What to look for when sourcing a venue
- Meetings with clients or customers: a meeting venue can provide a professional setting creating a positive impression and helping to build constructive relationships.
- Internal meetings or training sessions: an external venue can provide a neutral location for team meetings or training sessions, supporting productive discussions and encouraging participation.
- Conferencing or events: the right space can provide the facilities required for larger-scale hybrid events such as seminars, lectures, or product launches.
1. Manhattan Center, Hammerstein Ballroom: some say it’s the “best in the world.”
You’ll find The Manhattan Center nestled in the Garment District, in Midtown, NYC. Just a few blocks from the Empire State Building, the space is following suit and showcasing some spectacular architecture of its own.Initially built in 1906, the majestically restored Hammerstein Ballroom can reception-style accommodate 3,500 attendees and gives special guests access to opera boxes, balconies, and even dressing rooms if your event requires them.
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- Location: Midtown Manhattan
- Capacity: up to 3,500
- Cost: $$$$
2. Freehold, Brooklyn: come for the event, stay for the award-winning coffee
No conference rooms here, but as far as event venues go, this one’s got something special. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Freehold offers a relaxed, calming atmosphere, which is a great oasis in the middle of bustling, buzzing Brooklyn.Otherwise known as a nomad workspace, you’ll have no complaints from your team with the onsite coffee house, ping pong table, and onsite grub to keep tums full, minds caffeinated, and your guests happy.
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- Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Capacity: up to 120
- Cost: $
3. Neue House: where technology and stunning spaces collide
Neue House sits in the pocket of Madison Square, and offers a unique blend of warm and textured interiors, with state-of-the-art technology, giving your meeting or event the perfect split of efficiency and comfort.At the Manhattan location, you’ll be able to take your pick from the largest of the bunch, The Penthouse (6,200 square feet) through to a cozy boardroom (the smallest at 210 square feet) or the cozier cinema.
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- Location: Madison Square, Manhattan
- Capacity: up to 255
- Cost: $$$$
4. Lavan 541, Chelsea: 5,000 square feet of open space to inspire innovation
20-foot ceilings and 5,000 square feet of event space will have Lavan 541 Chelsea high on your list if you’re looking to host an event that you want to kit out yourself. Perhaps their state-of-the-art sound and lighting system is the only decor you need, perhaps you’ll want to be making the most of their 270-degree projection mapping system, the choice is yours!Just a short walk from Hudson Yards, and sitting on street level, the space remains packed with natural light, has a bar gallery area, and even a VIP suite for those special guests.
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- Location: Chelsea, Manhattan
- Capacity: Up to 500
- Cost: $$$
5. Westside LOFT: eight-foot windows showcasing all The Hudson River has to offer
With a whopping 8,000 square feet of event space to play with, the Midtown Westside LOFT is certainly not one to be underestimated. Originally built in 1860, the loft holds onto an industrial feel, while complimenting it perfectly with modern finishes.Lastly, the loft is a perfect match for day or nighttime events. The windows permit an east-to-west view over the Hudson River and plenty of natural light—to help keep those ideas flowing during the day. Or, if you’re looking to host a nighttime event then watch the city light up at night.
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- Location: West Village, Manhattan
- Capacity: up to 300
- Cost: $$
6. Intercontinental New York Barclay: The Rockefeller Suite, and plenty more to choose from
The Intercontinental New York Barclay Hotel will have you spoiled for choice for meeting rooms in New York. What’s more, if your guests are traveling from afar, their accommodation is just a stone’s throw away—they won’t even need to leave the building!Our pick is the Rockefeller Suite, it boasts 930 square feet of event space, complete with breakout rooms. Known for its 1920s styling, the space has plenty of natural light streaming in from bustling Lexington Avenue. Plus, it’s Just a short walk from Grand Central Station.
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- Location: Diamond District, Manhattan
- Capacity: up to 500
- Cost: $$$$
7. The Knickerbocker Hotel: a Times Square jewel
A perfect spot for your next board meeting, the Knickerbocker hotel offers a 2,200 square-foot Salon with its own function room and pre-event foyer. This event space offers top-notch audio-visual facilities, plus on-site technical support if you need it.The Knickerbocker Hotel does its best to bring the show off of Broadway and into your next meeting with a dedicated meeting planner for all events in the Salon, helping to give your event the pinch of spice it needs to stay unique and memorable for your guests.
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- Location: Bryant Park, Midtown
- Capacity: up to 220
- Cost: $$$$
8. EBS Bartender Academy & Event Space: add a splash of flair to your next event
If you’re looking to host altogether different business meetings then look no further. By day, EBS New York is a bartender training school, where students gather from around the world to hone their skills. However, by night (and sometimes on the weekends) the place opens up for businesses to book their next corporate gathering.The decor and vibe in this space beat any you’ll find in a conference center. Plus, there’s a lovely terrace to enjoy in the summer months. If you want to liven things up even more, you could even get some of the new grads to work the live bar for your event!
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- Location: East Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
- Capacity: Up to 60
- Cost: $
9. Glasshouse, Chelsea: a chic space with floor-to-ceiling windows
Located in Midtown East, this cutting-edge, flexible space is the perfect fit if you’re looking to plug some inspiration into your next meeting. The space spans across two floors—you can book one or both—and is packed with the latest tech to keep your next event as accessible as possible.Want more? There’s an outdoor terrace space for your guests to get some fresh air, and two kitchens on hand in case you want to bring catering into the equation. Your guests will be blown away by the sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.
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- Location: Chelsea, Manhattan
- Capacity: up to 200
- Cost: $$$$
Last but definitely not least on our list, is The Atrium, the perfect spot if you’re looking to celebrate at your next event! It’s described as a raw venue, providing you with a completely blank canvas to design an event or meeting to steal the show.The 7,500 square-foot event space comes with optional furniture, complimentary wifi, and private access to plan your event and ensure everything is in place beforehand.
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- Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
- Capacity: up to 250
- Cost: $$$
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