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

January 16, 2026

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OUTDATED & overengineerED

Large display with "THE GLASSHOUSE" over a window, interior view.

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.

Interior view through large windows of a city skyline on a sunny day.

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.

Three people talking near a table with plants in a brightly lit room.

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.

Stage setup with large screens, tables with floral centerpieces, and decorative lighting.

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.

Woman in aerial silks suspended below a large crystal chandelier, arms outstretched.

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.

Hallway lit with red and blue lights, tall windows, mirrored structure, and exit signs.

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.

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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.

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