Dreams involving danger and escape often reflect feelings of anxiety or fear in waking life. Your experience in the banquet hall and motel could symbolize a sense of being trapped in a situation that feels overwhelming or threatening. The elevator represents a transition or change in your life, and the man who smirked at you might embody a fear of confrontation or an unresolved conflict.

The act of him hitting all the floor buttons suggests a lack of control over your circumstances, amplifying your feelings of unease. Your ability to escape to the party signifies a desire to seek comfort and safety among others, perhaps indicating that you find solace in community or social connections when facing challenges.

The year later return to the abandoned building, where you discovered the remains of the past, could symbolize revisiting unresolved issues or traumas. The untouched state of the building might represent how certain experiences have lingered in your mind, waiting to be addressed.

Overall, this dream may be urging you to confront any fears or unresolved feelings in your life, especially those related to safety and security. It could be beneficial to reflect on any current situations that evoke similar feelings of anxiety, and consider how you might find support to address them.