New York Events

When most planners think of New York City, the venues that come to mind tend to be the classic larger-scale meetings and conference venues. But where should a planner look when the meeting they're arranging is on the smaller side or warrants a more intimate space? Well, we suggest having a look at Manhattan's Upper West Side, where hotel rooms and meeting spaces abound, as long as you're prepared to think outside the mid-town box.

Bounded by Central Park and the Hudson River, the elegant architecture, tree-lined streets and neighborhood feel of the Upper West Side make it one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods. It's also an excellent location for intimate New York events such as weddings, executive seminars and off-sites. Among our favorites? Our list, from south to north is below.

A word to the wise: if you're planning a meeting for this February, get your bookings in early. These hotels are likely to  fill up with migrating fashionistas when Fashion Week moves from Bryant Park to its new home at Lincoln Center.

The Hudson Hotel
Just across the street from the Shops at Columbus Circle, this New York hotel offers boutique hotel elegance, with a hip, modern look, and NYC meeting rooms that are perfect for small-to-medium sized groups.

The Empire Hotel
Overlooking Lincoln Center, the oh-so-chic Empire Hotel in New York has lovely sleeping rooms as well as several meeting facilities for medium-sized groups. A rooftop lounge with fabulous views can be rented for private functions.

OTA/ On The Avenue Hotel
Just off Broadway on 77th, three blocks from the ever-popular Zabar's and two blocks from the Museum of Natural History, The OTA is a great spot for small groups in search of New York boutique hotel style at a reasonable price. For the foodies in your group, the highly regarded West Branch is right downstairs, and their food is absolutely delicious (trust us, we're regulars!), as are the apple martinis.

Find more meeting hotels in New York on Cvent's New York venue directory.

Smaller groups, conferences and weddings can often find blocking out hotel rooms in New York City at a reasonable rate is a bit challenging. How to outsmart the system? Consider this: In January and February 2010 (and possibly beyond), you and your New York event group can takeover the entire GEM Hotel Midtown West. Yup, that's right -- roll like rockstar and book all of the New York hotel's 39 rooms, all in your name.

The GEM Hotel group has created a clever New York meeting promotion to help cure the winter blues by allowing just about anyone to "own" their hotel(s) for as many nights as they'd like -- depending on dates and availability, of course. To lock up all the rooms at the GEM Hotel Midtown West, it will run about $5,000 per night. If you only need a floor for your entourage, single floors can be booked for roughly $520 per night at the GEM Hotel Midtown West, roughly $1,000 per night at the GEM Hotel Soho, and $2,600 per night at the GEM Hotel Chelsea.

So, how many floors would you like?

View more information about all the GEM Hotels in New York City on the Cvent Supplier Network

Time for more holiday party deals! The Kitano hotel in New York City is offering a complimentary $100 American Express gift card to NYC event planners who book a holiday party in the hotel by November 1, 2009. This great New York hotel deal is good for events held between November 1, 2009, and January 31, 2010, so it's a great option for planners who are thinking about booking a post-Christmas party.

The Kitano New York is the city's only Japanese-owned hotel, offering esteemed Japanese hospitality, a serene setting and luxe accommodations. The 149-room hotel has three state-of-the-art New York meeting rooms as well as a penthouse terrace with space for up to 150 guests. Its Garden Cafe can also host 60 to 80 people for cocktails.

Parties must have at least 25 people and start at $125 per person for a cocktail reception. For more information, contact Thanya Phanpinyo at 1-212-885-7017. View more information about The Kitano New York hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network.

One of Eric Clapton's guitars. A beaded glove from Michael Jackson. Elvis Presley's white jumpsuit. What do all these items from music's colorful past have in common? They can be the backdrop for your next New York City event!

Located in SoHo, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex is the New York venue of choice for event planners looking to add a little edge to their meetings. Events—from parties to meetings to receptions—held at this New York special event facility can include access to the VIP room, private use of selected galleries and even private shopping in the annex's retail store. The entire annex can fit up to 300 people, while the VIP room offers a intimate New York meeting space for up to 30 guests.

Amenities at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex include three projectors, preferred New York catering by Restaurant Associates, and venue music or iPod playback.

Find more unique New York venues on Cvent's New York venue directory.

Need a restaurant venue for evening cocktails or a formal dinner following your next New York event? New York event planners are in luck, as there are a number of restaurants set to open in the city in the coming months. Best of all, you won't even have to make your event attendees walk outside, as they are all located inside posh New York hotels.

The Breslin

Located in the Ace Hotel New York, Breslin's "meat-centric" menu will feature sausages, game terrines, and even a whole sucking pig, according to Time Out New York. The restaurant's antique oak bars, curtained booths and cask ales are meant to re-create what the former Breslin Hotel looked like 150 years ago. Until the restaurant opens later this month, patrons can enjoy the bar area.

East Side Social Club

Opening this month, the East Side Social Club will take guests back in time to the sultry, seductive 1940s with its film noir-inspired decor. Located in the Pod Hotel, the New York restaurant will offer New American fare with an Italian twist, and the mozzarella, ricotta and pasta made in-house.

Maialino

Set to open in November, Danny Meyer's newest dining venue is located in the Gramercy Park Hotel. Replacing Chinese restaurant Waikiya, which closed in December, Maialino's menu will consist of Italian-inspired fare—the name itself means "little pig" in Italian. Meanwhile, the front bar area will offer coffee by day and wines and small plates at night.

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana

Opening at the Trump SoHo luxury NYC hotel this winter, the Quattro Gastronomia Italiana is the second outpost of the restaurant, the first being in South Beach, Miami. Spanning three levels, the Quattro's identical twin chefs Nicola and Fabrizio Carro specialize in Italian home cooking, including the signature braised veal with white martini vermouth.

Looking for a luxury NYC hotel for your next business event? The contemporary Strand Hotel in New York City offers the utmost of style and class from its 20-floor property in Manhattan's Midtown Fashion District.

Just around the corner from the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Bryant Park and other New York attractions, the Strand Hotel has 177 guest rooms and 18 junior suites. Room decor and furnishings are inspired by mid-century Bogart elegance. The entire New York hotel is also adorned by a collection of Conde Nast vintage photography.

One of the best NYC hotels for intimate and elegant meetings and special events, the hotel offers 2,500 square feet of New York event space. Together, its meeting facilities can host up to 250 guests. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, wi-fi access, easels and tables, and a business center are among the amenities available at this new New York hotel.

Read more about meeting hotels and special event facilities in New York City on the Cvent Destination Guide.

Need some help with your New York event photography? The Cvent Supplier Network has several photography listings in the New York metro area.

5th Avenue Digital, for example, is equally suited for both New York corporate photography and that of social events. Happening Photos, Inc., boasts customized service at competitive rates, with standard event services including individual enhancement of each image and the creation of an on-disk gallery.

Visit the Cvent Supplier Network today the next time you need a photographer for your events! Do you have any recommendations for a New York event photography?

New York is the city that never sleeps, but certainly you can't expect your New York event attendees to be productive without getting some shut eye. There are plenty of great NYC hotel deals out there, so check out a few of the following the next time you need accommodations for your guests:

• Hyatt Announces Limited Time Offer for Third Party Planners

• The New York Palace Offers Luxury at a Discount

• Starwood Offers Up to 50 Percent Off Room Rates

• 8 Hotel Brands Offering Meeting Deals

What great New York promotions have you received recently?

Metropolitan Pavilion is the perfect example of  classic New York City event space. The Pavilion offers clean lines and minimalist vision.

Its three separate spaces provide the perfect "clean slate" that so many event designers crave. With beautiful floors and white walls, the attention is given to what you want it to be given to: the guest of honor, the product you are launching, the fashions on the runway, etc. 

The in-house production staff is well trained and can help with any and all details. They even offer an in-house audio-visual company (Scharff Weisberg, a New York AV legend).

The Met Pavilion has hosted countless events and the next one should be yours—it's that good. 

View more information about the Metropolitan Pavilion on the Cvent Supplier Network

Are you looking for an event space that not only makes your event special, but does something special with your event? If so, the Prince George Ballroom might be for you.

Located in a trendy neighborhood on East 27th Street, the "PGB" is operated by Common Ground.Org, an organization that endeavors to put an end to homelessness. The proceeds garnered from their event division go directly to support that special cause. 

But don’t let the philanthropic nature of the management mislead you into thinking that this is not a first-rate New York City event space. This unique venue boasts 16-foot ceilings and herringbone oak floors throughout its 4,800 square feet. This well-appointed ballroom has carved columns and an ornate ceiling that make for an excellent cost cutting effect, as a room this unique needs very little in the way of decor. 

A full kitchen is on-site and two additional spaces are also available: the Ladies Tea Room, a miniature version of the ballroom that accommodates up to 75 guests; and the adjoining Art Gallery, which can add an additional 3,000 square feet to your NYC event. That extra footage is ideal for cocktails and as a guest check-in area. 

The PGB has been open for two years and has hosted corporate and private parties, fashion week extravaganzas and many a celebrity bash. Outside vendors are allowed to be brought in, but they do have recommended vendors as well.

View more information about the Prince George Ballroom on the Cvent Supplier Network

The Cvent team frequently blogs about hotel venues across the country, so much that it might be hard for you to keep track. But this hotel is really going to make an impression: the Holiday Inn Key Card Hotel in New York. Unveiled today as the first hotel made out of key cards, the 400-square-foot hotel, build by world record-holding cardstacker Bryan Berg, kicks off Holiday Inn's relaunch of 1,2000 hotels globally in September and its "Key to Change" promotion.

The $1 billion relaunch, the largest in the history of the hospitality industry, includes over 3,300 hotels being updated. To experience the changes happening worldwide, you can enter the Key to Change promotion online to claim your "virtual key card" game piece between September 14 and October 22. Then, enter to win free nights at newly relaunched properties. The grand prize winners who find the "master key" will win an all-expense paid trip to a Holiday Inn of their choice, anywhere in the world.

You can also stop by the hotel's New York event to get a game piece and see the unique structure, which is made of over 200,000 Holiday Inn key cards and weighs 4,000 pounds. The Key Card Hotel took four months to build, and features a guest bedroom, bathroom and lobby—each of which has its own key card furniture. The Key Card Hotel will be open to the public September 17-21 in downtown Manhattan.

Check out video of Berg working on the hotel in the video below:

Event planners have another New York luxury hotel to add to their lists. Ink48, a Kimpton Hotel, is currently open for its "rough draft phase" with 222 guest rooms and suites. In addition to the great views of the Manhattan skyline, rooms feature an elegant color scheme of snow whites, ruby reds and chocolate browns, and come equipped with numerous amenities to immerse guests in the utmost of luxury. French-press coffee upon request, high-speed wired and wireless Internet access, flat-screen HDTVs, complimentary morning newspapers, and L'Occitane spa and bath amenities are among the posh extras guests can enjoy.

For New York meetings and social events, Ink48 is a great venue option. With 5,000 square feet of space, the NYC hotel can accommodate everything from a corporate board meeting of 12 people to an elegant New York wedding reception of 100 guests. Ink48's catering services add a special touch, crafting seasonal menus that incorporate local produce, meats and fish from the New York area.

Ink48 is a perfect urban retreat for New York meeting guests and business travelers. Its eco-friendly spa includes the signature "Ultimate Urban Facial" and "Jet Lag Recovery" treatments, while the its rooftop restaurant and lounge is the perfect place to kick back with a glass of Champagne. And of course, for guests who want to get right in the action, the hotel is located just blocks from the New York convention center and attractions such as the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, Central Park South, and the American Museum of Natural History.

View more information about Ink48 on the Cvent Supplier Network

Those famous white tents will once again be taking over New York City's Bryant Park today with the start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Just as fashionistas get a first look at spring's new crop of flowing dresses and ruffled blouses, event planners, too, should have something to look forward to, right?

Lucky for you, BizBash New York recently compiled a list of 10 of New York's Most Anticipated New Venues. From hotels to restaurants, here's what planners can anticipate up ahead: 

Empire Room

Located on the ground floor of the Empire State Building, one of the most iconic New York attractions, the Empire Room is a 3,500-square-foot Art Deco cocktail lounge. Set to open in late October or early November by Mark Grossich's Hospitality Holdings, the New York venue will "harken back to the golden age of the 1920s and 30s with its theme, A Toast to Another Time," according to Grossich.

Le Caprice New York

From the London-based Caprice Holdings, owners of such well-reputed establishments as The Ivy and J Sheekey, comes Le Caprice New York. Located on the lobby level of New York luxury hotel the Pierre, this NY restaurant—the first American property of the group—will boast sleek black-and-white decor and 76 seats in the dining room.

Stage 37

With locations across the country, Studio Instrument Rentals is one of the largest and most respected backline, audio, rehearsal and production support services in America. This fall, SIR is unveiling a new location new the New York convention center. At 13,600 square feet, the multipurpose Stage 37 will have room for 500 guests for New York events of all kinds.

Last week I blogged about how to host a top chef-quality event at Frontera Grill, the Chicago restaurant owned by Bravo TV's Top Chef Master Rick Bayless. But Bayless was not the only one heating things up in the kitchen on Top Chef. If you want your next catered event to get the Top Chef treatment, just consider one of the following booking space at one of the following restaurants, each owned by one of the series' finalists.

Art and Soul

Art Smith, personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, treats the nation's capital to "food for the soul" at his Washington, DC restaurant Art and Soul. Using fresh ingredients prepared in true Southern tradition, Smith celebrates his cooking heritage with dishes such as the Land and Sea Hoe Cake, a cornmeal pizza-like dish of shaved beef rib eye and blue crab, and the lamb chops served with charred poached pears and a mint julep sauce.

With its glass walls, shiny red chairs, square oak tables and and art works that feature iconic leaders such as Winston Churchill and Ghandi, Art and Soul is a beautiful venue for hosting your DC events. The restaurant is an ideal spot for everything form informal birthdays to corporate dinners.

Jar

Chef Suzanne Tracht delivers familiar retro dishes at her modern Los Angeles restaurant Jar. Designed with the style and sophistication of a 1940s supper club, Jar offers up hearty entrees such as chopped sirloin with fried egg and green peppercorn sauce, coq au vin with applewood smoked bacon and pearl onions, and the signature pot roast with carrots and caramelized onions.

Jar offers space for Los Angeles events of 20 or more people. Its lounge area is also a great LA venue for 17 guests, while the entire restaurant can accommodate up to 165 for lunch, dinner, brunch or receptions.

Bottega Restaurant

Bold Italian flavors with a refined twist are the order of the day at Bottega Restaurant, the craftsman's kitchen of Chef Michael Chiarello. Using artisanal and housemade ingredients and local produce, Chiarello and his team create signature dishes such as veal tortellini in brodo di carne with browned butter, butternut squash and sage and seared day-boat scallops with pink chick pea passatina.

The rustic yet refined Bottega creates a cozy ambiance for private events. Its indoor dining rooms, which boast five communal tables made of 40-year-old timbers, has space for 90 people. The outdoor covered Terrazzo has 26 seats. The Vintage Estates Properties, on which the restaurant is located, can accommodate large parties of up to 350 people.

Fleur de Lys

Known as one of the most romantic dining rooms in the city, San Francisco restaurant Fleur de Lys showcases Chef Hubert Keller's contemporary French cuisine. From the filet mignon topped with sauteed foie gras to the roasted sea scallops with a hazelnut crust, diners are treated to top-quality meats, cheese, and wines rivaled only by the top restaurants in France.

The private wine room at Fleur de Lys is a great San Francisco venue for private dining of 14 to 16 guests. Additionally, its Salon room and Alcove room can accommodate 12 or 25 guests, respectively, while the entire venue can seat 105 for larger San Francisco events.

Annisa

New York restaurant Annisa offers a seasonal menu that represents Chef Anita Lo's education in French technique. Past selections have included seared miso-marinated sable with crispy silken tofu and pan-roasted farm chicken with sherry, white truffle and pig feet. Complementing its critically-acclaimed cuisine, Annisa's 90-bottle wine list celebrates women in the wine industry.

Annisa is a top-notch New York venue for private parties and dinners. Following a July 4 fire, Annisa is under construction and set to re-open this fall.

Terminal 5, formerly Club Exit, may be one of the most versatile and useful event venues in New York City. At 40,000 square feet, with 40-foot ceilings, this majestic space affords you the ability to create dramatic eventscapes for your clients.

This venue was designed for the creative use of decor and design. A huge main room, with unobstructed sight lines and a well-appointed stage and sound system, allows New York event planners the freedom to unleash all of their ideas.

The ground floor load in makes all deliveries quick and easy and the staff, run by the Fred Seidler Group, couldn't be more accommodating. Perfect for large New York wedding receptions and private events, fashion shows or any large celebration, Terminal 5 is a must-see for any NYC events professional.

View more information about Terminal 5 on the Cvent Supplier Network

The Gramercy Theatre, located at 127 East 23rd St, has been known for years as a top concert venue in New York and before that, as a movie theater. Now, now you can hold your special event there as well. 

This venue, run by the capable folks at Live Nation, offers New York event planners a versatile main room, a downstairs lounge area and even private dressing rooms. The main room has 200 theater-style seats, a stage, two bars and an open area that can be used for more seating or as a dance floor. 

Also included at this New York special event facility is an amazing sound and light system as well as a professional and helpful staff. The Gramery Theatre is perfect for anything from fashion shows to product launches, company meetings to after parties. This hidden NYC gem should be discovered by all. Outside vendors are allowed.

The Tribeca Grand Hotel, which opened in 2000, marks the first boutique luxury hotel in this eclectic and artistic neighborhood.  Located close to the restaurants and galleries of Tribeca, the Tribeca Grand Hotel provides a state-of-the art meeting facility with style.

The grand screen room, which resembles a luxurious mega movie theatre, is a perfect venue for your meeting. The room fits 100 people and includes classic plush leather seating, surround sound, and a top-of-the-line projection system. For a more intimate event, the penthouse rooftop terrace offers a panoramic view of downtown Manhattan.  The city skyline creates an elegant atmosphere for your New York events.

The luxury New York hotel also offers a variety of other amenities, including an iPod loan program, so guests can use iPods preprogrammed with music selections created by the hotel’s creative director. The lobby desk is adorned with goldfish bowls that welcome the guests. The guests are able to request one of these goldfish in their rooms for the duration of their stay.

View more information about the Tribeca Grand Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network.

If you're planning a large New York City meeting or conference, you probably have to host a lot of overnight guests, but want to keep their accommodations as close and convenient as possible. Now, you can book rooms at three neighboring properties thanks to Hersha Hospitality's new New York hotels.

Hampton Inn Times Square South, Holiday Inn Express Times Square (the 1000th relaunched Holiday Inn hotel) and Candlewood Suites Times Square are the three adjacent New York City hotels occupying 39th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. The Hampton Inn features 184 guest rooms; the Holiday Inn Express, 210 rooms; and the Candlewood Suites, 188 guest suites. Each property offers business traveler-friendly features such as complimentary high-speed Internet access and business centers.

The three hotels place guests near plenty of New York attractions, including Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Broadway Theater District. The hotels are also convenient to the New York convention center.

To find more information about these hotels and other New York City venues, make sure to check out Cvent's New York venue directory.

In a recent blog post about great baseball stadiums for your events, I mentioned how great it is to spend a summer usually day or night at the ballpark. However, I must admit that I have an ulterior motive when it comes to going to see a game: I love the food! Soft pretzels, bags of peanuts, ice cold beer—all that "so-bad-for-you-it's-good" stuff that baseball stadiums do so well.

But if you're just not in the mood for one of the classics usually being tossed out by seat vendors, you're still in luck. More and more baseball stadiums are stepping up their game, so to speak, when it comes to food options. From Mexican-themed hot dogs to Italian cannolis, these event-friendly baseball stadiums can offer your guests a wealth of food options to go along with their Cracker Jacks.

Petco Park

Opened in 2004, Petco Park's concessions include all the usual ballpark fare, such as burgers, pizza, and hot dogs. But what really makes its food options stand out are the border-influenced fare such as fish tacos, offered by Rubio's, and the Sonoran hot dog, wrapped in bacon, stuffed in a bun with salsa and pinto beans, and topped by jalapeno sauce.

For your San Diego events, Petco Park offers stunning views of the bay and city skyline, an array of venue options and state-of-the-art amenities. Event spaces on the Toyota Terrace, upper deck, and street, mezzanine, field and garden levels feature a number of meeting options ranging in size from 50 to 3,000 guests.

Safeco Field

Home of the Seattle Mariners, Safeco Field has been nominated by the Food Network for having the Best Ballpark Eats in America. Its 62 food stands, 26 kiosks, one restaurant and one pub run the gamut of baseball cuisine, from traditional picks such as nachos to unique options such as sushi rolls. One of the largest selling items is the Ivar Dog, sold by famed Ivar's seafood restaurant. A hot dog with a Seattle twist, Ivar Dogs are sliced pieces of cod served in a hot dog bun and topped with coleslaw.

One of the top attractions in Seattle, Safeco Field offers both venue space for rent as well as a number of unique packages for groups. With the Grand Slam Fantasy Baseball and Homerun Derby Batting Practice package, groups large and small can practice their swing and enjoy a catered lunch buffet.

PNC Park

Opened in 2001, this classic-style ballpark is more than just home to the MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates. It also features 31 permanent and 24 portable concession stands, including one just for children. Among the barbecue, ice cream, hamburgers, and popcorn, visitors find the famed sandwiches from Primanti Bros., which incorporate sides of French fries and coleslaw into the sandwich itself.

Capable of hosting anything from concerts to tradeshows to wedding rehearsals to fundraisers, PNC Park offers a number of indoor and outdoor event venues in Pittsburgh. The park's event staff can also provide catering services, furniture and equipment rental, audio-visual equipment, park tours and more.

Citi Field

The new home of the New York Mets, Citi Field features spacious concourses, contoured seating intended to bring spectators closer to the field, and a number of climate-controlled restaurants and bars with a wide range of menu options. Pulled pork sandwiches and Kansas City ribs from Blue Smoke, clam chowder and lobster rolls from Taste of the City, fresh-cut, Belgian-style fries with gourmet dipping sauces from Box Frites—the list goes on and on. Guests can even indulge their sweet tooth with a New York favorite: a cannoli topped by blue and orange sprinkles (Mets colors) from Leo's Latticini.

In addition to its great food, Citi Field boasts five-star service and top-notch New York event space. The stadium has over 200,000 square feet of hospitality space, capable of accommodating events from 25 to 6,000 people in size.

The Big Apple is full of landmark hotels, and the legendary Plaza Hotel in New York is no exception. A popular spot for New York City events of all kinds, this hotel in downtown NYC was most recently selected as the venue of choice for the TODAY show's popular "TODAY Throws a Wedding" summer series. In the past, the venue has hosted nuptials of celebrity couples such as Donald Trump and Marla Maples and Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as parties such as Truman Capote's Black & White Ball and Sarah Jessica Parker's 40th birthday.

Located at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza re-opened in March 2008 after a $400 million hotel restoration. New York meeting guests can now enjoy 21,000 square feet of event space at the stunning Beaux Arts property, which also offers 282 guest rooms. Venues include the opulent Grand Ballroom and seven meeting rooms that, when combined, accommodate up to 450 guests.

Also at the Plaza are the new Champagne Bar and the Rose Club, which join legendary dining facilities the Oak Room and Oak Bar. Three health and wellness facilities are on-site (Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, Fitness Center by Radu, and Warren Tricomi Salon) along with the world-class Shops at The Plaza.

View more information about The Plaza Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network