Highlights from the 2026 TIME100 Next Gala
Influential rising stars gathered in Manhattan to celebrate leadership and cross-industry innovation.
1Gala Convenes Emerging Leaders
The 2026 TIME100 Next Gala took place on October 29 in Manhattan, serving as a hub for rising stars across health, climate, business, and entertainment. This event facilitated direct networking between diverse industry leaders, fostering an environment for exchanging ideas and building professional connections among the year's most influential figures.
2Symbolic Anti-Corruption Advocacy
Senator-elect Luis Carlos Rúa utilized the event to highlight Colombian infrastructure issues. He arrived in a white elephant costume, later switching to a suit while carrying a stuffed elephant mascot. This performance symbolized the incomplete public projects he campaigned against during his successful and unconventional anti-corruption Senate run this year.
3Cross-Industry Networking Dynamics
The gala featured high-profile interactions between figures from disparate fields. NBA player Tyrese Maxey engaged with comedian Druski, while actor Himesh Patel connected with Food4Education founder Wawira Njiru. These pairings underscore the event's core objective of breaking down professional silos to encourage dialogue between sports, social activism, and the creative arts.
4Musical Performance and Theme
Grammy-nominated artist Raye provided the evening's entertainment, performing a cover of Julie London’s “Cry Me a River” and her own track “Happier Times Ahead.” Her performance aligned with the night’s overarching theme of hope, which she described as a necessary emotion for leaders navigating the challenges of their respective professional sectors.
5Artistic Direction and Photography
The visual identity of the gala was curated by art director Jana Frost, who designed a celestial-themed portrait studio. Photographed by Stefano Giuliano, the studio captured attendees including Troye Sivan, Eiza González, and Summer Fridays co-founders Lauren Ireland and Marianna Hewitt, providing a stylized record of the evening’s diverse guest list.
6Corporate Sponsorship and Support
The event was supported by a coalition of major corporate partners, including Rolex, Toyota, American Airlines, Danantara, the Project Management Institute, and Target. Toyota specifically sponsored the portrait studio, integrating brand presence into the event's creative output while facilitating the professional documentation of the influential attendees present at the gala.
7Diverse Representation of Talent
The guest list included a wide array of talent, from horror director Curry Barker to actress Joey King and musician Sombr. This mix of creative professionals and policy-focused leaders highlights the TIME100 Next initiative's commitment to recognizing impact beyond traditional corporate structures, emphasizing the role of cultural influence in modern leadership.
8Strategic Significance of Gatherings
Events like the TIME100 Next Gala serve as critical nodes for professional development and brand alignment. By bringing together leaders from entertainment, sports, and social enterprise, the gala reinforces the interconnected nature of modern influence. Such gatherings provide a platform for emerging leaders to solidify their networks and amplify their impact.
Original article: TIME — Highlights from the 2026 TIME100 Next Gala