Fun Event Spaces for 400 people in NYC?

Need to plan an event for about 300-500 people in Manhattan in early-mid November. Budget is about $50k. Need a full venue buyout, open bar, photobooth, DJ, some light food, etc.

Anyone have any experience with this? It's for a business school thing and I regretfully volunteered to set it up. 

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips and considerations for planning your event:

  1. Venue Selection: For a group of 300-500 people, you'll need a spacious venue in Manhattan. Look into event spaces like lofts, rooftop venues, or banquet halls that offer full buyouts. Popular options include Hudson Mercantile, Tribeca Rooftop, or The Glasshouse. These venues often cater to large-scale events and can accommodate your requirements.

  2. Budget Allocation: With a $50k budget, prioritize the essentials:

    • Venue Rental: Expect to spend a significant portion here, especially in Manhattan.
    • Open Bar: Negotiate a package deal for a set number of hours.
    • Food: Light catering options like passed hors d'oeuvres or food stations can keep costs manageable.
    • Entertainment: Hire a DJ and consider a photobooth rental for added fun.
  3. Event Timing: Early-mid November is a busy season for events in NYC, so book your venue and vendors as soon as possible to secure availability and better rates.

  4. Vendor Coordination: Work with experienced event planners or vendors who specialize in corporate or school events. They can help streamline logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly.

  5. Negotiation: Many venues and vendors are open to negotiation, especially if you're booking during a less busy weekday. Be upfront about your budget and ask for package deals.

If you need more specific recommendations or vendor contacts, consider reaching out to local event planning forums or NYC-based event organizers.

Sources: Reflections on Year 1 at Booth, Life in General Will Cost More Than You Think, Reflections on Year 1 at Booth, How do I make my finance club fun?, SA 2021 NYC Housing Thread

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Wow dude I can't believe you volunteered for this. Good luck. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

In boot camp, our first lesson learned was to never volunteer for anything. The Drill Instructor said "raise your hand if you like bowling." A few people raised their hands and he pointed at one person and said "You're latrine queen!" And selected a few others who raised their hands to be in charge of cleaning the toilet bowls. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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