Why teams love NYC offsites
Why teams love NYC offsites
Sara Iannacone · 6/20/2023
There’s something palpable about the energy of a New York City offsite that’s beyond compare. Today we’re sharing all our insider knowledge about how to plan an epic retreat in the Big Apple for your team.
Ever wonder why some of the biggest names in music—Sinatra, Swift, the Beastie Boys, The Strokes—have written songs about New York City? Why most of the greatest fashion icons have risen from the streets of the Garment District? Why the world’s most famed actors, entrepreneurs, and creators call this city home?
The reason is the sheer amount of inspiration that captivates you around every corner. The undeniable spark and energy of this one-of-a-kind city and the humans who inhabit it. And it’s that exact energy that will ignite innovation and connections among your team members when you host a corporate event or retreat in NYC.
After planning many offsite events and retreats for teams in this special city, we’re sharing some tips from our event organizers and NYC natives to help you with event ideas in New York.
Why New York is perfect for offsites
Event organizers love New York for many reasons—most of which come down to the sheer ease of event planning due to the number of resources at your fingertips. Here are a few of the reasons why NYC is great for offsite events.
Location
New York City is a hub for many industries, and it’s also a major tourism destination. That said, it comes as no surprise that there are well over a thousand direct flights into the NYC area daily. It’s also easily accessible by train or car. It’s an ideal in-between when you’re bringing international or East Coast teams together.
Transportation
New York City is arguably one of the most easily navigable and accessible cities in the world in terms of transportation without needing to rent a vehicle. Walk Score has designated Manhattan a “Walker’s Paradise” and a “Rider’s Paradise,” giving a score of 100 for both walkability and public transportation. Savings on transportation for your next corporate event, anyone?
Here are just a few ways your team can navigate into and around NYC for your retreat or offsite.
Three international airports
While John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are a stone’s throw away from the heart of Manhattan, easily accessible by AirTran, you also have Newark International Airport (EWR) just under 20 miles away.
Expansive subway, train, and bus system
The subway system, with its extensive network of lines, connects all five boroughs of the city with 24/7 service on select lines. Then, it’s complemented by regional rail lines, including:
Metro-North Railroad
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
New Jersey Transit
Amtrak
Plus, the bus and ferry systems. Between the rail lines, the bus system, and the ferry system, you’re able to easily reach areas that are not directly served by the subway. The options are seemingly endless.
Rideshare and taxi services
Then, you have rideshare options like Lyft, Uber, and Via, or taxi services, that are great for off-peak travel times or routes that are a bit more complex. Or simply comfort levels. You can give your team a code for Uber or other rideshare apps as well to help manage transportation costs, which is convenient.
Culture
When it comes to cultural experiences, few cities can rival New York. The Big Apple is a melting pot of diverse cultures, offering an endless array of culinary delights, museums, galleries, theaters, sports teams, and historic landmarks.
Whether it's catching a Broadway show, exploring world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art, or indulging in delicious cuisines from around the globe, team outings in New York offer something to captivate everyone. While immersing your team in the vibrant cultural scene, not only will bonds grow deeper via participation in these unique experiences, but it will also spark imagination and creativity that will flow directly into your business success.
Business
New York's reputation as a global business hub is well-deserved. The city is home to a wide range of industries, including finance, technology, media, fashion, and more. It’s also home to more Fortune 500 companies than any city in the nation.
Holding your company offsite in New York offers the chance to tap into this dynamic business environment. You can take advantage of networking opportunities, engage with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations. Moreover, the city is host to numerous conference centers and event venues, providing ample options for hosting productive meetings and workshops.
Top attractions in New York for your offsite
This could be its own blog, as NYC is filled with attractions and unique experiences on every corner. But here are some of the most popular and iconic:
Central Park
This iconic urban oasis provides a serene escape from the bustling city, with opportunities for picnics, bike rides, and team sports. A great spot for team-building scavenger hunts.
Statue of Liberty
A symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic landmark all NYC first-timers should see. Take a ferry ride to Liberty Island and enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Times Square
This is an especially great spot for advertising and marketing teams who will appreciate and gain inspiration from the dazzling billboards always flashing above. It also provides easy access to Broadway.
High Line
This elevated park built on a historic freight rail line offers a unique perspective of the city, along with beautiful gardens, art installations, and food vendors. A great stop along the way is Chelsea Market which is a melting pot of cuisines all under one roof.
Brooklyn Bridge
Movement is always inspirational, especially with epic views. Grab the team for a morning walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. It's a great opportunity for team bonding and capturing memorable photos.
The Edge
As the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, The Edge is arguably the best vantage point in the entire city. You can see the whole skyline from above, sip on champagne and toast to your team’s successes, and even explore The Shed, an innovative artist showcase, and Hudson Yards, home of The Vessel, before or after your ride to the top.
Other New York City attractions for meetings
Other options might be Chelsea Piers or Lucky Strike for a little friendly competition, catching a show at the Apollo Theater, exploring the artistic side of the city through a graffiti tour, or watching the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The options are seemingly endless and can be totally customized to your team’s unique preferences and goals.
How to choose which neighborhood is right for you
The five boroughs of New York City—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—are composed of over 250 neighborhoods that collectively make up the vibrant and diverse fabric of the city. Each of these lends unique character and inspiration for an offsite. Here are a few things to consider when choosing what neighborhood you want to call your home base while meeting in the city.
Meeting space and hotel availability
Since, at the end of the day, while this will be an epic and fun adventure, you do want to have time to meet and have a central location to convene. If you have a hotel or meeting venue you love, base your neighborhood choice on that. Check out a list of some of our favorite NYC hotels.
Agenda items and accessibility
As with any company event, you want your location to be easily accessible for your team and close to the activities you’re considering. While everything in NYC is accessible, boroughs like Manhattan and Brooklyn are a bit easier to navigate and have more attractions for out-of-towners and meeting guests.
The vibe
While this may seem a bit subjective, you’ll probably have meeting goals that will be best suited to the ambiance and atmosphere of a certain area. If it’s a strategic planning offsite, think about the Financial District, which exudes professionalism and industry. Whereas if you’re aiming for a week of fun and whimsy, think about Brooklyn for its laid-back nature.
Pre-built itineraries for your next company event in NYC
Need a little more New York City event inspiration? Our pre-built offsite itineraries in SoHo, Brooklyn, Chelsea, and other famous NYC neighborhoods may help. You can check them out here or explore more of our favorite spots in our New York City Guide.
Featured resources
8 Steps for Planning Your Company Retreat
A resource for new organizers on creating fun, productive, and successful corporate events.
