As one of the most diverse cities in the world, New York City offers world-class venues, hotels, group activities and so much more, making it a destination that delegates look forward to visiting.
Fred Dixon has been president and CEO of NYC & Company since March 2014, where he has the overall responsibility of developing and implementing New York City's tourism and convention development strategy internationally as well as in domestic leisure and business markets.
1. What's new in the NYC for groups?
Since last spring, we have seen unprecedented developments and openings in the City's hotels, attractions, museums, and more, leading us to refer to the "New" New York City. From the recently opened Whitney Museum of American Art offering flexible indoor and outdoor space, to the One World Observatory in Lower Manhattan hosting groups up to 300 people, the "New" New York City has no shortage of new spaces for groups to utilize. This spring, we will see a handful of openings, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art's brand new modern and contemporary art space, the Met Breuer, which will open March 18.
New York City has the most active hotel pipeline in the country, with more than 107,000 hotel rooms currently, and 125,000 total rooms expected to open by 2018. Among the most recent renovations is the New York Marriott Brooklyn Bridge Hotel, which underwent a redesign of its ballroom and meeting spaces that cater approximately 2,000 people.
Furthermore, New York City is more accessible than ever, with the recent extension of the 7 subway line to 34 Street-Hudson Yards offering delegates direct subway access to the Javits Center for the first time.
2. What's a "hidden gem" for visiting groups?
For hands-on experiences, groups of 50 or less can go behind the scenes with Disney Theatrical Group for a private tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre (home to Aladdin the Musical) and try on costumes and original props from recent productions; or head to Mystery Room NYC for a team building activity where groups of 10 or fewer work together to solve problems to "escape" from the space.
Unique venues range from Brooklyn Winery in Williamsburg, where groups can learn to blend wine and partake in wine pairings; to historic Wave Hill in the Bronx, ideal for corporate retreats and meetings; to Staten Island's Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, which is home to a Chinese Scholar's Garden and the second oldest musical hall in New York City, among other interesting indoor and outdoor spaces.
3. What's a good outing for a group looking to get a sense of the city's culture or history?
In its 25th year, Big Onion Walking Tours offers private tours for groups of any size in several neighborhoods, from historic Harlem to DUMBO and Vinegar Hill in Brooklyn, and Walks of New York invites delegates to explore several neighborhoods, including the West Village and Lower Manhattan, among others.
Groups looking to learn about the City's musical history can work with Hush Hip Hop Tours, an interactive way to explore Harlem, Brooklyn and the Bronx through the evolution of hip-hop. In Queens, the Brooklyn Queens Experience creates customized tour in Long Island City, a neighborhood known for its industrial past that is becoming the City's next cultural hot spot with numerous galleries and museums. Groups can also hop onboard the free Staten Island Ferry and enjoy a tour filled with history, culture and food in Staten Island with Carreta Tours.
4. Where should a group go to get a truly local culinary experience?
Known as the "real Little Italy," the Bronx's Arthur Avenue offers authentic Italian food and old-world charm. Delegates looking for the best pizza in town can hop aboard A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours, or explore authentic dim sum and other delicacies in any of the City's three Chinatowns in Manhattan, Flushing (Queens), and Sunset Park (Brooklyn). In Queens, delegates can taste their way around the world without ever leaving the borough. The 7 subway line, known as the "International Express," stops in diverse neighborhoods that offer cuisines ranging from Indian and Korean to Ethiopian and Himalayan.
5. Anything else that you think makes your city a great destination for groups?
Home to a population representing more than 138 countries and more Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders than any other U.S. city, New York City is a place where all attendees feel welcome and where any business can find opportunity for success. As one of the world's most anticipated cities to hold meetings and conventions, we look forward to welcoming our more than 6.1 million annual delegates to New York City, this year and beyond.