PR: NYC's Venues for Large Meetings

Contacts: Chris Heywood, NYC & Company, 212/484-5458, cheywood@nycvisit.comKimberly Spell, NYC & Company, 212/484-1270, kspell@nycvisit.com

NEW YORK CITY IS PERFECT BACKDROP FOR LARGE MEETINGS

�Venues Throughout the Five Boroughs Offer Meeting Planners Varied Options�

New York, NY (July 24, 2007)�As the eyes of meeting and event planners turn to the Meeting Professionals International World Education Congress (MPI/WEC) at the end of July, NYC & Company will be on hand to remind attendees of the diverse selection of large venues that exist throughout the five boroughs. From the "World's Most Famous Arena" to the home of the US Open to The Unconvention Center along the docks of the Hudson River, New York City offers ideal spaces and an exciting location for events of all kinds."New York City has the venues and resources to make any meeting or trade show a success. With so many location options to choose from in the five boroughs�and the City as a backdrop�staging meetings and events here guarantees record breaking attendance," said Susan Wall, Vice President Convention Development, NYC & Company.Among the most renowned of New York City's venues is Midtown's Madison Square Garden, home to the New York Rangers, Knicks and Liberty. The arena can accommodate 20,000 people and has been the location for some of the most prominent award shows including the GRAMMYS, the Daytime Emmys and the VH1 Fashion Awards. Meanwhile, the 36,000-square-foot Expo Center is well suited for smaller meetings, banquets and trade shows. And with almost 100 private boxes, groups can watch premiere sporting and entertainment events in a setting that can be suited to the client's needs.Another well-known venue farther west is Pier 94, the Unconvention Center, which offers 175,000 square feet of raw space that can be customized for trade shows, meetings and events. This chic locale along the Hudson River has recently welcomed high-profile events including the celebration of the 15th anniversary of Martha Stewart Living magazine and the Architectural Digest Home Design Show which featured more than 300 exhibitors.Also on the west side of Manhattan is the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center which boasts 760,000 square feet of exhibit space and 132,000 square feet of total meeting space. Recent and upcoming events include the New York International Auto Show, the New York National Boat Show and the New York Int'l Art show. Other highlights of the Convention Center are the 45,000-square-foot Galleria/River Pavillion overlooking the Hudson, on site kitchens and 22 permanent food outlets.Events stages in the boroughs outside of Manhattan bring another dimension to the meeting experience, letting attendees see a different side of the city. With its 46 acres of outdoor and indoor venues, including stadiums, restaurants and meeting rooms, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens has a flexibility that makes it ideal for events of all sizes. The Center is, of course, most well known as home of the annual US Open tennis tournament in August.The Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island, located in the Corporate Park of Staten Island and nestled within 415 acres of wildlife preserve, boasts 11,400 square feet of indoor gardens that provide a picturesque setting for banquets, meetings and other occasions. Additional meeting and convention spaces as well as restaurants offer alternative areas to host an event. The hotel, just 10 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport, has 148 business-class rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, full day spa and a 24-hour business center, making it convenient for event attendees.In Brooklyn, Grand Prospect Hall, an original 1903 French renaissance building, is an impressive setting for events for up to 2,000 guests. The Hall features 10,400-square-foot ballroom with 60-foot ceilings, two tiers of balconies and a garden with waterfalls. Among the companies that have hosted events are Vogue magazine, Vera Wang, Hearst Publications and American Express.In the Bronx, the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts sets the stage for a range of events. The concert hall has a hydraulic orchestra pit for 40 musicians and eight large dressing rooms, making it perfect for performances and events with musical entertainment. The venue, which can accommodate 2,310 people auditorium style, also often welcomes film/commercial shoots, seminars and conferences.Since it opened its doors in 1932, Radio City Music Hall is one of Manhattan's most celebrated venues. The art deco performance space is famous for its Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. The Midtown theater, with its 60-foot-high main stage and 5,900 seats, is ideal for large performances and award shows, while the 6,500-square-foot foyer offers an alternative for launch parties, benefits and other celebrations for up to 600 people. For receptions and more intimate affairs, the Roxy Suite holds 75. And an added bonus to booking the venue, the Rockettes are available upon request.Newer on the scene but already established as one of the premiere event spaces in New York City is The Nokia Theatre, Times Square, which joined the bright lights of Broadway with one of the largest marquees on the strip. The 45,000-square-foot venue, with its VIP balconies, green room, large kitchens and luxury dressing room suites, is perfect for product launches, movie premiere parties and fashion shows. The spacious theater is also a wonderful setting for reception-style events for up to 1,200 guests.Farther downtown in Manhattan is the Metropolitan Pavilion, a versatile space with three different venues. The main space, which features historic architecture and hardwood floors, can accommodate up to 1,565 guests. The newest area, The Level, with its natural sunlight and marble decor, offers 8,000 square feet perfect for special events. The Pavilion is also convenient with same-block subway access and many parking options.For more information on the above locations and other excellent venues, log on to nycvisit.com.

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NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.