THE APOLLO THEATER REMEMBERS THE KING OF POP

The world famous Apollo Theater is so much more than a historic landmark - it is a source of pride and a symbol of the brilliance of American artistic accomplishment. With its rich history and continued significance, the Apollo Theater, considered the bastion of African-American culture and achievement, is one of the most fascinating chronicles in American history.

This legendary venue has launched the career of Michael Jackson and continues to maintain its position as the nation's most popular arena for emerging and established African-American and Latino performers.

Today the marquee of the theater read, "In Memory of Michael Jackson, A True Apollo Legend." Fans gathered to dance, chant his name and sing along with his songs. Despite the dire news, the mood was celebratory and uplifting.

So here’s to you Michael – Thank you to your contributions to New York City and the World of Pop.

For Last-Minute Meetings, 3 Reasons Why New York is in Rarified "Air"

This week, the President announced that he's adopting a pay-as-you-go approach to budgeting. Meeting planners, however, are one step ahead of him – they’ve been operating that way all year long.

New York City is well prepared to welcome business travelers operating on last-minute pay-as-you-go schedules, especially when it comes to air travel.

Some advantages of flying to meet in New York include:

Low fares across-the-board: About three months ago, only the low-cost carriers were offering deals into New York's three primary airports. Now everyone’s getting into the act. While last-minute meetings create obstacles for acquiring group rates, major carriers are offering regular fares for business travelers as low as $129 from the West Coast, just days in advance of flights. That means meeting planners can stop fretting about huge lead times when making travel arrangements.

WiFi at 30,000 feet: Some airlines have begun offering on-board wi-fi during flights to New York – perfect for your busy business clients who could surely benefit from mile-high browsing privileges. Our colleagues who have utilized this service on cross-country flights give it rave reviews.

New Survey Indiactes Enhanced Piece of Mind: Who can forget Capt. Chesley Sullenberger’s heroic crash landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River? According to a recent survey by the independent polling firm, Rasmussen Reports, 34% of Americans are now more confident about flying in the wake of that landing, which resulted in the rescue of all passengers on board. And 54% of respondents think Sully should get a raise too!

With air travel to New York seeing blue skies ahead, last-minute meetings in the Big Apple make more sense than ever.

Governors Island welcomes New Forward-Thinking Art Exhibit

Governors Island (that tiny island located just south of the bottom tip of Manhattan) is expecting to draw more than 200,000 visitors this summer with their newest public art installation. Titled Plot 09: This World & Nearer Ones, the city’s first art quadrennial will open June 27 and feature 19 art commissions by artists worldwide.

Just hop on the quick ferry ride which picks up at the Battery Maritime Building. While you’re there take some time to explore the rest of the island, a former military base which has been open to the public since 2005. The island is also available for private events – ask us for some of our great themed proposals!

Retaining Core Business with a Meeting is a Top Priority no Matter who you are

While it would be hard to paint GM as a model of fiscal stability, it doesn’t mean the automaker should blow off a core business constituency. That’s why companies must not sacrifice important business meetings regardless of the prevailing political and economic climate. Even if the meeting is being held at a resort in Tucson, Arizona. Those who are quick to criticize large corporate meetings need to consider the following:

· In the case of GM, the top 500 fleet customers at their recent meeting account for 27.6% of the company’s total sales
· Large meetings are often booked well in advance and are very expensive to cancel
· The US Treasury has gone on record that it will not interfere with the day-to-day operations of companies receiving assistance
· Many outside functions at meetings such as golf outings at the GM meeting have become the financial responsibility of attendees in '09
· The meeting agendas have become far more business-focused - in the case of GM, they were "packed with informational sessions on GM’s 2010 product line”
· Resorts like the Wild Pass who host large meetings employ up to 1,500 people who are not CEOs. They are hard-working individuals, many of whom with families.

Finally, the meeting budgets represent a mini-fraction of what is spent on new product rollouts – especially GM’s development of the golf-cart-like Segway. It is far more difficult to imagine a Segway owner blissfully cruising down 5th Avenue with a cabbie tailgating close behind than it is any company forfeiting 27.6% of its business over fear of criticism.

President Obama Isn't Brokering World Peace on SKYPE

Whether the goals are saving money or avoiding scrutiny, there is much talk of conducting virtual meetings as an alternative to destination meetings. While technology has greatly helped individuals, organizations and companies stay in touch faster, it still does not and most likely never will replace the value of doing business in a face-to-face setting.

Everyone in the meetings industry is well aware of the criticism launched by Members of Congress over companies who choose attractive destinations for important meetings, team-building and incentive travel. But the last time we checked, they weren't receiving testimony on TARP over email and often, Congressional hearings go on the road into specific Member's districts to get the face-to-face expertise of Americans.

And just today, President Obama will be meeting at the White House with the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort to stabilize both governments, prevent more terrorist attacks, and in the case of Pakistan, safeguard its nuclear weapons. Important meetings like this aren't taking place in the virtual world and while it's true that President Obama loves his Blackberry, were guessing he won't be handing each world leader one as a primary tool for future contact.

We see the future of virtual meetings as a complimentary component to face-to-face business. More destination meetings here in New York have become more content-driven than ever and the resulting value of these personal interactions is then leading to even more frequent communication over the Internet. But business cannot have one without the other.

Get Your Ride On

You know a Manhattan Spring is in full bloom when our parks become the city’s cultural hub. With today's companies more and more conscious about the health of their top performers, creative (and affordable) ways to include some athletic teambuilding look to be a hot fixture of 2009 New York incentive and meetings travel. What better way to experience Manhattan’s outer beauty than by bike? Two of the best--and safest--routes in town are the Central Park loop and the path along the Hudson River in Riverside Park. Meeting planners looking to save a little money can skip the $25-a-head continental breakfast and plan a custom bicycle excursion instead. Even on weekday afternoons, Central Park bustles with activity, and Riverside Park boasts one-of-a-kind views of the George Washington Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

After an active bike excursion, your group is bound to need a little nourishment. Luckily, some of Manhattan's best-kept-secret-restaurants are within two blocks of the parks, and they’d love nothing more than to provide a special lunch you'll be talking about long after you return home. So if you want to add a little value to your 2009 conference, we are glad to suggest a few ways to start by adding a few breaths of fresh air.

New York a Low-Profile City? It is for events in 2009.

Becoming another face in the crowd among 8 million people is not hard in New York, and for businesses holding incentive meetings, team building conferences and special events, being a small fish in a big pond is the new trend for 2009. With criticism of business meetings at a fever pitch in Congress, New York City has ironically become an ideal location for businesses to offer unique incentive travel experiences and create high-impact events that do not make headlines nor end up in a floor speech at the US Capitol.

At Shackman Associates New York, our 2009 corporate events and meetings still reflect the New York's logical and continued importance as a world business capital. However, instead of lavish affairs at high-profile venues, our attendees are opting for programs that are economically productive and give back to the community. For example, we are managing Realtors focused on repairing the country's housing market and touring innovative development in Harlem, team builing clients building bikes for school children in the Bronx, and after-hour events at one of Manhattan's unique bowling venues. "Exotic menus" in 2009 often consist of our city's famous pizza and rare varietals from far locales have given way to the many fine wineries we have right here in upstate New York and Long Island. With more venue choices than other locales, the willingness of Manhattan hotels to renegotiate room rates, and exceptionally low airfare options into the region's airports, I expect New York to be a preferred destination for any business serious about keeping important meetings and events on their schedule in 2009.

It's Official - Thanksgiving Day Parade on the Move!

Hot off the press... The Thanksgiving Day Parade has officially switched routes, leaving Broadway in the dust.

The parade will still begin at Central Park West at 77th Street, but at 59th Street it will shift to Seventh Avenue instead of Broadway. At 42nd Street it will turn east and continue down Sixth Avenue to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street.

Buyer beware... If you were planning on staying at either the Novotel or Crown Plaza to see the Parade this year, you are out of luck. Move your plans to the Sheraton, Michelangelo or Renaissance, all which will have full views of your favorite floats.

A World with No Meetings Devastates the Average Worker – Not Executives

A CEO like AIG’s Edward Liddy will hardly starve if businesses halt meetings, but Larry the Caterer is a different story. So is the florist on 57th Street; the new small business that rents out furniture; the linen cleaner in operation for 30-years and their parts supplier for the steam machines; the highly-skilled pros who work 10-hour shifts manning cameras and mixing boards; both the airline pilot and baggage handler, whose jobs depend on weekday flights filled with business travelers; and if the feeding frenzy continues unabated, the war on business meetings could even trickle down to the quality of life of a school-age child in the Bronx.

2008 was not a spectacular year by anyone’s standard, but in New York, visitors spent $700 million more here than at any time in the city’s history. Not a single penny of it bought a credit default swap. Tourism, especially from business travelers, means real money flowing into hundreds of good businesses that employ thousands of great people.

Those who say business meetings are “inappropriate” right now should consider all the livelihoods our Destination Management Company – Shackman Associates New York - touches each week. The economic impact of the 400 people whose meetings we managed in the last five days alone goes far beyond their immediate industries. Not only do meetings generate new ideas and strategies that help the overall economy, they are critical in maintaining employee morale and provide direct business income to the peripheral vendors who depend on the business community to pay their mortgages and send own their kids to college.

These attendees who will build company morale and strenghten business relationships won’t be lathering up with bailout cash. Instead, they will be rolling bowling balls at one of New York’s fun-filled establishments, that – thanks to group events helping to paying the rent – are managing to survive the recession. They’ll eat New York style Pizza – not caviar, and among the real beneficiaries of these events are a décor shop owner in Chinatown, a by-the-gig Frank Sinatra singer, and scores of wait staff getting another night of pay and extra tips.

Another meeting group in real estate chose a theme not only appropriate in 2009, but critical to our recovery – “A New Start of It, Be A Part of It. ” While their scheduled tour truly captures the Spirit of New York, it has nothing to do with the boat ride. Participants will get a first-hand look at investment opportunities in innovative residential and retail economic development that is happening throughout Harlem. Some of the projects ironically meet a popular criteria of late - "shovel-ready" - and others are already moving full-steam ahead.

So despite knee-jerk reactions from some, holding an event in the business capital of the world is obviously appropriate. That includes those at five-star hotels. For a profitable company that just launched a Nationwide Wellness Workshop Campaign promoting healthy eating in public schools, hosting a food summit luncheon at a famous high-end destination warrants zero grounds for attack. In fact, more companies than ever are using business meetings themselves as a primary tool to “give-back.” We recently worked with Impact4Good to run a corporate team-building event that donated numerous “built-bikes” to area children whose families have been hardest hit by the economy. Additionally, flowers, table-settings and surplus foods from events are regularly donated to hospitals and charities, and catering requests are often made for local produce growers and wineries that in New York, account for millions in economic activity and jobs.

As the public questions what is “appropriate” in the economy of 2009, one thing is clear: The business meeting industry in New York and throughout America plays a critical role in the lives of millions like Larry the Caterer who work in a wide array of professions. Meetings deserve our support – not scorn.

The Big Apple?

So, why is New York called the Big Apple anyway?

Story has it that in the early 1920’s, the term “apple” was used to reference the many horse races in New York City. Apple was what people called the prizes awarded for the winners of the race. Digging through our reference books, we discovered an article in the New York Morning Telegraph, which referred to New York City’s races “Around the Big Apple”. It was rumored that the newspaper got the term from jockeys and trainers who aspired to race on New York City tracks. The called it… “The Big Apple”.

In 1971 the city officially adopted the Big Apple in a campaign to increase tourism. The campaign featured red apples in hopes that they would serve as a bright and cheery image of New York, in contrast to the then belief that New York City was dark and dangerous.

The term stuck, and nearly a century later guests from all over the world have come to have their own bite of the Big Apple.

Barbeque Best Bets

We are back from San Antonio after attending the annual Association for Destination Management Executives (where we were even nominated for an award!), and where the sun and southern comfort are never in short supply.

But after the long haul back to New York, we must admit – we can’t get the taste of big Texas barbeque out of our heads! So today’s blog is dedicated to BBQ joints both big and small, that make New York a contender with some of the best smoke houses in the country.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Head up north to Harlem to have a taste of some of the best finger lickin’ foods. Everyone in town knows Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and everyone has made at least one trip on the 1 train to have a taste of their tangy creations. Try the “Big Ass Pork Plate” for a real treat of St. Louis-cut glazed ribs. Keeping it real, Dinosaur has an extensive beer list highlighting selections from the Northeast.

Johnny Utah’s

One of the newer residents to Rockefeller Center, Johnny Utah’s may be best known for housing New York’s only mechanical bull. But look further… let your stomach follow your noses down the mining shaft passageway into the old saloon-style restaurant. The main event happens in the kitchen, behind the old wood smoker pit containing hickory, fruit, and New York State apple wood logs. Jalapeno Hominy Grits and BBQ sliders will grace your mouth with such deliciousness you’ll have to say Yee Haw!

Hill Country

Make your way to the Flatiron District, and you’ll run into another urban tribute to Texas, Hill Country. Wait in line with your ticket (think Katz’s Deli) and pick n’ choose your any of your favorite BBQ creations. One of the favorite local spots of the Shackman Associates team, this is a sure bet if you’ve got a brisket & beer hankering.

Indulge in the Green Scene

New Yorker's have their eye towards a greener future, and we want to tell you all about it. We have the inside scoop on the newest and trendiest green stores, buildings, parks, community gardens and other green places in New York City.

Let us give you the opportunity to chat one-on-one with green business owners, and learn how they made their company green. Your senses will be indulged as you get to see, touch, smell and sample green products from the local area.

We can also visit a green restaurant and dine on 100% organic, sustainably grown food. These restaurants goes beyond organic fare with eco-friendly packaging, recycled wood furniture, LED lighting and green-certified cleaning products.

To complete the day, we will endulge at one of New Yorks' green spas. Inhale and relax with sumptuous 100% organic spa treatments.

Fashion Week flees North

With New Yorkers always on the move, it usually comes as no surprise when restaurants open, venues close, and designers reinvent their lines to showcase the next best thing. But even with all the hustle and bustle, no one expected one of the biggest moves of all. Fashion Week, known worldwide for its weeklong showcase at Bryant Park, will be heading uptown. Lincoln Center will be the new home for the 70+ designers come September 2010, creating about 25% more space for models to strike a pose.

Want to be a part of the action? Let us know. We’ve got the behind the scene pass to the hottest designers and shows to hit the New York circuit.

Big Air in the Big Apple

New York will welcome the Red Bull Snowscrapers event on February 5, hailing as the largest snowboarding contest to be held in an urban setting. Set along the East River (near Hudson Street), come one come all as 16 of the worlds best snowboarders compete for a cool $100,000 prize purse.

The ramp, towering at over 90 feet tall, will bring boarders within touching distance of the Manhattan skyline. New York spectators may deem them insane, but then again, it’s just a New York state of mind…

Spring Foward

As New Yorker’s wait for their Island to thaw out and bring with it the warm Springtime sun, we thought we’d spring forward to the latest and greatest in water-side fashion. This year New York City will welcome the tallest ship to ever hit the Hudson River. At 160 feet long, with masts rising 120 feet off the deck, nothing will prepare you for the sensation of being on this amazing ship. This ship is New York's only tall ship, and one of the largest sailing boats still in operation. The ship itself holds up to 140 guests, and is the perfect setting for your next incentive - stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline included.

Rock-Out NYC!

So much amazing music has laid its roots in New York City. From the Ramones to Madonna, so many artists got their start in some of the small music clubs that grace the streets of downtown.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (the original in Chicago) just opened a brand spanking new, 25,000 square foot Annex location in the heart of Soho. This experiential, technologically advanced exhibition will focus on the greatest moments in rock history and will resonate with everyone from the casual music fan to the seasoned rock enthusiast. Visitors will discover the moments ignited by music revolutionaries like John Lennon, Billy Joel, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan. We know you've been practicing your skills on Guitar Hero... now check out some people with actual talent that will really rock your socks off.

Happy New Year!

Times Square has just welcomed it newest and perhaps most famous resident. The New Year’s Eve ball was sent back up towards the sky via a 141-foot flagpole this week, where it’s 2,600 Waterford Crystals will continue to sparkle. Its new home at One Times Square will remain lit until the next New Year’s celebration, making it the first time in history visitors can get a photo of the ball at anytime throughout the rest of 2009. Three... Two... One...

Trees the Season

(From left to right: South Street Seaport, Bryant Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Botanical Garden, Rockefeller Center)

With just near every New Yorker dashing throughout the city on last minute gift-runs, why not take a moment to take in the greenery of the Season. All throughout the City, many magnificent trees will be shining through the Holiday season, leaving us all with a little extra cheer.

South Street Seaport: Nicknamed the “Seaport Chorus Tree,” this 50 foot Douglas fir has the Big Apple Chorus performing in front throughout the season.

Bryant Park: Truly Canadian, this tree was shipped from Quebec and decorated by a designer from Toronto.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: This 20 foot Spruce is adorned with 18th century Neapolitan angels and hundreds of crèche figures.

American Museum of Natural History: Themed “Fold the Museum”, over 500 origami animals were created by volunteers to cover this tree.

Botanical Garden: Enjoy the elaborate train show and gingerbread displays that surround this 26 foot Fraser fir.

Rockefeller Center: The granddaddy of them all, this tree lighting in November marks the unofficial start of the winter holidays.

Topsy Turny

Don’t miss it! The second annual Major League Dreidel Competition will once again take place at Fontana’s on Eldridge Street. Come one, come all, as competitors will go for gelt as they spin the dreidel. Shmaltz Brewing Company will also be on site in case you prefer a different type of spinning sensation.

In case you need a brush up on your spinning technique, let’s revisit the official rules of Spinology:

1. The release: When a spinner winds and discharges the dreidel from their fingers.
2. The orbit: When the dreidel is spinning at its peak speed, tightness and control. A good spinner will have an orbit of 6 seconds, a true master over 8. The orbit is the most crucial phase of a spin, demonstrating the spinner’s true dreidel dexterity.
3. The wobbles: The conclusion of a dreidel’s orbit, when the dreidel loses speed, tightness and control.
4. The finish: The conclusion of a dreidel’s wobble, when the dreidel comes to a complete rest on its side, inside the Spin Zone.

Let It Snow...

With only one week until ChristmaHanuZwanzaka, New Yorker's today welcomed their first snowfall of the holiday season. While it wasn't quite enough to make a snowman, we still relished in the thought of a white Christmas.