Why ObamaCare Ruling Justifies Corporate Meetings

Whether you agree or disagree with today’s ruling on ObamaCare, we are still left with a 2,000-page law that few people, businesses and industry associations understand. 

Hospitals, medical device manufacturers, doctors, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, technology companies and the health care investment community will need, now more than ever, a forum to discuss how to prepare for new regulations and opportunities and act individually and as industries.

And that’s just in health care.  Virtually every company and industry association will be affected by the health care law and corporate leaders will need to thoroughly discuss continuing compliance strategies.

It makes a powerful case for a corporate or association meeting.   

Here in New York City, we have seen dynamic growth of innovative health care companies and health care technology firms.   We have also managed meetings for international Pharma manufacturers, insurance companies, and large associations with heavy business components.  With over 90,000 available hotel rooms in the city, meeting planners can quickly find the amenities and business components they need to schedule a productive forum.

Let’s hope politicians in Washington understand how important these meetings will be.  MPI recently released a toolkit that helps planners justify the need for meetings whenever the media or Congress claims it’s a waste.

If politicians in Washington continue to stand by behind ObamaCare, then they also need to stand behind corporate meetings that will help it work better.     

AN “EYE” ON NEW YORK!

Seems like New York will be rivaling London with its very own “Eye” Ferris Wheel!  The proposed  Ferris Wheel will be located on the north shore of Staten Island , very close to the ferry terminal from Lower Manhattan – just 25 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown New York.

At a proposed height of 600 feet, this New York Ferris Wheel stands to be even taller than The London Eye, and is estimated to draw some 2 million visitors who regularly take the Staten Island ferry – not to mention a whole new demographic of visitors who stand to enjoy the vistas of New York and beyond.

This means a whole new opportunity for our clients to experience in the not-too-distant future!
Watch this space, we will provide regular updates.

Broadway on a Budget for Meetings and Incentives

Catching a Broadway show is a favorite after-hours activity for meeting and incentive attendees and we have frequently blogged about exciting new musicals and plays that are opening each month. 

Because we look to provide special experiences like backstage access and interaction with leading performers, timing your meeting for Broadway's off-season helps us improve your favorite show with high demand.  Ask us how we can help you ideally schedule your upcoming meeting to take advantage of the off-season for top performances!

BROADWAY NEWS: Billy Ray Cyrus Joins Cast of Chicago

Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus will make his Broadway debut on November 5 in “Chicago.”

Perhaps the world's most famous father - his daughter is Miley Cyrus - the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer is ditching Nashville for now and will take on the role of criminal lawyer Billy Flynn for a seven-week engagement.

Other celebrities to join the “Chicago” cast have included Sofia Vergara, Melanie Griffith, Brooke Shields, Ashlee Simpson, Usher, Huey Lewis, Michael C. Hall and Jerry Springer.

Shackman Associates New York has provided corporate meetings and incentive travel groups up-close experiences for shows like "Chicago" that includes theatre tours, backstage access and interaction with leading characters.

Another Hotel Grows in Brooklyn

Shackman Associates NYC has become a leading source of meeting trends in Brooklyn and just this week,, we have learned that Toll Brothers and Starwood Capital Group expect to break ground next summer on a 200-room hotel next to Brooklyn Bridge Park. 

The $300 hotel, which will also include 159 condos, is the latest Brooklyn project in wave of hotel development targeted toward corporate meeting and incentive groups.

We recently toured the Wythe Hotel in Williamburg with a destination meeting client.  Hotels in the borough are offering attendees a funkier perspective of New York City, exciting local dining options, unique after-hours group venues and quick access to the booming Lower East Side and East Village. 

Mike and Spike Head to Broadway

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson announced this week that he will team up with director Spike Lee to bring his one-man show, "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth," to the Longacre Theatre in Manhattan for six nights.  The shows runs from July 31 - August 5

The show features a raw confessional on the highs and lows of Tyson's life and will also mark Spike Lee's debut as a director on Broadway.

Lee is the director behind such films as "Do the Right Thing," "Malcolm X" and "Inside Man," and much of his films make bold statements about race relations in the United States. 

Tyson's show is the latest in a line of one-person shows to hit Broadway, including ones by William Shatner, Hugh Jackman and Kathy Griffin.  We expect this trend to continue and are specialists in providing corporate meeting and incentive groups "unique Broadway experiences."

AND THE WINNER IS...

Last night New York celebrated the best of Broadway, as the city hosted the 66th Annual Tony Awards.
From the many nominees, the following winners were applauded:

MUSICALS

The Gerswhin's Porgy and Bess,
Winner of Best Revival of a Musical
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Audra McDonald)

Newsies
Winner of Best Original Score Written for the Theatre
Best Choreography

Nice Work If You Can Get It
Winner of Best Performances by an Actor (Michael McGrath)
Winner of Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Jjudy Kaye)

Once 
Winner of Best musical, Best Book of a Musical,
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Steve Kazee),
Best Direction of a Musical
Best Orchestrations
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Best Sound Design of a Musical

PLAYS

Clybourne Park
Winner Best Play

One Man, Two Guvnors
Winner of Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (James Corden)

Other Desert Cities
Winner of Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Judith Light)

Peter and the Starcatcher
Winner of Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Christian Borle),
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Best Costume Design of a Play
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Best Sound Design of a Play

Off-Broadway for Meeting Groups: A Wonderfully Chaotic Event

An Off-Broadway production can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. But you haven't really visited New York until you experience one.  With Fuerza Bruta, your corporate group will absorb fear, shame, chaos, serenity, harmony, and peace all in one "scene".  For example, there is a man running on a treadmill who is running from his problems.  Or perhaps the man running on the treadmill is running from fear.  The performers obviously thrive on chaos.  Maybe that's why women and men in the show throw boxes at each other.

But if it was cool enough for Usher to make two special guest performances, Fuerza Bruta is cool enough for your next after-hours meeting idea. 

Shackman Associates just checked it out - you are right in the middle of the experience at Fuerza Bruta.  Originally from Buenos Aires, there is the music, the fun, some confetti, and at times, it feels like you are in the movie Inception.

You won't forget it.

Productions like this are popping up everywhere in New York and Shackman Associates provides meeting attendees with special experiences at these kinds of shows.

2 "Raw" and "Racy" Ideas for Healthy Meetings and Incentives

Executives and meeting planners know that staying healthy on the road  helps attendees stay sharp in meetings.

Shackman Associates New York has 2 ideas to keep your meeting healthy and adventurous:

1. Healthy Menus.  We help develop menus for banquets and galas with a local flavor from produce growers and farmers.  New York is also the home to a boom in "raw food".  Restaurants with catering and event options have been popping up near hot, new boutique hotels and raw food - never cooked above 118 degrees Fahrenheit - has become a Manhattan gourmet delicacy with fans that include celebrities and former President Bill Clinton.  

2. Park races, active tours and scavenger hunts.   With more park space than any other major city, “active” eventsoptions are abundant throughout Manhattan.  Two attendee favorites are organized bike tours or races and scavenger hunts through Central and Riverside Parks.  During attendee downtime, there are numerous free options – including race walking  programs and 45-minute deep yoga sessions.  Several specialized yoga studios have opened in the Meatpacking District and many of Manhattan’s new hotels boasts state-of-the-art gyms.

Watch the Space Shuttle Arrive and Thrive at the USS Intrepid

On April 27, millions watched in awe as the Space Shuttle Enterprise flew up the Hudson River and over Manhattan on its way to JFK airport.  It will open on July 19 at the USS Intrepid Museum.

But the shuttle's journey isn't over.  Its final arrival is scheduled for sometime in June, and will involve another spectacle: The Enterprise will sail up the Hudson River and be hoisted, via crane, to the deck of the legendary carrier Intrepid.

The shuttle's "flight" over Manhattan lasted for seconds.  Its sailing will last hours and is a great idea for spending some downtime during your meeting. 

Shackman Associates New York has managed spectacular corporate events and galas on the USS Intrepid and the addition of the shuttle will make this a more attractive venue than ever. 

Photo courtesy of Wired.com

Meetings go Bump, Grind and Shimmy with Burlesque Events

Burlesque is making a huge comeback in movies, closets, fitness and mixology venues.  It can be also be a creative addition to your next corporate destination meeting.

Shackman Associates New York is on the cutting edge of this trend and your group can customize the burlesque experience.   This is an especially attractive option for spouses during incentive trips.  If you're not a performer, but if you want to learn to perform, burlesque classes help meeting attendees learn from some of the most experienced, fun-loving, and successful people in the industry.

Classes teach multiple forms of the art and your experience can end there or continue by watching your instructors perform live on stage later in the evening!

Corporate Incentive Shopping Experiences Evolve in NYC

Shackman Associates has coordinated special shopping experiences for incentive travel clients, and while a few glasses of champagne at Saks 5th Avenue remains popular, this is an experience that has become exponentially more imaginative throughout the city.

Want something funky?  Boutiques in the Lower East Side and SoHo are pushing the envelope with the latest designs from Italy and independent designers.

If you want to completely bypass the showroom, we recommend "Behind the Scenes Tours" with manufacturers in the Garment District.  You'll get the first crack at hot fashion before the retailers do and manufacturers are providing comfort at the level you'll see at any storefront on 5th Avenue.



Destination Incentive shopping tours today provide the shoes you'll wear at the beach this summer.



Private shopping tours are providing the same comfort you'll get at major retailers.

A Very "Cheesy" Meeting and Incentive

Many business travelers visiting New York make a point of trying the city's world famous pizza and bagels.  We have arranged pizza tours for meeting and incentive groups and they are wildly popular with attendees.

In 2011, business travelers sought food trucks for every occasion.

In 2012, a new dish might be surpassing all of them - Gourmet Mac and Cheese.  The New York Post recently reported thMac and Cheese is the #1 ordered food in Manhattan and some of New York's top Chefs are taking an old classic to new and delicious levels.   For example, if you haven’t tried NYC’s  buffalo chicken Mac and Cheese, we know who makes the most unique versions - perfect for extended meeting breaks, cocktail reception buffets  and working lunches.

The New "King" on Broadway

"The Lion King" has officially become the #1 all-time grossing production on Broadway, surpassing "Phantom of the Opera".  According to the show's producer, Lion King has taken in $853,846,062. It's an incredidle accomplishment because "The Lion King's" run on Broadway has been 10 years shorter than "Phantom."

Shackman Associates New York has provided corporate meetings and incentive travel groups up-close experiences for shows like "The Lion King" that includes theatre tours, backstage access and interaction with leading characters.

Magic and Bird: The Broadway Show the Guys in Your Meeting or Incentive Group Will Love

If your next destination business meeting is shaping up to be "guy-centric", Magic-Bird opens this Wednesday on Broadway and groups of men who have seen the preview together say it might be better than the product you'll see down 7th Avenue at Madison Square Garden.

The production is a celebration of one of basketball's storied rivalries between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.  Magic and Bird met in one of college basketball's most revered championship games, again 3 times as professionals in the NBA finals, and lastly as teammates for the first Olympic "Dream Team" in 1992.   

The show also covers Magic Johnson's stunning revelation that he had the HIV virus - and according to what we hear, it will send a tear down the face of the most hardened corporate CEO.

Basketball has exploded in popularity around the globe and international meeting attendees are likely to recognize the main characters.  Even if they don't, Magic-Bird is riding a new trend of transformative Broadway productions that are making "catching a show" more popular than ever while in New York City.

Destination Downtown NYC: The New Conrad Hotel

BATTERY PARK CITY (BPC) is boasting a new arrival! Set to make its formal debut this week is The Conrad, a brand new incarnation of a former property strategically positioned to offer sweeping views of the Hudson River and beyond.

Considered to be a sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance in the Financial District, this 16 story, 463-suite property with a dramatic lobby brings to the neighborhood approximately 30,000 sq.ft. of event and meeting space, and some pretty unique artwork which is dotted around the hotel. A rooftop terrace, opening later in the season, will provide 360 degree views of the New York City skyline and the Hudson River.

Just to add another dimension to this new area to explore, three restaurants owned by renowned restaurant, Danny Meyer, flank The Conrad – Blue Smoke, Shake Shack and North End Grill. So, if you need your fix in BPC, this is the place to go

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The Speakeasy meets Mixology: NYC's hottest new corporate meeting and incentive event

They are sexy, classy, warm, vintage, and just a touch mysterious.  Welcome to the world of the 2012 Speakeasy in New York City. 

In the 1920's, Speakeasies were born throughout New York as hidden sections of a respected  establishments that were used to illegally sell alcoholic beverages during Prohibition.  You don't need a password to gain admittance, but it's a good idea to plan ahead if you want to hold an event at one. 

Shackman Associates New York has tapped into the Speakeasy boom in New York and unlike their predecessors a century ago, today's Speakeasies are combining the world's best mixologists with top chefs, luxury, and jazz entertainment similar to what you would find in 1925. 

Here are 3 liquid reasons - attendee favorites - to consider a Speakeasy event for your next meeting:

1. Sloe Gin Ginger Sling, made of Beefeater Gin, Plymoth Sloe Gin, Cherry Heering, Orchard Apricot Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Extract, Cane Extract and Chilled Perrier.

2. The Green Fairy, made of Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Marschino Liquer, Raw Egg and Nutmeg.
3. The Dark & Stormy, made of Goslings Black Seal Rum, Falernum, Fresh Lime Juice, Fresh Ginger Extract, Angostura Bitters, Cane Syrup and Chilled Perrier.

3 Big Changes at South Street Seaport

The South Street Seaport has been a hotspot of New York City visitors for 27 years, but the facility hasn't been looking so hot - until now.

3 big changes are coming to the Seaport's 90,000 sqaure-foot complex:

1. Windows, lots of them!  The Seaport looks like a barn right now, and that will be replaced with 3 levels of floor to ceiling windows, offering sweeping views of the East River.

2. A rooftop park.  Looks to be the East Side's version of the popular High Line.

3. New, high-end tenants.  While tourists have frequented the souvenier and T-shirt shops, the venue's top retailers - JCrew, Victoria's Secret and Express - have performed quite well and similar stores are coming soon.

 

Eat the Centerpiece too!

Edible centerpieces have become incredibly popular at corporate meetings and events.  A crowd-favorite here in New York City are cupcakes and we paired demand with the city’s first-ever Broadway-inspired cupcake! For example, we can develop a pistachio cupcake centerpiece based on the stage musical Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert's trademark dancing cupcake costumes. Pistachio meringue butter cream topped with a meringue kiss, bright edible confetti and iridescent "disco dust" also saves the environment!

Fashion Week Reinvents Major Trade Shows

Amid the debate about whether New York needs a massive convention center in Queens comes another successful February Fashion Week in 2012.

New York's Fashion Week is considered the premier event in its industry and has stayed on top by boldly evolving, improving the experience for visitors and attendees, and taking advantage of the hospitality venues that speak to its audience.  Manhattan has become a transformative hotel market and properties are continually opening that combine design, convenience, excitement, comfort, and technology. 

When Fashion Week organizers decided to move from makeshift tents at Bryant Park to the renovated elegance of Lincoln Center, they were met with some groans of nostalgia.  That was for an event held in September, which is widely considered the nicest weather month of the year in New York.  Despite a mild winter, the contrast between the February version built over grass that can get icy, cold and sloppy versus at an iconic venue with more controlled atmospheres is more pronounced. 

New York offers so any choices of venues for holding a show, it's not hard please specific attendees at one or multiple unique locations that suit their style, mobility, business requirements, and thirst for entertainment.  In our opinion, this is the true future of major events. 

And if you think New York's most conventional exposition venue - the Javits Center - has somehow lost its mojo, think again.  It's book solid for the next few years.