Shackman Associates New York has been doing group spin classes as a destination corporate meeting team-building program before the start of business, and we are now finding that rowing might be an even more experiential idea. We are all hearing about how bad it is for us to be bent over at our computers all day, and in the spinning class you’re kind of in the same position. Rowing might start out in a bent position, but your attendees will only be there one-to-two seconds bef

We are finding that the continuing evolution of New York City event venues are incorporating more glass elements, and that means they are typically located in buildings that offer views that might have not been there 5-10 years ago. We particularly love one venue that faces out from Chelsea. It features amazing sunsets and views of the Jersey City and Hoboken skylines that have dramatically changed. However, when looking north, your attendees will still get that incredible vi

We have previously blogged about how evocative meeting venues have used decor to create a collaborative vibe for destination corporate attendees. What if there was no decor at all? We are seeing a trend where “white spaces” offer the same “comforts of home” while offering 100% creative license to meeting planners. Or no nothing creative. The one common denominator is light and height. We have found one venue in Manhattan’s fast-growing West Side that nails both of these requi

After falling to a record low of 74% five years ago, 89% of US companies say they are throwing major holiday events for their employees in 2016. That estimate is probably even higher in New York City, so it’s not too early – even if your event is still on its way this week or next – to think about what you want to do in 2017. For financial industry companies, booking an event can easily pass $120,000 or $200+ per attendee, and both menu and drink requirements have become more

Destination Corporate Meeting attendees who want the experience of Times Square will love an Italian venue that does more than provide a great private corporate dinner venue. Your attendees can also cook with the chef! Whether it is meatball sliders, pumpkin desserts, potato gnocchi, or something even more creative, this is a venue that is in the middle of everything where your attendees can get something special.

A new French dining venue, which was converted from a former parking lot, opened this week in the Bowery neighborhood in Manhattan, and it features exciting decor and a 25-seat wrap-around bar that can be used as a communal table for breakout lunches. It offers a very healthy menu, and we love the floor-to-ceiling tree trunks and the 9-foot-tall chrome apple with an arrow through it!

While it could be argued that many of the intimate new speakeasies that have opened in New York City are ideal for after-dinner drinks on a date night, they are equally as attractive as after-hours venues for destination corporate meeting groups. We found a subterranean one on Rivington Street in the Lower East Side that features everything from velvet curtains to amazing cocktails. Your attendees will love the disco punch bowls!