Tuesday, March 12, 2013

New York Botanical Garden Welcomes 7,000 Orchids

More than just a spectacular venue for events, The New York Botanical Garden is one of the truly special urban utopias in the world.

The garden's Annual Orchid Show, which runs through April 22, 2013, features 7,000 orchids that are on display in the country’s largest curated event of its kind.  The show dramatically transforms the landmark Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a tropical rainforest.  Even without the orchids, the conservatory is a unique corporate and incentrive destination meeting venue accomodating 120-300 attendees for a variety of event ideas.  For example, one could easily imagine Victorian or Edwardian ladies and gentlemen enjoying an afternoon or evening "amongst nature" once upon a time.

In 2013, Hurricane Sandy storm-damaged trees from the Garden's grounds will be incorporated into the show as a design element. Nearly 300 of the Garden’s specimen trees were either uprooted or otherwise destroyed. 

As one would expect, scheduling an event at the New York Botanical Garden is quite competitive and Shackman Associates New York's network of contacts help incorporate venues like the botanical gardens into destination meeting galas and group intineraries.

Macy's Herald Square Now a Food Destination Too!

Shackman Associates New York has frequently scheduled exclusive shopping experiences at top Manhattan venues, but many meeting attendees still love checking out Macy's because it's the flagshop store from what they know at the mall and see on TV every year on Thanksgiving.

However, it hasn't been known for its food.  Until now.

The opening of Stella 34 Trattoria is transforming the 6th floor at New York's most famous department store into its own destination dining experience.  The venue features homemade pasta, multiple seafood plates, a Prosecco bar with Bellini's, three wood-burning stoves and a very sleek vibe that features a modern decor with lots of windows.

Stella 34 Trattoria, which is becoming it's own "Eataly", is one component of a $400 million renovation project at Macy's 111-year-old store and seats 180 people.