19th & Park's Whitney Headen Shares Her Favorite Event Venues

Whitney HeadenPhoto: Courtesy of Whitney HeadenWhitney Headen didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur, but after seven years of leadership experience at media companies like Viacom, iHeart, Defy, and ESSENCE magazine, Headen realized that in order to see the impactful change she wanted, she’d have to build her own company. Witnessing resistance to industry-wide disruption throughout her career inspired Whitney to found creative agency 19th & Park—where she’s currently CEO—as an agency that thinks critically across issues facing the field and turns them into opportunities to innovate.

To Host a Large Event
I love hosting events in large open spaces. It gives you the ability to really create a fully immersive experience. I always start from what I want the event to feel like and build from there. My wedding venue in Hudson Yards was amazing, and for the city, I'd say Duggal Greenhouse.

Iconic NYC venue Duggal Greenhouse is located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and is a massive, raw space fit for private functions, live events, fashion shows, product launches, and more.Photo: Courtesy of Duggal Greenhouse

To Host a Cool Consumer Event
New York City will always be my top place for a consumer event. It always brings out the best crowds, and there’s no better backdrop than the NYC lights. Some of my favorite venues are Terminal 5, The Glasshouse, and Spring Studios.

To Entertain a Client
Fun and creative client entertainment experiences are my thing. I love to think about who the audience is and how we can elevate the opportunity; maybe it's a sporting event, pottery class, or a day trip or excursion that makes it unforgettable. (Think: tickets to a Knicks or Rangers game or a trip to Hudson Valley.)

To Hold an Intimate Meeting
I’d say my favorite place would be in a restaurant or social club that doesn't overdo it with loud noises and music—but absolutely overdoes it with ambiance. Consider Soho House, San Vicente Bungalows, and CORE: Club.

To Get Inspired
As a creative, I can get inspired by nearly anything, but I will say that most of my inspiration comes from television and media. So, wherever there’s a TV screen, that’s where you’ll find me. Second to that is seeing the world. I’ve been to close to 40 countries, but visiting Africa or Southeast Asia always leaves me thinking bigger about the possibilities.

To Eat your Favorite Dinner
Cipriani is one of my favorite restaurants, simply because of the history that's attached to it—and the aesthetics. I’ve been to Cipriani for a casual dinner and a 500-person gala, and they were both breathtaking.

Luxury hotel brand SLS has properties around the world, including this one in Beverly Hills.Photo: Courtesy of SLS Hotels

To Get Work Done on the Road
As an entrepreneur in the marketing and entertainment industry, I can honestly get work done anywhere on the road. My favorite places are in the back of a black car service or in a hotel lobby. Hanging out and turning different hotel lobbies—like SLS and Moxy NYC—into my personal office is one of my absolute favorite things to do.

The historic (and legendary) Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village offers 2,500 square feet of space with a full bar and a stage.Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Jazz Club

To Hear Live Music
I love going to the Blue Note Jazz Club for live music. It’s almost always guaranteed to be a vibe, and the fact that it’s located in the Lower East Side of New York makes it feel like a brand new experience every time you go.

Headen cites her beautifully decorated home as the perfect place to unwind.Photo: Courtesy of Whitney Headen

To Unwind After a Long Day
My house! I’ve decorated my home to feel like my own personal oasis and a reflection of my overall style and aesthetic, so there’s no place I’d rather wind down than there.