About New York
Colorful, incredibly diverse, and full of life—there’s nothing in the world quite like New York City. It’s one of the top American destinations you should visit at least once. It’s a vibrant place, with a mix of leisure and business opportunities, so you’ll always find activities and events wherever you go. With so much going on in NYC no matter what time of the day, it’s no surprise that it’s called the city that never sleeps.
As America’s largest city, New York is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions and meeting spaces. From the world-class hotels in NYC’s Financial District and upscale convention centers in Manhattan to more unique spaces outside the city center, there’s no shortage of venues to host your next event. For smaller, more intimate corporate affairs, follow the trend by booking a meeting room at a co-working space, a nearby museum, an art gallery, or a cozy cafe.
When you host an event in NYC, you and your delegates will have access to quality equipment, high-end facilities, and award-winning services, and discover unlimited venue options for social programs. Plus, the Big Apple—as people call NYC—is well-connected and easily accessible. Whatever mode of transportation you pick, from taxis and subways to buses and ferries, you’ll arrive at your meeting place quickly and conveniently.
Meeting Space Options in New York
- Event Planners
Event planning is a tricky process, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Work with qualified and experienced event planners in New York City to help you in every step, from managing the planning process and budgets to coordinating logistics and overseeing all event happenings. They can also suggest the best meeting rooms in the area and connect you with local vendors and suppliers for smooth event execution.
- AV Equipment Rentals
High-quality audio-visual equipment is crucial to achieve a successful meeting. You’ll quickly lose your audience’s interest if your speaker or microphone doesn’t work or if there’s no visual aid to grab their attention and with which they can interact during the presentation. Some conference rooms already have AV components, but if you’re using a small meeting room, it may only have the basics. Depending on the scale of your event, you might need more audio-visual gear and tools, like lighting, video cameras, projectors, sound systems, speakers, and more.
- Staffing Services
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced event planner or putting together your first large-scale conference—you’ll need a great team to assist you every step of the way. But don’t just contact random individuals. Your friends or colleagues who have recently organized an event can give you referrals, but a staffing company in New York City can be your go-to source for recruiting trained personnel who can help manage various aspects of your corporate function. When you have the right team on your side, the process can be smoother from start to finish. You’ll have also happy attendees who will look forward to your next event.
Meeting Space Vendors in New York
- Canal Sound & Light
Formerly Canal Hi-Fi, Canal Sound & Light sells and installs professional audio, lighting, DJ equipment, video, speakers, and more. They have a showroom in downtown Manhattan on Canal Street and have operated their NYC retail shop since 1977. Whether you need production rentals for your event or installation services, they can help you obtain the best audio-visual experience in your meeting venue. From sound, stage, and video gear to lighting, technicians, and DJ equipment, they’ve got you covered.
- Sweet Basil Catering
Sweet Basil Catering, a female-led enterprise in New York City, delivers full-service catering and event planning focussing on seasonal cuisine, distinct presentation, and outstanding service. Since its inception in 2008, it has extended its services to varied clientele, from a corporate event held in meeting rooms to a social occasion hosted against the backdrop of the Wall Street Hotel. Their menu repertoire can be customized to meet the unique needs of any gathering and serve groups of various sizes. Sweet Basil Catering provides made-to-order menus for any occasion using fresh and seasonal ingredients for each meal.
- Projectors Rental
Projectors Rental offers a cost-effective and high-quality solution for a gathering’s projection needs in New York City. Boasting an extensive collection of projectors for corporate meeting space presentations, and artistic installations, they guarantee high-quality DLP and LCD digital projectors from leading brands.
Pros and Cons of Meeting Spaces in New York
As a vacationer’s paradise and a center of international business, New York City regularly hosts events of every size and style. However, like any destination, there are pros and cons to consider when booking a conference room or any meeting venue in the Big Apple.
Advantages
- You’ll want to leave a positive impression on your clients, partners, and employees. One way to do that is by hosting business meetings in a professional and well-equipped rented space. The Big Apple offers diverse meeting space options equipped with modern amenities.
- New York is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. So whether it’s food, entertainment, or venues, there are tons of options available for your event.
- Meeting in an energetic, vibrant, and diverse city means getting a new perspective. If you need fresh ideas for corporate growth or the team’s harmony, NYC is the place to be.
Disadvantages
- New York’s unpredictable weather isn’t the best news for anyone planning an outdoor affair. If you want to embrace nature, pick a versatile location with an indoor meeting room and an open-air setting.
- Hosting meetings or intimate gatherings in popular meeting venues in a bustling metropolis like New York isn’t always easy. You must book months in advance to avoid disappointment.
- New York offers numerous nightlife activities and attractions. If you don’t focus on your objectives or business goals while there, you might get distracted easily. It could affect your productivity.
Tips on How to Organize Meeting Rooms in New York
Navigating the hustle and bustle of New York City to organize business or social functions can seem daunting, but it can be done. Streamline the process by booking the best meeting rooms that will wow your attendees. Here are other tips to help you get started:
- Identify your desired outcomes: Do you want some issues to be addressed, or are you looking for new ideas from the team? It is about a proposal that requires approval or a huge project that must be discussed? It doesn’t matter if it’s a quick meeting or a long brainstorming session: you must have a clear idea of what you want to achieve at the end so that everyone can remain focused and avoid getting off topic.
- Event size: The size of your event can affect numerous elements of the planning process like the venue, budget, and vendors to hire. Pick a meeting room that’s not too cramped or spacious enough but not too big that it seems empty for a small group. It should also have an area for activities and equipment.
- Accessibility and location: The venue location and its accessibility can affect attendance. No one would want to attend a conference in a remote area that’s far from public transport or hard to reach even with a private vehicle. The good news is that many conference rooms and well-equipped meeting spaces in New York are centrally located and accessible by bus, train, taxi, or even bike. Consider a venue near the Empire State Building or one of the private offices in Midtown Manhattan with New York City skyline views.
- Delegate tasks: Even the most experienced coordinator or planner can’t put together a huge event alone. The key here is creating a good team. Your role is to be able to identify their strengths and then delegate tasks based on their skills and abilities. Everyone should be on the same page, so effective communication is crucial. They should understand their role and what you expect of them from the beginning.
- Amenities and facilities: Most meeting rooms have video and audio support for presentations. Others also provide access to outdoor spaces, large conference rooms, and co-working areas. The website photos and reviews are a great place to start, but they’re not always enough. What you should do is visit the venue in person and bring your camera. Doing so allows you to feel the atmosphere, assess the site, and determine if it’s the right meeting space for your dream event.
Famous Locations in New York
- Federal Hall
The iconic Federal Hall is a famous landmark in the heart of Wall Street. It’s where George Washington took his oath as the first United States President. Today, it’s a museum that preserves the spirit of American democracy and offers a glimpse into the nation's formative years. And the best part? The Federal Hall National Memorial offers free entrance for all, so you have no excuse for not visiting the building. You don’t even need an entire day to see everything because the exhibitions can be toured within an hour.
- Grand Central Station
A walking distance from Central Park, Grand Central Station is an obligatory spot in Midtown Manhattan even if you don’t plan to catch a train. It’s more than just a transit hub—it’s an architectural marvel with a celestial ceiling, grand staircases, and opulent chandeliers. With awe-inspiring interior details and architectural elements, it’s no wonder this Beaux-Arts masterpiece attracts millions of visitors each year. Feeling hungry from sightseeing? Head to the food court on the lower level that serves refreshing snacks and drinks.
- National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
You can’t miss the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum when visiting New York City. The 9/11 event affects everyone, no matter your race or what generation you’re born, so touring the museum is a must. The museum brings visitors back to the event on September 11, 2001, that changed the course of history and the lives of many people who were there on that fateful day.
New York City offers the best backdrops for your next meeting. Whether it’s a client presentation or a holiday party in the Upper West Side, you can rest assured that NYC has an ideal meeting space!