Convene Hospitality Group (CHG), which runs a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating the places and experiences that bring people together, today announced a new independently branded venue at Williams Equities’ 120 East 23rd Street in Flatiron: The Aperture. The venue is set to open Fall 2026.
Drawing inspiration from pioneering photographer Jessie Tarbox Beals, the first published female photojournalist in the U.S., who had a studio at the 120 East 23rd Street address in the early 20th century, The Aperture will comprise more than 26,000 square-feet of versatile event space spanning two floors. Designed to help clients capture a vision, it will be among the largest projection mapping venues in New York City, offering 270-degree projection mapping capabilities across 165 linear feet of digital canvas in the Main Hall.
Located in a terra cotta and limestone building constructed in 1913 by architecture firm Schwartz & Gross, The Aperture boasts prime, brandable storefront space on one of Manhattan’s most prominent two-way thoroughfares. The venue juxtaposes Gilded Age design elements, geometric patterns, and raw materiality with advanced technology to create immersive event experiences for brand activations, product launches, and multi-sensory conferences for up to 1,000 people.
“The Aperture is the latest manifestation of our commitment to serve the full spectrum of the events industry,” said Ryan Simonetti, president and CEO of CHG. “Over our 16-year history, we’ve meticulously and masterfully managed AV in-house; with the rise of immersive events, we saw the opportunity to deliver AV production on a grander scale and craft vivid, one-of-a-kind experiences for our clients.”
There is increasing demand for immersive events – event planners place a high value on the role technology plays in creating a more memorable experience with 35% actively looking to utilize sophisticated AV technology in their 2026 programs; in addition, the market for projection mapping is expected to grow by 20% through 2029. The Aperture as an independent venue allows CHG to better serve this growing industry segment.
Just as a camera aperture affects the way a subject is viewed, The Aperture venue was designed with the flexibility to showcase different objects and experiences in ways that make the most impact. For instance, its street-level retail entrance will be flanked by double-height windows to the left and a flexible entry on the right that will allow oversized items easy entry to the venue, including the ability for vehicles to drive into the space as needed.
Upon entering The Aperture, guests will be greeted by an impressive LED media wall and rich wood detailing that takes inspiration from Gilded Age residences. Walking through a curtain-framed archway is the primary event area, comprising a white-box pre-function space and a highly flexible main hall with operable walls allowing for multiple floor plan configurations. In addition to projection mapping, The Aperture will have fully motorized theatrical truss and lighting, all managed by the in-house CHG production team. Throughout the venue, the columns have been thoughtfully integrated to further the immersive experience and will be wrapped in backlit glass bricks that glow, enhancing the overall event ambience.
A statement staircase leads to the lower level of The Aperture featuring a secondary pre-function space, ancillary event space with operable walls for floor plan customization, and VIP green room with shower. The lower level also houses the venue’s back-of-house operations including a commercial-grade catering kitchen.
The 120 East 23rd Street building is owned by Williams Equities, a 4-million-square-foot family-owned real estate portfolio with a nearly 100-year legacy. Located in the Flatiron District, 120 East 23rd Street offers over 250,000 square feet of office and retail space.
“With The Aperture, CHG’s long-term commitment to 120 East 23rd Street speaks to the building’s timeless appeal and connection to the creative energy of Flatiron,” said Williams Equities’ Principal Robert Getreu. “Their decision affirms our vision for 120 East 23rd Street as a destination where forward-thinking companies can thrive in spaces that are flexible, hospitality-inspired, and purpose-built to foster collaboration and community.”
CHG is the largest single provider of non-hotel meeting and event venues in the U.S. and UK and has a growing footprint of flexible office space with a network of 40 locations spanning nine global cities. CHG venues go beyond space, fostering experiences rooted in belonging, guided by hospitality, and designed to bring people together time and again.