“Spring Studios. We have worked on multiple large-scale events there for Amfar, AOL, Joyful Heart, Vevo, and IMG, and we love all it has to offer. The location is great, the size of the space with the air walls makes it super flexible, and the floor-to-ceiling glass walls are stunning.”
Carla Ruben, president and owner, Creative Edge Parties, New York
“There are some great downtown options, but if you want to find a venue that exactly meets your needs, I think building a tent on one of the piers is the way to go. Tenting allows you to build the exact event that you want. You decide how to lay out everything. You decide how big or small you want it to be. And who wouldn’t love an event on the water, that’s not on a boat? Pier 26 offers a spectacular view of the Hudson and makes every event feel like a destination getaway.”
Margaret Crisostomo, partner, Stamp Event Management, New York
“Cipriani Wall Street would be my top choice. ‘Grand’ is the first word that comes to mind when you enter this space. Originally built as a bank, the building was designed by Isaiah Rogers in the Greek revival style and is spectacular to behold. With dramatic high ceilings, the room is also wonderfully spacious. [The events team] runs the tightest ship in New York. Their history of successful and elite events goes a long way toward helping us and our clients breathe easy.”
Adam Kahan, senior vice president, Empire Entertainment, New York
"The Oculus space in the Westfield World Trade Center mall opened its doors 15 years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This stunning atrium is the perfect location for brands and event producers looking for a grand venue in downtown Manhattan. The architecture beautifully captures the resilient spirit of this amazing city.”
Mia Choi, creative director and co-founder, MAS Events & Design, New York
“The remodeling of the Waldorf is an opportunity for event producers and professionals to push the limits on what is considered a conventional event space. Skylight Clarkson is a perfect example. With a capacity range of 200 to 2,000 and multiple spaces that can be used individually or combined, there is a great deal of flexibility. Production Glue has produced a number of events at Skylight Clarkson. Each event has been completely different. When you step out of the conventional venue box, a new world opens up—one in which you can create a unique world where a venue once stood.”
David Knee, business operations manager and senior venue and location scout, Production Glue, New York
“The first venue that comes to mind for a grand event in downtown New York is WTC860. Perched high upon the 68th floor of 4 World Trade, the views are stunning, and that’s just the beginning. From a planner’s perspective, it’s a one-stop shop that’s also fully customizable. Once getting off the elevators, guests immediately flock to the windows to take in the view. It’s awesome to watch. Then they turn around and are greeted with more than 30,000 square feet of unobstructed event space. It’s the perfect blend of steel, concrete, and luxurious materials for a truly unique New York experience.”
Patrick Clayton, owner, Patrick J. Clayton Productions, New York
