2016: A Year to Remember

As 2016 comes to an end, we reflect on our biggest year of growth yet, within a period of tremendous change in the world – political, economic, social, and even environmental.

We’ve learned a lot as students, participants, and leaders. We’ve observed how 200,000 people across 4,500+ events collaborate at their best, what the future of real estate looks like, and how the combination of technology and hospitality are becoming more integrated into the future of work.

We’re blessed with an incredible team of passionate hospitality professionals and some of the best clients in the world. With their continued trust and support, we’ve grown stronger and wiser. Where there is change there is opportunity and we’re excited to conquer the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you 2016 for all the memories.

Growing Our Footprint

Convene's physical presence has nearly tripled in size – from 5 locations in January to 12 in December. In February, we acquired a Philadelphia conference center company called, The Hub, which added three new properties to our portfolio. We have also opened four additional venues in New York City: 237 Park Avenue, 117 W 46th Street, 780 Third Avenue and Conde Nast Venues at One World Trade.

Expanding Our Capabilities

We’ve been able to expand our footprint quickly thanks to the support of Brookfield Property Group, the largest commercial landlord in the world, and our newest investor and strategic partner. In addition, we’ve been able to raise an additional $20M to support our geographical expansion as well as new product verticals, such as our Workplace as a Service platform. These new capabilities have allowed Convene to create a new category of commercial office buildings, one that truly offers full-service tenant amenities.

Developing Our People

We wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this without each and every person on our front lines. In doubling our team to 240+ employees, we’ve been able to strengthen our culture and increase our overall employee satisfaction rate to 83%. Through this type of employee growth, we have validated why we start with culture first, as a winner of SmartCEO’s Top Culture Award.

A Look Ahead

Our 2017 vision is to make every building that we’re in Convene-enabled. We will continue to expand our network and evolve our product and service offering to better serve the needs of our enterprise clients. We’ll be expanding in NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, while also entering new markets such as Boston & Los Angeles. While the challenges that lie ahead are many, I can proudly say that we ended 2016 a stronger company and are prepared to seize the opportunities in front of us. 

Just Getting Started

Seven years ago when we founded the company, Chris and I dreamed about bringing our idea on paper to life. To look back, reflect on our journey, admire what our team has accomplished, and to know that Convene has been able to positively impact the lives of so many is beyond humbling. 

While our work this year is done, our team knows the mission is far from over, and we won’t stop evolving until our vision of improving the way the world “works” is fully realized. 

As a wiser man said, “The road to perfection is paved with progression.” Every day in 2017 is a new opportunity for us to learn, improve, and grow together.

Thank you for a successful 2016 and to an even better year ahead! 

With gratitude,

Ryan

CEO & Co-Founder