What Makes Maxwell the Go-To Place for Panel Discussions in NYC

by David Litwak | 2025-07-09

When it comes to hosting panels, discussions, or fireside chats in New York City, the setting matters just as much as the speakers. Maxwell offers not just a room with chairs, but an environment that elevates every exchange.

Leftlane Capital, Braze and Greycroft throw a panel in Maxwell’s Garden Room for NY Tech Week
Leftlane Capital, Braze and Greycroft throw a panel in Maxwell’s Garden Room for NY Tech Week

A Setting That Sparks Dialogue

Maxwell’s interiors are designed to make people lean in and listen. Surrounded by bookcases, wood-paneled walls, and fireplaces, each room feels encouraging, focused, and connected. It’s a space that carries weight, an atmosphere that makes audiences remember not just who spoke, but what was said.

This is why Maxwell has become a trusted venue for some of the world’s most recognizable organizations. From Fortune 100 offsites to sessions hosted by Meta, Spotify, Glamour, and Catalyst, the venue has consistently proven its ability to support meaningful conversations.

Philosopher Johnathan Bi holds court in front of our grand room bookcase.
Philosopher Johnathan Bi holds court in front of our grand room bookcase.
Nate Silver talks about his latest book, On the Edge, and the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election with Open to Debate

Spaces That Adapt to Your Format

Panels and discussions don’t fit into one mold, and neither does Maxwell. Its variety of rooms allows events to flow in a way that feels natural:

  • The Grand Room for morning keynotes, fireside chats, or larger sessions.
  • The Library for intimate breakouts.
  • The Garden Room for evening recaps or networking over cocktails.

Every space is tailored to support a different format, so nothing feels generic or one-size-fits-all.

Proven Stage for Big Conversations

Maxwell has already hosted some of the most compelling conversations in the city.

Presidential Debate Watch Party with Open to Debate

On June 27, 2024, when then-President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off, Open to Debate transformed Maxwell into democracy’s living room. With John Donvan moderating and Nick Gillespie keeping the crowd engaged during breaks, the evening blended humor, tension, and real political dialogue. Members and guests left with souvenir t-shirts, but more importantly, with a reminder that disagreement can feel like discovery when done right.

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov record a live show for their Raging Moderates podcast and discuss the upcoming election

Raging Moderates Live Recording

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov brought their new podcast, Raging Moderates, to Maxwell for a live taping. The conversation covered masculinity, the political leanings of young men, and the Democratic Party’s strategy, sparking lively back-and-forth that reflected Maxwell’s mission: creating space for spirited, nuanced dialogue on the issues shaping our culture.

Fireside Chat with The Free Press

Journalist Brendan O’Neill joined Michael C. Moynihan in one of Maxwell’s intimate spaces for a conversation about O’Neill’s book After the Pogrom: 7 October, Israel and the Crisis of Civilisation. The exchange balanced warmth with intensity, followed by an audience Q&A and mingling that connected Free Press readers and staff.

Each of these events highlights Maxwell’s ability to frame conversations with seriousness and style, never another sterile conference room.

More Than a Conference Room

Standard meeting spaces often feel interchangeable. Maxwell is different. Each event carries a sense of occasion because the backdrop is part of the experience. Guests walk into a room where the design itself tells them to pay attention, and that energy carries through every discussion.

It’s no wonder Maxwell has become a go-to destination not just for panels, but also for lectures, comedy sets, and podcast recordings. Every detail supports engagement, from the warmth of the fireplaces to the intimacy of the curated libraries.

Book Your Next Session

If you’re planning a panel that truly connects, a fireside chat that invites candid conversation, or a recording session that feels as good as it sounds, Maxwell is ready to host you.

Book a private tour and see how Maxwell makes every discussion unforgettable. →

Need help producing your event?

We built Maxwell Studios to provide full service, vertically integrated creative production, built from inside the very walls where our community has been coming alive since 2021.

CREATIVE DIRECTION

CHEF COLLABORATION

AV PRODUCTION

LOGISTICS

Address: 135 Watts, Floor 1, New York, NY, 10013

Walkable TO Westside Highway, One World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial, Duane Park, Battery Park

Nearby Neighborhoods

Tribeca, Financial District, SoHo, West Village, Greenwich Village, Nolita, Hudson Square

HOTELS NEARBY

Foquets, Greenwich Hotel, Arlo Soho, The Roxy, Soho Grand, The Frederick Hotel, Warren St Hotel, The Dominick, Hotel Hugo

LATE NIGHT spots nearby

Paul's Casablanca, Paul's Baby Grand, EAR Inn

Dinner spots nearby

The Odeon, Locanda Verde, Forgione, l'abeille, Wolfgang's Steakhouse, Yves, Mr Chows

Ready to join the family? We can’t wait to host you.

Ready to join the family? We can’t wait to host you.

Join our events list to get first access to availability, ideas from past celebrations, and exclusive Maxwell-hosted experiences.