New York Events

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City has finally received approval on its long-awaited renovation and expansion. The project was approved by the Public Authorities Control Board in Albany in early July.

"The Javits Center renovation and expansion project is an important step towards addressing the demand for modern convention space," said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a statement. "In addition to generating economic activity for New York City, the construction will create real jobs for working New Yorkers."

Initially brought up three New York governors ago, the project was halted by former Gov. Eliot Spitzer due to a more than $3 billion price tag. The recently-approved expansion of the New York convention center has been scaled back in both cost and size. At $463 million, it will include repairs to the convention center's roof and a 100,000-square-foot expansion of its New York meeting space, which encompass 40,000 net square feet of exhibition space.

The Javits expansion project is expected to generate nearly $880 million in direct and indirect sales and 9,000 in direct and indirect construction and construction-related jobs.

View more information about the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on the Cvent Supplier Network

Father's Day is this Sunday, which got me thinking about what types of venues would meet dear old Dad's coveted approval. In my experience, anything that relates to motorcycles, golfing and baseball always fit the bill.

So, check out a few great meeting spaces across the country where your events would surely make Dad proud.

Harley-Davidson Museum

Just opened in 2008, this 130,000-square-foot Milwaukee attraction showcases the rich history and heritage of the Harley-Davidson company. Its exhibits feature everything from the oldest Harley-Davidson motorcycle in existence to custom creations such as the 13-foot-long King Kong bike and the highly decorated Rhinestone-Glide.

The museum's memorable backdrop, not to mention Harley's reputation for knowing how to party, make it an excellent venue for private events. Indoors, it can accommodate functions of up to 1,000 people. Outside, the museum can host up to 15,000 guests.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach

Champion golfer Jack Nicklaus once said, "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach." Ranked number one on Golf Digest's list of America's 100 Greatest Public Courses for 2009/2010, the 18-hole Pebble Beach Golf Links is a challenging, scenic course that plays host to prestigious tournaments such as the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the upcoming 2010 U.S. Open Championships.

The historic Lodge at Pebble Beach has 10 meeting rooms that can accommodate groups as large as 300 people. Its spacious Beach & Tennis Club affords stunning views of Stillwater Cove, while the more intimate Card Room sets the scene for a elegant dinner with crystal chandeliers, wood-burning fireplaces and sea-vista terraces. The 18th fairway of the Links is also a dramatic setting for outdoor receptions, weddings and other formal affairs.

Yankee Stadium

Opened this year, this New York attraction maintains the original look of the 1923 Yankee Stadium, but inside it's nothing but modern. With seating for 52,325 people, one restroom for every 60 fans, and over 10 dining and lounge options, the new stadium offers a more comfortable experience for fans hoping to see the New York Yankees add another World Series championship win to their record.

Yankee Stadium offers an impressive 1.3 million square feet of New York event space, capable of hosting fundraisers, banquets, tradeshows, weddings, picnics, corporate functions and more. It also has 56 private luxury suites and 410 party suites. Plus, initiatives such as natural cooling in the Great Hall, the purchase of paper products made from 100 percent recyclable paper, and special sports lighting fixtures make Yankee Stadium a green option for your New York meetings.

Hotels in New York are some of the best, most sought-after venues in the world for both leisure and business travelers. This comes as no surprise when the properties set the bar so high. At The Pierre New York luxury hotel, which recently completed a $100 million hotel renovation, New York guests are treated to award-winning concierge service, first-class dining and and luxe accommodations.

The flagship of Taj Hotels, The Pierre revealed its new look Monday, which includes renovated guest rooms and baths, redesigned first floor public areas and a brand new restaurant and lobby lounge. This project comes on the heels of an initial renovation completed in January 2007 of the Grand Ballroom, the Cotillion Room and Foyer.

Located on New York's Fifth Avenue, the 140-room hotel is dedicated to hosting stunning Manhattan events; all its banquet and meeting rooms were open, fully-staffed and operating during the most recent renovation.

Today, planners can take advantage of this NYC luxury hotel's six rooms, totaling 18,000 square feet. From the premier Grand Ballroom for up to 1,500 reception attendees to the Versailles-inspired Garden Foyer, The Pierre's facilities are sure to impart a touch of class to all your New York events.

View more information on The Pierre on the Cvent Supplier Network

I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a fan of the Real Housewives of New York City. You can call watching it a frivolous waste of time, but if it's the way I want to unwind after a long day, then so be it. (And I know I'm not alone because the ratings for RHoNYC's season finale jumped 50 percent from its debut!)

But regardless of your feelings toward the show or the ladies in it, I think it's hard to deny that they know one or two things about big events—both attending them and planning them. After all, they seem to have some big New York event on their social agenda at least once or twice every week, and many of them, at least in the show, planned events of their own for various charitable and non-profit organizations.

Over the weekend I was watching "Unfashionably Late" (which actually aired a few weeks ago, but I'm behind on my Tivo). In it, housewife Alex goes to a fitting for an item that her husband Simon bought at last year's Go Green Expo: a FEED bag corset. Designed by couturier Maggie Norris, it was made from three FEED burlap bags along with buttons from a military jacket, leather from a pair of boots, and other found objects.

A little background: the non-profit FEED Project's mission is to "create products that help FEED the world." In an effort to help raise funds for the UN World Food Program's school-feeding operations, the organization produces and sells FEED tote bags, wallets, even teddy bears. Alex's corset was obviously a unique item, which Simon had bought at the expo for $7,000.

Certainly, the corset itself is questionable for those with a fashion sense, but I have to give credit to Alex for raising awareness and to the non-profit group for its clever methods of promotion. As Alex blogged, "What a great way to send a message to the world—and different than a t-shirt or hat."

These days, non-profits need to be even more creative when it comes to fundraising and spreading the word about their respective organizations. But a couture corset? If it gets the job done (and I'd say it did, considering the price tag and the fact that Alex was photographed wearing it at the opening of NYC's Metropolitan Opera), then it just proves that nothing is off limits.

What are some of the most creative—and successful—items you've used to raise money for your non-profit and/or to boost promotion for your charity event? For those not involved in an association, what are some of the most memorable event marketing pieces you've seen?

These days I'd guess that a lot of corporate events and association meetings are scaling back a bit. But despite the new mantra that less is more, it's still fun to every once and a while see how events are being done by the rich and famous, who certainly don't seem to be weathering the recession quite the way real world meeting planners are. For some Friday fun, let's take a look at this week's most talked-about event in New York City, the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala Benefit.

Held this year on May 4, this annual fundraising event is the main source of funding for exhibitions, acquisitions and capital improvements at the Met. This year's gala benefit celebrated the opening of the spring 2009 exhibition "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion," which explores the relationship between high fashion and evolving ideas of beauty, with a focus on fashion models of the latter half of the 20th century. The exhibition is on view May 6 to August 9, 2009.

Honorary Chair Marc Jacobs and Co-Chairs Kate Moss, Justin Timberlake and Anna Wintour put Raul Avila, Inc. in charge of decorating the museum, which made for quite the New York special event facility. Designers John Myhre and Raul Avila used the theme of former New York venue El Morocco, opting for zebra print carpets in the reception area and Great Hall. The same black-and-white striped fabric was used on the circular banquettes filling the dining room, which was accented by fake palm trees and illuminated by blue lights and stars, done by Frost Lighting.

In line with the exhibition's theme, a six-foot mannequin "The Muse" towered over the Great Hall, adorned by white roses and gray and beige fabric. French hairstylist Julien d'Ys even created a massive wig to top the mannequin.

Glorious Food was in charge of catering, which also took a cue from El Morocco. On the menu was Tournedos Rossini, or filet mignon usually prepared with foie gras and wine sauce, along with broiled tomato persille, sauteed spinach and pommes gaufrettes. Each place setting was marked by a commemorative program.

Not surprisingly, this stunning affair attracted a sold-out crowd of 650 people. Tables for dinner ranged in cost from $75,000 to $250,000. Guests included Madonna, Rihanna, Bruce Willis, Stella McCartney, and Anne Hathaway.

You can get a behind-the-scenes look at the Met's exhibition on the museum's YouTube Channel. Check out the video below of d'Ys as he creates the wigs used in the exhibition:

Cvent is coming to New York City! Join us for a free lunch seminar to learn about how our event management tools can increase attendance and reduce costs for your meetings. At this New York event, we'll also talk about how you can use the Cvent Supplier Network to search over 75,000 suppliers and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Join us for our NYC event on one of three days:

• Monday, April 20 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at the Midtown Executive Club
• Tuesday, April 21 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at City Hall Restaurant
• Wednesday, April 22 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM at Dave & Busters Times Square

Register today for the complimentary luncheon that best suits your schedule. To see all dates and locations for Cvent's product seminars, visit our online calendar.

Planning a New York event in Rochester? You might want to take a look at the new Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside for your event venue and/or sleeping room needs. Formerly the Clarion Riverside Hotel, the Radisson recently completed a $6.5 million renovation.

Now, the hotel boasts 465 deluxe guest rooms and seven suites and 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including 12 meeting rooms. One of its ballrooms also received new ceilings as part of the renovation.

Located downtown, the Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside offers great views of the Genesee River. It is also adjacent to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

With Valentine's Day less than a week away, we thought it'd be appropriate to review some of the country's most romantic restaurants. Though couples find them idyllic spots for candlelit dinners for two, meeting and event planners can also make the most of the unmatched elegance and top-notch cuisine at these venues, each sure to impress groups of all sizes.

Take a look at some of Mobil Travel Guide's top picks:

Fleur de Lys

After a 10-month renovation following a devastating kitchen fire, this landmark San Francisco restaurant emerged with an luxurious redesign featuring 800 yards of custom-designed fabric, Limoges and Rosenthal china, and fragrant floral blooms. Host an event in style at the restaurant's Salon Room, with room for up to 25 guests, or private Wine Room, with room for up to 16 guests. The entire restaurant is also a great San Francisco banquet facility for functions of up to 105 people.

Les Nomades

Groups of up to 44 guests can enjoy the intimacy and fine French cuisine offered at Les Nomades restaurant in Chicago. With wood-burning fireplaces and original artwork, this former private club serves up classics with a twist such as roasted venison loin with sherry brown butter sauce and Angus beef fillet with sunchoke potato gratin.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea

Thanks to the soft piano music, flickering candles, and vases stocked with fresh flowers, the well-reputed New York restaurant One if by land, Two if by Sea is commonly known as one of the most romantic in the country. Among exposed brick, fireplaces and shimmering chandeliers, guests to New York events can settle into a night of pure elegance as they enjoy the restaurant's Mediterranean fare.

The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta

One of only 16 restaurants in the country to receive the Mobil Five Star Award, The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton is the perfect spot for private events in Atlanta. A la carte and tasting menus of French cuisine are complemented by an impressive 600-bottle wine cellar at the restaurant. The chef's table offers a great view of the display kitchen to up to 10 guests, but the adjacent salon is an ideal venue for up to 20 attendees to enjoy an intimate, private meeting.

Airports across the globe are stepping up their game with ways to welcome passengers and reduce travel stress, from airport karaoke to walking and biking trails in the terminal.

Passengers have always enjoyed passing the time before, between or even after flights by enjoying a meal or indulging in a spa treatment at the airport. Which ones have the best offerings? Below are some favorites of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Bonfire

When it comes to fine dining, Todd English's Bonfire at Boston's Logan International Airport offers up Argentinean steakhouse fare from the heart of Terminal B. Travelers can enjoy the  14-ounce prime sirloin or the baja fish tacos at the full-service dining area, or opt for a cocktail and lobster nachos at the Todd English lounge.

No time for an airport meal? No problem. Boston events can take advantage of the restaurant's downtown location, which offers private dining for up to 22 people.

Vino Volo

Vino Volo will have air travelers in and out of New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport nearly hoping for a delay. Located in Terminal 8, the first-class New York restaurant and wine bar invites passengers to grab a seat among sleek oak furniture to enjoy a glass from its extensive list.

Air travelers to and from New York City events will be able to enjoy a glass of Vino Volo's finest at one of the city's other primary airports, Newark Liberty International, in January 2009.

Elemis

International guests a bit harried from the travel to your London events? Heathrow International Airport welcomes them with indulgences such as Elemis Travel Spa in Terminals 4 and 5. In just 15 minutes, travelers are rejuvenated thanks to treatments such as the "Spot-On Power Back Massage" and four choices of skin therapies.

Green is the color of the season, and not just for Christmas trees. Guests of New York City events can now take part in a favorite winter pastime in a much more environmentally-friendly way, thanks to the city's new, state-of-the-art Polar Rink.

Situated on the Arthur Ross Terrace at the American Museum of Natural History, the 12,000-square-foot rink is not your average skating rink, which requires a great deal of electric energy to keep the ice cold. Rather it's made of a synthetic material that mimics the density of frozen water and thus doesn't waste energy with refrigeration. Plus, the rink surface can be reused year after year, or recycled when it gets worn out.

Also good news for first-time skaters? It makes for a much softer landing than ice.

Up to 200 guests at a time can enjoy this New York attraction, which is outfitted with colorful lights and 17-foot-tall illuminated polar bear. Non-skaters can also observe their friends and family indoors or out, whether from the benches surrounding the rink or the glassed-in North Terrace, where they can enjoy hot chocolate and snacks.

Open until March 1, 2009, the Polar Rink is another option for memorable winter outings at New York events.

With so much emphasis on dinner parties and cocktail receptions, it's easy to overlook hosting catered events at other points in the day. The easy-going, congenial spirit of a brunch event is the perfect way to get your guests networking, and is certainly a classy way to welcome your event attendees or say farewell at the end of a multi-day conference.

When thinking about a brunch event, consider the following restaurant venues, all of which where named among Forbes Traveler's Best Brunches in America.

Salty's Seattle Seafood Restaurant

The impressive waterfront views at Salty's Seattle are matched only by its exquisite Northwest cuisine. All-you-can-eat Dungeness crab, fresh local oysters, omelettes made to order, crepes and homemade pastries are just the beginning of its award-winning brunch, so popular that its served both Sunday and Saturday.

With five private dining rooms, from the Skyline Ballroom for 300 guests to the Seaside Patio for 100 guests, Salty's has function space for events of all types.

Fire Food and Drink

Chef Douglas Katz' innovative creations are taking brunch to a whole new level at Fire Food and Drink in Cleveland. Braised pork crepes with creme fraiche, jumbo lump crab cakes with poached eggs and tomato hollandaise, and brioche French toast with roasted apples are among the many mouth-watering entrees served every Sunday.

Fire Food and Drink is a great venue for events in Cleveland of any size. Its private dining room and outdoor patio each seat up to 35 people. Event services such as housemade cakes, audio-visual equipment and valet parking are available.

Balthazar Restaurant

What better place to enjoy brunch than a cozy bistro with a Parisian feel? Look no further than Soho's Balthazar for your New York events. From savory smoked salmon with creme fraiche to toasted brioche to sweet apple cinnamon pancakes, Balthazar has every taste covered.

Large groups and special events are welcome at the New York City restaurant, which also offers prix fixe menus for groups of 12 or more people.

As the temperatures start dropping, the thought of a warm drink and even warmer fireplace becomes more and more appealing to meeting attendees. Give guests of your wintertime gatherings a chance to shed their coats and scarves by hosting a cozy meeting at one of the many restaurants across the nation that offer fireside dining.

Beppe

Located in historic Gramercy Park, New York City restaurant Beppe, with its terra cotta roof and antique barn wood flooring, invokes the charm of a Tuscan farmhouse. Its roaring fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere that is certainly a welcome relief during New York's chilly nights. Guests can enjoy seasonal menus of Italian favorites inspired by Chef Marc Taxiera's travels throughout the Tuscan countryside.

Beppe's private dining room holds up to 30 people for lunch or dinner events in New York City. Party menus featuring current restaurant selections are available.

Auberge du Pommier

Located in the Yonge Corporate Centre in Toronto, this French restaurant effortlessly combines rustic charm and modern elegance. Constructed around the remnants of two 1860s woodcutters' cottages, Auberge du Pommier's sizable wood-burning fireplaces keep guests comfy during the winter as they enjoy hearty fare such as steak tartare and langoustines.

Auberge du Pommier can seat 48 guests in its Oscar Room and 40 guests in its Sophie Room. If you're looking for a larger Toronto special event facility, the entire restaurant can be used for Saturday lunch events or Sunday lunch or dinner events of up to 120 people seated or 200 people for cocktails.

Canlis Restaurant

  With annual average temperatures in the 50s, Seattle events may want to enjoy the warmth of a glowing fireplace many months throughout the year. Look no further than Canlis Restaurant, where guests are welcomed by a warm fireplace along with nightly piano performances and a menu of authentic regional cuisine.

Meeting attendees can enjoy this Seattle institution, whose flexible spaces are suitable for everything from an intimate dinner meeting to large banquet. The tucked-away Cache room offers treetop views of Lake Union and the Cascades to four diners, while the Penthouse affords 180-degree views of the landscape to up to 100 guests.

Among the many issues facing event planners is making sure your guests' dietary needs are known and addressed. As more and more Americans follow specialized diets, it's no longer acceptable to simply have a vegetarian option on hand.

One growing dietary concern among event guests is the need for a gluten-free option. It's estimated that about one in 133 people in America have Celiac Disease. Intolerant to dietary gluten, those diagnosed with Celiac Disease must abide by a gluten-free diet, eliminating wheat, rye, barley oats and ingredients made from these grains.

Luckily, event caterers are hearing the call from planners to offer gluten-free meals. Below are a few that can meet your needs for gluten-free fare.

Martino's Catering and Events

Rated as one of The Knot's Best of Weddings 2008 picks, Martino's Catering and Events is a great choice for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, parties and other events in San Diego. This flexible caterer can service events of up to 1,000 people with all manners of cuisine and service style, from sit-down to drop-off. Its menus, which range from Italian to Mexican to Tropical, can be served gluten-free, dairy-free or organic.

Different Tastes

When in need of gluten-free meals for your Boston events, look no further than Different Tastes. This award-winning New England caterer serves as the exclusive caterer for prestigious venues such as the Back Bay Center and Symphony Hall. Different Tastes offers decadent cuisine on its buffet, sit-down and reception menus as well as a full line of gluten-free meals.

Broadway Pizzeria

Pizza on a gluten-free diet? It's possible with catering by Broadway Pizzeria, a Long Island-based pizzeria and catering establishment. New York event guests can enjoy a taste of this NYC staple thanks to its gluten-free pizza crust. Broadway Pizzeria can even end the event on a sweet note with new gluten-free cheesecake. Its other New York catering options include Italian favorites such as stromboli, pasta dishes and chicken parmigiana.

Today is the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. It was on December 5, 1933 that the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, thereby repealing the National Prohibition Act that had outlawed alcohol consumption since 1920.

In order to celebrate like it's 1933, we've found a few of the most famous speakeasies across the nation, all of which made sure to keep thirsty patrons supplied with all the libations they needed during the 13-year dry spell.

Today you can transport meeting guests back to this period of intrigue and secretive thrills by hosting an event at one of these glamorous venues, all restored to their former glory. This time around, though, the liquor flows freely.

Bill's Gay Nineties

Stepping into Bill's is like stepping back in time to the Roaring Twenties. Guests are immersed in this era of extravagance thanks to the New York restaurant's antique bar and cash register, saloon bars, checkered tablecloths and historic photos and memorabilia. Bill's carefree spirit has certainly continued on from its days as one of New York City's most popular speakeasies, which today offers piano entertainment, hearty fare and intoxicating cocktails.

Bill's can accommodate parties of 20 to 100 people for a wide range of New York events. The third-floor Tenderloin Room is an exclusive space for meetings and events, complete with a private bar reportedly crafted from a fireplace in the old Rockefeller mansion.

ROOM 21

Chicago restaurant ROOM 21 holds a prominent place in the history of Prohibition, being one of the biggest liquor warehouses of Al Capone. In 1930, Eliot Ness and his group of "Untouchables" stormed the illegal storage place, uncovering 200,000 gallons of alcohol. This restored warehouse gets its names from the door marked "Room 21" found at the end of the its former escape tunnel.

With heavy curtains, soft lighting and a granite bar, ROOM 21 is an luxurious spot to host your event. This Chicago venue can can accommodate events of 15 to 250 people, offering innovative cuisine, an extensive wine list, and unparalleled atmosphere.

Bourbon and Branch

The West Coast was just as inventive as the rest of the nation when it came to selling and consuming liquor during Prohibition. Bourbon and Branch sits on the location of one of San Francisco's famous speakeasies, formerly operated under the cover name of "JJ Russell's Cigar Shop." The understated elegance of this San Francisco restaurant sets the perfect stage for guests to enjoy an extensive selection of bourbon as well as a number of rums, tequilas and one Canadian whiskey. House rules dictate that guests should not "even think of asking for a 'Cosmo.'"

Its glamorous decor, convenient setting and professional staff make Bourbon and Branch an ideal venue for your San Francisco events. With three San Francisco meeting spaces—the Main Bar, Library and Russell's Room—this speakeasy is more than capable of delivering top-notch private events.

The temperatures are dropping—winter is nearly here. But just the bikinis and beach towels have been packed away doesn't mean you can't keep enjoying the great outdoors. What better way to get your group together than with an event held at an ice skating rink?

Ice skating events hold many advantages over other traditional winter group activities. It's not a difficult skill—or at least a less frustrating one—to learn; it requires less of a time commitment for attendees, since most cities have a rink within less than an hour's drive; and it's budget friendly!

In 2007 Budget Travel published a list of the top 10 ice skating rinks in the United States. Check out a few that made the cut and are more than capable of hosting large groups for your next event:

Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Rink

Located in America's oldest public park, the Frog Pond Skating Rink delights locals and tourists alike. Open November to mid-March, the rink is available for private rentals Monday nights from 5:30 to 7 PM; 7:30 to 9 PM; or 5:30 to 8:30 PM.

Located close to restaurants and attractions such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace, skating at the Frog Pond is a great way to begin or end your Boston events.

The Pond at Bryant Park

A beacon of holiday spirit in the middle of Bryant Park, this 17,000-square-foot rink has room to host up to 500 guests for your events in New York City. The Pond's professional staff can customize event packages to suit any event, whether it be on the rink itself or at one of its other New York special event facilities.

Meeting planners can make use of the adjacent, heated 7,000-square-foot Skating Pavilion; glass-enclosed, 7,000-square-foot Celsius cafe and bar; or 400-square-foot private Party Room.

LA Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square

Don't think that only the Northern states can enjoy cold weather fun. As the self-described "Rockefeller Center of the West," LA Downtown on Ice has been getting LA events into the winter spirit for over 10 years. In addition to hosting public skating, a free concert series, a winter festival and more, the rink can exclusively host two-hour or three-hour events.

Its rental packages include canopies, tables, chairs, skate rentals—even private instruction depending on availability—to make your ice skating event a success.

Curry Village Ice Rink at Yosemite National Park

With snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and several other snow recreational activities available at Yosemite National Park, it might be easy to overlook its on-site Curry Village Ice Rink. Don't make this mistake! Ice skating at Yosemite has been a tradition since the 1930s, and there's no better way to get a group bonding together than by hosting an event at the rink, which is available for private parties on weekdays.

Whether practicing stunts or just trying not to fall down, guests will certainly enjoy huddling up to the outdoor fire ring for s'mores and hot drinks after unstrapping their skates.

Think pizza places are all about greasy food and overactive children? Think again. Gone are the days when pizza joints were all about greasy slices and arcade games. A new crop of upscale pizzerias is gaining popularity, offering a posh atmosphere and top-notch cuisine.

So how can you be sure to book a quality pizza venue for your event? You could start by looking for the Verace Pizza Napoletana seal of approval.

Founded in Naples, Italy, in 1984, the Associazione della Vera Pizza Napoletana aims to promote the culinary tradition of Neopolitan pizza. The Verace Pizza Napoletana, the American chapter, certifies pizzerias across the country based on strict standards, looking at, among other items, the dough and ingredients used, the oven in which pizzas are cooked, and the appearance of the pizzeria as a whole. There are over 20 VPN-certified pizzerias in the United States, and lucky for meeting planners, many of them welcome group functions.

A 16

Events in San Francisco can enjoy authentic pizzas such as the Bianca (mozzarella, green olives and basil) or the Salsiccia (fennel sausage and red onions) at A 16. An award-winning list of over 500 bottles, 60 percent of which are Italian, also makes this Chestnut Street institution a winner for cocktail receptions and post-meeting happy hour events.

Named after a highway that runs from Naples to Canosa, Puglia, this San Francisco restaurant hosts large parties of nine to 20 people in its spacious Atrium.

Fritti

Looking for venues for your next Atlanta event? Fritti adds a dose of classic Italian charm to this Southern city. With 22 varieties of Neapolitan pizza, all cooked to perfection on two visible wood burning ovens, Fritti has a total capacity of 120 guests seated and 200 guests for receptions.

From the private dining loft for up to 40 guests to the outdoor patio for up to 80 guests, any space in Fritti is a good one for inviting guests to convene and network while enjoying its namesake fried appetizers including eggplant and red pepper croquettes and fried mushrooms.

Naples 45

Great pizza and New York City certainly go hand-in-hand, but your event attendees need not resort to overcrowded bars or street vendors for their fix. Instead, host your NYC events at Naples 45.

With wood burning ovens, a 75-foot-long wine bar and tiled walls, the Main Dining Room of this New York Restaurant is perfect for events of 200 to 400 guests. The open-air patio can easily accommodate up to 150 people for receptions. Best of all, your attendees will enjoy authentic Neapolitan pies and a number of fine wines or domestic and imported beers.

The New Yorker Hotel is a venerable Manhattan venue that began its storied history in 1930, the same era as the equally idolized Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. Now nearing the completion of a $65 million renovation, the NYC luxury hotel is poised to connect the glitz and glamour of the Big Band era with the technology and conveniences of modern day.

Guests will see changes even before they walk through the front door. The front of this New York luxury hotel has been given a facelift complete with new signage and refaced stonework.

The lobby has added a chandelier and restored marble floors, while new furniture, carpets, wallpaper and fixtures have been installed throughout the building as part of the hotel renovation. New York visitors can also enjoy an entirely overhauled heating and air-conditioning system and a new fiber-optics backbone network that facilitates complimentary high-speed wi-fi.

New York event planners can look forward to expanded meeting spaces at the New Yorker. The hotel has increased its total meeting space to 25,000 square feet. Included in this are two elegant New York ballrooms, which hold 275 and 190 guests, and two conference centers divided into 14 meeting rooms. On-site catering is available, and award-winning chefs are on hand to create customized menus for any event.

Overnight attendees staying in one of the 910 redesigned, Art Deco-style rooms and suites have easy access to all that being in the heart of Manhattan offers. The downtown NYC hotel is conveniently across the street from New York attractions like Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. It is also closest major hotel to the New York convention center.

View more information about The New Yorker Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network

Already a busy hub for domestic and international tourists and business travelers, New York City knows a thing or do about accommodations. After all, you can't experience the Big Apple in just one day.

Never a city to settle, New York hotel options continue to expand. It can be hard to keep up, so check out our quick run-down of some of the most recently upgraded hotels:

Grand Hyatt New York

The Grand Hyatt was a great hotel before renovations. Now, it will certainly be a favorite among event planners for many more years to come. The hotel recently unveiled its renovated 13,000-square-foot conference level, home to modern meeting rooms and boardrooms. In addition this updated space, the Grand Hyatt also offers a dedicated meeting concierge and business services including free local calls, Internet access and much more.

The Plaza

This 100-year-old hotel is a New York City attraction in and of itself. A stunning Beaux Arts-style landmark, the hotel re-opened in January 2008 following a $400 million hotel renovation. New York event guests can now enjoy more than 15,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. Each of its seven meeting rooms is equipped with wireless services and conference equipment. The 1929 Grand Ballroom is an elegant setting for 200 to 600 guests, perfect for New York wedding receptions.

New York Palace

After 17 months and $12 million, New York Palace luxury hotel has completed its 13,000-square-foot meeting venue The Mansions Rooms. This 13,000-square-foot space has seven meeting rooms, all decked out in the trademark Palace style. Overall, the hotel has 22,000 square feet and offers on-site catering, a great support staff and 893 guest rooms and suites.

Find more New York City hotels on Cvent's New York Venue Directory