Running a high-end event venue in New York City means understanding how the industry shifts before it happens. Gianluca Sardo, president of The GlassHouse, spent years watching events change – from basic gatherings to full-blown immersive experiences. “My role is not just about managing a space, it’s about creating a canvas where unforgettable moments and experiences come to life,” he says.
Looking ahead at the next five years, Gianluca sees two key trends reshaping how events work. His insights come straight from the trenches, hosting everything from grand galas to corporate summits where every detail matters.
1. Attendee Experience
The first big shift Gianluca sees coming is all about the attendee experience. “Attendee satisfaction determines event success,” he explains. His team’s learned that getting this right does more than just fill seats – it creates buzz that brings in future business. Gianluca breaks this down into three main areas that event planners need to nail.
First up: personalization. “Use data from past events to tailor the experience to individual preferences and preferred session topics,” he says. The days of one-size-fits-all events are fading fast. Getting people involved matters just as much. “Interactive features are very important – live Q&A sections and real-time polling, workshops and networking opportunities to keep attendees engaged,” Gianluca points out. Nobody wants to just sit and listen anymore.
The third piece? Making it memorable. “Create unique environments with experiential marketing elements, AR and VR activations, photo booths, or branded spaces,” he says. These aren’t just bells and whistles – they’re what makes an event stick in people’s minds.
2. Technology
Gianluca’s second prediction centers on how tech is changing the game, especially when it comes to audiovisual setups. “Advanced technology changes the overall event experience, captivates audiences, and ensures seamless communication,” he notes. Whether it’s a corporate meeting or an immersive gala, the right tech makes all the difference.
He breaks down the must-haves into three categories:
Sound – “We need the best sound system solution that you can have, the best speakers for large spaces, ensuring the sound distribution is fantastic for the entire experience,” Gianluca explains.
Visual displays – “LED walls and video mapping create stunning visuals perfect for brand storytelling or immersive environments,” he says. The standard keeps rising too – “4K high resolution projectors can help sharpen all the image and all the content that you’re going to share.”
Smart lighting – “Use intelligent lighting systems that can adapt dynamically to event themes and presentations,” Gianluca advises. Good lighting doesn’t just illuminate – it sets the mood and guides attention where it needs to go.
Looking Five Years Ahead
These changes aren’t just trends – they’re reshaping how events work from the ground up. When Gianluca talks about the next five years, he focuses on how these elements work together. Quality matters across the board. “It’s very important to invest in high quality AV equipment,” he emphasizes. His vision for the future isn’t about flashy tech for tech’s sake. It’s about using these tools to create better experiences. Whether it’s sound that reaches every corner clearly, visuals that tell a story, or lighting that shifts with the mood, each element serves a purpose.
The events industry keeps changing, but Gianluca’s insights suggest success comes down to two things: keeping attendees engaged and using technology smartly. Get those right, and you’ve got a shot at creating those unforgettable moments he talks about.
To learn more about Gianluca Sardo and his approach, check out his LinkedIn profile.
