Talia Inspirations

The ninth annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic took place in June 2016 at Liberty State Park in New York. A floral wall used greenery to spell out the brand’s name and surrounded it with orange flowers and bottles of the champagne.

Designer David Beahm hosted a 20th-anniversary event in New York in March. Dubbed “A Riot of Color,” the evening asked guests to come dressed in their most colorful outfits, and an eye-catching step-and-repeat featured large, round collections of flowers on a wall of greenery.

Shoe brand Sole Society hosted a lunch at Marie Gabrielle Restaurant in Dallas in April. The influencer-heavy event had Palm Springs-inspired decor, including a simple-yet-eye-catching floral photo backdrop.

At the 2017 Revolve Festival, held at the Merv Griffin Estate in Indio during Coachella weekend, a photo backdrop included a bold logo against a vibrant tie-dye-like succulent wall.

Blueprint Studios printed custom chandeliers and painted matching bars for a black & white themed holiday party.

At the Victoria's Secret Angel Escape, held at a massive private estate in Indio, an enormous balloon installation from Geronimo Balloons proved to be an eye-catching centerpiece and popular photo backdrop in front of the property's lake.

Based on attendee feedback, organizers learned that attendees wanted more chances to connect. That concept was on display in the popular 29 Questions room, where guests were paired up with strangers to answer a series of intimate questions. Signage outside the space asked guests to put away their phones and "Try our social experiment and tap into the joy of shared humanity."

Another room where strangers were encouraged to interact was called Blind Date With Destiny. Two narrow spaces were connected through small holes in the wall. Guests read a quick tutorial on palm reading, then took turns reading each other's palms—without ever being face to face.

One popular room, called A Long Line of Queendom, celebrated black culture and beauty. A collaboration with Refinery29's Unbothered platform and photography series Unity In Color, the golden space included graffiti such as "ghetto until proven fashionable," "my hair isn't up for debate," and "black AF."

We wrote about Aaron Taylor Kuffner's Sonic Sanctuary room in our New York coverage, but new to Los Angeles was a companion piece called Sonic Shadow. A collaboration with Aye Hasegawa, the large space encouraged guests to put down their phones and experience a contemporary dance experience. The dancers' moves were reflected on the large wall behind them, creating a surreal experience.

Of course, some spaces just wanted to give guests that fun photo op. New for Los Angeles was a room called Claim the Stage, a partnership with Amazon Prime Video's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Guests took photo ops on the stage with their names on the marquee.

Another photo-focused room was called No Filter. Intended to demonstrate how light can transform an environment, the space used two different lighting methods to manipulate light, color, and shadow. The goal, said organizers, was to shift your perception and allow attendees (including Lena Waithe, pictured) to see themselves—and their surroundings—"in a new light."

Speaking of Lena Waithe, a room by the actress and screenwriter was one of the more talked-about experiences. Called Oh Say Can You See, the four-part video discussed life as a black person in America and being trapped between the country's founding promises and the history of discrimination. Displayed on four oversize screens, creating a fully immersive experience, the video traced decades of black protest, black heroes, black art, and black excellence. The video was set to Whitney Houston's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Another celebrity collaboration was a bit more whimsical. Singer Kesha created Deep Sea Gallery: Welcome to My Mind, a surreal, colorful room that fused sea and space, using plenty of glitter, neon, and props.

Guests were invited to wear space helmets in a photo op.

On the other end of the spectrum, the room Between the Sheet discouraged the use of phones. A guided audio experience with a poem by Rupi Kaur, the space saw guests walking through while picking up, carrying, and ultimately disposing of sand, symbolizing a journey to "leave what weighs you down and make space for love and lightness," according to organizers.

A Different Tune featured musical performances from local Los Angeles choirs who use music and song to unify people from all backgrounds. A collaboration with Glaad, the room aimed to amplify underrepresented voices with performances from the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and Tonality (pictured).

Continuing the event's activism was the Plan B Hotline, a partnership with Plan B One-Step. Similar to last year's Planned Parenthood display, attendees could pick up the phones and listen to stories of people who have used the emergency contraception.

One of the more branded spaces was from Pantene, called Play, Rescue, Reset. Designed to embrace ideas of play and joy, the colorful room (which included a second area behind a wall of ribbons) offered new ways to wear your hair. “We work very closely with our brand partners in the same way that we do with our artists to create meaningful IRL experiences that leave our audience with lasting memories that will stay with them forever," explained Albie Hueston, creative director of experiential at Refinery29 and 29Rooms, in a conversation with BizBash in September.

Another branded area was Party With the Fun, a partnership with Smirnoff. The space was intended to just be a fun party filled with lush topiaries, dancing drag queens, including Anita Procedure and Gigi Goode, and plenty of vodka.

New to 29 Rooms Los Angeles this year was an AR experience called 29th dimension. Guests could pose in front of colorful backdrops; when viewed through a phone app, graphics from artist Shawna-X created filters that could be shared on social media. The technology was a collaboration with Buck and used Spark AR.

Also new—and just in time for holiday shopping—was a partnership between MasterCard and Fred Segal. MasterCard, the official payment technology partner for all editions of 29Rooms, worked with the retailer to create an immersive ecommerce experience. Using apps and virtual-reality headsets, attendees felt like they were in a physical store, where they could browse gifts from an exclusive collection. The experience was fueled by Next Retail Concepts.

#1 Fashion Industry Event
While the industry continues to grapple with the relevance of New York Fashion Week in the digital world, the IMG-owned event still draws 100,000 fashion industry professionals, celebrities, socialites, photographers, and fashionistas. Runway shows take place at Spring Studios, with satellite events and parties all over the city. Fashion Week festivities are held twice a year: in February and September. Naeem Khan, La Perla, Jason Wu, and Anna Sui were among the elite designers who showed in February, along with Carolina Herrera, who announced it would be her last Fashion Week before stepping down. Next: September 6-14, 2018

#2 Fashion Industry Event
Presented by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the Fashion Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the world of fashion. The 2017 ceremony at the Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom included new awards for emerging talent and for industry professionals making a positive impact on American communities. Next: June 4, 2018

#3 Fashion Industry Event (new to the list)
Brands and buyers both large and small connect at Coterie, a fashion trade show focusing on apparel, accessories, and footwear. The show, now in its 32nd year, draws American and international retailers who come to see the latest lines from established designers as well as up-and-comers. Held at the Jacob K. Javits Center, the event has traditionally taken place twice annually, but this year, host organization UBM has added a third show, Pre-Coterie, in June. Next: February 26-28, 2018

#4 Fashion Industry Event
Simon Doonan returned as master of ceremonies at the 2017 Night of Stars, which honored designers including Dries Van Noten, Simone Rocha, and Rebecca Minkoff. Some 600 guests attended the style-centric event at Cipriani Wall Street. Next: Fall 2018

#1 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
The Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Coca Cola celebrated its 10th year in 2017. The four-day festival draws more than 50,000 guests for its more than 100 events, including tastings, intimate chef-driven dinners, and educational seminars. Over its history, the event has raised more than $11 million to fight hunger in New York City. Next: October 11-14, 2018

#2 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
The Specialty Food Association hosts the Fancy Food Show, the largest specialty food trade event in North America. The 2017 show at the Jacob K. Javits Center included more than 2,600 exhibitors who showcased more 180,000 different products. Exhibitors also donated 175 pallets of food to City Harvest, which were distributed to hunger relief organizations around the city. Next: June 30-July 2, 2018

#3 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
At the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, more than 550 exhibitors get the chance to connect with 16,000 foodservice industry professionals who flock to this three-day event at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The show highlights products and trends through demonstrations, culinary competitions, educational opportunities, and other programming. Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is slated to receive this year’s Torch Award for his contributions to the industry; the show is also debuting Hip Sip: Battle of the Modern Bartender competition. Next: March 4-6, 2018

#4 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
Honoring the late James Beard, the culinary legend who founded Citymeals on Wheels, the annual Chef’s Tribute draws more than 1,000 guests for a night of food, cocktails, and dancing against the backdrop of Rockefeller Plaza. The 2017 party, themed Ports of Call Mediterranea, raised more than $850,000 to provide meals for New Yorkers in need. Next: June 2018

#5 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
Each year, Food & Wine editors seek out the hottest up-and-comers in kitchens across the country and recognize them at the Best New Chefs event. Now in its 30th year, the V.I.P. party serves dishes from past honorees, who have included Andrew Carmellini, April Bloomfield, and Alex Stupak. Next: May 2018

#1 Business & Financial Industry Event
The Sohn Investment Conference Foundation hosts events all over the world, bringing together leaders in the finance industry while raising money to fight pediatric cancer. The New York conference, Sohn’s flagship since 1995, is expected to draw 3,000 attendees in 2018. Next: April 23, 2018

#2 Business & Financial Industry Event
Nearly 10,000 people attended last year’s New York Business Expo & Conference at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The trade show offers business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, share best practices, and learn from more than 40 experts on topics like inbound marketing, social media, and business development. Next: November 8, 2018

#4 Business & Financial Industry Event
Leaders in innovation in media, marketing, and technology come together for Ignition: Future of Media, hosted by Business Insider. The 2017 conference featured speakers from Viacom, The New York Times, The Washington Post, GE, and AT&T. Next: Fall 2018

#5 Business & Financial Industry Event (new to the list)
Taking place at Lincoln Center, the World Business Forum draws more than 5,000 attendees from 60 countries, all of whom are passionate about business. This year’s conference will include presentations from Arianna Huffington, former GE C.E.O. Jeff Immelt, and Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman. Past speakers at the event, which started in 2004, have included Bill Clinton, Kofi Annan, Rudy Giuliani, Richard Branson, Colin Powell, and Alan Greenspan. Next: November 14-15, 2018

#1 Benefit
Mixing fashion and fund-raising, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit draws 550 celebrities, socialites, and fashion industry insiders who bring avant-garde, show-stopping style to the red carpet. In 2017, the event raised more than $12 million and celebrated the museum’s “Art of the In-Between” exhibit featuring the work of Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons, with Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams joining Vogue’s Anna Wintour as co-hosts. The 2018 gala highlights the upcoming “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” exhibit, which addresses the intersection of fashion and classic religious art. Amal Clooney, Rihanna, Donatella Versace, and Wintour will co-host. Next: May 7, 2018

#2 Benefit
The 2017 Robin Hood Benefit generated $54.5 million, more than any other single-night New York fund-raiser, which the Robin Hood Foundation uses to fight poverty in New York. Themed “Love and Leadership,” the event featured a 100-piece marching band and performances by Miley Cyrus, Dave Chappelle, and Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay. The event attracts 4,000 attendees to the Jacob K. Javits Center. Next: May 2018

#3 Benefit
MoMA’s annual Party in the Garden, which takes place in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, honors artists and philanthropists while raising money to benefit the museum. Last year’s event raised $4.1 million and celebrated Eva and Glenn Dubin, Susan and David Rockefeller, Vija Celmins, and Carrie Mae Weems. James Blake performed at the after-party. Next: Spring 2018

#4 Benefit
In 2017, the Whitney Gala and Studio Party raised a record-breaking $5.2 million for the renowned American art museum. This year, Audi returns as a sponsor at the stylish fete, and honorees include board members Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo and Beth Rudin DeWoody, as well as artist Lorna Simpson. Fifteen-hundred guests are expected to attend. Next: May 22, 2018

#5 Benefit
The American Ballet Theatre’s 2017 Spring Gala at the Metropolitan Opera House raised a record $3.4 million for the dance company. This year’s party will feature a performance of Afterite, a world premiere by Wayne McGregor set to Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, as well as excerpts from Harlequinade, Alexei Ratmansky’s new full-length ballet. Next: May 21, 2018

#6 Benefit
The Metropolitan Opera’s Opening Night Gala has been a staple on the New York City event circuit since 1883. Last year, the Met raised $4.9 million when it opened the season with Bellini’s Norma, directed by Carlo Rizzi and starring Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role. Georgina Chapman, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Anna Chlumsky, and Jerry Hall were among the notable attendees. Next: September 2018

#7 Benefit
In 2017, 600 guests celebrated at the Friends of the High Line Spring Benefit, which honored board member Ellen Fitzsimmons; Michael and Deborah McCarthy, who have helped bring international attention to the High Line; and the Standard, High Line hotel, which offers a guest contribution program to raise money for the elevated urban park. The event, which raised more than $3 million, started with cocktails at Skylight Modern before moving to the Waterfront for dinner. Next: May 10, 2018

#8 Benefit
Tom Brokaw and Michael Chabon were among the honorees at the 2017 Library Lions Benefit, which highlights the contributions of outstanding artists to the creative community. Set in the New York Public Library’s grand main branch along Fifth Avenue, one of Manhattan’s most impressive spaces, the fund-raiser is the library’s largest event of the year. Next: November 5, 2018

#9 Benefit (up from #10)
Known as the “Hat Luncheon,” the Frederick Law Olmsted Award Luncheon raised $4.5 million and drew more than 1,200 guests in 2017, most donning eye-catching headwear. The event honors community leaders who support the restoration and maintenance of Central Park. In honor of the event’s 35th anniversary, the Women’s Committee and Board of Trustees of the Central Park Conservancy, which hosts the luncheon, committed to raise at least $5 million to transform the park’s Conservancy Garden. Next: May 2, 2018

#10 Benefit (up from #11)
More than 600 burgeoning art enthusiasts attend the Frick Collection Young Fellows Ball, which this year will be centered around the theme “Virtue and Vice.” Proceeds from the evening support programming at the museum. Next: March 15, 2018

#11 Benefit
Each year, the Amfar New York Gala kicks off New York Fashion Week by paying tribute to notable advocates committed to the fight against AIDS. Now in its 20th year, the 2018 event, which honored Hollywood’s Lee Daniels and W magazine editor Stefano Tonchi and featured a performance by Halsey, raised $1.6 million. Event chairs include Scarlett Johansson, Heidi Klum, and Neil Patrick Harris. Next: February 2019

#12 Benefit
Sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue, the 11th annual Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Spring Ball returns to the Plaza Hotel. About 350 guests dine and dance at the hospital fund-raiser, which last year yielded more than $1 million for the hospital and included a performance by disco queen Gloria Gaynor. Next: May 22, 2018

#13 Benefit
The Unicef Snowflake Ball, now in its 14th year, honors philanthropists and celebrities who work to put children first. Harry Connick, Jr. hosted the 2017 edition, which took place at Cipriani Wall Street and raised $3.7 million. Next: November 2018

#14 Benefit
Some 600 guests attend the New York Botanical Garden’s Conservatory Ball, an annual celebration since 1975, and raised $1.7 million. This year’s event will honor Gregory Long’s 29-year tenure as C.E.O. of the garden and highlight the new exhibition “Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawai’i.” Next: June 7, 2018

#15 Benefit
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Center has hosted the Collaborating for a Cure Gala since 1997. Chris Wragge of CBS 2 News emceed last year’s event at Cipriani Wall Street, which was attended by 800 guests and featured a musical performance from the Avett Brothers. Hugh Hildesley, executive vice president of Sotheby’s, led a live auction that contributed to the fund-raising total of $2.5 million for cancer research programs. Ziggy Marley, Joe Walsh, Steely Dan, and Counting Crows have provided entertainment in past years. Next: November 15, 2018

#16 Benefit (up from #18)
Whoopi Goldberg hosted the 2017 Prostate Cancer Foundation’s New York Dinner, which raised $18 million for cancer treatment for veterans. Along with a performance from Jennifer Hudson, the event at Cipriani at 42nd Street featured a guest list that included Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez, and Candace Bushnell. Next: November 2018

#17 Benefit
The Tribeca Ball showcases the New York Academy of Art’s emerging artists while raising money to fund the school’s public programming and scholarships. In 2018, the 23rd annual celebration will honor artist Mickalene Thomas and feature one-night-only exhibitions, interactive installations, musical performances, and dinner from chef Daniel Boulud. Next: April 9, 2018

#18 Benefit
New Yorkers For Children works to transform the lives of New York youth in foster care. Five-hundred people attend the organization’s annual fall gala, which was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in 2017 and raised more than $1 million. Next: Fall 2018

#1 Art, Design & Architecture Event
More than 190 galleries from 31 countries will showcase their 20th- and 21st-century artwork at the Armory Show in 2018, including 39 exhibitors making their show debut. Upwards of 65,000 spectators are expected at Piers 92 and 94 over four days. New to the fair this year, the Curatorial Leadership Summit will bring together more than a dozen of the world’s top art curators to cultivate new ideas. March 8-11, 2018

#2 Art, Design & Architecture Event
Residential and hospitality designers from around the world convene at Piers 92 and 94 for the Architectural Digest Design Show each year. More than 400 brands showcase their wares, representing everything from furniture to appliances. The show also includes seminars, culinary demonstrations, installations, and book signings. One of the highlights of the event is the high-style Diffa Dining by Design, which raises money for organizations that fight H.I.V. and AIDS. Next: March 22-25, 2018

#3 Art, Design & Architecture Event
Marking the 30th edition of ICFF, 2018 will be the show’s biggest year yet, with more than 800 exhibitors and 36,000 interior designers, architects, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers attending. The internationally recognized event, held at the Jacob K. Javits Center, focuses on what’s new and next in the furniture design industry. Next: May 20-23, 2018

#4 Art, Design & Architecture Event
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum highlights historic and contemporary design, and its National Design Awards Gala celebrates design as a tool to shape the world. Last year’s awards recognized leaders of all kinds, including industrial designer Hartmut Esslinger, architect Craig L. Wilkins, and fashion designer Mary Ping. The event is part of National Design Week, a multi-day program of educational events, discussions, and workshops. Next: October 18, 2018

#5 Art, Design & Architecture Event
Established and newly discovered artists representing more than 190 galleries from 30 countries are set to participate in the Frieze Art Fair, now in its seventh year. In 2018, the event will feature an enhanced layout, new themed sections, and the inaugural presentation of the Frieze Artist Award to empower up-and-coming talent to realize a major site-specific work. Next: May 4-6, 2018

#6 Art, Design & Architecture Event
Open House New York celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2017. The two-day citywide celebration of architecture and urban design brings together more than 400 arts and culture organizations and draws more than 85,000 visitors to 200 venues across the five boroughs. Next: October 13-14, 2018

#1 Advertising Industry Event
Upwards of 100,000 people attend Advertising Week, making it the largest annual gathering of leaders in the advertising, creative, entertainment, marketing, media, and technology industries. In addition to a program of more than 250 seminars and 1,000 speakers with top C.E.O.s and C.M.O.s, 2017 saw new features like TechX, which focused on leading-edge technology, and SMB Bootcamp for small and mid-sized businesses. Next: October 1-4, 2018

#2 Advertising Industry Event
Since 1959, the Clio Awards have recognized outstanding achievements in advertising. Last year’s presentation shined a spotlight on music’s role in memorable ads, opening with a comedic performance from Boyz II Men and Saturday Night Live’s Cecily Strong. About 700 guests attend the ceremony and after-party. Next: October 3, 2018

#3 Advertising Industry Event
Spread over two days, Ad:Tech New York addresses how technology influences the marketing and advertising industries. The 2017 conference, themed “Innovation in the Post-Advertising Era,” included presentations by executives from the National Hockey League, Intel, McDonald’s, and General Electric, among others. Next: October 31-November 1, 2018

#4 Advertising Industry Event
Some 2,000 attendees from 25 countries attend Creative Week, hosted by the nonprofit One Club for Creativity. The multi-day event highlights the intersection of advertising, innovation, and creative thinking. In 2017, Creative Week included a variety of elements, including the One Show, an Educators Summit, and the Young One Education Festival. Next: May 7-11, 2018

#5 Advertising Industry Event
More than 1,500 people attended the Advertising Council’s Public Service Award Dinner at the New York Hilton. Samantha Bee hosted the evening, which included performances by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Next: December 5, 2018

#1 Entertainment Industry Event
The deals made each year during Upfront Week fuel the media industry, with between 50 percent and 80 percent of major television ad inventory selling out in just a few days. Networks bring their top talent out for the event to mingle with potential advertisers at presentations and events around the city. Next: May 2018

#2 Entertainment Industry Event
Presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, the Tony Awards honor the best of Broadway theater. Six million viewers watched the 2017 ceremony on CBS, which has broadcast the star-studded event since 1978. Highlights included “Dear Evan Hansen” winning best musical and Bette Midler winning best lead actress in a musical for “Hello, Dolly!” Next: June 10, 2018

#3 Entertainment Industry Event
Founded in 2002, the Tribeca Film Festival, presented by AT&T, draws more than 150,000 for 12 days of movies, discussions, and events. The 2017 festival yielded the highest-ever percentage of film sales to distributors, and this year will bring the debut a multi-year collaboration with Withoutabox, an online festival submission system. Next: April 18-29, 2018

#5 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #6)
Over three days each June, the blockbuster Governors Ball Music Festival draws 150,000 attendees to Randall’s Island for a celebration of music, art, food, and entertainment. The 2018 lineup includes headliners Eminem, Jack White, Travis Scott, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Building off of the success of last year’s oasis for attendees 21 and older, the festival will add two new similar areas this year. Next: June 1-3, 2018

#6 Entertainment Industry Event
The 2017 Chaplin Award Gala honored Robert De Niro, who joined an elite group of past recipients that includes Laurence Olivier, Tom Hanks, Sidney Poitier, Barbra Streisand, and Elizabeth Taylor. In 2018, the Film Society of Lincoln Center will present the award to Helen Mirren. Next: April 30, 2018

#7 Entertainment Industry Event
Since 1985, the Museum of the Moving Image has hosted this black-tie gala to honor American actors and directors at the apex of their careers. In 2017, the museum recognized Annette Bening, who joined past honorees including Julia Roberts, Ron Howard, Tom Cruise, and Will Smith. The event raises money to support the museum’s exhibitions and programming. Next: Winter 2018

#8 Entertainment Industry Event
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Northside Festival, a multi-day celebration of music, innovation, and content. More than 100,000 people attend the Brooklyn-based event to see more than 300 bands, 100 speakers, and 100 content creators. Next: June 6-10, 2018

#9 Entertainment Industry Event
Established in 2012, the Digital Content NewFronts connect content producers with potential advertisers for five days of deal making. In 2018, the marketplace will include entertainment companies including BBC News, Disney Digital Network, Twitter, Google/YouTube, and Hulu. Building on the event’s success, host organization Interactive Advertising Bureau will add a second NewFronts in Los Angeles this year. Next: April 30-May 4, 2018

#1 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event
More than 3.5 million people came out to witness the 2017 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in addition to the 24 million people who watched on television. New balloons last year included characters from Frozen and Paw Patrol. Next: November 22, 2018

#2 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event
Two million spectators braved single-digit temperatures to ring in 2018 in Times Square. The event, viewed live by roughly one billion people around the world, included performances from Sugarland, Nick Jonas, Neil Diamond, and, in a redeeming performance, Mariah Carey. With the exception of two years during World War II, the ball has dropped on New Year’s Eve in Times Square since 1907. Next: December 31, 2018

#3 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event
Throughout June, N.Y.C. Pride host more than 16 events celebrating the L.G.B.T.Q. community. Festivities include Pride Island, a two-day music event; film screenings OutCinema and Family Movie Night; and the March, a parade that included more than 110 floats and 450 marching contingents in 2017. Next: June 15-24, 2018

#4 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event (new to the list)
Each year since 1976, New York has celebrated Independence Day with the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. The explosives launch from five barges in the East River, drawing three million spectators. The 2017 event was broadcast live on NBC and included 21 new displays, as well as performances by Jennifer Lopez, Brad Paisley, and Sheryl Crow. Next: July 4, 2018

#5 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association hosts the New York Caribbean Carnival, a celebration of Caribbean culture at the Brooklyn Museum grounds. The festival’s tent-pole event is its parade, which drew more than 1.5 million people along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn on Labor Day. In total, three million people attend the carnival over four days. Next: August 30-September 3, 2018

#6 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event
This year marks the 61st edition of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, which marches up Fifth Avenue annually on the second Sunday in June. The event promotes awareness and appreciation of Puerto Rican culture and the Puerto Rican contribution to the United States. Last year’s parade sparked controversy due to its inclusion of Oscar López Rivera, who served 35 years in prison for his involvement in a militant group that committed acts of violence in the name of Puerto Rican independence. Still, as many as three million people attend each year to see the floats and performances. Next: June 10, 2018

#7 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event
The holiday season in New York City unofficially kicks off with the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. Mayor Bill de Blasio participated in the 2017 ceremony, which featured performances from Gwen Stefani, Train, Seal, and Leslie Odom Jr. The event is broadcast live on NBC. Next: November 2018

#8 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event
Fifth Avenue becomes a sea of green as the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade makes its way from 44th Street to 79th Street each year. The celebration of Ireland’s patron saint includes 150,000 marchers and draws upwards of two million spectators. This year, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, a champion of Irish-American culture, will serve as grand marshal. Next: March 17, 2018

#9 Parades, Festivals & Holiday Event
Science hits the streets during the World Science Festival, which creates live and digital content to encourage a broad audience to celebrate science. Now in its 11th year, the event has seen such success that its host organization, the World Science Foundation, launched the World Science Festival Brisbane in 2016. Personalities featured include luminaries in a variety of fields, including science, medicine, arts, and entertainment. Next: May 29-June 3, 2018

#1 Media Event
The Time 100 Gala celebrates Time magazine’s annual list of the world’s most influential people. Last year’s slate included Viola Davis, Ryan Reynolds, RuPaul, Colin Kapernick, and Ashley Graham, with performances by honorees John Legend and Demi Lovato. Citi, Aston Martin, and Johnnie Walker sponsored the evening. Next: April 24, 2018

#2 Media Event
The American Society of Magazine Editors, in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, hosts the annual Ellies, which honor excellence in magazine journalism. This year the program will include new awards for Social Media and Digital Innovation, as well as the presentation of the ASME Award for Fiction. The guest list is limited to 500 magazine industry professionals. Next: March 13, 2018

#3 Media Event
The 19th New Yorker Festival features engaging conversations between New Yorker staff and the world’s leading writers, artists, politicians, athletes, activists, and newsmakers. More than 20,000 people attend the annual event, which in 2017 featured appearances by Glenn Close, Rob Reiner, Jerry Seinfeld, Carl Bernstein, and rock climber Alex Honnold. Next: October 5-7, 2018

#4 Media Event
First presented in 1950, the National Book Foundation’s National Book Awards recognizes outstanding achievements in publishing. Cynthia Nixon hosted last year’s ceremony, where Scholastic's Richard Robinson and author Annie Proulx were honored with lifetime achievement awards. Next: November 14, 2018

#5 Media Event
The Matrix Awards raise money to fund scholarships and educational programs for women. Katie Couric emceed the 2017 ceremony, which was hosted by Hearst Magazines and honored industry power players including Meryl Streep, Sheryl Sandberg, and Tina Fey. IPG will host in 2018. Next: April 23, 2018

#6 Media Event
In 2018, BookExpo America will shift its focus from a traditional trade show to a how-to conference on achieving success in the publishing business. The event will take place again at the Jacob K. Javits Center, drawing booksellers, publishers, agents, and others in the industry. Dave Eggers and Jacqueline Woodson are among the authors slated to appear. Next: May 30-June 1, 2018

#7 Media Event
As the electronic media industry has evolved, so have the prestigious Peabody Awards, which now encompass categories in radio, television/video, and interactive/web. Actress Rashida Jones hosted last year’s event, which included winners from HBO Entertainment, FX Networks, BBC One, Netflix, and CNN. The awards are from Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia but given at a ceremony in New York. Next: May 19, 2018

#1 Technology Industry Event (up from #2)
Executives from companies with thriving social media presences, including Vimeo, American Express, and The New York Times, will share their expertise during this year’s Social Media Week, which focuses on the power of social media to empower human connectivity. For its 10th iteration, the conference moves to the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, doubling the number of potential attendees and promising an upgraded exhibitor marketplace. Next: April 24-27, 2018

#2 Technology Industry Event (up from #3)
The New York Tech Meetup draws 300 attendees each month, who convene to watch live product demos, share ideas, and network. Run by the NY Tech Alliance, the event recently moved to its new venue, AppNexus in the Flatiron District. Throughout 2018, meetups will feature theme nights focused on AI, female founders, and forward-thinking research projects. Next: March 6, 2018