A truly unforgettable evening feels effortless to the guests. The event flows smoothly from arrival to conclusion, and everyone goes home thinking about having had the time of their lives. But for those who plan, creating an evening like this is far from effortless. Knowing how to plan galas starts with knowing where to host the evening, and you can’t do better for “unforgettable” than Manhattan Center, right in the heart of NYC.
How to Plan Galas No One Will Forget
Choosing the Ultimate Venue: The Manhattan Center
The venue sets the tone, and a subpar choice here can dilute the impact of everything else, while an exceptional one will amplify them. Planners seeking a space that can accommodate scale without sacrificing intimacy, and where technical prowess supports a seamless execution of the event, will find what they need in The Manhattan Center – specifically, their two iconic spaces – the Hammerstein Ballroom and the Grand Ballroom. A location steeped in history carries an inherent gravitas that generic ballrooms can’t match. The Manhattan Center, erected in 1906 and originally conceived as the Manhattan Opera House by Oscar Hammerstein I, has witnessed every epoch of cultural and commercial significance in NYC since and has since been updated and modernized with latest lighting, production, staging, recording and live stream technologies.
The Hammerstein Ballroom
Few venues capture the drama of a gala like the Hammerstein Ballroom. This 35,000-square-foot expanse whispers about the gilded age while remaining versatile enough to easily accommodate modern events. Capacity varies by configuration: access room for up to 3,500 for standing-room concerts, 1,000 guests seated for dinner, or up to 2,000 seated theatre-style. With 10 dressing rooms and 120 opera boxes, it simply does not get grander than the Hammerstein.
The Grand Ballroom
The Grand Ballroom offers a counterpoint, with a bit more intimacy without sacrificing elegance. Spanning 15,000 square feet, it accommodates up to 1,200 for standing receptions or theatre seating and up to 600 for seated affairs.
Careful Studio Integration
The way you integrate audio-visuals into the evening will go a long way towards making it unforgettable. The Manhattan Center can accommodate anything you can dream. The AV setup must be flawless, providing the right sound and visuals at just the right moment, without intrusion, hesitation, or anything that would detract from the experience. Our state-of-the-art control room has archived film scores, including John Williams’ recent orchestral works, and can even broadcast key moments live. Our team includes lighting specialists, experienced producers, and AV technicians who will be committed to making your evening special.
Orchestrating the Details
Begin with thematic cohesion. Whatever the theme, every part of the evening has to feel put together, and the versatility of the Manhattan Center makes that possible. Whether you are doing a grand gala, a black-tie corporate event, a concert, or an immersive brand experience, our white-glove service will ensure that everything feels cohesive. Our trusted network of premium event vendors knows exactly what they’re doing, so whether you need help with culinary selections, the right champagne for toasts, or a lighting consultant to properly set the mood, the right professional will be there to help. For help with your grand event, contact The Manhattan Center now to learn more about our venue, pricing, and all we can offer to help you pull off an event no one will ever forget.