New York: The Ultimate Destination for Events & Incentives
Insights from The City That Never Sleeps
New York needs little introduction. The city offers a mix of culture, entertainment, iconic landmarks and experiences – making it an exciting destination for corporate events, incentives and group travel.
Our Event Manager, Olivia, was lucky enough to experience the city first-hand on a five-day FAM trip hosted by New York City Tourism + Conventions and United Airlines.
With a packed itinerary of hotel site visits, unique event spaces, dining experiences, and unforgettable activities, the trip offered brilliant insight into what New York has to offer event planners and their delegates.
Day One: Arriving in New York
The journey began with a United Airlines flight from London Heathrow, and Olivia also had the chance to experience the United Lounge before heading out to explore the city.
The first stop was the InterContinental New York Times Square, where the group checked into spacious rooms overlooking the city. With its central location, impressive views and thoughtful touches, including Byredo bathroom products, it was a memorable introduction to New York.
The evening continued with dinner at Planet Hollywood, a relaxed, lively option that works particularly well for larger groups. With generous portions, great cocktails and plenty of entertainment, it was an easy-going way to kick off the trip.
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Day Two: Iconic Hotels and Unforgettable Views
The morning started with breakfast and a site visit at the New York Marriott Marquis. Located right in the heart of Times Square, this huge property offers extensive space and facilities, making it a strong option for large conferences and events.
Next came SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, with breathtaking panoramic views across the city and versatile spaces for events; it offers plenty of potential for a memorable delegate experience.
From there, it was on to Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park, two locations that felt instantly familiar from countless films and television shows.
The afternoon continued with a site visit and lunch at Lotte New York Palace, an iconic historic property with plenty of character. Fans of Gossip Girl may recognise it as one of the show’s most famous locations, but its elegant spaces make it much more than just a filming location.
Dinner was at The Knickerbocker, where a rooftop setting, impressive city views and great food created another strong option for groups looking to combine dining with a memorable setting.
And, of course, no trip to New York would be complete without Broadway. The day finished with Chicago The Musical – a particularly special experience and the perfect way to round off a packed day.
Day Three: New York from Every Angle
First up was Edge NYC, home to a huge observation deck and 360-degree views across the city. For groups looking for a real ‘wow’ moment, it offers an unforgettable experience and plenty of potential as part of an incentive itinerary or event programme.
The group then explored The High Line and Chelsea Market, taking in one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods before stopping for lunch at City Winery.
Tucked away with fantastic views, great food and versatile event spaces, City Winery proved to be another hidden gem with plenty of potential for groups.
The day finished with something completely different: a New York Yankees game.
Adding a sporting experience to an itinerary is a brilliant way to give delegates something memorable outside of the usual meetings and dinners, and the atmosphere of a Yankees game certainly delivered.
Day Four: Across the Bridge to Brooklyn
Day four began in DUMBO – and naturally, no visit would be complete without stopping for the iconic Brooklyn Bridge photo.
The morning continued with breakfast and a site visit at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. This standout property combines a relaxed, contemporary feel with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, including a gorgeous rooftop pool overlooking the city.
Next was Mercer Labs, a completely immersive experience that offers something very different from a traditional event venue. With the potential for private buyouts, it could be an exciting option for groups looking to create something truly unique.
After lunch and a site visit at Downtown Marriott, the group continued to ROW NYC, a property fresh from a full refurbishment and ideally located for exploring the city.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Bateaux City Cruise with dinner, with live music and the Statue of Liberty sailing past; it becomes an experience that is difficult to beat. For incentive groups or corporate events, experiences like this demonstrate how New York can turn an evening into something genuinely memorable.
Day Five: One Last Taste of New York
The group made the most of the last few hours with a visit to Central Park, accompanied by one of the city’s essential breakfast staples: a New York bagel.
Before heading home, there was one final stop at the United Lounge – a huge space offering everything from a ramen bar to a salad station.
It was the perfect final reminder of just how much variety the trip had packed in.
Insights That Inspire Better Events
Explore more expert advice, destination guides, venue inspiration, and practical tips for planning exceptional corporate events.
Why New York Works
Five days in New York highlighted just how much the city can offer event planners.
From large-scale conference hotels and versatile event spaces to rooftop venues, immersive experiences, sporting events, Broadway shows and dining experiences with a view, there are endless opportunities to build an itinerary around a particular audience and objective.
What really stood out was the variety. An event programme doesn’t have to be limited to meetings and formal dinners. Delegates can experience the city through food, sport, entertainment, culture, architecture and some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks.
And that is what makes New York such an exciting destination for events: the experience doesn’t stop when the meeting ends.
To Wrap Up…
From Broadway to Brooklyn, this FAM trip offered just a glimpse of what makes New York such an exciting destination for events. With world-class hotels, unique venues, unforgettable experiences and endless opportunities to surprise and inspire delegates, the city has everything you need to create an event that goes beyond the expected.
Whether you’re planning a conference, incentive trip or group experience, New York is a destination that leaves a lasting impression.
Ready to make your next event one to remember? Get in touch with the Gray Dawes Events team and let’s start planning.
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