONNECT WITH CATERERS

Align with one of our six preferred catering partners or select a caterer of your choice to give you a holistic idea of costs.

CONNECT WITH CATERERS

Align with one of our six preferred catering partners or select a caterer of your choice to give you a holistic idea of costs.

SIGN YOUR CONTRACT

There is no other venue like The Glasshouse! Sign your contract and begin officially planning your unforgettable event.

SIGN YOUR CONTRACT

There is no other venue like The Glasshouse! Once you are ready to move forward, sign your contract and let the fun begin - officially begin planning your unforgettable event.

MEET WITH OURVENUE PRODUCER

Three months from your event you will be assigned a venue producer. They will assist you with all venue logistics in the planning process and be your go-to contact the day of your event.

MEET WITH OUR VENUE PRODUCER

Three months from your event you will be assigned a venue producer. They will assist you with all venue logistics in the planning process and be your go-to contact the day of your event.

FULL TEAM

SITE VISIT

Arrange a full team site visit, led by your venue producer, where all vendors will gather for a walkthrough of The Glasshouse and discuss all aspects of your event.

FULL TEAM

SITE VISIT

Arrange a full team site visit, led by your venue producer, where all vendors will gather for a walkthrough of The Glasshouse and discuss all aspects of your event.

EVENT DAY

The day you have been waiting for! With our prepared team and preferred vendors, your event will be seamless.

EVENT DAY

The day you have been waiting for!

With our prepared team and preferred vendors, your event will be seamless.

READY TO HOST?

Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a wedding, or a gala, our team of event producers is here to bring your vision to life.

Reach out today to start planning your next show-stopping event at The Glasshouse.

2025: What’s In and What’s Out

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:29:00 GMT

As the new year kicks off , it’s the perfect time to set your goals , focus your energy, and start fresh. At The Glasshouse , we’re embracing what makes our events (and our team) extraordinary while leaving behind the habits and trends that don’t serve us . Here’s our take on what’s “in” and “out” for 2025.

We’re all about working with partners who understand your goals and share your passion for creating something amazing. From our preferred vendors (shoutout to the incredible teams we collaborate with!) to new collaborations, we value transparency and teamwork above all else . We take pride in our relationships and feel honored to host events that return to The Glasshouse year after year . We’re privileged to be a transparent partner to every client.

Cookie-cutter events are a thing of the past . Whether it’s reimagining our venue for a gala or creating a jaw-dropping wedding backdrop, we’re leaning into bold, unique designs that transform spaces and inspire awe .

This is the year of standing out and taking risks!

Meet our furry office mascots— Sushi , Pie , and Poppa . These adorable pups remind us to take a break, stay playful, and bring joy to our workdays . If you spot them around, don’t be shy— they love attention!

We’re focusing on hosting events that align with the causes and organizations close to your heart . Whether it’s a fundraiser, charity gala, or impactful launch, we’re here to bring your vision to life and leave a lasting impact .

It’s an honor to be a small part of such transformative programs, helping to create lasting change in the world.

Hustle culture is out, and self-care is in . This year, we’re making time to pause, recharge, and enjoy a midday break—fueling up with feel-good foods to power through the rest of the day. After all, this is the events industry—there’s always something keeping us busy!

Great ideas don’t happen on an empty stomach .

2025 is the year of saying “no” to settling . Your event should reflect your style and story, and we’re here to make it happen—without compromise.

Our president, Gianluca, is a huge fan of espresso (maybe too much). This year, we’re capping his intake at three a day— for his own good! When he’s not in his office or on the event floor, you can probably find him at the Nespresso machine. Whether it’s cutting back on coffee or finding a better work-life balance, we’re all about moderation .

HERE'S TO A YEAR OF CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION, AND CELEBRATING WHAT MATTERS MOST. LET'S MAKE 2025 ONE TO REMEMBER-TOGETHER.

Ready to celebrate? Contact a sales team member today and let’s plan your next unforgettable event.

Celebrating All Year Round: Wins Big and Small at The Glasshouse

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:55:54 GMT

Celebrating All Year Round: Wins Big and Small at The Glasshouse

When we talk about celebrating accomplishments, it’s easy to focus

on the year-end toasts and holiday parties.

But at The Glasshouse, we believe in honoring achievements every step of the way—not just during the festive season. After all, every milestone deserves its moment.

Celebrating Wins,

One Bell Ring at a Time

It’s not just about the grand galas and show-stopping events we host. Inside our walls, the sound of a bell ringing isn’t just a fun quirk , but rather a celebration of success (It is fun too though, we admit!).

Every time a sales team member makes a sale, that iconic bell marks the moment , reminding us to cheer each other on.

And it doesn’t stop there. Each week, our company-wide meetings kick off with shoutouts and highlights , giving everyone the chance to recognize their colleagues .

It’s these small, intentional moments that keep our team connected and inspired.

Our Annual Holiday Toast

On December 13th, we gathered for one of our favorite traditions : the company holiday toast.

It was a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had and look ahead to an even brighter 2025.

As President Gianluca Sardo put it:

"We have grown so much over the past three years, and 2025 will be our best yet. Thank you to the sales team, finance team, operations team, house team, and Studio Productions for being a main reason why The Glasshouse has been so successful."

The toast was about celebrating the people who make it all happen , from the sales team closing deals to the operations crew keeping every detail seamless.

A Sweet Treat to Share

No celebration is complete without something sweet, and this year we kept the holiday spirit alive with our favorite hot chocolate recipe! It’s simple, indulgent, and perfect for warming up any cold day.

Hot Chocolate Recipe:

4 cups of milk (your choice)
1/3 cup of cane sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
1/3 cup of cocoa powder
4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate

Whisk everything together in a saucepan on low heat until smooth and creamy.
Pour into mugs, then top with whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint, or toffee.
It’s a surefire way to bring a little joy to your next meeting—or just a quiet moment at home.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we step into 2025, our commitment to celebrating wins—big and small—remains as strong as ever.

Whether it’s a successful event, a new partnership, or simply showing up for each other, every moment matters.

So let this be your reminder: Don’t wait for the holidays to celebrate. Honor your team, your accomplishments, and your journey all year long.

Ready to celebrate your team? Contact a sales team member today and let’s plan your next unforgettable event.

2024: Wrapped

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:57:14 GMT

As we close the curtains on another incredible year at The Glasshouse, we can’t help but look back on 2024 with gratitude and pride. No two days were the same—one moment, the space buzzed with energy for a gala; the next, it transformed into the backdrop for a conference, a wedding, or even a product launch. It’s the beauty of what we do: every event is an opportunity to create something truly memorable.

GALAS THAT GAVE BACK

This year, galas continued to be a highlight of our calendar. From the inspiring work of Best Friends Animal Society to the incredible initiatives by BuildOn, each event left its mark, combining purpose and celebration in true Glasshouse fashion.

Conferences That Connected

Whether hosting intimate gatherings of 200 or industry-wide conferences with over 1,000 attendees , The Glasshouse became the go-to destination for organizations like SEO and FreeWheel. The energy, innovation, and ideas shared in our space this year were unmatched.

Celebrations That Sparked Joy

From runway shows to product launches, The Glasshouse was alive with creativity and excitement in 2024. Each event brought a unique flair, from stunning decor to meaningful missions. And let’s not forget the weddings—love stories unfolded against the breathtaking NYC skyline, making every "I do" moment magical.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

This year, we welcomed over 65,000 guests to The Glasshouse. For some, it was their first experience with us; for others, a cherished tradition to attend the same gala year after year. Regardless of the occasion, our goal remains the same: to leave every guest with a lasting impression.

Memories Made with Familiar Faces

It wasn’t just the events that made 2024 special—it was the people. From first-time visitors to returning clients, and even a few well-known faces gracing our space, the connections made at The Glasshouse were what truly made this year one to remember.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into the new year, we can’t wait to see what’s in store. With new and familiar faces, innovative events, and causes that inspire, 2025 is already shaping up to be extraordinary.

Here’s to another year of memories, milestones, and moments that make a difference. We’ll see you at The Glasshouse!

Multicultural Weddings at The Glasshouse

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:25:05 GMT

Celebrate Your Perfect Day: Multicultural Weddings at

The Glasshouse

Here comes your big day—and there’s only one place to spend it .

At The Glasshouse, we believe every wedding should be as unique as the love story it celebrates . With a venue that transforms into any setting your heart desires, we’ve hosted some truly spectacular weddings that reflect a wide range of traditions and personal styles .

From lavish cultural celebrations to intimate non-religious ceremonies, The Glasshouse is the perfect backdrop where any type of wedding can unfold beautifully.

Let’s take a look at three distinct weddings we’ve hosted, showing just how versatile our venue really is.

Indian Wedding for 400 Guests

For this stunning Indian wedding, The Glasshouse became a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. With 400 guests in attendance , the event required a large space to handle both the ceremony and reception without feeling cramped.

One of the most unique features of the day was the Baraat, a groom’s procession full of energy, music, and joy, which we could accommodate effortlessly with our expansive indoor and outdoor spaces.

When it comes to catering, The Glasshouse offers flexibility, unlike many other venues in NYC. We don’t have an exclusive caterer, which allowed the couple to bring in a caterer specializing in Indian cuisine , creating a truly authentic experience for their guests.

The event was a spectacular mix of tradition, love, and celebration, leaving the couple and their guests in awe of the space. As one family member shared:

“I had the opportunity to catch up with both the families over the weekend and they both shared with me how thrilled they were with all aspects of the wedding. Thank you all for making it happen. I look forward to working with all of you again in the near future.”

Orthodox Jewish

Wedding for 700 Guests

A wedding for 700 guests? No problem at The Glasshouse!

This Orthodox Jewish wedding was one of the largest events we’ve hosted, requiring separate spaces for the Bedeken (the veiling of the bride) and Tisch (the groom’s table). With the flexibility of our venue layout, we were able to create intimate settings for these important cultural moments while still having plenty of room for a large reception afterward.

Our open catering policy was a major draw for this couple as well, with the option to use a kosher caterer from our preferred vendor list or bring in their own trusted vendor.

The day was filled with love, tradition, and incredible food, making it a truly memorable celebration. As one guest reflected:

“Please know how much we appreciate all the effort from everyone to make our wedding event beyond special and a most memorable wedding! We felt supported all along the way and I know everyone did their absolute best to ensure a most professional production.”

Non-Religious Wedding for 200 Guests

Not every wedding at The Glasshouse is steeped in religious or cultural traditions. We also specialize in elegant, non-religious ceremonies that are all about the couple and their personal style.

One recent wedding had 200 guests and featured a ceremony on-site, making it a convenient and intimate setting for the couple and their loved ones.

The couple wanted a chic, minimalist atmosphere, and our partial venue rental allowed them to design a custom space that suited their vision without feeling overwhelming.

The Glasshouse’s sleek, modern architecture and breathtaking skyline views served as the perfect backdrop for their celebration, and our event team made sure every detail was perfect. As the bride’s parents shared:

“I just wanted to drop a note of thanks to all of you for a fantastic rehearsal dinner/welcome reception for our daughter’s wedding. Everything was executed with perfection! Many guests were in NYC for the first time and were amazed by everything that evening! Thanks so much for helping to add to the magic of the whole weekend.”

WHY CHOOSE THE GLASSHOUSE?

No matter your wedding style or cultural background, The Glasshouse is here to bring your dream wedding to life. With flexible space , a non-exclusive catering policy , and an experienced team of venue producers and coordinators , we’re ready to make every detail of your day perfect.

Ready to start planning your wedding? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your vision to life.

Celebrating Three Years of The Glasshouse: A Journey of Growth and Innovation

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:00:31 GMT

Three Years of Excellence

It’s hard to believe that The Glasshouse has already marked three incredible years as New York City’s premier event venue .

From hosting star-studded galas to groundbreaking corporate events, these three years have been filled with milestones that have defined The Glasshouse as a hub of creativity and sophistication .

A Look Back: The Birth of The Glasshouse

In April 2018, the idea for The Glasshouse came to life when plans for a new venue in Hell’s Kitchen were finalized.

Jack Guttman , along with his partners, envisioned a space that would not only offer breathtaking views of the Hudson River but also transform the event scene in NYC .

With 75,000 square feet of versatile space, The Glasshouse was designed to host a wide variety of events , from weddings and bar mitzvahs to trade shows and conferences.

In the fall of 2021, The Glasshouse officially opened its doors, and the venue has been setting the standard for luxury events ever since .

Growth and Innovation Over the Years

In just three short years, The Glasshouse has hosted some of the most iconic events in New York City .

From the Studio Museum in Harlem to Movable Ink and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, we’ve built strong relationships with organizations that return to us year after year.

Our venue has also welcomed celebrities such as Mary J. Blige , who celebrated her “Strength of a Woman” summit, and A-list events like Ryan Reynolds ’ fireside chat at the Meltwater Summit.

With a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service, we’ve earned our place as a go-to venue for elite gatherings.

Event Trends and Milestones

The Glasshouse has become known for its ability to adapt and create unique experiences .

One trend we’ve seen over the past few years is the demand for immersive and interactive experiences.

Whether it’s a winter wonderland-themed holiday party or a 1980s-inspired corporate event , our clients love how we bring their vision to life.

Beyond corporate events, our weddings and milestone celebrations have garnered widespread acclaim.

Our flexibility, along with state-of-the-art production capabilities and in-house expertise, allows us to create memorable moments for every guest who walks through our doors.

Looking Forward: The Future of The Glasshouse

As we continue to grow, our team is more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible .

We are actively expanding our reach in the event industry, planning to bring more innovative trends and partnerships to The Glasshouse.

If you haven’t experienced The Glasshouse yet, now is the time.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand gala, our team is here to turn your vision into reality .

CONNECT WITH US FOR MORE INCREDIBLE YEARS AHEAD

Stay up-to-date with all the exciting events happening at The Glasshouse by following us on social media, and reach out to learn more about booking your next event with us.

Contact us to start planning your unforgettable experience today.

The possibilities are endless!

Meet the Venue Producers at The Glasshouse: Crafting Events with Expertise and Passion

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:48:55 GMT

The Experts Behind Every Event

At The Glasshouse, every event is a finely tuned experience , brought to life by a dedicated team of experts. Leading that charge are the venue producers—the people behind the scenes making sure every detail, big or small, goes off without a hitch.

Recently, we elevated the title of our project managers to venue producers , a move that truly reflects their hands-on role in shaping our clients' events.

We caught up with Robert Rivera and Jade Gardner , two of The Glasshouse’s talented venue producers, to hear their thoughts on the shift and what makes their job so unique.

From Project Manager to Venue Producer: What’s in a Name?

For both Robert and Jade, the title change from project manager to venue producer wasn’t just a tweak , but rather a recognition of the full scope of their roles.

“Project manager is such a broad title,” Robert says. “You can be a project manager in construction or finance. But venue producer? That’s specific to what we do . It lets us get involved from the planning stage, not just showing up on the day of.”

Jade shares a similar view: “The venue producer title just makes sense. It better describes what we actually do .”

Their efforts are more than just logistics—they’re about creating a welcoming environment , fostering long-lasting relationships, and elevating the overall experience for our clients.

A Day in the Life of a Venue Producer

No two days look the same for Robert and Jade, which is part of the excitement. On non-event days , Robert’s day kicks off with setting up and connecting with clients to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Jade describes these as days filled with emails, site visits, and making sure everything’s lined up for the next big event. “New ideas always pop up!” she laughs.

Event days , however, are a different beast. “We’re on the floor, checking in with the client, guiding them through the day, and keeping everything on schedule ,” says Jade.

Robert agrees: “ It’s about being there , making sure all the details are perfect and ready for anything.”

Their hands-on approach and personal touch are why so many clients continue to host events with us year after year—knowing they’ll always have a team that’s fully invested in their vision.

WHY VENUE PRODUCERS ARE ESSENTIAL

Venue producers are at the heart of every event at The Glasshouse.

Their job goes beyond just making sure the logistics run smoothly—they’re the glue that holds everything together.

“We connect with all departments and make sure the client feels supported from start to finish,” says Robert.

“ That’s why people keep coming back .” Jade adds, “We’re there from the planning stages, and by the time the event rolls around, we know everything inside out. That’s what makes the execution flawless.”

This attention to detail and dedication to hospitality ensure that each event not only meets expectations but surpasses them, resulting in long-term partnerships with clients who trust us to make every event as special as the last.

WHAT MAKES THE JOB WORTH IT

Robert and Jade love the variety of events they get to work on.

“One day it’s a climate change conference, the next day it’s a gala for the top planners in the world,” Jade says. “You never know what’s coming, and that’s what keeps it exciting .”

When asked about their favorite events, Robert points to the Roku and Fashion Scholarship Fund events, while Jade is quick to mention The Great Wines Tasting event and No Kid Hungry event .

“No Kid Hungry felt like being on the set of a Food Network show with all the top-tier chefs,” she recalls.

LOOKING AHEAD

Both Robert and Jade are excited about what’s next.

Robert is all about growth: “I’m looking forward to evolving the role and seeing how we can push the boundaries even further .”

Jade is on the lookout for more fashion and film events, saying, “ The possibilities are endless at The Glasshouse, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Both agree that it’s the opportunity to help clients bring their vision to life, time and time again, that makes their job rewarding.

READY TO HOST?

Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a wedding, or a gala, our team of venue producers is here to bring your vision to life.

Reach out today to start planning your next show-stopping event at The Glasshouse.

Reserve Your Event Today

Host a Memorable Holiday Celebration at The Glasshouse

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:22:18 GMT

Why Host a Holiday Party for Your Company?

As the year draws to a close, there's no better way to show appreciation for your clients and employees than with a memorable holiday party .

Celebrating the season together boosts morale , strengthens team connections , and provides a chance to reflect on the year's successes .

Make a party that’s not only an event, but also an opportunity to show gratitude , foster relationships, and set the stage for the year ahead .

Trendy Holiday Party Themes at The GlasshousE

Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the latest trends we've seen at holiday parties hosted at The Glasshouse:

Winter Wonderland: Transform our versatile space into a magical snowy escape with twinkling lights, frosted décor, and cozy seating areas. Perfect for capturing the spirit of the season while offering a sophisticated backdrop for mingling and entertainment.
Throwback Parties: Both the 1980s and 1970s are making a comeback. Think bold colors, funky dance floors, and nostalgic tunes. Let our team support you in creating a themed event that is both fun and unforgettable.

Why Book Your Event at The Glasshouse?

At The Glasshouse, we offer a unique blend of elegance and excitement. With panoramic views of New York City, customizable spaces, and top-tier service, we create the perfect atmosphere for any celebration. Our experienced team is ready to help you bring your vision to life.

“Thank you for everything last weekend. Our holiday party was such a massive success, and it’s entirely thanks to you and your team. We cannot thank you enough for making this such a smooth process – the entire Glasshouse team blew us away.”
- December 2022 Holiday Party

Thank you to you and your team for executing a phenomenal event at The Glasshouse for our annual year-end client appreciation event. We are receiving tons of positive feedback from our internal executive team and key clients.”

- December 2023 Holiday Party

PRO TIP: BOOK FOR JANUARY AND SAVE

Consider hosting your holiday party in January to kick off the new year with a bang .

Not only will you celebrate the season, but you might also find more availability and cost savings .

Start the year on a high note while still embracing the festive spirit!

GET IN TOUCH TODAY

Ready to plan the season’s most memorable holiday party?

Reserve Your Holiday Party Today

Raise a Glass: The Glasshouse Beverage Experience

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:20:59 GMT

CHEERS TO ELEGANCE

At The Glasshouse, we believe that every event is a toast-worthy occasion.

Our beverage program is more than just a menu , but rather a carefully curated experience designed to delight your senses and elevate your event.

Led by experts, Clayton Mannix, Vice President of Operations, Beverage and Procurement and Cruz Orozco, Senior Beverage Manager, the team at The Glasshouse is unmatched .

This summer, we’re excited to share some refreshing cocktail and mocktail recipes that showcase the creativity and expertise of our beverage team.

So, grab a glass and join us as we explore the world of summer sips at The Glasshouse!

Meet the Team Behind the Bar

Clayton and Cruz, our dynamic duo from the beverage team, bring years of experience and passion to the table.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Clayton moved to NYC a decade ago, diving headfirst into the vibrant hospitality scene.

“I’ve been in the industry since I was 19 and have worked across many different kinds of hospitality businesses over the years,” says Clayton.

Trending Now: The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

One of the most exciting trends in the beverage industry today is the increasing demand for non-alcoholic cocktails .

Cruz notes, “The most interesting thing is that consumers seem to be drinking less , and we have more and more clients inquiring about non-alcoholic cocktails .”

As more people embrace mindful drinking, The Glasshouse is at the forefront of offering delicious and sophisticated mocktails that cater to all preferences.

The Glasshouse Beverage Packages: Quality Meets Approachability

What sets The Glasshouse apart is our commitment to quality and approachability . Our beverage packages are designed to offer guests the best experience, even if the brands aren’t the most advertised.

“We ensure that the items in our packages, even if not the most advertised brand, are backed by quality and sustainability,” Clayton explains.

Our process is seamless— our team works closely with clients to determine the best package for their event, providing a beverage deck to visualize and select what fits their needs. Have something specific and unique in mind? The team works to cater offerings to meet your exact needs .

Sip Into Summer: Cocktail Spotlight

Clayton shares one of his favorite summer cocktails—a mezcal negroni that’s as refreshing as it is simple. Here’s the recipe for you to try at home:

White Mezcal Negroni

Ingredients :

1.5 oz Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal
0.75 oz Salers Gentian
0.75 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth

Glassware : Rocks
Garnish : Grapefruit Peel

Preparation :

Build in a mixing glass.
Stir for 15 seconds.
Add a large ice cube, pour over, and express grapefruit oils.

Sustainable Sips

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our efforts to eliminate single-use plastics.

Last year, we eliminated over 48,000 single-use water bottles and continue to reduce plastic waste with agave-based straws and recycled napkins.

At The Glasshouse, every sip you take supports our mission to create a greener planet.

You won’t find any plastic or difficult to compost products here!

The Perfect Pour for Every Occasion

At The Glasshouse, our team is dedicated to crafting exceptional experiences for every guest .

We collaborate with a diverse network of catering and mixology experts, ensuring that every event is a success.

Whether you’re planning a summer soirée or an intimate gathering , our beverage program offers something for everyone.

Cheers to Memorable Moments

As you plan your next event, consider incorporating one of our signature cocktails or mocktails to make it truly unforgettable.

Our team is here to help you create an experience that reflects your unique style and vision .

Whether you’re sipping a mezcal negroni or enjoying a r efreshing mocktail , Clayton and Cruz will work closely with you to ensure your beverage needs are met.

Cheers to a summer of great drinks , and even greater memories!

Meet the Sales Team at The Glasshouse: Faces Behind the Spaces

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:20:54 GMT

Meet the Team

The Glasshouse is renowned for hosting some of the most spectacular events in New York City, from elegant weddings to grand corporate gatherings .

But what truly sets The Glasshouse apart is its dedicated sales team , who work tirelessly to ensure each event is a resounding success.

Let’s meet the people who are the driving force behind these unforgettable experiences: Benny Klein , Elizabeth Selby , and Lauren Taylor .

BACKGROUND and ROLE

Benny Klein

As Director of Sales and team leader , Benny brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, having years of experience working in the New York City events and venue space .

He supports venue sales managers Elizabeth and Lauren in meeting client needs and implementing new practices.

Elizabeth Selby

Raised in Upstate New York, Elizabeth moved to Manhattan three years ago.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management and Business Administration from SUNY Delhi, she has a wealth of experience in event venues, hotels, and restaurants .

Her current role focuses on selling successful event experiences at The Glasshouse.

Lauren Taylor

A native New Yorker, Lauren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Hampton University and a Master’s in Event Management from NYU.

After a successful career in the corporate world , she transitioned full-time to events.

At The Glasshouse, Lauren has the privilege of selling the space to industry titans who transform it into unique experiences for their attendees.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Elizabeth enjoys a quick walk to the office, starting her morning with a coffee and then diving into emails . Her day often includes site visits and client interactions , ensuring everything is perfect on the event floor.

Lauren ’s day is dynamic, filled with new leads, client follow-ups, and site tours. She thrives on the unpredictability of the event industry, making the most of each day to create lasting impressions for her clients. "On a perfect day, I would commute to the office with no delay, answer any new leads that come in, tackle my inbox, and follow up with my clients via phone and email," Lauren shares.

Benny ’s day begins early in Staten Island. Before arriving at The Glasshouse, he has already had a full morning of working out at CrossFit and bringing his four-year-old daughter to school. “I usually start answering emails on my commute to the office. It feels good to try to get ahead as it’s always a busy , action-packed day,” he shares.

CHALLENGES AND REWARDS

The team explains that date availability is one of the biggest challenges at The Glasshouse.

They find immense satisfaction in witnessing clients return year after year, knowing they’ve contributed to making unforgettable events.

“When clients are not flexible on dates and we have a booking for a full buyout on that date, it can be challenging to lose that potential business .

Yet, when you create a positive experience for a prospective client , there is always the possibility of booking in the future,” explains Elizabeth.

Lauren is particularly amazed by the creativity clients bring to transform the space into something extraordinary.

"The most rewarding aspect of working at The Glasshouse, besides the fact that we are the most impressive venue in NYC, has to be the opportunity to witness such impressive , creative events from conception to execution ," she says.

BUILDING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS

Transparency is key for Elizabeth, who believes in straightforward communication to foster trust. “I believe the right approach is starting at the beginning with sincere and straightforward answers ; which fosters a successful relationship with clients,” she notes.

Benny agreed, sharing that being up front during the selling process is one of the most important things for the team. “We always give clients a full understanding of pricing,” he adds.

Lauren emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining trust , ensuring clients feel supported throughout the sales process . "All solid relationships have a foundation of trust.

My goal entering into any client relationship is to establish my client’s trust and to maintain that client’s trust during the sales process and beyond ," says Lauren.

EVENT TRENDS

Elizabeth has noticed a shift away from traditional ballrooms , with clients seeking unique venues that offer outdoor spaces and natural light .

“By offering a space that has outdoor terraces and lots of natural light, choosing a venue that is unique and inviting can boost a guest’s overall experience and likelihood of attending,” she observes.

Lauren echoes this sentiment, highlighting The Glasshouse’s open layout and modern design is a major selling point in today’s market.

"Here at The Glasshouse, we’ve nailed that trend with our open event space, and a track system in our ceiling paired with our glass or solid soundproof air walls that provide the client the opportunity to set the space as they desire," she says.

MEMORABLE EVENTS

Elizabeth fondly recalls an 80s-themed company anniversary event , complete with vintage decor and themed elements. "I had the pleasure of working with a client who was celebrating an anniversary of their company. They were founded in the 1980s and had a fun 80s theme with old office decor and outfits ," she reminisces.

For Lauren, the Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Summit stands out as a highlight, showcasing the incredible creativity and dedication of the production team. "It was amazing to see how they effectively utilized the event floor and transformed it into a beautiful space with great experiential activations to celebrate not only Mary but all women on Mother’s Day weekend," Lauren recalls.

An event that stands out for Benny is the tradeshow for Toy Insider from this past July. “Every client makes the venue their own. There were so many toy vendors in the space showcasing their newest product. My daughter loved hearing all about it,” Benny shares.

SALES PHILOSOPHY

Elizabeth’s customer-centric philosophy focuses on tailoring experiences to each client’s needs . “Asking the right questions and offering effective solutions to problems that they may have experienced in the past with other venues is a key to customer service success,” she emphasizes.

Lauren believes in listening and assisting, ensuring clients feel confident in their decisions. "I make sure that I am not just forcing a sale, but taking the time with the client to determine if our venue is the right fit," she explains.

TEAM DYNAMICS

Communication is the cornerstone of collaboration at The Glasshouse. The sales team works closely with other departments to ensure seamless event experiences , relying on the expertise and support of their colleagues. Benny likes to highlight the project managers at The Glasshouse.

He explained that each event is assigned a project manager to guide clients through the event planning process. A true stand-out perk and showcase to how important hospitality is at the venue . "Whether it’s an in-person conversation, email, or call; all our departments work together in communication to ensure our clients have a successful event experience," says Elizabeth.

"We are a community with the same goal at The Glasshouse and everyone is more than willing to provide support to make our clients’ experience as seamless as possible," adds Lauren.

FUTURE GOALS

Lauren is excited about the potential for hosting more upfronts and newfronts, leveraging The Glasshouse’s unique features to attract these large-scale events. " I would love to see more of these events in our space !" she enthuses.

Elizabeth aims to diversify the client base through targeted outreach and brand awareness initiatives . “Reaching out to more companies and events gives us the opportunity to grow brand awareness,” she says.

Benny hopes to create strong relationships with clients while bringing new faces and brands to the venue . “The possibilities are endless for The Glasshouse!” Benny shares with a big smile.

ADVICES FOR ASPIRING SALES PROFESSIONALS

Looking to enter this industry? Here’s some advice from our experts!

Elizabeth encourages aspiring sales professionals to jump in and learn from every opportunity . “Don’t be afraid to ask questions from all different departments, vendors, and other professionals in the industry,” she advises.

Lauren suggests believing in oneself and continually building relationships , emphasizing the importance of both teaching and learning. "People buy from people. Be friendly, be approachable, find common ground, and learn how to build relationships," she says.

Benny - Do you research! There is so much content readily available to find on best sales practices and approaches. Some of my favorite sales techniques I’ve learned from reading sales books or watching Ted Talks on Youtube .

GET IN TOUCH

Whether you're planning for upfronts, a product launch, or an experiential marketing event, The Glasshouse offers unparalleled opportunities for creating memorable events.

The sales team is ready to help bring your vision to life.

Contact Benny , Elizabeth , and Lauren today to learn more about hosting your next event at The Glasshouse .

The Evolution and Expansion of Studio Productions: Elevating Event Experiences

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:41:44 GMT

Revolutionizing

Event Experiences

Welcome to Studio Productions , the sister company of The Glasshouse , where events come to life with cutting-edge audiovisual solutions and innovative event production services.

Since its inception, Studio Productions has been dedicated to enhancing event experiences with state-of-the-art technology and creative expertise.

This blog explores the company's journey, achievements, and exciting plans for future growth.

Services and Expertise

Lighting: From elegant chandeliers to advanced RGBW LED systems, Studio Productions creates the perfect ambiance for any event. Their expertise in lighting design ensures that each event is uniquely illuminated to match the desired mood and theme .
Audio: High-quality sound systems, including Martin MLA Compact line arrays and Yamaha mixing consoles, ensure clear and immersive audio experiences . The team is skilled at configuring audio setups that cater to both large-scale conferences and intimate gatherings .
Video: Advanced projection systems and LED walls, such as the ROE RUBY 2.3mm, provide stunning visual displays. Studio Productions excels in delivering crisp, high-definition visuals that captivate audiences and enhance presentations .
Rigging: Rigging solutions, including Stagemaker chain hoists and ETC Prodigy package hoists, offer flexibility and precision. The team ensures safe and efficient rigging installations that support complex event setups .

Success Stories

Over the years, Studio Productions has been integral to many high-profile events at The Glasshouse . Here are a few highlights:

Gala Events: Sophisticated lighting and audio systems have set the stage for numerous elegant galas, creating memorable experiences for attendees. Notable galas include the Annual Fashion Scholarship Fund Gala and the God’s Love We Deliver Gala.
Corporate Conferences: Seamless AV solutions have enhanced major corporate conferences, facilitating smooth communication and impressive presentations. Events like the SEO AICON Annual Conference and the Capgemini Climate Week Annual Conference event have benefited from Studio Productions' expertise.
Weddings: Versatile lighting and sound setups have added a magical touch to countless weddings, making each celebration unique and unforgettable. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, Studio Productions ensures every moment is perfectly highlighted.

Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, Studio Productions is poised for growth.

The company plans to extend its services to other premier event venues in NYC and beyond, bringing expertise to a broader audience. This expansion will enable Studio Productions to continue delivering top-notch AV solutions and innovative event experiences.

Plans include:

New Venues: Partnering with additional venues across New York City to offer comprehensive AV services.
Enhanced Technology : Investing in the latest AV technology to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the evolving needs of clients.
Training and Development: Continuously training the team to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional service.

Unique Value Proposition

Studio Productions brings a unique value to event experiences through:

Innovation: Leveraging cutting-edge technology to create immersive and engaging event environments.
Customization: Tailoring AV solutions to fit the specific needs and visions of each client.
Reliability: Ensuring seamless execution and support throughout the event planning and execution process.

client testimonials

Client A: "It was a big team effort across all fronts and your team was wonderful and professional, helping to execute a seemingly flawless event."

Client B: "We wanted to thank you all for your help in making last night a huge success! It was a real pleasure working with you, both install and event went smoothly, and the client was very happy. We are looking forward to our next project together."

Ready to elevate your event with Studio Productions ? Reach out for more information or to book services. Visit the website or contact info@studio-productions.com .

Let Studio Productions help you create the event you’ve always dreamed of.

The Glasshouse: Your Go-To Summer Venue for Corporate Events

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:21:29 GMT

The Glasshouse: Your Go-To Summer Venue for Corporate Events

As the summer season approaches, companies are looking for the perfect venue to host their corporate events . Consider The Glasshouse —a premier event space in the heart of New York City .

With its versatile facilities and stunning rooftop terrace , The Glasshouse offers the ideal setting for corporate gatherings during the summer months.

Curious why? Keep reading to find out.

The Appeal of Summer Corporate Events

Summer injects remarkable energy and vibrancy into not just New York City but also corporate gatherings.

The warm weather and extended daylight hours create an ideal setting for networking , team-building, and celebration.

At The Glasshouse, we recognize the significance of crafting memorable experiences for our corporate clients.

Whether it's a training seminar, cocktail reception, or company party, our venue ensures a successful event without any unnecessary hassle .

The Possibilities Are Endless

The Glasshouse is well-equipped to host a variety of corporate events .

From conferences and award ceremonies to grand galas and trade shows, our versatile spaces can accommodate gatherings of all sizes beginning at around 100 guests up to almost 2000 .

With endless possibilities due to our airwall system and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment , we ensure that every event is tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.

And with the warm weather in full bloom , we invite you to our terraces , where the air is fresh and the sunsets are one of a kind —more on this next.

Corporate Rooftop Events

When rooftop season rolls around, The Glasshouse's terraces come alive with festivity.

Offering sweeping views of the city skyline , our rooftop terraces provide the perfect backdrop for summer soirées .

Guests can savor refreshing drinks and delicious cuisine while soaking up the sun, watching the best sunset , and experiencing how the greatest city in the world twinkles as night .

At The Glasshouse, corporate events are equal parts business and fun .

Planning Your Summer Corporate Event Stress-Free

Planning a summer corporate event at The Glasshouse is a breeze.

Our experienced event planning team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Whether you're hosting a small team training for 100 or a large-scale company party for 1500 guests , we have the resources and expertise to ensure that your event is a success—and as stress-free as it gets.

EMBRACE THE SUMMER AT THE GLASSHOUSE

We welcome the summer season with open arms —consider doing the same for hosting your next corporate event at The Glasshouse.

With its versatile facilities, stunning rooftop terraces, and experienced event planning team , The Glasshouse is the perfect venue for corporate gatherings during the summer season.

Rooftop Occasions: Hosting Intimate Events on The Glasshouse Terrace

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:50:55 GMT

Rooftop Occasions: Hosting Intimate Events on The Glasshouse Terrace

Gone are the chilly winter days, and we're eagerly awaiting the warmth of summer —fingers crossed. What's great about that? You can now host your summer rooftop event right in the heart of New York City .

Here at The Glasshouse, we thrive on the energy of intimate gatherings against the city's iconic skyline. Our terraces offer the perfect space where connections are forged , ideas flow freely , and memories become part of the cityscape .

As the summer sun sets, nothing compares to the intrigue of our two terraces for your next event—and we're ready to show you why.

Welcome to The Terraces

Step onto not one, but two terraces , where you'll find yourself surrounded by quintessential New York City.

The clamor of the streets below dissipates as you embrace the exclusive ambiance of our elevated oasis .

Both terraces are right off the main event space, boasting panoramic views that stretch across the skyline.

And take our word for it—our sunsets are unrivaled.

Craft Your Experience

Whether it's a cocktail reception, networking mixer, or small company party, our terraces can be tailored to meet your every need .

With flexible seating arrangements and plenty of space for mingling, you can curate an atmosphere through lighting, libations, and music that encourages meaningful connections and conversations among your guests.

New York City Nights

Only a few people in the world get to experience the magic of summer evenings in New York City—and our terraces capture that essence perfectly.

Bask in the warm glow of the setting sun as you e njoy refreshing drinks and delectable bites with friends, colleagues, or clients.

The open-air atmosphere creates a relaxed ambiance that's ideal for soaking up the summer ambiance.

Be one of the lucky few.

Small Company Focus

We believe that great things come in small packages, which is why our terrace is the perfect venue for small companies and startups.

Our intimate event spaces provide a cozy setting for team-building activities, seminars, and workshops.

With flexible booking options for the summertime and an understanding of a budget-friendly mindset, we make it easy for small companies to host memorable events without breaking the bank.

Plus, the view won't be too shabby either.

GATHER, CONNECT, ENJOY

As the summer season approaches, consider hosting your next event on The Glasshouse Terrace .

With stunning views, versatile spaces, and personalized experiences, it's the perfect setting for intimate gatherings and corporate events alike.

Contact us today to start planning your rooftop occasion, and experience the authentic charm of The Glasshouse while experiencing a one-of-a-kind view of the greatest city in the world.

Trends in Wedding Venues: Why Couples Are Choosing The Glasshouse

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:51:42 GMT

Trends in Wedding Venues: Why Couples Are Choosing The Glasshouse

As weddings continue to evolve, couples are seeking venues that not only provide a stunning setting for their special day but also offer unique experiences and personalized touches.

In this blog, we'll explore the latest trends in wedding venues for 2024 and dive into why more couples are choosing The Glasshouse for their celebrations.

From the planning process to emotional moments and everything in between, discover why The Glasshouse is at the forefront of modern wedding trends.

OUTDOOR SPACES:

When it comes to hosting weddings, outdoor spaces have become increasingly popular among couples. At The Glasshouse, we understand the appeal of alfresco celebrations , which is why our rooftop areas offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and provide the perfect setting for exchanging vows or dancing under the stars.

With versatile outdoor spaces like terraces and rooftops, couples have the freedom to customize their wedding decor to suit their style and theme , whether they envision a romantic floral affair or a modern cityscape backdrop.

The Glasshouse seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor elements , allowing couples to transition effortlessly between spaces throughout their event.

From the versatile sophistication of our rooftop terraces, The Glasshouse offers the ideal outdoor setting for every couple's dream wedding.

UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES:

In the landscape of wedding venues, couples seek spaces distinguished by unique architectural elements that add character and charm. At The Glasshouse, modern elegance meets industrial chic , offering couples a venue with a distinctive aesthetic that sets their special day apart.

With soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and elegant interior accents, The Glasshouse provides an unforgettable location for weddings. Whether drawn to its historic charm or modern grandeur, couples find a venue as unique as their love story with us.

Plus, there isn't a room at The Glasshouse that photographs poorly—so get those cameras ready!

FLEXIBLE SPACES:

In the realm of wedding planning, flexibility is key , and The Glasshouse understands this need intimately.

With its adaptable spaces and customizable features, The Glasshouse offers couples the freedom to shape their wedding day according to their unique vision.

From the planning process to the ceremony, we provide a canvas where personalization and themes come to life effortlessly.

Whether it's an intimate ceremony or a grand reception, the versatility of The Glasshouse ensures that every aspect of the wedding reflects the couple's individual style and preferences.

TECH INTEGRATION :

In the era of digital innovation, couples are embracing technology to elevate their wedding experiences, and The Glasshouse leads the way with its cutting-edge tech features .

From dynamic lighting systems that transform the ambiance to immersive multimedia displays that capture the essence of the celebration , The Glasshouse offers an array of tech options to enhance every moment of the wedding day.

With customizable lighting setups in each room and advanced sound systems that ensure crystal-clear audio , couples have the freedom to create the perfect atmosphere for their ceremony and reception.

The Glasshouse is dedicated to making every wedding a truly unforgettable experience.

THE GLASSHOUSE: 2024'S ULTIMATE WEDDING VENUE

With all of these emerging trends for 2024, one thing is certain—all roads lead back to The Glasshouse. With our state-of-the-art tech features and versatile spaces, your wedding day will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Say "I do" to unforgettable moments, and let The Glasshouse be the backdrop to your love story.

Find out more

The Themes of Memorable Celebrations: From Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to Weddings

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:51:21 GMT

The Themes of Memorable Celebrations: From Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to Weddings

In life's milestones, few occasions rival the significance of celebratory events.

From Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and weddings to galas and conferences, these moments stand as beacons of tradition, culture, and personal triumph.

Yet, what elevates them are the unique themes that infuse them with personality , meaning, and lasting memories.

Join us as we explore what makes a celebration memorable.

ORIGIN AND SIGNIFICANCE :

Exploring the history and culture of these celebrations reveals their deep significance and meaning.

From time-honored rituals to contemporary practices, each event carries a unique narrative steeped in heritage and meaning, reflecting the ethos of the communities that cherish them.

At The Glasshouse, we honor and pay tribute to these traditions while providing a contemporary space for their expression.

With our versatile spaces and modern amenities, we help create an authentic setting where the spirit of celebration thrives, infusing every moment with warmth, authenticity, and reverence.

PREPARATION AND TRAINING:

Behind every celebratory event, whether a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a wedding, lies meticulous preparation ensuring flawless execution . From months of planning to intricate coordination, the journey to the big day brims with anticipation and dedication.

At The Glasshouse, we understand thorough preparation's importance, offering comprehensive support and guidance to our clients at every step.

Our experienced team commits to providing necessary training and education , ensuring each event reflects their unique style.

With dedication and attention to detail, we turn dreams into reality, one celebration at a time.

CEREMONY AND RITUALS:

The Glasshouse deeply values the sacredness of ceremonies and rituals in celebratory events.

We take immense pride in preserving and honoring these traditions , ensuring they are brought to life with authenticity and reverence.

Our venue is the ideal backdrop for your cultural heritage, whether through an outdoor ceremony on our terrace or a private gathering in our intimate quarters .

We understand the significance of each ritual and are committed to ensuring that your event unfolds seamlessly, reflecting the deep-rooted meaning behind every moment.

CELEBRATION AND FESTIVITIES:

After the solemn ceremonies and rituals, the heart of any memorable event begins to beat with joyous celebration and festivities.

Our mission is clear: to pour as much enthusiasm and hard work into your event so that your celebration is the best it can be. Our state-of-the-art lighting bathes the venue in a warm glow , setting the perfect mood.

While you dance, our curated vendors tantalize your taste buds with delights.

From decor to entertainment, we craft every element for pure joy and wonder. Let your imagination soar—we welcome any creative idea!

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS:

Personal reflections often encapsulate the essence of celebratory moments, offering profound insights and cherished memories.

We invite you to share your experiences and insights from attending or participating in events at The Glasshouse.

Your reflections not only enrich our community, but also showcase the meaningful connections forged within our walls.

Plus, don't miss the opportunity to share your moments with us and stand a chance to be featured on our page!

THE GLASSHOUSE: 2024'S ULTIMATE WEDDING VENUE

From Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to weddings, galas, and conferences, each gathering represents the beauty of human connection and shared experiences.

At The Glasshouse, we're honored to be part of these unforgettable moments, providing a venue where love, culture, and celebration unite.

Join us in creating lasting memories and celebrating life's milestones—book your next event today.

The Glasshouse Guide: Mastering Event Excellence in NYC

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:28:07 GMT

The Glasshouse Guide:
Mastering Event Excellence in NYC

In the vibrant heart of New York City, The Glasshouse stands as an epitome of sophistication and innovation. This guide unveils the secrets to planning exceptional events in the Big Apple, leveraging The Glasshouse's unique offerings.

From choosing the perfect location to ensuring every detail aligns seamlessly, join us as we navigate through key elements that make The Glasshouse the premier choice for those seeking luxury, convenience, and unparalleled city views.

Sophistication redefined at The Glasshouse

THE PERFECT LOCATION MATTERS:

Selecting a venue in the heart of NYC sets the tone for a remarkable event. At The Glasshouse, we boast a premier space in New York City, ensuring your gathering is immersed in the vibrant energy of the city that never sleeps.

Our prime location provides not just convenience but also iconic city views that add an extra layer of sophistication to any occasion.

660 12th Avenue (West Side Highway)

between 48th and 49th Streets. New York, NY 10019

VIP and Green Rooms, Elevate Your Experience:

When planning a large-scale event, the details matter. Consider venues that offer VIP and Green Rooms , ensuring your guests and performers have a space to unwind and prepare.

The Glasshouse takes it a step further with opulent VIP rooms equipped with marble showers, smart TVs, and private terraces. Our Green Room boasts essential amenities , providing the perfect sanctuary for your event's key players.

Illuminating Your Event:

In the quest for perfection, never overlook the transformative power of lighting and audio.

The Glasshouse sets itself apart with state-of-the-art lighting and audio accommodations.

From immersive lighting schemes to captivating audio experiences, our venue is equipped to elevate every moment of your event.

Early Planning,

The Foundation of Success:

Embark on your event journey with foresight.

The Glasshouse recommends early planning to secure your preferred date and make the most of our premier space.

Our seasoned event managers are here to guide you through the process, ensuring every detail aligns seamlessly.

From conceptualization to execution, early planning is the key to a stress-free and successful event .

Transparent Vendor Relationships:

In the world of event planning, transparency is non-negotiable . Collaborate with vendors who are open and honest about pricing and capabilities.

The Glasshouse prides itself on transparent communication, providing a clear understanding of what to expect .

Our vendor network shares our commitment to honesty, making your journey to a flawless event a smooth and trustworthy process .

Budgeting, An Open Conversation:

Never shy away from discussing your budget. At The Glasshouse, we understand that every event is unique, and we're here to tailor our services to your financial parameters .

Open communication about your budget allows us to work collaboratively , ensuring you receive the best value without compromising on the quality and sophistication that define The Glasshouse experience.

WHERE EVERY EVENT

BEGINS AND ENDS WITH ELEGANCE

Planning an extraordinary event in NYC requires meticulous attention to detail and strategic choices. The Glasshouse, with its prime location, luxurious amenities, early planning support , transparent vendor relationships , and budget-friendly approach, stands as your ideal partner in crafting events that exceed expectations.

Start your event planning journey with The Glasshouse, where every detail reflects the brilliance of your vision.

We can't wait to welcome you—see you at The Glasshouse!

Seize the Moment: Booking Your Spring and Summer Event at The Glasshouse

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 01:06:20 GMT

Seize the Moment: Booking Your Spring and Summer Event at The Glasshouse

As winter's chill gives way to the promise of warmer days, the allure of spring and summer events beckons.

In this blog, we explore the enchanting world of The Glasshouse and why securing your spot early is the key to hosting unforgettable events.

The critical role of early spot reservation in hosting memorable events...

The Rush for Spring and Summer Spaces

Spring and summer aren't just seasons; they're vibrant canvases for celebrations. Event spaces citywide fill up rapidly during these months, leaving latecomers scrambling.

At The Glasshouse, we value the importance of early planning. Our calendar tends to fill up quickly, and that's largely thanks to the wonderful relationships we've built with our valued repeat clients.

Cultivating Lasting Connections

At The Glasshouse, our strength lies in real connections. Repeat clients are our heartbeat, a testament to the trust and genuine connections we've fostered.

Clients return not for transactions but for authentic, memorable experiences.

Our bustling calendar mirrors the trust placed in us—crafted from unwavering hospitality, professionalism, and a commitment to exceptional moments.

The Glasshouse Terrace Advantage

As temperatures rise, so does the allure of our terrace. A warm-weather professional, it offers an oasis in the heart of the city.

The panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets become an integral part of the event, elevating the experience to new heights.

Booking early secures your access to this sought-after space, ensuring your event basks in the glow of the sun and the city lights.

Sunset Soirees and City Views

One distinct advantage of hosting at The Glasshouse is the unparalleled backdrop as day turns to night. Our city views, especially during the moments of sunset, add a touch of enchantment to any gathering.

Imagine your guests sipping cocktails against the backdrop of the sun dipping below the skyline—an experience that transcends the ordinary.

The Urgency of Booking Now

In the dance of planning, timing is everything. The appeal of spring and summer events is no secret, and premier venues are limited.

The time to act is now! By booking early, you secure not just a space but an opportunity to curate an event that stands out amidst the seasonal buzz.

Click here to book your event today!

ELEVATE YOUR EVENT EXPERIENCE

Seize the opportunity to create lasting memories against the stunning backdrop of our terrace and city views. Embrace the urgency, secure your spot, and let The Glasshouse be the stage for your spring and summer soirées. After all, in the world of events, the early bird not only catches the worm but also ensures an unforgettable experience.

We can't wait to welcome you—see you at The Glasshouse!

A Year in Reflection: The Glasshouse's Top Moments of 2023

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:38:39 GMT

The Glasshouse's Top Moments of 2023

Reflecting on the remarkable journey of 2023, The Glasshouse takes pride in hosting transformative events that echo across industries. From empowering conferences to glamorous galas , each gathering etched its narrative into the walls of our venue.

Join us in revisiting the highlights of a year that radiated with inspiration and celebration.

From conferences to galas: Here are some of the events that defined our 2023

THE Global Citizens Now

(Conference)

In the heart of New York City, The Glasshouse became the epicenter of global impact as it hosted the prestigious Global Citizen NOW action summit.

A beacon for positive change, this event celebrated young changemakers , spotlighting their dedication to ending extreme poverty, demanding equity, and protecting the planet.

The Glasshouse was the stage for voices shaping a better world , resonated with the mission of Global Citizen as it welcomed luminaries and activists on April 27, 2023.

Cloudera Evolve Now

(Conference)

On October 19th, 2023, The Glasshouse hosted EvolveNYC 2023, an immersive night of innovation and transformation presented by Cloudera.

As the chosen venue, our contemporary space set the scene for dynamic keynotes, engaging workshops, and purposeful networking .

We are always honored to host events that transcend, sparking inspiration and fostering change.

Salt iConnections

(Conference)

SALT iConnections New York, a two-day collaborative event , unfolded at The Glasshouse from May 16th to 18th, 2023. Focusing on disruptive innovation in finance, economics, and geopolitics, the conference marked a return to its alternative investment roots.

Renowned speakers, including leaders from sovereign wealth funds, North American institutional allocators, and fund of funds, converged at our prestigious venue, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights .

The Glasshouse became quite the backdrop for intellectual discourse and financial innovation .

Planned Parenthood

(Gala)

At Glasshouse, we were honored to host Planned Parenthood of Greater NY's inaugural Spring Into Action Gala. The evening celebrated reproductive rights advocates , Chrissy Teigen and Padma Lakshmi, emphasizing Planned Parenthood's commitment to providing crucial care for patients in need.

Amidst the contemporary elegance of our venue, guests savored specialty cocktails and vegan canapés, enjoying the cityscape view.

The Gala at Glasshouse was a poignant reminder of our steadfast dedication to healthcare access and autonomy.

(Source: Information provided by Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/planned-parenthood-chrissy-teigen-padma-lakshmi-spring-into-action-gala-2023 )

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

(Gala)

At The Glasshouse, we basked in the rosy glow of a remarkable evening hosting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Hot Pink Party. The venue radiated in shades of pink, mirroring the organization's commitment to breast cancer research.

A glittering reception featured Hot Pink cocktails, setting the tone for a night where supporters, including luminaries like Candace Bushnell and Vera Wang, gathered to contribute to the cause.

The event culminated in a record-breaking achievement , raising $10.3 million, and the electrifying performance of Motown legend Diana Ross, turning our venue into a vibrant celebration of hope and philanthropy.

(Source: Information provided by Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/bcrf-hot-pink-party-2023 )

High Line Spring Benefit

(Gala)

At The Glasshouse, we were honored to host the High Line Spring Benefit, an annual celebration of the iconic High Line park.

This event, held on June 1, 2023, brought together community leaders and honored High Line Board members Sandra Jackson-Dumont and Peter Wilson.

As guests reveled in the accomplishments of the High Line , our venue provided a vibrant backdrop for this evening of gratitude and celebration.

(Source: Information provided by High Line. https://www.thehighline.org/spring-benefit/ )

Studio Museum in Harlem

(Gala)

Under the glittering ambiance of The Glasshouse, the Studio Museum in Harlem's 2023 Gala unfolded, uniting a diverse assembly in celebration of African-descendant artists.

The prestigious Joyce Alexander Wein Artist Prize, symbolizing innovation and promise , found its home in our venue, echoing our commitment to artistic excellence.

Beyond accolades, the Gala's proceeds bolstered the Museum's mission, fostering dynamic exhibitions, an acclaimed Artist-in-Residence program, and innovative arts education. It was a night of reflection , where creativity thrived, and visions for the future of contemporary art sparkled.

(Source: Information provided by Studio Museum via Instagram @Studiomuseum.)

As we bid farewell to the tapestry of events woven through 2023, we at The Glasshouse take immense pride in hosting such a spectrum of events.

With heartfelt gratitude for all of our collaborators, vendors, and attendees, we eagerly anticipate another year filled with joyous celebrations.

Happy holidays and a joyous New Year!

5 Reasons The Glasshouse is THE Event Space for 2024

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:50:08 GMT

5 Reasons The Glasshouse is THE Event Space for 2024

Embark on an unparalleled event journey in the heart of New York City. As we step into 2024, The Glasshouse stands as the epitome of sophistication and innovation, offering an exclusive canvas for your most extraordinary moments. Join us as we unfold the top five reasons why The Glasshouse is the definitive choice for your events this year.

Let's take a closer look at

The Glasshouse's distinctive qualities

THE SPACE

Step into a realm of grandeur at The Glasshouse, where architectural marvel meets unparalleled scale. Boasting a 75,000-square-foot expanse , our premier space features 50,000 gross square feet on the event space level and an additional 25,000 gross square feet on the ancillary space level.

The panoramic allure captivates with floor-to-ceiling windows framing expansive views of Manhattan, the Hudson River , and beyond. The versatile layout, with a 1,850-person capacity, accommodates diverse event types and configurations.

From upscale neutral finishes to VIP rooms and furnished Green Rooms , The Glasshouse defines a new standard in sophistication and spatial flexibility for your events in 2024.

VIP TREATMENT

Experience opulence in our VIP rooms, fully equipped with marble showers, smart TVs, and private terraces.

Dive into luxury with a Green Room boasting a refrigerator, shower, smart TV, AV hookups, Sonos, and a private terrace .

And the best part? You can preview these spaces before booking with our virtual tour ! Wander through the luxury that awaits, making informed choices for an event that resonates with luxury and sophistication.

Our online exploration ensures you're delighted before stepping into our prestigious venue , where VIP treatment awaits.

TOP VENDORS

Elevate your events with the industry's best. The Glasshouse collaborates with a curated selection of top-tier vendors, ensuring unparalleled service for your gatherings.

From catering maestros to decor virtuosos , our partners share our commitment to excellence. With seamless integration into our premier space, these vendors transform your vision into reality.

Elevate your events, entrust them to the best – only at The Glasshouse.

THE LIGHTING

Indulge in a captivating symphony of lights at The Glasshouse. Our cutting-edge lighting production elevates your events to a realm of unparalleled visual brilliance. Immerse your space in dynamic hues, synchronize with music, and craft an ambiance that transcends expectations.

Our services extend beyond illumination; they weave an enchanting narrative , complementing every moment . Whether it's a vibrant gala or an intimate gathering, our state-of-the-art lighting technology ensures your event shines with sophistication and style.

Experience the transformative power of light with The Glasshouse, where every event becomes a luminous masterpiece.

THE LOCATION

Unlock the allure of a venue strategically nestled between the bustling streets of 48th and 49th, on 12th Avenue. The Glasshouse not only boasts iconic views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, but also stands in the heart of an up-and-coming enclave in NYC .

Surrounded by the vibrant energy of a revitalized neighborhood, it sets the stage for events that blend the dynamism of the city with the chic sophistication of a premier venue. Immerse your guests in the pulsating rhythm of a district on the rise , crafting unforgettable experiences at the nexus of urban evolution.

" In the heart of New York, The Glasshouse isn't just a venue, it's the canvas where your most memorable moments are painted in vivid detail. "

WHY THE GLASSHOUSE IS YOUR EVENT DESTINATION FOR 2024?

As we conclude our exploration of The Glasshouse, envision your events unfolding against the backdrop of sophistication and innovation in the heart of New York City.

From architectural grandeur to VIP opulence, seamless vendor integration, a burgeoning NYC location, and state-of-the-art lighting services—we've unveiled the quintessence of a premier event space.

The Glasshouse transcends expectations , promising not just a venue, but an immersive journey through luxury and creativity. Make 2024 extraordinary ; choose The Glasshouse for an unrivaled canvas where vision meets reality.

Your extraordinary moments find their home with us—because here, your events are not just hosted; they're celebrated.

Where the Events Industry is in 2024

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 20:35:44 GMT

by Jack Guttman

Managing partner of The Glasshouse

THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF

CORPORATE EVENTS IN 2024

The live events industry has undergone a seismic transformation, surging to unprecedented heights in recent years. In 2023, its global value soared to an astonishing $890 billion, setting the stage for a projected ascent to a monumental $2 trillion by 2032. This phenomenal growth, with a robust compound annual growth rate of 12%, showcases the industry's immense potential and its pivotal role in shaping business interactions worldwide.

“The industry in 2024 will see evolving trends that focus on engaging attendees with

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES INVOLVING EMERGING TECHNOL OGIES"

KEY INSIGHTS SHAPING CORPORATE MEETINGS:

1. NETWORKING REIGNS SUPREME:

For 60% of event attendees, networking remains the cornerstone of event experiences. Connections forged at these events foster collaborations, drive innovation, and open doors to new opportunities.

2. VENUE LOCATION MATTERS:

A staggering 88% of event attendees consider the venue's location a pivotal factor in their decision to participate. Accessibility and locale significantly influence event engagement.

3. RESURGENCE OF IN-PERSON EVENTS:

A resounding 88% of companies are committed to hosting more in-person events and team gatherings in 2024, reflecting a collective desire to rekindle face-to-face interactions.

4. TEAM-BUILDING FOCUS:

Among corporate events planned, 50% prioritize initial gatherings as team-building endeavors, emphasizing the importance of fostering camaraderie and reconnecting dispersed colleagues.

5. BUDGET ALLOCATION:

An impressive 79% of companies have designated specific budgets for corporate meetings, underscoring their dedication to fostering meaningful interactions and experiences.

6. REVIVAL OF LARGE-SCALE TRADE SHOWS:

Nearly half (46%) of companies are eagerly anticipating participating in expansive industry showcases, signaling a resurgence in large- scale trade shows.

7. SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS:

A notable 70% of Americans emphasize the importance of companies engaging in sustainable events, reflecting a growing commitment to eco-conscious practices within the industry.

MAXIMIZING CORPORATE MEETINGS

Foundations of Flawless Events:
Meticulous planning, strategic insight, creative ideation, and flawless execution are fundamental to successful events.
Selecting the Ideal Venue:
Considerations encompass reputation, customer service, accessibility, amenities, services offered, and alignment with the allocated budget.
The Three E’s:
Experiential, Engagement, and Entertainment form the bedrock of successful events, creating memorable and impactful experiences.
Event Marketing’s Impact:
Event marketing serves as a potent conduit to connect with audiences, amplifying brand visibility, enhancing engagement, and catalyzing lead generation and sales conversions.

THE GLASSHOUSE:

A LEGACY OF

EXCEPTIONAL EVENTS

For 17 years, The Glasshouse brand has epitomized unparalleled success in orchestrating corporate events. Synonymous with incomparable service and flawless execution, it stands as a beacon of excellence in the industry.

In the dynamic realm of corporate events, the trajectory points toward amplified engagement, sustainable practices, and an unwavering commitment to crafting memorable, impactful, and transformative experiences.

“JACK GUTTMAN, Managing Partner of The Glasshouse, personifies a legacy built on delivering unparalleled corporate event experiences”

A Comprehensive Guide To Event Design

Tue, 10 May 2022 17:24:56 GMT

What is event design?

The process of designing an event can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will help simplify the process and provide you with all the necessary tools to create a successful event. From understanding your audience to developing a creative brief, this guide covers everything you need to get started. So, whether you’re planning a corporate event, wedding, or birthday party, use this guide as your go-to resource for success!

The goal of event design is to create an unforgettable experience for attendees. This involves thinking about every detail, from the venue to the food to the decorations. Event designers must be able to juggle many different tasks at once and stay organized under pressure.

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Elements of Event Design

When planning or executing an event, there are some key elements you’ll want to keep in mind. The design of your event will impact how well it is received by your guests. Here are four essential tips to create a successful event design:

1. Establish a clear purpose and theme for your event.

2. Choose a unique location that reflects your theme.

3. Create a visual identity for your event that is consistent throughout all touchpoints.

4. Select interesting and engaging activities that align with your purpose and theme.

Olivier Cheng: From The Met to Your Wedding Venue

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 19:50:00 GMT

Picture it: You’re at your wedding venue on a gorgeous, breezy summer evening.

Your wedding venue is on the water, gauzy dresses are flowing, alive with the wind. You walk in and are handed a drink. Maybe it’s Cristal in exquisite glassware. Or perhaps it’s a refreshing vodka and elderflower cocktail, with freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice and a little floating purple flower. Whichever one it is, it was no accident. Your beverage was carefully thought out to set the tone for the evening to come.

This level of curation is just the beginning of the Olivier Cheng experience. The luxury caterer subscribes to a 360-degree approach to event and food design, beginning with a guest’s entrance. “We are a catering company, first and foremost. And we create experiences for people,” explains Cheng. “Beverages to me are just another form of feeding. They add a real sensory component to an event.” At the Glasshouses Cheng’s exquisite vision will be executed alongside Beverage Director Clayton Mannix, for an elevated experience in line with what his clients are accustomed to.

And what impressive clients they are. From small social events to blowout weddings to being the go-to caterer for the high-end fashion crowd with clients like Chanel and Hermes– not to mention multiple Met Galas and that one time he catered a royal wedding at a wedding venue in Quatar– the bar is high.

Menus are innovative and complex.

Cheng’s food skews modern American cuisine, with European and Asian flavors. A background in architecture informs his artistic visual approach, and a love of elements fitting together just so. Food becomes part of a full event design ecosystem, with Cheng working closely with clients to exceed their expectations.

For example at an Hermes stenography affair where there was a waiter paired with every guest, changing outfits to reflect each custom course, for an experiential dimension.

And though he’s been doing this for fifteen years, he still surprises himself. Like with a recent small birthday party. “It was a new client, and he came to me and said to me ‘This guest of honor is a complete foodie. I want you to blow her away.’” Rather than go back to the archives Cheng and his chef collaborated on a new dreamy main course they called “A Taste of the Sea,” with scallops, oysters, lobster, foam and seaweed all contributing to an ocean tableau. “Everything on the plate was edible, but it literally looked like I was looking at the sea,” he says. “Honestly, I was blown away by it.”

During the pandemic Cheng pivoted to at-home experiences.

They fulfilled his philosophy of using food to bring people together, and essentially created a product category that never existed before. Experiential boxes were constructed for luxury clients. “They generally incorporate the client’s products mixed with a food product, so if they were celebrating some kind of event like the Oscars we would help them create a box around that,” says Cheng. And partnered with event planner Jennifer Zabinski he launched Celebration Home , a self-contained immersive dinner experience providing everything from snacks to dessert, complete with a “Sips and Scents” component – cocktails to set the tone at home and scents to transport.

Without the physical limitations of a wedding venue, guests could be escorted to Paris in the spring , with a menu including asparagus tarts, warm sea scallops and of course cheese, edible flowers and Champagne included. Or to Tulum with lobster tostadas, short rib taquitos and an elevated taco feast. Menus are priced by the number of attendees, for an easy turnkey celebration with family and friends.

Purchase a Celebration Home experience and you can say that you’ve eaten the same DNA as Quatar royalty. Though you might not have the same menu — Cheng’s 2009 wedding at the Royal Palace was an over-the-top nine-course affair, including black truffle cauliflower soup served in an ostrich egg— you can pretend by eating dessert first, one cultural difference he delighted in learning when planning out the menu. “They eat chocolates before their hors dourves,” he says. “That was an amazing experience from a cultural side.” It makes sense, starting a celebration with sweetness. Maybe when he caters your event at a Glasshouses venue, you can request to have the cake first.

The post Olivier Cheng: From The Met to Your Wedding Venue appeared first on Glasshouses .

The Photographer that Transformed NYC Wedding Photography

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 14:01:00 GMT

Photographer Terry Gruber always saw things differently.

Starting from the age of 8, when he was given his first box camera, a photographer emerged. He would shoot everything; his star was his French poodle, Matisse. “He was always around, wherever I went, he went,” he says.

Gruber’s professional career as a wedding photographer happened almost by accident. In lieu of buying the standard wedding present from Tiffany’s, he would offer his eye to his friends getting hitched. He would bring his Leica to their weddings and record the festivities with his documentarian point of view. His friends would be gifted with bound photos in personalized flipbooks. “I would watch the photographer who was working at these jobs…he’d look so bedraggled and was basically shooting the highlights.” As the photographer took his posed shots Gruber was in the background, stealing the flash for his own shots, capturing the actual atmosphere. “He directed their attention, and I took the candid angle.”

His friends were overwhelmed when they received the thoughtful—and exquisite—present. “They’d say “Terry, you really ought to do this professionally. The photographer our parents hired… You should see our shitty pictures!’”

So in 1989 he founded Gruber Photographers.

His storytelling, photojournalistic approach was informed by his stint in Columbia film school, where he earned an MFA under Martin Scorsese and where his thesis film, Not Just Any Flower , won numerous accolades, including being an audience favorite at Sundance.

“Their emphasis was story,” he says. “Basically film school taught me how I could break down a story in shots. And it taught me how to cover a wedding, or anything really.” He built up a stable of photographers all trained in his vérité style, and changed the face of wedding photography in New York. “Wedding photography was super uncool when I started. It trended towards cool when my photographers who had been with me fifteen, twenty years went independent,” he says. “I’ve had numerous photographers thank me for developing an entire market for thousands of other people.”

He was always a film guy—a purist.

But he painfully learned the value of digital photography when he was hired to shoot the highly secret wedding of Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas. “They didn’t allow anybody besides me and my team to have cameras,” says Gruber. “They actually had a metal detector you walk through and you gave up your phone if it had a camera on it.” But the contract was blown because someone snuck in a digital camera, and sold the blurry photos to Hello Magazine. “We had a lab in Manhattan working all night, picking pictures and with re-touchers, non-digital stuff. They had an instant picture– and they were terrible! — But they were published. You saw her and you saw her dress, and that’s all they cared about.”

Now, in his quest to document life’s major moments –with at least two photographers per event, and if you need it, up to nine—his go-to format is digital, though he does toss in a few rolls of film for texture. And for old time’s sake.

And when you’ve innovated as much as he has over the years, you not only learn to pivot with the times, you jump two steps ahead of them. It’s not unusual to see spinning panoramic cameras at one of his events. Or remote cameras clamped onto a pipe in the far corners of the ceiling for an extra-wide shot. Or for him to use a program that allows you to see what he’s shooting on your phone, transmitted from his camera through Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. “It’s good for a celebrity event or for somebody who needs to push the photos out immediately. Photos can be pushed out on Instagram within a minute.”

And if you desire, he can go retro.

Like, really retro, with his 100 year old banquet camera , shooting deep-focus 12×20 panoramic black and white portraits, getting every member of your group into one shot, like those that were common at the turn of the 20 ^th century (think old-timey Oscar photos ). Today you can also request your banquet shot in color. And just like that, everything old is new again.

The pandemic brought another pivot for the photographer.

Gruber documented more outdoor moments: shoots on stoops in Brooklyn, Zoom events where the couple got married on a rooftop and the wedding was broadcast. And plenty of secret proposals. “It was outside and low risk: it’s two people and a photographer.” (Contrary to popular belief, there was no hiding in the bushes – photographers are out in plain sight, just not identified.)

But the Glasshouses preferred vendor can’t wait for Glasshouses to once again throw in-person parties to resume– even bigger parties at their new venue, The Glasshouse — so he and his team can once again do their magic– with one photographer assigned just to the food, if that’s your thing. That’s not a big deal. They’ve done it before.

The post The Photographer that Transformed NYC Wedding Photography appeared first on Glasshouses .

Event Design Evolution Throughout the Ages

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:46:00 GMT

By summer of 1919 the Spanish Flu epidemic had subsided.

After over a year of wearing masks and being cooped up in their homes, Americans were itching to get out and party. But that’s about where its similarities with our current circumstances end, for now. The 1920s were steeped in excess, postwar giddiness fueling gilded debauchery and illegal drinking; a carefree time eventually called Roaring. But over here in the 2020s we’re a bit more cautious about what the future holds, especially in events and when considering event design.

We propose a more accurate comparison.

The heady Roaring ‘20s could be likened to the ethos of the 1980s, a consumerist Bonfire of the Vanities era where overconsumption was en vogue. The 1920s loved a theme party; the 80s loved their aesthetics. (The 1920s also loved things suspended in aspic. Some trends… don’t age so well.) “In the eighties the biggest thing was that people wanted an atmosphere,” says Joan Steinberg of caterer Sonnier & Castle . “But an atmosphere could be, let’s make everything red silk. It was more about color, and vibe.” Food was less about nutrition and provenance, and more about contributing to the décor. “Let’s say a makeup designer was introducing a new lip color collection, and the lip colors were based on flowers,” says Steinberg. “They would want things in the food that would tie in with the overall color palate.”

Parties were venue-driven and event design followed.

Partygoers and party throwers-alike clamored to be first in the new, hot space, continuing this clamoring well into the mid-2000s. “One of the big things was to be first at something. The something was generally a space that people hadn’t been at before,” says Steinberg. “A new gallery, a new museum, or a club.”

Clubs were in high demand for corporate and PR-focused events, generally because they held a massive amount of people. With built-in sound systems, clubs were especially useful if you wanted to hire talent. “Prince, Donna Summer, the Beach Boys, they all performed. You had sound, you had lights, you had cavernous space. You had venues that the average person couldn’t usually get into on their own, either because they were prohibitive with their lists or the door, or it was so expensive that the average 20 year old couldn’t afford to go. So if you got invited to a private event at a place like that, you were an A-lister for the night.”

Enter the experiential event.

The move towards experiential events came as Manhattan ran out of new spaces to see and be seen. “Even in New York, which is maybe the hippest city in the world, it’s still a small town. You have X amount of venues that people can go to, and you can only reinvent them in so many different ways,” says Steinberg. “Event design is still restricted by walls and ceilings and floors and entrances. Over the past ten to 15 years, it’s more about creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience that never existed before. It’s not necessarily about being at a certain trendy spot.”

With the advent of social media there’s a new facet to consider in event design.

Today the “experience” also incorporates photography and social media, ensuring the event lives on long after it’s over. “The first thing clients ask for is an Instagrammable moment” says Steinberg. “So instead of florals just being a centerpiece or signage just being informational, one of the things you’re charged with is “What’s the Instagram shot?”

Designer Allison Winn Butler of Allison Butler Creative also notes how the reach of social media influences event design. “Obviously aesthetics are always important, but in the last several years, especially with all of the social media outlets, and how everyone is constantly sharing experiences on social, it has become so important. Whereas before you wanted to make sure you have a lovely menu and pretty flowers and amazing food, now it’s really about creating these iconic looks and these designs.”

She’s learned the mantra “more is more,” adjusting event design for the gaze of the phone camera. “My design aesthetic is simple, modern and clean. I very quickly realized that that shows up as blah at night and with event lighting,” she says. “I think one thing that has happened and will stay is that everything is going to be a little extra. You’re going to have that bright, bold tablecloth. You’re going to use more saturated colors, and I don’t think that’s going to change.”

Get ready to see more individualized design.

“Everyone loves little, and everyone loves their own personalized thing. Individualized servings started out like “oh, this is cute, this is fun,” and now I think it’s going to switch to that out of necessity.”

Grazing tables will be put on hold for now, with a move towards attendants doing the serving. “Years ago there were buffet attendants, so someone was always serving you. And over the years it’s become much more of a self-service thing, which is what individuals want. They want to get what they want, however much they want,” says Butler. “I think as a result of the pandemic we’re going to see more individual setups or people serving the individuals. Even with so many people vaccinated. I just think people are so much more cautious now.”

Event design will be flexible.

Take this summer’s Central Park hat luncheon, the first major gala on the charity circuit to return. Rather than the usual one party under a massive tent, it was broken up into several spaces in the park, over the course of two days. Micro weddings will be favored, and the design of spaces themselves will incorporate segmentation, a natural next step from the wristbands designating comfort level that were prevalent earlier in the pandemic.

“There was an article in Architectural Digest I believe that was talking about how even flooring and carpets and rugs are going to be used to designate areas and the flow of traffic,” says Butler. “And a lot of rental companies do that now. They’ll almost create zones, if you will, utilizing design in a fun way to direct people and make it as safe and seamless as possible.”

With so much still uncertain, flexibility is optimal.

And there’s no space more flexible than The Glasshouse . “People have been thinking about events completely differently,” says Glasshouses partner, Jack Guttman. “We’ve gone very quickly going from talking about the size of the space and how many people we can host to the flexibility that we offer in terms of space.”

An event that would ideally be for a thousand people could easily be adjusted to five hundred, just by moving a partition. And the views would be just as spectacular. And if the actual attendees are only 250 because of safety concerns or changing vaccination requirements, that’s no problem either.

“To have a space like ours where yes, we have a massive amount of space, but the way that we can curate our mobile partition system and doors to preserve the views or to be opaque, that offers a lot of comfort to the customer who isn’t exactly sure whether what the events in Q4 of 2021 are going to look like,” says Guttman. “So if we have 250 people we have a great solution at The Glasshouse. If we grow to 500 or 1,000 people we have a great solution at The Glasshouse.” Not to mention the venue’s many attractive features such as a highly sophisticated audiovisual system and unique amenities such as outdoor and ancillary spaces to provide guests with a variety of experiences within a single venue.

Our outlook may not be exactly the Roaring 2020s.

But we’ll get there, with flexibility and creativity. “My sense of what happened in the 1920s was, they repealed Prohibition, the depression was over, everyone went out and danced and drank,” says Steinberg. “There’s some of that, but it’s not that kind of an easy seismic shift. I think it’s got to be a little bit more thought out to justify what they’re doing. It’s going to be a gentle incline.”

Having said that, anybody who gets an invitation is excited. We miss the party invites, we miss the first look opportunities. We miss the opening-night events. They signify everything that’s great about New York.”

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Caterer Thomas Preti Makes Events a Family Affair

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:23:00 GMT

With Thomas Preti, you’re not just choosing a menu.

You’re choosing an experience. When they promise grilled grouper, that’s precisely what they serve. Grilled perfectly. Served impeccably. Thomas Preti and his team have been delighting clients and their guests for over 30 years. Fads come and go. The caterer doesn’t follow fads. They focus on what really matters. Real food, prepared in surprising and delicious ways. Thomas Preti Events to Savor is famous for delivering what they promise, flawlessly.

Catering is not only about the food.

Sure, it’s got to be tasty and inventive. But food also has a higher purpose: it is the catalyst that brings people together. An original take on the classic slider can get two strangers talking. A clever combination of seafood can get them laughing. And if they’ve really enjoyed themselves over dinner, they’ll be buzzing about how much fun they had the morning after the event. The caterers certainly created buzz with their now famous conveyer belt diner experience at The Knot Gala , locomoting little milkshakes, cheeseburgers, fries and French toast, served up by diner-style waiters complete with suspenders, sparkly bow ties, and jaunty hats. The event’s catering concept flirted simultaneously with nostalgia and innovation, and was also practical. Dishes were produced right behind the belt, curtained off Wizard-of-Oz style.

Innovative is where the caterer plays.

This is what makes Preti tick: coming up with fresh ideas that transcend the fads other caterers fall prey to. Thomas has this way about him. He’s that rare bird in New York City: an innovator who doesn’t chase the latest trends. This unusual talent for making things new, but keeping them real. And it’s one of the things that earns the caterer so many repeat clients. It’s what keeps them coming back to the table (pun intended).

Their Grandmother would be proud.

Thomas Preti and business partner Michael Bonizio didn’t always run a successful catering company from an elegant townhouse on the east side of Manhattan. They grew up in the Bronx. The two founded the company 34 years ago, but long before they were partners, they were cousins. Their family is from Tuscany and Sicily. They share a grandmother. Needless to say, she knew her way around a kitchen.

Thomas followed his muse (his grandmother, of course) straight up the Hudson River from the Bronx to Hyde Park, home of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. At the CIA, Thomas’ talent rose like one of his soufflés. All CIA students’ first stop after graduation is an apprenticeship. Thomas’s was a peach. A prestigious peach. He landed at the famed Fountainbleau Hotel in Miami Beach. It was a formative experience, but the minute it was over, he was back in New York, hired at an impossibly early age as Sous Chef at the legendary Plaza Hotel. He was on a trajectory that most chefs of his ilk and talent would have parlayed into their own Manhattan restaurant. But he and Michael had been plotting. When Thomas packed up his knives at the Plaza, it was to start a catering company.

The Kitchen is the heart of the empire for the caterer.

While Thomas is the chef-in-chief, he’s not the only outsized talent in the kitchen. Ron Rando holds the title of Executive Chef. “Chef” to everyone, even to Thomas, Ron has been working with Preti for over 30 years. Like Thomas, he’s a graduate of the CIA. He apprenticed at the legendary 21 Club in Manhattan and then met Tom when he too was hired at the Plaza. The two have worked together ever since.

Thomas Preti makes it new, keeps it real.

In the last few years they’ve given their company a lot of serious thought. They are taking the company to the next level. They’ve boiled their philosophy down to six words: Make It New. Keep It Real. It’s not a change of direction. It’s a codification. Know thyself. And they do. It’s no accident that they’re right sized, neither too big nor not too small.

Peter Bonizio (Michael’s brother) holds the title of Culinary Concept Chef. Between perfecting next season’s signature recipes and throwing down private client tastings, Peter chairs Preti’s Culinary Task Force, a team of seasoned event specialists tasked with dreaming up “WOW” moments and figuring out how to execute them. Most recently the company brought aboard acclaimed designer Fabio Arruda and launched an in-house Design & Décor department with the same personal touch as their renowned food and service. From innovative station designs and boutique florals, to interactive event concepts like cocktail party conveyor belts and 360-degree A-frame tiered buffets, Preti will curate every last detail to surpass all expectations.

The caterer certainly makes each event sing.

Although Preti staff may not actually sing, their team’s meticulous focus has clients singing their praises. Thomas and Michael are still very hands-on. And their staff is a tight-knit family. A well-oiled machine. The Preti events team is the final link in the chain known for unrivaled hospitality and attention to detail, it is quite literally the envy of the industry. Each day, the staff is hand-picked by Staffing Director Jilly Crook based on the type of event, the venue, client relationships, and unique strengths. The majority of Preti’s captains, servers, and chefs have been with the company for many years.

You say “tomato”. So do they.

From an intimate family celebration to a gala for two thousand of your closest friends, Thomas Preti will handle it. Casual or formal, inside or al fresco, light appetizers or a five-course meal, Thomas Preti has done it. How well? One marker is how many people come back for seconds. And thirds. And fourths. Thomas Preti is built on repeat business. From fundraisers to private events to professional event planners, Thomas Preti’s Rolodex is full of clients who have been working with him for years and years.

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Endless Entertainment in a Venue Built for Stars

Fri, 21 May 2021 16:11:00 GMT

Picture it: you’re Lady Gaga.

You’re relaxing in your private space backstage before a performance. You warm-up your vocals looking out at the New York skyline, high enough so the paparazzi can’t get to you. At the moment, the lights and sounds of your star-studded hometown are your only accompaniment. The illuminated marble bar — dressed up in black and gold– is stocked with your favorite alcohol, Jameson whiskey. You pour yourself a drink. You’re almost ready to provide the event entertainment for the evening.

Prior to this you arrived through a separate entrance.

You were whisked past behind-the-scenes prep straight to your VIP lounge, with no possibility of running into eager spectators beforehand. The same goes for the back-of-house hallways you use to access the stage (no spoiling the performance before it happens!). There your band waits – including an aerialist trumpet player hanging from the ceiling (as long as we’re imagining, though totally achievable at The Glasshouse ). You put on your peacock feather crown and make your entrance, surrounded on both sides by the glittering NYC skyline as your backdrop. At least for the first song, anyway. For this event you’ll have several stages throughout the space, each with its own lighting and sound setup. You’ll even perform on a terrace overlooking downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. But that’s no problem. Entertainment is a breeze at The Glasshouse.

“I can’t wait to do an event there, just so I can use the VIP lounge,” says Ryan Hill of Apotheosis Events , whose larger-than-life events include all of the Hamilton premieres, and the opening night fêtes for the Cher Show and West Side Story on Broadway. “So often what happens is that I’m working on events for a television show or a film or a Broadway show that has massive marquee names, and I have to cordon off a section of the party and make that into the headliner’s lounge, obscuring it with some potted plants and things like that to give them some level of privacy.” (He’s even had to do this for Cher.) “The Glasshouse allows me to give that person their own party, to have a private moment with their guest, and to address any security concerns.”

The green rooms are for more than talent.

“For a premiere often what I am tasked with creating is not just a party, but a space where the PR, advertising, and marketing teams can meet to discuss reviews and have meetings,” Hill says. “In the past, I have shoved advertising and PR and marketing teams into tiny makeshift offices, I have had them behind rope and stanchion in the hallways.”

The bottom line? He’s just excited about all of the thought that has gone into designing the event space for entertainment. “I have had to do a step and a repeat for the cast to arrive outside of the venue, in the parking garage on the street because it doesn’t fit into the venue. Or I have to build a coat check outside so I can use the coat check area for press. I’m constantly being forced to be creative. The great thing about The Glasshouse is that there’s so much well-thought-out ancillary space that I don’t have to make those kinds of decisions.”

And that goes for the staff as well. “I also have to think about, where are my waiters going to set all their stuff down? When I walk into The Glasshouse and I see the separate locker room for waiters and staff I’m like, finally.”

Performers will especially appreciate the conveniences.

“I’m so glad that they thought about the talent end of things,” says Erik Marshall of Hank Lane Music , a Glasshouses preferred vendor that provides live event entertainment including bands, DJs and novelty acts. Their roster includes E Street Band drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Max Weinberg . Marshall himself has been in the biz for over 30 years as a performer. “The away-from-the-crowds access, the large freight elevator which allows for quicker load-in, the separate entrances, the green rooms– it’s built for what we do, and it allows us to focus on making the magic we are making on the stage, instead of worrying so much about the behind-the-scenes logistics.” He continues, “Even the mixing position was well thought out, from an audio perspective. It’ll be much easier for us to focus on the performance, to sound check, and to load in and out. Glasshouses has done a lot of the work for us already.”

For performers it’s also thrilling to play in a venue created especially for what they do. “The Glasshouse feels like you’re in a place that does concerts, in a place that does high-production shows,” says Marshall. “The band gets excited about it too.”

For shows, the space’s flexibility is a major plus.

Explains Darren Olarsch, President of On the Move , which curates live music and unique entertainment. “Sometimes, we’ll have to build a stage or convert an area that’s not a prime position. The “black box” I call it. But the tech installation capabilities at The Glasshouse are amazing. I’m so excited to see how we can utilize the abundance of rigging points available throughout the space. That is huge, because we do a lot of aerial, and installations that require motors and things from above. Not just for talent, but for tech.”

It always comes back to the spectacular amenity spaces.

Everyone from Paul McCartney to RuPaul will pause to admire themselves in the glamorous, Hollywood-esque vanity lighting, where there’s power enough to support the multiple glam squads of the Kardashians, where the Wi-Fi and streaming ensure you don’t miss a thing, and where the marble-trimmed private showers and restrooms feel especially luxurious. If you’re not a star, you’ll definitely feel like one (Pro tip: We hear stars drink Jameson). “The VIP lounge and green rooms are ridiculous, the nicest in the industry,” says Olarsch. “They will blow away any artist that comes.”

The post Endless Entertainment in a Venue Built for Stars appeared first on Glasshouses .

Event Trends: You Voted, We Listened!

Mon, 10 May 2021 19:36:00 GMT

One thing is clear coming out of a pandemic.

In the future when it comes to throwing a bash , anything goes. Boozy escort cards ? Why not! Ceremony on a cliff ? Sounds great! As New York continues to open back up a fter over a year without events, we thought it would be fun to see where the tastes of our social media audiences currently lie. We posted some of our favorite event trends on Instagram, and you picked your favorites. Here are the results:

Classic (42%) vs. experiential (58%) invitations

Ah, the old conundrum. You want the wedding invitation to be elegant and have wide appeal, as it’s being sent to everyone from grandma to your boss to your hip Barcelona-dwelling former roommate, but you also want it stand out on a fridge full of Save the Dates. For weddings , experiential invitations are a way to express individuality and can be an especially fun activity that engages your guests. (They also embed you in your invitees’ memory ensuring that they will, in fact, save the date.) In our opinion, both of these designs by Ceci New York would be very exciting to receive, but our social media audience favored the experiential option.

Uniform (50%) vs. bespoke (50%) furniture

The audience was split on this one, and it makes sense: Both event trends have visual appeal and serve their own purpose. Planners Maria Seremetis and Lewis Miller went with a dreamy look with uniform furniture from Party Rental Ltd that reminds us of an outdoor dinner straight from a fairytale. When all of the pieces match it certainly makes for great photos, with guests surrounded by the beauty of symmetry. It also allows for more extravagant design in other areas (go crazy with florals). Creating a bespoke event requires some creativity and can be more involved during the planning process, but the resulting look, such as this one from Designer8 , is textured and stunning, and provides a variety of seating options.

Large (56%) vs. mini (44%) cakes

Who doesn’t love an adorable mini-cake? Our audience apparently, who took one look at that extravagant triple-decker by Abigail Kirsch and chose it right as their mouths started to water (we’re guessing). Mini-cakes such as these ones by Sonnier & Castle make it much easier to individualize offerings, ensuring your guests will feel special and be a fan of what they’re being served. But we must confess: there’s just something about the drama of a gorgeous wedding cake.

Floral walls (59%) vs. plant vibes (41%)

Incorporating nature into a wedding design is never a bad idea: it adds romance and organic beauty, is calming on a hectic day, and is a year-round way to bring in the outside world when a wedding outdoors might not be possible. We love the earthy feel and reflective style of this glass terrarium moment by Ode and Bastille , but our audience ultimately went with a statement floral wall by Ovando , which adds a pop of vibrant color to the celebration and makes for especially lovely photo ops.

Classic (67%) vs. experiential (33%) photo booths

Of course everyone loves a photo booth. But in a surprising twist our voters overwhelmingly chose the classic photo booth option like Justin and Hailey Bieber opted for at their wedding , versus the new experiential offerings on the market such as The Bosco . Maybe it’s the pressure of figuring out an acceptable gif-able movement. Or maybe it’s knowing that your outfit will always look good with a classic background. If we had our way we’d have both event trends represented at the soiree. We have cool dance moves and we’d like to show them off please.

The post Event Trends: You Voted, We Listened! appeared first on Glasshouses .

Holiday Parties in 2021: Celebrating Employees Safely

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 19:48:00 GMT

It’s been over a year.

Over a year of pivoting our schedules, and figuring out a new work-life balance. And over a year of not seeing our co-workers in-person, let alone attending company functions. These are people we used to see almost every day, who made the day-to-day in the office actually interesting. (Really, what we wouldn’t give for some boring water cooler chat.)

Last year, companies had to revise the holiday party concept.

Amidst turmoil and uncertainty, if they didn’t opt for a virtual event—difficult to maneuver for businesses with hundreds of employees—they pulled the plug on the holiday party altogether. It fit the collective mood. This year, however, the air feels different. Optimistic . And according to Erica Sklarek, Assistant Director of Sales for the Glasshouses, holiday parties are a priority in 2021. Employees are craving a long-awaited release, and they deserve it. Company leadership wants to acknowledge what their staff have accomplished in the difficult face of the pandemic.

“Leaders want to honor their employees for sticking it out and surviving what 2020 was, and to boost morale,” says Sklarek. “So they are looking to bring everybody together in some way, shape or form.”

Some aren’t even waiting for the holidays to celebrate.

Shaun Roberts, Vice President of Sales for Great Performances catering and hospitality management, one of Glasshouses’ preferred caterers, is already seeing demand for gatherings in September, the next big marker for people going back to the office. “They’re ‘return to the workplace’ celebrations,” he explains. “A welcome back celebration of staff off-site from the office that says ‘we’ve made it, we’re back to the workplace.’”

How do you plan months ahead for a party with hundreds of attendees when day-to-day COVID guidance is rapidly changing? You get creative.

Develop a hybrid event strategy for holiday parties.

“Companies are going to offer the hybrid component,” says Sklarek. “Because they don’t know who’s comfortable and who will be vaccinated.”

One client of Erica’s that usually throws a holiday party with 600 attendees is considering three separate parties, with 200 people each. “The general consensus is whatever safety precautions they must follow, even if costs are slightly greater than they normally would spend, they want to get their people together. Because that’s what will help morale and productivity in 2022 when things get back to ‘normal’.”

Another client is planning parties in three different cities at the same time, live streamed to a hub for a combined celebration. “Normally they fly their top executives to New York City and everyone’s together,” she says. “But this time around what they’re looking to do is a virtual live stream. So the cities stay put and they get everyone together virtually.”

Catering is key to planning safe holiday parties.

Caterers are getting creative with ways to keep everyone safe and make the holiday parties truly special. CDC guidelines currently state that if food and drink is being served, guests must be seated at a table. So, Great Performances has incorporated segmented bento-like boxes for hors d’oeuvre. They’ve also leaned on domed cloches. “I think people really want to make sure their food has not been breathed on, says Roberts. “I think that is something that we’re going to see completely shift in our environment. This notion of food sitting out, or food being passed around through crowds of people on a tray.” Plus, a cloche is always good for a dramatic reveal.

“It’s funny, because when this all started I said to my team, let’s look back at history,” says Shaun. “People were always concerned about health concerns, because they had less medicine and fewer scientific resolutions. Cloches come from that world; white glove service also comes from that world. People didn’t want servers’ bare hands touching their food or even close to their food.” The white gloves are already making an appearance in some of Great Performances’ weddings. “It’s an elevated level of service, but it’s also more sanitary.”

Sanitation is a top priority for venues and vendors.

Erica’s observations echo sanitation concerns. “What’s come up in conversations with some of our vendors and colleagues in the catering industry is they’re being more creative with serving. People don’t really want to grab an hors d’oeuvre off a tray in a room full of 1,000 people,” she says. “They are creating really fun and innovative vessels so that each piece of food is individually presented and people aren’t getting too close or sharing, or putting something back on a plate.”

Catering was always crucial to holiday parties.

However, this year it will be even more so, dictating the design of the party itself. “I think it’s really interesting to see what caterers are doing to create visual large-scale culinary experiences to engage people,” says Sklarek.

They already had some tricks, of course. Besides the cloche there’s the conveyor belt , which can be ramped up for a holiday shindig. Also, keep an eye out for the return of the mason jar and other see-through packaging solutions.

Glasshouses’ impressive roster of preferred caterers has developed a wide variety of creative and safe serving techniques. Abigail Kirsch now offers hamburgers in individual little boxes, Great Performances has racks of individually-packaged caramel corn , Sonnier and Castle serves seafood in unique shell receptacles , Olivier Cheng has a collection of individually-boxed food experiences , and Thomas Preti offers edible garden terrariums and a glass wall of cubbies for individual servings.

Say goodbye to congestive serving mechanisms.

Champagne towers, crowded bars, punch bowls, and definitely buffets, replaced with chef serving stations and pre-packaged fare.

And wave hello to innovation, like manned “vending machines.” “The catering staff is on the other side of this vending machine, and it’s almost like a soft drink machine, where you can see the image of what those items are,” says Sklarek. “Instead of an actual vending machine, a door would open and a catering server would pass the item through. There’s one person at a time getting this piece of food in a cool vessel, and it’s a fun and memorable experience.”

Or maybe instead of a wall of hands holding champagne flutes the hands would hold splits, packaged items, or, anything really. The sky’s the limit this holiday season.

We can’t wait to see what people have up their sleeves.

The post Holiday Parties in 2021: Celebrating Employees Safely appeared first on Glasshouses .

New York City Events: A Comeback

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:41:00 GMT

The thing about New York is, we’re resilient.

Hit us with a recession? Just a few years later, industry will be thriving even more than before . Destroy our tall buildings and try to sever the city’s soul? Not only will we rebuild while honoring those lost, tourism will eventually bounce back. Before we know it, New York City events will be back and better than ever.

And why wouldn’t New York City events bounce back?

First of all, the city has music, dance, theater, museums, fashion, tech, food – even beaches – and our citizens are a tapestry of the world. Secondly, we’ve even already been through this pandemic thing, more than once. For instance, rising from the ashes of the 1919 Spanish flu epidemic – compounded with the devastation of World War I – were both innovations like radio, motion pictures and the assembly line, and a cultural explosion.

The Roaring 20s saw us culturally awash.

Additionally, NYC boasted art deco, blues, and jazz and artists like Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith in Harlem. We flirted with excess like the Great Gatsby in Long Island, and presented lush Ziegfeld Follies revues on Broadway. The city had new venues: The Apollo Theatre, the Roseland Ballroom, and the Cotton Club. We had the advent of skyscrapers, the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and the Yankees even won their first World Series in 1923, in their own newly-christened Yankee Stadium.

This time our resilience will be no different.

We’ve already shown our strength. For example, we’ve been supporting our loved communities by shopping in Chinatown, ordering takeout to help ailing restaurants, and turning ourselves into walking billboards with merch to save our favorite establishments. Furthermore, community cheerleaders like street documentarian New York Nico solicited pride with his #BestNYAccent challenge (with participants including the inimitable Debi Mazar), and t-shirt contests to see who will be crowned the new Milton Glazer with a 2021 version of the iconic I <3 NY.

(T-shirt submissions from left to right: @crazygoncomics, @doodle_deli, @loubot, @bobby_sunset, @chinagram, @chrissiemiller, @johandrox, @kalgrande, @smurfoudirtynyc).

And innovation has been in overdrive.

Firstly, we’ve adapted to remote work, surviving in tiny apartments that weren’t meant to be lived in 24/7. In the New York City events realm, we’ve created new events formats to help distinguish mundane work meetings from fun awards shows and celebrations (beyond just changing the setting on our ring light). Moreover, we’ve figured out hybrid events and when it’s finally time to see each to party in-person, we’ve had a year to come up with ideas that will blow your mind.

Don’t take us for being Pollyannaish.

Companies are feeling confident too. For example, this April, Carnival Corp plans to begin NYC boardings for its biggest ship ever, the 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras, boasting celebrity restaurants and the first roller coaster at sea. Over in tech, 22,000 people were hired in 2020 by Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google in the city alone.

Google has continued its campus expansion; its latest NYC addition on Washington Street is expected to be occupied in 2023. A new facility on Pier 57 will include an events center, office and public retail space, and 24,000 square feet of community space for education programs and environmental programs run by the Hudson River Park Trust.

And New York City events are on the road to recovery.

We are seeing hopeful signals from live sports and entertainment venues. For example, both the New York Mets and the Yankees have resumed play with a limited capacity of spectators. Likewise, you can see the Nets at Barclays Center and the Rangers at MSG. As of April 2nd events, arts, and entertainment venues like theaters, cabarets, concert venues, are open at 33 percent capacity. Additionally, tickets are on sale for Radio City Music Hall and The Beacon for shows at the end of April.

This summer is shaping up to be an arts extravaganza.

For instance, the “ NY PopsUp ” initiative has more than 300 state-supported outdoor events planned, and an estimated 1,000 in total. It incorporates the Tribeca Film Festival and the opening of Little Island , a new outdoor park off of Pier 55.

Moreover, Governors Ball, the outdoor music festival on Randall’s Island usually held in June, is planned for September. And the big one, Broadway — the lifeblood of the city some would say — is eyeing an unveiling that same month (they’ve already been testing the waters with a recent show featuring Nathan Lane and Savion Glover ). “I think once we’re putting peop le in a theater, there’s another kind of opening that’s going to happen in New York City at the same time,” says Ryan Hill of Apotheosis Events , who’s worked on Broadway events including all of the Hamilton premieres (so you know he knows). “I think there will be some congruence between when Broadway is fully back and fully functional and when we return to another level of normalcy in New York and the event world.”

As for weddings and catered New York City events?

Venues are currently already operating at 50 percent capacity (or up to 150 people), with safety guidelines in place. And as more restrictions are lifted you can be sure that Glasshouses will be there every step of the way, keeping our venues, guests, and events community safe until our “new normal” turns normal.

Vaccination rollouts are steady, and we just legalized recreational marijuana which means new revenue streams for the city (among other things). Good things are coming.

Like the flamboyant flappers of the 1920s with their Charleston and Fox Trot, New Yorkers live for a fashion moment. We’ve been online shopping and stocking up ‘fits. The Tik Tok set have even created new dances for us to look silly while trying in public. We are ready; just give us some place to go.

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Audiovisual Dreams at The Glasshouse

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:22:00 GMT

It’s the most sophisticated events audiovisual system in the city.

The best part is, until you see it in action, you don’t even know it’s there. Michael Parrella and Edward Arenius of ARUP alongside Andy Morgan from Morgan Acoustics designed Glasshouses’ new venue, The Glasshouse ‘ s audiovisual capabilities to have a big impact on its client’s events while hiding in the venue’s impressive architecture. “What appealed to us as a project was the flexible nature,” says Arenius. “To have the ability to do something as simple as a banquet all the way up to very cutting-edge, technically-oriented product launches in one space is extremely attractive.”

Event venues are often limited to repurposed or found spaces, resulting in competing audiovisual systems and architecture. But with The Glasshouse, it’s the opposite. “This was a real effort to make the architecture and the systems work together from the beginning,” says Morgan. ARUP and Morgan are theater specialists, having worked on projects including Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Barclays Center, and the new Madison Square Garden in London. It’s an unusual move for an events space to bring such technical expertise, but Glasshouses partners Jack Guttman and Alex Holiday knew that they wanted built-in capabilities to execute whatever extravaganza designers can dream up.

That vision includes a multitude of audiovisual features built into the space.

For example, hidden rigging points throughout and architectural lighting are just the starting point. Inspired by a sculpture in Singapore’s Changi airport, 49 modern LED RBGW chandeliers hang on winches in the venue’s 40 foot pop-up ceiling. For most events, these chandeliers can be programmed to variable heights when a more spacious and dimensional room is desired, and lower for an intimate feel. For more high impact events, these winches can be programmed to perform dramatic light shows with kinetic effects and physical patterns using other design elements. However, if they’re not needed, they virtually disappear, blending into the venue’s interior design. “How the height is revealed could be very fun,” says Morgan. “The lighting suddenly rises up, and nobody realized it’s a dance floor.”

Additionally, every light in the main event space — chandeliers, elegant recessed lighting, and cove lighting — boasts programmable color-changing capability. Switching color is just another tool to personalize your event, altering the mood of the room in an instant. For example, the whole room can be blue for Pepsi one day, and pink for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation the next. “Typically it’s just the lighting on the stage that changes color,” says Morgan. “Here you can actually create atmospheric mood lighting for the audience as well.” It’s a handy audiovisual tool to pull the guests into whatever’s happening on stage for a more immersive experience. Meanwhile, the CEOs and talent relaxing in the venue’s ancillary spaces, such as the VIP lounge or the green rooms, can stay abreast on event happenings in the front of house. Additionally, each lounge is equipped with live-streaming capabilities, ensuring no one will miss their entrance.

The Glasshouse’s state-of-the-art sound system is concert-ready.

Because everything is built-in, there is no need to bring in bulky lighting or speaker stands. “The Glasshouse has everything you’d need to do a high quality sound experiences and musical performances,” says Morgan. “The elimination of additional rental equipment, transportation, and labor required for one-time installs saves The Glasshouse’s clients time and money while providing guests with a drastically elevated experience. It’s not just the new standard, it’s state of the art.” Additionally, The Glasshouse’s designers and installers have tuned the system to the space using the architecture to aide in the overall acoustic experience, control loudness and reverberation, and promote clarity.

The schedule of an events venue is unpredictable; one day there can be a wedding , and the next day a non-profit fundraiser . However, The Glasshouse can facilitate many desired configurations. For example, the stage can be set up in multiple places, with networked audio speakers; TVs can be neatly hung from the ceiling.

The Glasshouse brings planned conveniences that only come with having been around the block.

Columns equipped with an IT network, audiovisual connections, and power, eliminate unsightly cords that would run over long distances across the floor. High speed, burstable internet bandwith capabilities. A conduit for cable routing to broadcast trucks parked on the street. An extra power provision capable of running shows, 50 pinball machines, or thousands of VR headsets enable clients to dream big, rather than working around the venue’s limitations. Audiovisual equipment is built-in and programmable, therefore less supervision is needed on the event space floor. Moreover, equipment can be controlled from an out-of-the-way production room on the fifth floor. Finally, the massive freight elevator allows for efficient loading, a luxury not available in most of the city’s other venues.

The infrastructure is all there, for whatever can be dreamed up. Consecutive runway fashion shows , completely different for each designer? No problem. Bring in tons of décor or strip the space bare, as the venue comes with its own gorgeous backdrop of the Hudson. “You have this skyline view, which feels really iconic, plus the ability to do something that’s really dynamite and memorable technically,” says Morgan.

Connect lighting, sound, and rigging effects throughout the entire space to create a haunted house with multiple horror-tastic rooms. Or go for the most extravagant bar/bat mitzvah the city has ever seen, blue-roomed and winter-themed with a huge dynamic ski-slope set for a concert by the latest Billboard-charting pop star. With the most sophisticated events audiovisual system in the city, the possibilities are endless.

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Hybrid Events and Creating Shared Experiences

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 19:47:00 GMT

We are now fully ensconced in virtual event culture.

Now that the environment is shifting, event planners are ready to move on to the next step: part in-person, part-remote hybrid events. We’ve already seen what a virtual component can do in terms of getting your message out to a wider audience, and the hybrid version can only enhance your reach.

“I think that there’s always going to be people that can’t make it or aren’t comfortable for whatever reason, but they really want to join in on the event,” says Dana Lowenfish, Chief Development Officer of Sequence Events , a full-service planning and production agency, who sees the hybrid event as here to stay. They’ve already experimented with the format and expect that come August and beyond their dance card will be full.

But the simultaneous event stages come with their own challenges: double the event means double the planning, and careful navigation. How do you integrate and engage both the in-person and at-home audiences? But if done correctly – and keeping flexible—the experience may resonate even more, with greater rewards. Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning hybrid events.

1. Create shared experiences.

One way to circumvent the potential awkwardness of dual audiences is to include interactive portions that bridge the realms of live and virtual. Sequence is the master of engagement: in the past year of virtual events they’ve included everything from putting on a #BestDressed competition, to having mixologists lead step-by-step cocktail classes, to silent auctions (but make sure to announce their names, says Dana. “People like to hear that their donation was accepted and have their peers hear that they’re donating that much money. It becomes a competitive act”). They’ve also imagined ways a virtual event could closely resemble reality. “We have events where people can actually get into their table. They sign on to the platform and those ten to twelve people can chat and make a drink together. Later, they can pop out of their table and watch the video stream.”

When expanding to executing hybrid events, engagement is at the top of their priority list. “We did an event where we had a few of the clients doing speeches at the venue, with an afterparty at a rooftop,” says Dana. “And while they were dancing we pulled guests in through a Zoom.” It was a recipe for a fun interactive dance party. “We would watch guests dancing in their living room, and see the clients dancing on their rooftops, back and forth.”

2. Remember it doesn’t have to be fully live.

A hybrid event comes with extra considerations and planning, but you can make it easier on yourself by opting for simulive: an amalgamation of a pre-recorded portion and a live interaction. For a top executive’s goodbye party, executives were at the venue while others tuned in from home. A portion was pre-recorded, and included trivia and video, and it was pieced together.

For Sequence’s Toy of the Year Awards the actual announcing of the awards were pre-recorded, but the anticipation and excitement was very real, as evidenced by the chat feature of the virtual broadcast. “The chat was on fire,” says Dana. “Everybody was like ‘hey, I haven’t seen you in so long, how’s the other side of the world?’” This simulive feature could easily be translated to a hybrid setting, adding live presenters at a venue but keeping the chat function intact perhaps, with text screens at the tables.

There were also added benefits to having the Toy of the Year awards go virtual, which would translate to hybrid events. “It was the first year we could have kids join,” says Dana. I’ve been planning that show for seventeen years now. We’ve always said how fun would it be if the attendees could invite their family and kids could come?”

3. Build the anticipation.

Often if you’re participating in an event from the familiarity of home, it can seem like just another day. Build the excitement up by sending out teaser projects ahead of time. For the Toy of the Year awards, Sequence included cocktail and mocktail recipes and sent them out through social media. Participants had ample time to gather ingredients and even try the drinks in advance (you know, to get it right).

4. Invest in contactless registration.

We might be slowly moving towards normalcy, but we’re still in a pandemic. Utilize one of the various apps to pre-register and shows proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test. “It’s like the arenas are doing right now,” says Dana. “I think that’s going to be very popular soon.” Name tag printing can be done beforehand, with a contactless printer or contactless check-in kiosk on site. Or opt for a virtual badge with a QR code, that can be added to an Apple Wallet or Google Pay pass.

5. Anticipate and eliminate tech hurdles.

Anything can happen when presenters are Zooming in from home, but you can do your best to make sure you have your bases covered when it comes to technology. Do test runs of their at-home AV. Is their Internet strong enough? Does their microphone work? Do they have an appropriate background? “It’s a lot of work perfecting that and getting the speaker to a place that looks professional,” says Dana. And different events call for different visual aesthetics. Some clients want a professional office look, and others may opt for something more casual.

6. Take advantage of the tiered ticket.

Having the option to sell tickets for both in-person and at-home audience is a boon, especially for nonprofits, allowing for an easy and inexpensive way to expand your audience. “You don’t really have to worry about the room and capacity anymore,” says Dana. “You can offer a ticket that’s less expensive, but they’re logging in remotely.” Take advantage of tiered tickets, offering different perks at every level. Not only will your audience expand, but it will be more engaged. You’ll be reaching people who want to participate but may not have had the means in the past.

7. Make sure you’re up on the latest COVID-19 protocol .

COVID-19 rules and regulations are changing every day, so make sure you know what’s the current restrictions are. Dana foresees the requirement of having COVID-19 compliance officers on site, and has been certified, through the Event Leadership Institute . “It’s learning how to safely plan an event, to minimize any possibility of being a superspreader or a spreader. The course explains the different ways to do that: wearing masks, washing hands, sanitizing, testing, lots of signage,” she says. It also spells out steps of what to do if, say, your client shows up with a temperature of 100.4. “Our hospitality industry has always been safety first, and make everyone feel like a VIP,” says Dana. “Now we have to really work hard to make sure everyone feels like they were catered to. Our goal is to set up a comfortable and safe environment for them to spend a few hours.”

When hiring Dana recommends choosing compliance officers that are also EMT trained, to serve a dual purpose. “If someone has a medical /protocol question they can answer it rather than say “just put your mask on.”

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Virtual, Hybrid, and Beyond: What’s Next for Events

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:45:00 GMT

Out of necessity, 2020 was the year of the virtual event.

But it wasn’t necessarily all bad: With the virtual format came some unexpected positives, like the potential for unlimited reach and an immediate intimacy never before attainable at large, in-person events. It’s an attractive value proposition, especially for corporate and non-profit events. (Plus you get to see inside the big boss’s home, which is always fun). Here are some trends from 2020 that we think will continue into the future. As event safety parameters evolve, the Glasshouses team is there to support every step of the event planning and execution process… And when we’re ready to be back fully in-person, The Glasshouse will be there to celebrate with a capacity 1,850-strong. Until then, for the most part, we’ll be working creatively alongside you to ensure you achieve your intended event vision.

1. Virtual is still required…

Before we’re all comfortable holding large in-person events, the virtual element will be vital, and the least-complicated path for gatherings. But why not have fun with it? Let creativity take the helm, and use the opportunity to create compelling content to share with a broader audience. For their New Works Festival, the New York City Ballet created a short video celebrating the city , featuring dancers Christopher Grant, Sara Mearns, Georgina Pazcoguin, and Taylor Stanley in vignettes around the city.

The Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2021 video presentation created a dreamy narrative with winter settings and ice rinks. The show also featured a traditional runway element with guest appearances by Yasiin Bey, Saul Williams and Kai Isaiah Jamal.

Live on the edge with live events versus pre-recorded events, or plan things that previously would have never been possible. This year’s Tibet House Benefit concert celebrated the year of the metal ox with a video segment from the Dalai Lama himself, transporting the esteemed spiritual leader straight into concertgoers’ homes.

2. But hybrid will become home.

2020 was the year of fully-virtual galas to great success, but non-profits thrive on the personal touch. This year will move toward the hybrid event: part live experience, part virtual attendance, which may eventually become the norm. It’s a win-win for those involved: Not only does the hybrid event give attendees the choice of how they want to attend, organizations can also broaden their reach with countless more invitees, including those who want to support the cause and participate but either have scheduling conflicts being there in-person, or aren’t in the position to purchase a table.

3. Keep the people, expand the number of events.

Say you want to do everything in-person, meaning the number of attendees would be drastically reduced, at least for now. Like museums with reserved ticketing and reduced capacity, multi-day events can be held with a smaller daily guest count. Think exhibitions, fairs, or fashion presentations: the same reach can be achieved with a multi-day event. Venues with outdoor space will lend themselves nicely to this and hint hint, The Glasshouse and Glasshouse Chelsea have outdoor terraces, with memorable Hudson River views.

4. Get creative with giving.

Meaningful impact can still be made with virtual events, and there are even new opportunities to thank donors in the pre-event virtual waiting rooms and post-event credits. Physical tables may be out but virtual seats can fill the void, like with the Humane Society’s 3D gala hosted by SNL’ s Cecily Strong last October. Guests could virtually roam through glamping areas and backyard barns and were assigned dining spaces with name cards. (Added bonus: if waistlines have not cooperated in the past year, avatars can be as skinny as you want.) The Humane Society also staged an auction where guests could bid on items like the opportunity to wow Michael Bloomberg with an idea over Zoom, and a bucket-list trip to the Canadian region where harp seals give birth on floating ice.

5. Emphasize interactivity, especially when virtual.

Engaging remote guests in a virtual or hybrid event is its own challenge. You can go the way of splurging on talent — of course everyone will want to interact with Lady Gaga! – or take advantage of the fact that there’s no fixed location, as with the Jazz at Lincoln Center gala , which included performances from Japan to Cuba. (We especially enjoyed prestigious French accordionist Richard Galliano zooming in from the South of France). Engage attendees with segments like cooking classes: the National Italian American Foundation honored Dr. Anthony Fauci and in a pre-show segment taught 4,000 virtual guests to make Fauci Fettuccine . And get them fired up with contests: the 2020 EDGE awards held a Best (Virtual) Dressed contest where guests were encouraged to be “dressed for success, virtually!” Perhaps after the contest the dolled-up guests can take their outfits to a virtual after party, hosted by a DJ.

6. Create intimacy through entertainment.

Forced virtual events came with an unexpected benefit. Seeing inside a performer’s home—like with Rufus Wainwright’s very literary piano corner during the Equality California benefit last September–humanized the talent and set the mood to easily reach a level of intimacy previously not accessible, yet very beneficial to the goals of non-profits. Every attendee was a front row VIP, feeling a closer connection to the cause. Intimacy was also facilitated by honoring first responders as guests—done at February’s Golden Globes— infusing a sense of reflection. It’s a feeling that will continue to be harnessed in the future, even if the event is live. Look for setups to be more intimate —just a musician and his instrument—and décor subdued.

7. Build an at-home experience that rivals being there in person.

As we’ve seen with weddings , caterers adjusted their strategies to deliver exciting culinary experiences within new parameters. And in the corporate and non-profit world they’re doing the same: the City Harvest BID: The Show Must Go On featured meals by Michelin-starred Cote Korean Steakhouse “delivered to your doorstep.” Beyond food, planners are getting creative with recreating the gala experience at home. One of Glasshouses’ preferred entertainment vendors, On the Move , custom curated an exclusive microsite for the BID fundraiser with a variety of live eye-catching performances. The experience featured an hour-long video piece for guests to watch later, embellished with virtual celebrity appearances and endorsements. The show, appropriately, featured a musical performance from The Greatest Showman and broke fundraising records, feeding 1.6 million families in New York City alone. To enhance an at-home experience, we recommend topping off the experience with a piece of décor and keeping attendees vibing post-event with a curated playlist. Tiny disco balls for everyone.

8. Make gift bags go virtual.

One thing we’ve learned while being at home with all our stuff is, we really don’t need any more stuff. But everyone still loves a swag bag. A digital gift bag is a sustainable alternative to shipping out goodies, and works just as well if not better for engagement and branding. Feature items like subscriptions to digital publications, discount codes, gift cards or a donation to charity, and experiences like cooking classes, with the added bonus that if someone downloads a link or uses a code, the engagement results are easily measurable. JDC Events in Washington DC recently launched a separate digital swag-bag service and suggests giving guests a Starbucks e-gift card when they sign in as part of their welcome, and following-up by inviting them to join you for future cup of coffee.

Hero image is from NYCB’s New Works Festival; image by Erin Baiano

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The Wedding Update: Cultivating Creativity

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:41:00 GMT

Weddings look a lot different these days.

Couples must choose whether they want to postpone or celebrate within new parameters, thoroughly communicating safety expectations with guests. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing: the wedding industry is nothing if not creative. Paring down in-person bodies has given rise to indulgent new presentations, and whole new categories of events: the hybrid in-person and remote shindig, for example, and the immersive fully virtual affair. And in lieu of people? Flowers. So many flowers. Here are some wedding trends born of the current day that we hope will stick around for years to come.

1. Micro weddings are the new macro weddings.

Until guests can freely travel and large gatherings are once again deemed safe, every wedding will be somewhat small-scale. But with a micro-wedding comes macro-opportunity. Here’s a chance to cater to invitees, and to customize every aspect of the happening, including going big on location. Dreams of exchanging vows on the soaring red rocks of Sedona or in a candlelit cenote in Tulum are more feasible with just a handful of guests. Those that can’t be there won’t be left out: hybrid weddings are now de rigeur with event action live streamed, an opportunity to include more elderly and international loved ones.

2 . Creative wedding seating means comfort.

Social spacing is a priority, and it’s an opportunity to get some more comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing furniture into the mix. Maybe also themed, with monogrammed blankets or pillows for an outdoor wedding.

When chairs are a must, group households together on couches or smaller reception tables, leaning into soft upholstery. Glasshouses preferred furniture vendor Taylor Creative , suggests elevating the bride and groom table to the intimate “Sweetheart Table:” a lounge space for the guests of honor. Invitees also get the star treatment with socially distanced lounges and soft private pods. And perhaps the most fun: whimsical outdoor tents, reminiscent of playtime, with pillows strewn about for guests to sink in.

3 . Food is a focal point.

Now that dance floors are no longer an option, weddings are focusing on food: extending the number of courses, custom-plating hors d’oeuvres, or opting for a pre- packaged-option like a picnic basket, if the wedding is outdoors. The current state of affairs has also opened up a whole new market: the immersive virtual event.

Glasshouses preferred caterer Oliver Cheng — known for his creative and elegant affairs– has partnered with event planner Jennifer Zabinski to launch celebrationhome , offering fully immersive deliverable dinners in a box. “Everybody can do take-out,” says Cheng. “Our approach is more creating experiences.” Each box touches all the senses, with a customizable beverage, a scent with diffuser, and a Spotify playlist to set the mood. Guests at home can partake in a truffle-filled affair with the scent of France in the air or have fun with cheese at a full-on Alpine fondue party. In addition to scent, sound, culinary, and cocktail components, each box contains napkins, place cards and menus, table “touchables,” and a parting gift for each attendee.

4. Tableside bartenders deliver convenience.

One of the most trafficked areas at any event is the bar, attendees elbow-to-elbow jostling for the bartender’s attention. Tableside cocktail service reduces person-to-person contact while affording a menu of tailored cocktails and an opportunity for fun presentation— perhaps even with a themed bar cart. Personal attendants also means guests’ favored liquors can be stocked, making sure grandpa’s treasured scotch is always on deck for him, and only him. If extra staff aren’t within budget, reduce contact with pre-batched cocktails. They’re doing wonders with bottled Manhattans these days.

5. New wedding traditions add personality.

The receiving line and the Hora are on hold but the sky’s the limit on creating new, personalized traditions to really make the ceremony stand out. Guests who are unable to attend can send in video greetings. Extended family dances can be introduced, or a tribute to grandma and grandpa. A tree-planting ceremony is also a symbolic option. And in lieu of the bouquet toss the bouquet recipient can be predetermined, a sister or best friend perhaps, who the bride deems the next one to get married. It’s even more fun if they don’t know it’s coming.

6. Everybody gets cake.

The cake-cutting is a sweet tradition– pun intended! — but it’s often lost on a large audience who can’t get eyes on the bride and groom. While the focal point dilemma is fixed with a smaller wedding it’s also an opening to spoil guests. Have them give their preferred cake order when they RSVP and decorate it to match their personality. Virtual guests can also get in on the cake action. Glasshouses preferred caterer Thomas Preti Events to Savor have designed a “cake and punch” basket. Guests at home are sent champagne and a rosette-topped cake to toast along with the ceremony, providing intimate and immersive touches to make the event enjoyable and memorable for all. Plus, now it’s even more important to do cake tastings.

7. Entertainment goes above and beyond.

Sure, a dance floor is feasible if there’s enough social distance. But much less risky is ditching it and instead producing an event to remember. Talented relatives can sing, or professional singers, bands, or comedians hired. Vaudeville nights and live painters are also an option, and, if it’s a place like The Glasshouse , even acrobats hanging from the ceiling. It’s the chance to throw an awesome theatrical event they’ll be talking about for years to come.

8. Virtual wedding guests miss nothing.

Show those unable to attend in-person that they are missed, with personalized gift baskets sent to their home. Glasshouses preferred caterer Abigail Kirsch have launched Prepped , offering a variety of at-home culinary options for hybrid or virtual events. “We pretty quickly knew that with in-person events being placed in on indefinite pause that virtual was going to be the medium that everyone was going to take advantage of,” says Director of Sales Will Joseph. From specialty cocktail kits accompanying bento appetizer boxes for cocktail receptions to full, beautifully-plated meals for dinner to DIY cupcakes for a playful activity to get those at home involved, here’s also a way to include wedding branding with packaging or stationery inserts for signature moments. “It’s a way for people to feel they’re still part of the occasion even though they’re watching through a laptop.”

9. Small party now, big party later.

A big gathering of friends and family can still happen, just not in the immediate future. Many couples are opting to have an intimate or virtual ceremony and go all out for their one-year anniversary bash. It makes sense: More time is now afforded to plan and get even more creative, or even more casual, with seafood boils, BBQs, or luaus. A ceremonial aspect can be provided by booking a pastor, priest, or rabbi for a vow renewal, but either way anything goes: After one year the pressure is off and everyone can just focus on having a good time.

Hero image provided by Ryon Lockhart Photography .

The post The Wedding Update: Cultivating Creativity appeared first on Glasshouses .

The Glasshouse: Luxury Hospitality Meets Functionality

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:25:00 GMT

New York-based Dane Thomas Juul-Hansen is esteemed for his clean and modern interior designs.

His work has elevated hospitality and residential interiors, including restaurants like the new and refined Scarpetta in Soho’s James Hotel and jeweler David Yurman’s Tribeca headquarters, as well as the residences at The Beekman and the private residences of Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten. But before now, he had never tackled an event space. “We wanted to differentiate the hospitality experience at our venue – to provide an atmosphere of timeless luxury. Equally as important was to create a feeling of comfort that would mirror the coziness of a high-end condo,” says Glasshouses partner Jack Guttman. “We want our clients and their guests to experience a type of glamourous hospitality, which is Thomas’ forte.”

The divergence in design conception was stark when compared to Juul-Hansen’s previous endeavors.

“What Glasshouses does is rent space just designed enough that an event planner can add their own expression,” he says. “Usually, the last thing I want when I design a space is that someone comes in and adds another layer. That’s like someone shaving your kid’s head.” It was clear to Juul-Hansen that he would need to take a different direction, but the challenge intrigued him.

His approach with The Glasshouse was thus to find balance. Throughout the event space, Juul-Hansen executes classic design with signature expression, creating a foundation nonspecific enough to easily customize. Subtle gold leaf complements programmable levels of color-changing ceiling lights for elegance when formality is appropriate. “If you’re having a wedding for 700 people the space has enough integrity where elegant design would be feasible,” says Juul-Hansen. “The beauty of The Glasshouse is that the next day Beyoncé can give a concert. The day after that you can launch a new Tesla.”

Indeed Beyoncé would feel at home.

And everyone else would feel like Beyoncé in the stunning VIP lounge, a dramatic yet warm respite with a sexy backlit bar of Kenya Black marble. The floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the glittering New York City views expected from a Glasshouses venue. Brass umbrella light fixtures create an ambience appropriate for both a business meeting or an afterparty. “I wanted to create a sort of chandelier-like light fixture that operates more like a down light,” says Juul-Hansen. “So light is actually sent downwards, illuminating the table and the furniture that’s below.”

Lighting is also key in the Juul-Hansen-designed green rooms.

The green rooms are extremely rare event space amenity offered at The Glasshouse, each featuring their own floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces for maximum vitamin D impact. Each room boasts luminous Broadway-style vanity mirrors with a legion of attractive silver-bowl bulbs, pleasing both the keynote speaker with a professional makeup entourage and the discerning mother of the bride with opinions to share.

Each green room features a unique design; textured and low-slung modern furniture open up the spaces, while carpet softens the effect created by the rich hardwood floors. “There’s an emotional response to having these huge rugs that cover almost the entire floor,” says Juul-Hansen. “It creates a much warmer environment, which I think is what you want to do in a green room. To almost de-stress the behind-the-scenes environment a little bit.”

And you would be remiss if you thought he overlooked the most exclusive amenity of all.

Each green room and the VIP lounge provide an additional level of hospitality. They come equipped with their own private bathroom with shower, immediately calming guests with wrappings of sumptuous brown Italian marble, a Juul-Hansen specialty and hand selected by Glasshouses partners Jack Guttman and Alex Holiday. “The restrooms were places where we thought we could add a little more design impact,” says the designer. “Obviously, an event designer isn’t going to come in and re-do the bathrooms.”

Attention to hospitality detail even when no one is looking is pervasive throughout the space.

It’s a prime example of what positions The Glasshouse as a disruptor in the New York City venue landscape. Not only are the superior space, lighting, and sound systems the best there is to offer, but for event planners and their clients, behind-the-scenes is a sought-after destination on its own: meditative spaces with sleek yet comfortable and luxurious cosmopolitan design befitting the sophisticated glamour of New York City herself.

It’s a secret that won’t be a secret much longer.

The post The Glasshouse: Luxury Hospitality Meets Functionality appeared first on Glasshouses .

Non-Profit Fundraiser Refresh: Igniting Passion in Donors

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 20:10:00 GMT

Stuffy non-profit galas are a relic of the past.

The playful name catches your attention right away: Boobyball. Last year Rethink Breast Cancer , a non-profit organization which aims to empower young people affected by the disease, threw four of these interactive fundraisers across Canada.

The theme worked both aesthetically and symbolically: “Into the Ocean” explored the idea of a diagnosis sometimes feeling like being “lost at sea,” and prompted attendees to “dive into” fighting back. Sea-themed photo ops, sponsor activities, and custom gifs accessed through Instagram rounded out the vision.

Plus you could dress like a mermaid, with a Pinterest board for inspiration.

It was a fun approach with a serious message for a specific demographic, and while it might not work for everyone, the Boobyball illustrated a truth: In the events world the goal is to make an impression, and that goes doubly so for non-profits who rely on donors passionate about their causes. But how do you stand out without being too ostentatious? Here are four trends we’re seeing for non-profit events, for 2020 and beyond.

1. Cultivate experiences that showcase your non-profit’s purpose.

Gone are the days of passive soirées; today’s non-profits immerse attendees in their mission, facilitating understanding of fundraising goals with photo ops, activations, and even science experiments. At the Ontario Science Centre’s 50th RBC Innovators’ Ball last year guests were thrust into the future: welcomed by a robot, addressed by a hologram, and given the opportunity for enviable photos against an anti-gravity green screen and with a Van de Graaff generator. The installations were lively, amusing, and directly correlated with the museum’s science-forward message.

But experiences aren’t limited to the event themselves. Auctions increasingly include experiential prizes, backed by multiple studies concluding that memorable adventures hold increasing value for consumers. A new term even sprang up around it, the “experience economy,” and it’s obvious why: Goods spark fleeting happiness while experiences open you up to new worlds and facilitate meaningful connections. And besides, which one makes you look cooler on social?

2. Utilize technology.

Tech is an important ally and Charity: Water has long led the way, dabbling in virtual reality. At last year’s gala, the non-profit surrounded guests with a 360-degree video experience, transporting them to an Ethiopian woman’s trek for clean water. Donations were made through an app on personalized iPads, and the totals were displayed in real-time.

On a smaller scale, consider those that are passionate about your mission that aren’t able to attend your event. Live streaming enables you to reach that audience, potentially turning them into donors and in the long term, attendees. Any number of things can be broadcast: speeches, presentations, award ceremonies, interviews and Q&As, and viewers can even submit their own questions in real time. Investing in a tech forward way can also create interesting short-form content which may attract new donors through various other platforms.

3. Leverage the power of social media to amplify your non-profit’s message.

Marketing budgets can be challenging but creating a hashtag for social media costs nothing. Whether you design it to highlight one specific event or for repeat use, keep your mentions in one place. Encouraging attendees to use a hashtag also allows repurposing of their posts for later recaps. Preview or recap the affair with Instagram stories, or video — one of the best-performing content types on social — interviewing key players and perhaps highlighting the food and design. Grab the attention of those not in attendance with Instagram Live, attracting and engaging social media users and possibly inspiring new donors. Diversify and use all the tools to deliver your message, then tack on your call to action.

4. Go Eco Friendly.

Nothing says “we do good” like doing your part to save the planet, a small step that goes a long way in impressing your audience and clearing your conscience. Choose a city with public transportation and partner with local vendors to minimize your carbon footprint. Eliminate bottled water and use less packaging, send evites or use an app instead of paper invitations. There are plenty of little ways to make a big difference.

The post Non-Profit Fundraiser Refresh: Igniting Passion in Donors appeared first on Glasshouses .

Invitation Design that is Truly Couture

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 15:51:00 GMT

A golden Emmy commands the conference room of the Ceci New York studio, arms outstretched.

Says New York City’s premier invitation designer Ceci Johnson: “I like to joke that it’s an award for best graphic design.”

Ceciand her design team surrounded by accolades

It’s not far off; the awards show is a client. Flanked by work – hand painted florals that Ceci has become known for, a miniature cabaret stage for a worldly 1-year-old’s birthday, laser-cut butterflies on a boxed invitation — are some actual awards: the ModernBride “Trendsetter”, The Knot Best of Weddings (won so frequently that she was inducted into the The Knot’s Hall of Fame) and BizBash’s Best Print Invitation Design among them, recognition of the creative trailblazer who grew a custom invitation niche into a sought-after lifestyle juggernaut, hailed in media like Us and New York magazines and movies like Bride Wars . Ceci’s fashion-forward style and sophisticated aesthetic have led her to be named by fashion mogul Tory Burch as a “Woman to Watch” and referred to as a favorite designer by Vogue’s Anna Wintour.

It’s not far off; the awards show is a client. Flanked by work – hand painted florals that Ceci has become known for, a miniature cabaret stage for a worldly 1-year-old’s birthday, laser-cut butterflies on a boxed invitation — are some actual awards: the ModernBride “Trendsetter”, The Knot Best of Weddings (won so frequently that she was inducted into the The Knot’s Hall of Fame) and BizBash’s Best Print Invitation Design among them, recognition of the creative trailblazer who grew a custom invitation niche into a sought-after lifestyle juggernaut, hailed in media like Us and New York magazines and movies like Bride Wars . Ceci’s fashion-forward style and sophisticated aesthetic have led her to be named by fashion mogul Tory Burch as a “Woman to Watch” and referred to as a favorite designer by Vogue’s Anna Wintour.

An industry gap sparked the genesis of the couture invitation.

In the early 2000s Ceci was designing in the corporate world when a colleague enlisted her talents for wedding invitations. She enjoyed telling their story through papers and prints, but noticed limitations in the invitation industry. “Nobody was offering this level of couture design. You flipped through a book, and even though you had a plethora of options, it was limited to a specific, pre-designed template. Custom to me is my imagination. The sky’s the limit.” So she coined a new term, “couture invitations” and launched Ceci New York .

The perspective was clear.

An invitation goes beyond information. It’s a symbol of the event, the first impression for guests setting the tone of what’s to come.

“Think of it as a movie trailer,” says Ceci. “You get the invitation in the mail. Does it catch your eye? Does it give you the desire to go see it?” It’s the same way the trailer is connected to the movie.”

Connected here means both corporate and private events are fortified with branded messaging. “A lot of our private social clients love to have some kind of logo created for them,” says Ceci. “You’ll find it on the dance floor, in the fabrics, linens, pillows, anything that helps support the vibe of parties.”

An invitation that truly reflects your brand: the Ceci New York experience.

Now an authority inspiring with speaking engagements, her Ceci Style blog , and @cecinewyork and @cecijohnson Instagram accounts, Ceci’s team includes multiple designers and project managers, who work collaboratively with clients.

Ceci likens the initial client meeting to a first date. “All you have to do is share with us your thoughts.” Minding client budgets, the design team brainstorms ideas and sketches concepts, assembling moodboards and color palates with messaging in mind.

For example, a nonprofit’s invitation would be more subdued than a wedding’s. “We don’t want to come across too ostentatious, like they spent all their money on invitations. In these cases, we’ll spec more cost-effective papers, usually a bit thinner, but still nice.” The heavy lifting is in the design.

Ceci’s invitation designs redefine the word “creativity”.

Take the Boys and Girls Club Great Futures Gala invitation, graphics weaving the story of the non-profit, animations following a child as they discover the club, learn and have fun, and leave for college. “It was a fresh artistic take on the organization’s mission,” says Ceci, serving the perpetual goal of exciting donors to support an important cause. “The invitation is printed on more modest stock and printed in the brand’s own corporate blue color. [For a non-profit] It’s just being mindful of their mission and pushing the design as far as we can to make an impact.”

Basketballs have been branded for bat mitzvahs, invitations have featured interactive “puzzle piece” construction, a couple with nuptials in Napa designed airplane ticket invites, sent in a box filled with custom wine corks. Nothing is out of reach.

Ceci New York prides itself on constant innovation.

With Ceci New York’s robust spirit of innovation, Ceci envisions more experimentation in 2020, whether it’s exploring designs with new materials like lucite, or the company keeping atop cutting-edge design features or the launch of a “ready to order” collection of invitation suites available online. It’s also about advancing the “norm,” like with their popular line of notebooks and last year’s launch of botanical- inspired fine linens and accessories with Nuage Designs .

After all, when you’re regarded by so many in the industry as the founder of and the foremost expert on couture invitation design, why settle for the status quo?

The post Invitation Design that is Truly Couture appeared first on Glasshouses .

Fashion Week: Reimagining the Show

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 17:59:00 GMT

It was wayward plaster that led to the iconic Fashion Week tents in Bryant Park.

The story goes that to turn his 1990 loft Fashion Week show into a party, Michael Kors put on Odyssey’s “Use It Up, Wear It Out.” At a crucial moment in the song the bass went up… and the ceiling plaster came down. Right onto the heads of prominent front-row guests including Anna Wintour, who picked pieces of ceiling out of fashion critic Suzy Menkes’s hair.

“Michael is really the shot heard from Sarajevo that started the war,” Fern Mallis, then executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, told VF Daily about the day.

“It was a historical moment,” echoed Simon Doonan. “That was when the CFDA decided we’re all going to get killed unless we find a functioning location.”

Today’s Fashion Week originated in 1943.

Publicist Eleanor Lambert organized the first “Press Week,” clustering shows into the now-familiar weeklong time frame.

While initially designers traveled to the editors, locations evolved creatively in the 70’s and 80s — shows staged in places like galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, and, well, rickety lofts. When the ceiling at Michael Kors peeled, Fern Mallis took action.

She persuaded the privately-owned Bryant Park to erect two white tents, and the designers to showcase there. The tents became Fashion Week’s hub from spring of 1994 until 2010, moving to Lincoln Center until 2015. A short stint at Skylight Clarkson Square brings us to today, where show locations again are scattered throughout the boroughs.

As Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, declared in 2017: “The official venue of New York Fashion Week is New York City.”

But there were already those who thought outside the tents, and increasingly immersive.

In Spring 2014, Chanel converted Paris’s Grand Palais into a supermarket with themed products: Chanel bread loaves, even Chanel detergent. Models roamed the aisles loading up their baskets — which was adorned with a Chanel chain, of course.

In 2016 Kanye West debuted The Life of Pablo simultaneously with his Yeezy Season 3 Collection at Madison Square Garden. West piped the album while dozens of models — famous faces like Naomi Campbell and Veronica Webb included — were positioned around on raised platforms and in the pit below.

And in 2019, as New York reimagined what a fashion show could be, the immersive trend reigned.

Ralph Lauren transformed a 1928 downtown space into the decadent Art Deco “Ralph Club.” Champagne was served from silver punch bowls while models walked to a jazz band. The evening was capped off by a concert by Janelle Monáe. In contrast, newcomer Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada displayed commitment to sustainability, staging her show in a constructed farmer’s market. Guests were encouraged to sample produce while models showcased clothing of repurposed materials.

CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss booked the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. The brand sold tickets to the public for the show, which included a live band, 65-person chorus, and sermon. In Harlem, Zendaya and Tommy Hilfiger turned the Apollo into a block party, with live performances and retro convertible cars.

And Tom Ford went underground, to a decommissioned Bowery subway platform. Grit and glam inspired by a 1965 photo of Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick emerging from a New York manhole. The models weren’t the only ones dolled up for that show. Sporting bright neon safety vests were MTA workers, on hand to make sure nobody fell into the tracks. As we embark on yet another Fashion Week, we are looking forward to the creative elements and experiences the world’s best fashion brands create. As production companies take Fashion Week to new levels every year and new venues open in New York City, such as The Glasshouse , we expect to see a perfect symbiosis between tradition and innovation.

The post Fashion Week: Reimagining the Show appeared first on Glasshouses .

A Venue Evolves: Glasshouses Celebrates 12 Years

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:24:00 GMT

This month marks Glasshouses’ twelfth anniversary.

The company has come a long way since its beginnings with its first venue. “I had quite a bit to learn about the events industry when I opened Glasshouse Chelsea ,” admits founder Jack Guttman. And he certainly didn’t foresee that Glasshouses would grow to be one of New York City’s event industry’s game changers.

As word spread about the space – unobstructed views on the gorgeous 14 ^th and 21st floors of the Chelsea Arts Tower, at the time the tallest building in the hip Chelsea neighborhood– the calls rolled in. First for photo shoots and movie shoots, then from event planners and caterers. To help with logistics, Guttman enlisted the expertise of Perry Brocco, a veteran of the hospitality world.

Together they identified the strengths of Glasshouse Chelsea– formerly known as The Glasshouses — beginning with the unique size, and stunning vistas of New York City. “It was very intimate; we filled a void in the city for an event space of this size,” says Brocco. The “blank canvas” flexibility was a huge plus, but also its standalone aesthetics: floor-to ceiling windows to frame panoramas of the Hudson River, downtown and midtown Manhattan, plus the rare outdoor city terrace. “What was great, and what’s still great about the space is that you don’t have to go overboard with design. You don’t want to compete with the views.”

Over the years, the approach of the venue evolved.

Glasshouse Chelsea really took off when Guttman and Brocco played to the market, over time adding features like tables, chairs, and lighting to enhance its appeal to a range of clients and making it a home for many repeat customers. “We wanted to create a seamless customer experience; we became more inclusive and full-service than when we initially started,” says Guttman.

And the amenities went above and beyond, providing a high-caliber hospitality experience and simplifying the event planning process for clients. The venue offered a doorman, elevator operator, restroom attendants, cleanup, and security. Clients were able to select their catering without restriction, a unique advantage in the field. “Usually with a lot of places they said you use either one, two or three of these caterers,” says Brocco. “We wanted our clients to be able to choose caterers who reflected their vision.”

The adaptability of the business model worked for the venue.

Clients, from out-of-town brides to experienced planners who know every inch of the space, flocked to the venue for events. Throughout the years, Glasshouse Chelsea has also attracted high-profile clientele like Justin Bieber, who chose it for his New Year’s party, after performing on television earlier on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest . An NFL owner recreated a desert tent with candles, antique rugs and sand for an Arabian nights theme. For multiple seasons the Brooks Brothers with Zac Posen opted to hold their Fashion Week presentations in the space, building unobtrusive white risers to elevate the models against the windows. Corporations like Omega were also inspired, transforming the space with blue LED lights to appear underwater.

And then there was the time Oprah showed up. One of the most memorable moments for Guttman and Brocco was when the talk show royalty’s team transformed Glasshouse Chelsea into a living room in the sky, for her intimate and momentous 2013 interview with Lindsay Lohan (an interview that Lohan has later said changed the course of her life).

“I wasn’t told what it was for until the day before,” recalls Brocco. “They were here for three days building the set out, bringing in special furniture.” The set was homey and serene, with white furniture. And behind the two stars the windows streamed in daylight, showcasing the New York City landscape.

This year, Glasshouses will go bigger, literally.

At 75,000 square feet, its new venue, The Glasshouse will be the largest waterfront penthouse event space in the city, with outdoor terraces and ceilings up to 40 feet high. Six years in the making, Guttman was motivated by untapped demand.

“When we opened up the Glasshouse Chelsea we had limitations on how many people we could host for a sit down dinner and a cocktail party,” says Brocco. “We had vendors and venues that we’d suggest if we couldn’t handle larger events.” Now the suggestions will be for their own venue, as they’ve taken a proven, successful business model and scaled it up.

Says Brocco: “The whole industry has been waiting for this place for years.”

The post A Venue Evolves: Glasshouses Celebrates 12 Years appeared first on Glasshouses .

Catering to Fresh and Healthy with a Side of Philanthropy

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:35:00 GMT

Great Performances began with a vision to create catering job opportunities for women in the arts.

Linda Abbey arrived in New York City with her sights set on Broadway. When she met food visionary Liz Neumark, her life took a different turn.

Barnard graduate Neumark was working as a booker at a temp agency when the idea was sparked to start a waitress staffing agency of her own. Launched as Great Performances , Artists as Waitresses Inc., — a name they still maintain officially to pay homage to their origins –- the initial focus on offering a flexible source of income for women in the arts was critical.

Says Abbey: “In the early 80s, in high-end catering and food service you’d see men on the floor, not women.” And everyone pitched in. “I was one of the original waitresses — we all waitressed,” says Abbey. “It was really never meant to be a career. It was meant to pay the rent, for pin money. The job was meant to be support while we were all doing other things: acting, writing plays, sculpting, dancing, painting.” But as the simple yet innovative idea took hold, the company grew. Rapidly.

The company pioneered the health-conscious movement in event catering in the city.

Today, Great Performances is a full-service catering company — one of the most cutting-edge in the country. As a result, the company now maintains staff numbers in the hundreds and is inclusive of all genders. They’re the go-to for everything from private weddings to corporate to nonprofit events; they partner with premier cultural venues as the Apollo Theater and the Brooklyn Museum (as well as Glasshouses venues, The Glasshouse and Glasshouse Chelsea ).

Linda Abbey, the executive vice president and lead planner, has distinguished her years at the company by planning events for everyone who is anyone. She is legendary for her attention to detail, extensive connections, and the know-how to make things happen. If Linda plans your event, you’ll be extremely fortunate to rest easy knowing you’re in some of the best hands in the business.

The company distinguishes itself in another big way: by being a leader in seasonal, sustainable, and plant- forward eating, which they showcase through social media, their blog The Dish and of course, on the plate.

“I think a lot of companies throw the words around: local, sustainable, organic,” says Abbey. “You know, what do they really mean? But we can say that we had this philosophy before it became ‘on trend’.”

Great Performances soon decided to think outside of the Hotbox.

Not only did Great Performances have the philosophy, they acted upon it and bought a farm. With the idyllic Katchkie Farm in upstate New York, Great Performances became the first caterers to own and operate a NOFA-certified organic farm.

The 60 acres of pristine land house 9,000 square feet of greenhouses and serves as an inspiration and resource for Great Perfromances’ seasonal menu. Katchkie Farm is also home to The Sylvia Center , created by Liz Neumark in 2007. The center inspires young people and their families to establish healthy eating habits through farm visits and cooking workshops. There’s even a cookbook: Sylvia’s Table: Fresh, Seasonal Recipes from Our Farm to Your Family .

Neumark’s food advocacy today extends beyond her own company to organizations including Just Food, GrowNYC, New York State Council on Food Policy, West Side Campaign Against Hunger, City Harvest, and the Food and Finance High School. Additionally, her business savvy has been lauded by Crain’s New York and was recognized on Her Big Idea as a female entrepreneur who transformed a simple concept into a thriving business.

A thriving business still celebrates its roots, supporting passionate artists.

Great Performances launched Great Performances’ Artist Fellowship Award in 1986, open to qualifying members of their catering staff. The award provides $5,000 fellowships, allowing the winners to pursue a personal creative project.

“We’ve had sculptors, photographers, singers, dancers,” said Abbey. “And let’s face it, who’s on the front line? Those people are out there representing us.”

Winners in 2019 included a photographer who will use his funds to set up a darkroom, an audio engineer developing a therapeutic sound installation from the recordings of cats purring, a prep cook developing a healthy eating and dance therapy program for children in shelters, and an actor and writer creating a comedic microfilm about one woman’s pursuit of the perfect pie. Which if you ask us, is already a hit.

The post Catering to Fresh and Healthy with a Side of Philanthropy appeared first on Glasshouses .

Corporate Events and the Bleisure Trend

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 16:39:00 GMT

Bleisure is the biggest trend in business travel and it’s not going away.

On Wednesday mornings at the L’Auberge in Sedona, guests – many in town for business — gather in the hotel’s front grove for free instruction on the Japanese art of forest bathing. Led by the hotel’s yoga instructor-slash-spiritual concierge, participants commune with trees near a calming rippling stream, then scribble thoughts in a hotel-provided notebook, made with recycled materials, of course.

It’s one example of hospitality offerings tailored to today’s business traveler, who in the interest of time and sanity often couples work with personal upkeep and leisure. It’s so common there’s even a portmanteau, “bleisure.” Studies have shown that bleisure (business + leisure = bleisure) may be the key to preventing employee burnout. Whereas in the past hotels have obliged with, say, having a gym or diet Coke at the restaurant, today the options must rise to a wellness-crazy world. Elizabeth Traub of 1Hotels puts it simply, from a brand perspective. “Today, it’s an essential part of hotels when they define their brands and who they want to appeal to.”

The ideas of bleisure have also long infiltrated corporate events.

In the old days it meant zhushing up your corporate events with a manicure station or massage chair. Today insertions like spa-water hydration stations or choosing caterers for more healthy meals are second nature. Skift reports that at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas meeting planners have asked for everything from yoga classes to meditation rooms to coordinating hikes off the Las Vegas Strip. Or you can go full Goop: the company’s health summit featured collagen martinis, sound bath meditation and crystal therapy.

Planning a more entertaining corporate event or activation is another way to incorporate bleisure, and can make for memorable experiences. According to BizBash, at this year’s event industry convention IMEX America, tips were given for experiential activities that stimulate creativity, like digital portrait painting and a string art wall. A comedy expert was brought in to teach the improv gospel of “Yes and…” where comedians build sketches piggybacking on each other’s ideas, promoting collaboration, flexible thinking and listening skills.

So what are some ways to easily incorporate bleisure into your corporate events?

1. Get out. Integrate exploration, as 83% of business travelers will venture out to discover a city on their own anyway. Glasshouses venues, including existing venue Glasshouse Chelsea , are already in NYC — the best city in the world, if you ask us — but the upcoming location on 12th Avenue, The Glasshouse , is also a stone’s throw from the Intrepid and other cultural activities.

2. Go immersive. It doesn’t have to be extravagant: maybe a selfie wall, or a flower-arranging station at your corporate events. Or take a note from experiential activations. To launch a season of Buzzfeed’s Unsolved , the company built a funhouse. Each spooky room highlighted an aspect of the show’s season, like alien abductions and ghostly apparitions. How would this translate to your industry? (Hopefully without the ghosts).

3. Impart information while getting hands on. People enjoy learning, and retain information better while doing an activity. Maybe it’s something as simple as a cooking class. Or follow the example of The Macallan, who launched their Edition No. 5 single malt through a collaboration with The Pantone Color Institute. The launch featured a multisensory walkthrough in New York’s Oculus, with each interactive room simulating a facet of the product’s creation. Culminating in, of course, a tasting.

4. And last but not least: Take it outdoors. Who wouldn’t remember their first forest bath?

The post Corporate Events and the Bleisure Trend appeared first on Glasshouses .

Experiential Design: A Multi-Sensory Affair

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 20:17:00 GMT

Tinsel Experiential inspires a fresh approach to events.

Tinsel Experiential Design ‘s inaugural affair was a wedding in Long Island. A Gatsby-inspired shindig snagged accidentally while the then-newbie designers were doing recon at a Brooklyn wedding fair. But that sumptuous soiree set their experiential aesthetic: not just creating photo opportunities for their clients, but memorable and tactile environmental design. Slinky satin, multiple beads and flowers with a touch of ostrich feathers hung whimsically throughout the space. The evening concluded with a sparkler sendoff. At that wedding a few things became apparent: 1. Though at the time it was just a side-gig, they loved doing it. 2. They were good at doing it. 3. This could be a real career.

Experiential concepts make for unforgettable events.

Now co-founders Liz Castelli, Adette C. Contreras, and Erica Taylor Haskins, three friends who met in an a capella group at George Washington University, have been successfully planning events full-time for nine years. They’ve collected accolades like being featured on BizBash’s Top 1,000 Event Pro List along the way.

They’ve produced events for high profile clients including Spotify, Mercedes-Benz, the Tribeca Film Festival and Vogue. And under them there’s army — all there to pull off their events incorporating experiential concepts, a word that gets thrown around a lot in the events industry these days. But for Tinsel the definition is clear.

“It’s thinking about all the senses and not just vision,” says Haskins. “It’s tactile, something unexpected that people can physically feel, or it’s a sense of smell thing where you’re like “Oh that hit me and I didn’t even think that that would happen.” She continues, “A cocktail party is a cocktail party is a cocktail party. But when you put someone who is lit with 30 candles on their body, you’re like “I’m going to remember that cocktail party.”

Tinsel translates the experiential potential of floral design in unusual ways.

This idea of creating memories within events is both an evolved concept and the very foundation. Despite our addiction to the digital world, we are, after all, creatures with senses. Tinsel has found clients responding to this approach in both the social and corporate spheres. “It’s the same exercise,” says Castelli.

At the Whitney Art Party this year they showed off what Castelli calls their sweet spot: the potential of flowers. “They never really want simple flowers on the table. It’s not their audience, it’s not appropriate.” So Tinsel went Technicolor, and iridescent, draping mylar over the blooms on the table and creating what the client lovingly called “Beauty and the Beast meets Dexter chic.” The party was anchored by a candy “store” and a bubblegum pink photo booth. The booth featured dynamic light tubes, utilizing technology to make guests look and feel straight out of a music video. Says Castelli, “We focus a lot on the surprise and delight moments, a lot of entertainment and engagement.”

Sometimes flexibility inspires the vision.

When it comes to being on the forefront of events, the team members’ personal interests in food, travel and entertainment play a role, but keeping up with the landscape is key. “We watch our peers and people we admire and try to have a diagnostic approach to our events,” says Contreras. “Not just thinking I want their business , but I aspire to doing work that’s as unique and innovative every time .”

As any event planner can tell you, flexibility is crucial. Couple that with Tinsel’s out-of-the-box creativity and you’ll get the dinner the company threw for wedding planners last year, which initially required a green parrot for a decadent color-blocking vision. “We started pricing out parrots and it was so expensive, I thought, should I buy a parrot? ”

In a moment of inspiration, Haskins instead put out calls to friends to see if anybody had one as a pet– in New York you never know! There were no parrots, she said, “But literally someone was like Do you want a peacock? ” And that is how an extravagant live peacock named Dexter ended up in a photographable vignette, delighting guests. “If I had been like no it has to be a parrot because that’s my vision , I just wouldn’t have had a parrot,” says Haskins. And they definitely wouldn’t have had Dexter.

Which might be the real lesson: Above all, be adaptable. You may just end up with a fabulous peacock at your party.

The post Experiential Design: A Multi-Sensory Affair appeared first on Glasshouses .

How Glasshouses is Changing New York City’s Event Landscape

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:44:00 GMT

The brand behind the unrivaled event space New York City deserves

Glasshouse Chelsea came about almost by accident.

Glasshouses co-partner Jack Guttman has built his career on prodigious, one-of-a-kind projects. But twelve years ago when he developed the Chelsea Arts Tower, someone suggested he turn its airy penthouse into an event space. “I asked, “What’s an event space?” Then he understood. “Here I had this penthouse with an outdoor terrace overlooking the river, and it appeared to be different than anyone else’s venue.” So he built an event space. Corporate and social clients flocked to Glasshouse Chelsea , and Guttman was encouraged. “I’d been in the construction and development business, and that’s not the most friendly business in the world,” he says. “This is a business where everybody was happy!”

The first event was Guttman’s own wedding.

Before launching Glasshouse Chelsea, it needed a run-through. Luckily, Guttman was about to get married. “We wanted to make sure everything ran smoothly from an operations perspective,” he recalls. And his wedding designer also experimented. “He must have had twenty-five eight-to-ten foot throne chairs.

At dinner, all the tables had feathers coming out of them — 4-ft blooms of feathers everywhere. It was a riot.” Today, Glasshouse Chelsea hosts events from fashion shows to corporate receptions to bar mitzvahs, all with slick modern interiors, iconic views of NYC and the Hudson, and built-in production infrastructure. That’s a big piece of the brand as a whole,” says co-partner Alex Holiday. “Many other event spaces must be utilized as-is with ornate architecture that would conflict otherwise with a transformative vision. The beauty of our spaces are that they give people unlimited flexibility.”

With the launch of The Glasshouse, the events industry in New York will change.

Later this year, a project six years in the works will come to fruition and will set the bar for event production in New York. Incorporating everything they’ve learned from running Glasshouse Chelsea, Guttman and Holiday have built The Glasshouse : a brand-new, high-tech, 75,000 square foot space with towering 20 and 40-foot ceilings and outdoor terraces overlooking the Hudson. It will be the largest waterfront penthouse event space in the city, and then some. “We’ve taken things to the next level,” says Guttman. “We’ve built in everything we could possibly build into an event space. Nobody would need to bring anything other than food, decor, and the guests.”

Poised to be the leader in technological sophistication, the interior design of The Glasshouse includes remote-controlled lighting capabilities and WiFi, with two separate catering kitchens and movable partitions. And, in a dream scenario for designers, an abundance of rigging points for lights, speakers, decor and whatever else that can be imagined. Several green rooms and a luxury VIP suite equipped with temperature control and a separate entrance create privacy. Says Holiday: “It’s the most rider-friendly place in the city by far.” Staffing lockers and 16 coat-check stations round out the vision. Says Guttman: “From start to finish, we’ve created an unparalleled guest experience from a hospitality perspective.”

The only limits at The Glasshouse are your imagination.

With its futuristic technological capabilities and capacity for building both laterally and vertically, the possibilities for The Glasshouse are limitless. For example, product launches. “We have conduit that goes down to the street, so you can have live television events,” says Holiday. “This could be the East Coast version of the Moscone Center.” The space has already become sought-after for Media Upfronts, NewFronts and Fashion Week, providing a much-welcomed permanence.

“So many people have come to us and said the stability of having a location they could book year after year is what’s appealing,” says Guttman. “We’re making multiple-year deals.” And then of course, there’s the location. “Because of how quickly the West Side is growing, including with Hudson Yards, we’re seeing a node of event spaces. I think a lot of symbiotic relationships that will form because of that,” says Holiday. “For example, during the large events that happen at the convention center. During those week-long events, our location is perfectly situated to host events that can be branded, customized, experiential. Instead of being just one in the crowd at the Auto Show, you can present a customized experience during Auto Week.”

Glasshouse venues evolve with a creative industry.

Experiential marketing, or engagement marketing, is now a permanent part of the lexicon. In recent surveys, 80% of marketers believe live events are critical to their company’s success (Bizzabo). 77% of marketers utilize experiential marketing, believing it vital to brand strategy (EventTrack) to show not just what your business offers, but what it stands for. What used to be a luxury for Fortune 500 companies has now become a necessity, a proven effective tool for brands to maximize their interaction with clients in a real-world situation, with tangible returns. And whatever your vision, the flexibility of Glasshouses venues can bring it to life with precision. Molding your experience to a venue is now a thing of the past. Think of Glasshouses venues as a blank slate, with extraordinary capabilities: Dream your event, and it will come. With a side of killer Hudson River views.

The post How Glasshouses is Changing New York City’s Event Landscape appeared first on Glasshouses .

The Glasshouse

The Best Time of Year to Host an Event in New York City (From Our Perspective at The Glasshouse)

Conferences: Navigating Peak Season and Opportunity

Peak Season: March - June and September - November

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Galas: Tradition with Room to Be Strategic and Grow

High Demand: April - June and September - November

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Celebrations: Weddings, Mitzvahs, and Milestones

Experiential Events: Following the Industry Pulse

Understanding the New York City Event Rhythm

What We’re Leaning Into for 2026 (and What We’re Not)

2025 Wrapped: A Year of Extraordinary Events.

Glow, Glam, or Garden: Which Design Style Fits You?

Celebrating Four Years of Iconic Events at The Glasshouse

First Day Feels: What It’s Like to Walk into The Glasshouse

A Sip of Creativity: Introducing The Glasshouse’s New Beverage Program for Spring/Summer 2025

Inside the Wedding World: Eyal Tessler on Trends, Planning & The Glasshouse

A Day in the Life of a Glasshouse Venue Producer

Catering Done Right: Meet Our Trusted Partners

The Roadmap to Planning Your Event at The Glasshouse

INQUIRE WITH THE SALES TEAM

INQUIRE WITH THE SALES TEAM

INQUIRE WITH THE SALES TEAM

MEET STUDIO PRODUCTIONS

MEET STUDIO PRODUCTIONS

CONNECT WITH CATERERS

SIGN YOUR CONTRACT

MEET WITH OUR VENUE PRODUCER

FULL TEAM SITE VISIT

CONNECT WITH CATERERS

CONNECT WITH CATERERS

SIGN YOUR CONTRACT

SIGN YOUR CONTRACT

MEET WITH OURVENUE PRODUCER

MEET WITH OUR VENUE PRODUCER

FULL TEAM

SITE VISIT

FULL TEAM

SITE VISIT

2025: What’s In and What’s Out

Celebrating All Year Round: Wins Big and Small at The Glasshouse

2024: Wrapped

Multicultural Weddings at The Glasshouse

Celebrating Three Years of The Glasshouse: A Journey of Growth and Innovation

Meet the Venue Producers at The Glasshouse: Crafting Events with Expertise and Passion

Host a Memorable Holiday Celebration at The Glasshouse

Raise a Glass: The Glasshouse Beverage Experience

White Mezcal Negroni

Meet the Sales Team at The Glasshouse: Faces Behind the Spaces

The Evolution and Expansion of Studio Productions: Elevating Event Experiences

The Glasshouse: Your Go-To Summer Venue for Corporate Events

Rooftop Occasions: Hosting Intimate Events on The Glasshouse Terrace

Trends in Wedding Venues: Why Couples Are Choosing The Glasshouse

The Themes of Memorable Celebrations: From Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to Weddings

The Glasshouse Guide: Mastering Event Excellence in NYC

The Glasshouse Guide: Mastering Event Excellence in NYC

Seize the Moment: Booking Your Spring and Summer Event at The Glasshouse

Seize the Moment: Booking Your Spring and Summer Event at The Glasshouse

The Rush for Spring and Summer Spaces

A Year in Reflection: The Glasshouse's Top Moments of 2023

The Glasshouse's Top Moments of 2023

THE Global Citizens Now

(Conference)

Cloudera Evolve Now

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Salt iConnections

﻿ (Conference)

Planned Parenthood

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Breast Cancer Research Foundation

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High Line Spring Benefit

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Studio Museum in Harlem

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Happy holidays and a joyous New Year!

5 Reasons The Glasshouse is THE Event Space for 2024

5 Reasons The Glasshouse is THE Event Space for 2024

THE SPACE

The Glasshouse Guide:
Mastering Event Excellence in NYC

(Conference)

(Conference)

(Gala)

(Gala)

(Gala)

(Gala)