The MPTF’s Evening Before gathering relocates after 19 years in Century City to the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood for the 2026 Emmys.
The Motion Picture and Television Fund's (MPTF) annual Evening Before gathering, a key event in celebration of the Emmy Awards, is moving from Century City to the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood for the 2026 ceremony. This change marks the end of a 19-year tradition at the previous location and returns the event to a venue with deep Emmy roots, which served as the site for HBO’s Emmy afterparty prior to the pandemic.
This relocation was reported by Deadline on September 8, 2026, highlighting a significant shift in the destination for one of the entertainment industry’s most anticipated pre-award gatherings.
The Pacific Design Center, known for its rich history in hosting Emmy-related festivities, will now welcome the MPTF's 20th Annual Evening Before Benefit, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026. This venue change not only reflects a shift in physical location but may also signal a new chapter in the evolution of the event, which has been an essential part of the Emmy prelude for nearly two decades.
While many established gatherings have decided to retain their previous locations, including notable events from HBO Max and Disney, the move to the Pacific Design Center offers the MPTF an opportunity to reestablish its presence in a historically significant venue.
In light of the upcoming Emmys, several parties are set to unfold in Los Angeles. While the MPTF’s Evening Before moves to a new location, events like the Netflix and Apple TV celebrations will remain at their respective venues from previous years. HBO Max's afterparty will still be held at the San Vicente Bungalows, which has been a favored choice for numerous Emmy celebrations.
Other prominent gatherings take place earlier that week, such as the Warner Bros. Television Group's nominees celebration and the BAFTA TV Tea Party, which will include several high-profile nominees and industry figures. Collectively, these events reflect the spirit of camaraderie and celebration within the television industry, particularly as the Emmy Awards approach.
The 2026 Emmy festivities will feature a range of parties, from intimate private receptions hosted by various production companies to larger public events. Some highlights include:
Chairpersons for the Evening Before event include well-known personalities such as Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee Colbert, supported by prominent members of the entertainment community, including Janelle James and Lisa Kudrow.
The shift in venue for MPTF’s Evening Before gathering looks to re-energize the event by placing it in a location rich in Emmy celebration history. As anticipation builds for a memorable Emmy Awards night, the relocation could attract increased attendance and enthusiasm within the community. Whether this physical change leads to new traditions or styles for the Evening Before remains to be seen.
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