Boat/Consumer
New York National Boat Show
THE SCOOP: The Northeast's longest-running boat show is in its 92nd year, and draws nearly 100,000 attendees--from boat manufacturers to hardcore boating experts to nautical novices--making it one of the biggest annual shows at the Javits Center. It also serves as a benchmark for the boat industry. "When sales are good at this show, they're usually good everywhere," says show manager Michael Duffy.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the show and its exhibitors take over Javits' third level each year.
THIS YEAR: The show was at the Javits
Center. January 5 to 13
Retail
National Retail Federation Convention & Expo
THE SCOOP: The Washington D.C.-based NRF "is a powerful organization with a growing show," says one Javits Center
exec. The biggest all-retail industry gathering in the world, the event draws 15,000 retailers and business partners together to look back and forecast on the state of the industry.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year the expo was run by interim show manager Denise Brasse. This year, meetings manager Daryka Anderson coordinated the NRF's 91st annual convention. The show's opening night reception was held at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, with entertainment by Jerry Kravat Entertainment's New York Dream orchestra.
THIS YEAR: At Javits. January 13 to 16
Retail
New York International Gift Fair
THE SCOOP: This semiannual trade show for the gift, decorative accessories, specialty foods, tabletops, crafts, pet and floral markets is one of the city's biggest shows, says one NYC & Company exec. Held in January and August, each show attracts an estimated 45,000 attendees, including retail buyers, marketers, incentive managers, interior designers and event planners.
BEHIND THE SCENES: George Little Management owns and operates the show, now in its 143rd incarnation. Freeman Decorating Company and GES Exposition Services handle d?cor.
THIS YEAR: At the Javits Center
and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers. January 19 to 24 and August 10 to 15
Social/Philanthropic/Design
Winter Antiques Show
THE SCOOP: This antique exhibition's proceeds go to the East Side House Settlement in the South Bronx. The show's opening night party is a must-attend social event for bold-faced names such as Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Bunny Williams and Martha Stewart.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The National Guard bumped the show from its usual venue, the Seventh Regiment Armory, to the Hilton New York.
THIS YEAR: Show coordinator Eula Johnson worked with Tansey Design Associates, Taste Caterers and PR firm the Susan Magrino Agency for the party on January 19. The show ran from January 20 to 27 Read our coverage of this event...
Hospitality/PR/Marketing/Advertising
Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's Travel Industry Awards
THE SCOOP: This is a major event for hospitality honchos and marketing professionals. The awards--given in categories in advertising, PR and Internet marketing--honor work done for hotels, airlines, cruise lines and other sectors within the hospitality and travel industry.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Entries are reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of hospitality, marketing, Internet, PR and advertising professionals.
THIS YEAR: Hollywood Squares host Tom Bergeron was the M.C. at the Marriott Marquis. January 29
Magazine Publishing
The Magazine Publishers of America's Henry Johnson Fisher Awards
THE SCOOP: The magazine industry's top brass--"the big heavyweights and the elder statespeople" one editor calls them--honor their own.
BEHIND THE SCENES: MPA event chief Diane Cremin found out two days after this year's invitations went out that the World Economic Forum would take over the Waldorf=Astoria--her event's venue--the night of the awards. Extra work included giving guests two pages of security instructions.
THIS YEAR: Playboy's Hugh Hefner and Newsweek's Richard Smith received awards (by Steuben),
Floralia put out red roses and a band from Hank Lane Music and Productions played. January 30
Read our coverage of this event...
Design/Fashion/Art/Social/Philanthropic/Media
Diffa's Dining by Design Benefit
THE SCOOP: Top fashion, event and interior designers whip up magical tabletop designs for this benefit, which raises cash for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, and mixes names from the worlds of design, art, fashion, business and society.
BEHIND THE SCENES: After three years at the Metropolitan Pavilion, the event moved to Roseland Ballroom in 2001 and settled at the Hammerstein Ballroom this year. Creative Edge Parties has catered the gala since it began.
THIS YEAR: Event designers Avi Adler,
Marc Blackwell, Matthew David and Mark Musters all did tables. After public viewing days from February 2 to 5, the gala (sponsored by Elle D?cor and Taittinger) included dinner at the fab
tables and an after-party with dancing to music from DJ Jackie Christie. February 5
Read our coverage of this event...
Hospitality/Government
NYC & Company's Annual Meeting
THE SCOOP: The yearly get-together of New York's convention and visitors bureau took on additional importance this year, as its mission--boosting tourism spending--faced challenges like the economy and the September 11 attacks. Hundreds of representatives from hotels, restaurants, Broadway, local attractions and city government (including Mayor Michael Bloomberg), plus meeting and event planners met to talk
about strategies to encourage business and leisure travel to New York.
BEHIND THE SCENES: NYC & Company chairman Tim Zagat served as M.C. of the full-day meeting, which included seminars and a luncheon.
THIS YEAR: At Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, with catering by Abigail Kirsch. February 5
Media/Social/Philanthropic
Museum of Television & Radio Benefit
THE SCOOP: Top TV executives, stars and other corporate backers gather to celebrate the museum as an established city institution and as a leading center for the history and study of the medium.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's gala at the Waldorf=Astoria--produced by MTR president Robert Batscha and special events director Amy Handler--honored 50 years of television specials produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame. Salon Design provided the d?cor, and invites were printed by Kader Lithographers.
THIS YEAR: After September 11, the museum planned a "Celebration of New York on Television and Radio" with clips from New York-based shows. At the Waldorf=Astoria.February 6
Read our coverage of last year's event...
Fashion/Retail/Media
Fashion Week
THE SCOOP: Twice a year, Manolo-clad magazine editors, models, stylists, retail buyers, photographers and throngs of hangers-on swarm tents in Bryant Park for what is really the city's glitziest trade show. The schedule is packed with parties.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Event producer 7th on Sixth and its executive director, Fern Mallis, scaled back the first post-September 11 shows, reducing the number of tents in the park from four to two, and Rand.m Productions operated smaller spaces at the Puck Building.
THIS YEAR: Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, the Fall 2002 collections ran from February 8 to 15; Spring 2003 collections are tentatively scheduled for September 8 to 14
Read our coverage of last year's event...
Retail
American International Toy Fair
THE SCOOP: The largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere is hardly kid stuff--it brings more than 1,600 manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents, and 40,000 toy industry representatives to the city each winter.
BEHIND THE SCENES: A black-tie Toy of the Year awards dinner precedes the show; last year David Tutera produced the show at Cipriani 42nd Street with lighting from Bentley Meeker.
THIS YEAR: The Toy of the Year awards--with Tutera and Meeker again--were at the Regent Wall Street. Managed by the Toy Industry Association, the 99th show was at the Javits Center and inside International Toy Center showrooms. February 10 to 14
Read our coverage of this event...
Hobbies
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
THE SCOOP: Now in its 126th year, the Westminster show is the oldest continuous sporting event in America, with the exception of the Kentucky Derby. More than 2,500 dogs vie for the Best in Show honor. Animal charity Bide-A-Wee holds its annual benefit around the same time, and in 2001, Liz Smith hosted a canine-filled party at Tavern on the Green.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Planning for each two-day show starts almost two years in advance, with the selection of approximately 40 judges.
THIS YEAR: At Madison Square Garden. February 11 to 12
Hospitality/Nonprofit
NYSAE We Love New York Day
THE SCOOP: This is how the New York Society of Association Executives shows off the importance of associations and nonprofits to the city's economy. (They employ more than 100,000 and hold lots of meetings here.) The event draws 1,500 association execs, meeting pros and politicians.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year the conference spawned a benefit for the Larry King Cardiac Foundation--the Parade of Stars, headlined by Marc Anthony at Madison Square Garden.
THIS YEAR: Marie Osmond performed for the Parade of Stars, and NYSAE honored Bill Marriott, at (surprise!) the Marriott Marquis. February 12 to 13
Art/Design/Social/Philanthropic
The Art Show
THE SCOOP: The Art Dealers Association of America's Art Show takes over the Seventh Regiment Armory with a five-day exhibition of work from 70 of the nation's top art galleries. A socially significant gala benefits the Henry Street Settlement--expect the likes of Kitty Carlisle Hart and co-chairs Ronald and Jo Carole Lauder.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Sanford Smith & Associates has managed the show since it began 14 years ago. This year it almost moved to the Javits Center due to military use of the armory, but was able to stay in its usual home.
THIS YEAR: Taste Caterers catered the preview gala on February 20; the show ran at the armory from February 21 to 25
Art/Design/Social/Philanthropic
Armory Show
THE SCOOP: Presenting contemporary works of art, the Armory Show is known for showing off important new work from a growing number of exhibitors to an international audience. BEHIND THE SCENES: Ironically, the Armory Show isn't held at the armory any more. Last year, it moved from the 69th Regiment Armory (which housed the groundbreaking Armory Show of 1913) to Piers 88 and 90. Produced internally, the show uses GES Exposition Services for logistical help.
THIS YEAR: A preview night raised money for the Museum of Modern Art on February 21; the show ran at Piers 88 and 90 from February 22 to 25
Social/Philanthropic/Art
The Frick Collection's Young Fellow's Ball
THE SCOOP: This one is big among the young social set. Last year's "Tartan Ball" theme got A-list socialites like Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer and Marina Rust Connor into plaid dresses and inspired a Sex and the City scene.
BEHIND THE SCENES: This year's "Fete des Quatre Saisons" theme was inspired by Francois Boucher's painting "The Four Seasons."
THIS YEAR: Tentation catered the event, and Tiffany & Company's Robert Rufino handled the d?cor. February 22
Read our coverage of this event...
Events in March and April 2002
Events in May, June and July 2002
Events in August, September and October 2002
Events in November and December 2002
New York National Boat Show
THE SCOOP: The Northeast's longest-running boat show is in its 92nd year, and draws nearly 100,000 attendees--from boat manufacturers to hardcore boating experts to nautical novices--making it one of the biggest annual shows at the Javits Center. It also serves as a benchmark for the boat industry. "When sales are good at this show, they're usually good everywhere," says show manager Michael Duffy.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the show and its exhibitors take over Javits' third level each year.
THIS YEAR: The show was at the Javits
Center. January 5 to 13
Retail
National Retail Federation Convention & Expo
THE SCOOP: The Washington D.C.-based NRF "is a powerful organization with a growing show," says one Javits Center
exec. The biggest all-retail industry gathering in the world, the event draws 15,000 retailers and business partners together to look back and forecast on the state of the industry.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year the expo was run by interim show manager Denise Brasse. This year, meetings manager Daryka Anderson coordinated the NRF's 91st annual convention. The show's opening night reception was held at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, with entertainment by Jerry Kravat Entertainment's New York Dream orchestra.
THIS YEAR: At Javits. January 13 to 16
Retail
New York International Gift Fair
THE SCOOP: This semiannual trade show for the gift, decorative accessories, specialty foods, tabletops, crafts, pet and floral markets is one of the city's biggest shows, says one NYC & Company exec. Held in January and August, each show attracts an estimated 45,000 attendees, including retail buyers, marketers, incentive managers, interior designers and event planners.
BEHIND THE SCENES: George Little Management owns and operates the show, now in its 143rd incarnation. Freeman Decorating Company and GES Exposition Services handle d?cor.
THIS YEAR: At the Javits Center
and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers. January 19 to 24 and August 10 to 15
Social/Philanthropic/Design
Winter Antiques Show
THE SCOOP: This antique exhibition's proceeds go to the East Side House Settlement in the South Bronx. The show's opening night party is a must-attend social event for bold-faced names such as Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Bunny Williams and Martha Stewart.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The National Guard bumped the show from its usual venue, the Seventh Regiment Armory, to the Hilton New York.
THIS YEAR: Show coordinator Eula Johnson worked with Tansey Design Associates, Taste Caterers and PR firm the Susan Magrino Agency for the party on January 19. The show ran from January 20 to 27 Read our coverage of this event...
Hospitality/PR/Marketing/Advertising
Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's Travel Industry Awards
THE SCOOP: This is a major event for hospitality honchos and marketing professionals. The awards--given in categories in advertising, PR and Internet marketing--honor work done for hotels, airlines, cruise lines and other sectors within the hospitality and travel industry.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Entries are reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of hospitality, marketing, Internet, PR and advertising professionals.
THIS YEAR: Hollywood Squares host Tom Bergeron was the M.C. at the Marriott Marquis. January 29
Magazine Publishing
The Magazine Publishers of America's Henry Johnson Fisher Awards
THE SCOOP: The magazine industry's top brass--"the big heavyweights and the elder statespeople" one editor calls them--honor their own.
BEHIND THE SCENES: MPA event chief Diane Cremin found out two days after this year's invitations went out that the World Economic Forum would take over the Waldorf=Astoria--her event's venue--the night of the awards. Extra work included giving guests two pages of security instructions.
THIS YEAR: Playboy's Hugh Hefner and Newsweek's Richard Smith received awards (by Steuben),
Floralia put out red roses and a band from Hank Lane Music and Productions played. January 30
Read our coverage of this event...
Design/Fashion/Art/Social/Philanthropic/Media
Diffa's Dining by Design Benefit
THE SCOOP: Top fashion, event and interior designers whip up magical tabletop designs for this benefit, which raises cash for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, and mixes names from the worlds of design, art, fashion, business and society.
BEHIND THE SCENES: After three years at the Metropolitan Pavilion, the event moved to Roseland Ballroom in 2001 and settled at the Hammerstein Ballroom this year. Creative Edge Parties has catered the gala since it began.
THIS YEAR: Event designers Avi Adler,
Marc Blackwell, Matthew David and Mark Musters all did tables. After public viewing days from February 2 to 5, the gala (sponsored by Elle D?cor and Taittinger) included dinner at the fab
tables and an after-party with dancing to music from DJ Jackie Christie. February 5
Read our coverage of this event...
Hospitality/Government
NYC & Company's Annual Meeting
THE SCOOP: The yearly get-together of New York's convention and visitors bureau took on additional importance this year, as its mission--boosting tourism spending--faced challenges like the economy and the September 11 attacks. Hundreds of representatives from hotels, restaurants, Broadway, local attractions and city government (including Mayor Michael Bloomberg), plus meeting and event planners met to talk
about strategies to encourage business and leisure travel to New York.
BEHIND THE SCENES: NYC & Company chairman Tim Zagat served as M.C. of the full-day meeting, which included seminars and a luncheon.
THIS YEAR: At Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, with catering by Abigail Kirsch. February 5
Media/Social/Philanthropic
Museum of Television & Radio Benefit
THE SCOOP: Top TV executives, stars and other corporate backers gather to celebrate the museum as an established city institution and as a leading center for the history and study of the medium.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's gala at the Waldorf=Astoria--produced by MTR president Robert Batscha and special events director Amy Handler--honored 50 years of television specials produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame. Salon Design provided the d?cor, and invites were printed by Kader Lithographers.
THIS YEAR: After September 11, the museum planned a "Celebration of New York on Television and Radio" with clips from New York-based shows. At the Waldorf=Astoria.February 6
Read our coverage of last year's event...
Fashion/Retail/Media
Fashion Week
THE SCOOP: Twice a year, Manolo-clad magazine editors, models, stylists, retail buyers, photographers and throngs of hangers-on swarm tents in Bryant Park for what is really the city's glitziest trade show. The schedule is packed with parties.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Event producer 7th on Sixth and its executive director, Fern Mallis, scaled back the first post-September 11 shows, reducing the number of tents in the park from four to two, and Rand.m Productions operated smaller spaces at the Puck Building.
THIS YEAR: Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, the Fall 2002 collections ran from February 8 to 15; Spring 2003 collections are tentatively scheduled for September 8 to 14
Read our coverage of last year's event...
Retail
American International Toy Fair
THE SCOOP: The largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere is hardly kid stuff--it brings more than 1,600 manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents, and 40,000 toy industry representatives to the city each winter.
BEHIND THE SCENES: A black-tie Toy of the Year awards dinner precedes the show; last year David Tutera produced the show at Cipriani 42nd Street with lighting from Bentley Meeker.
THIS YEAR: The Toy of the Year awards--with Tutera and Meeker again--were at the Regent Wall Street. Managed by the Toy Industry Association, the 99th show was at the Javits Center and inside International Toy Center showrooms. February 10 to 14
Read our coverage of this event...
Hobbies
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
THE SCOOP: Now in its 126th year, the Westminster show is the oldest continuous sporting event in America, with the exception of the Kentucky Derby. More than 2,500 dogs vie for the Best in Show honor. Animal charity Bide-A-Wee holds its annual benefit around the same time, and in 2001, Liz Smith hosted a canine-filled party at Tavern on the Green.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Planning for each two-day show starts almost two years in advance, with the selection of approximately 40 judges.
THIS YEAR: At Madison Square Garden. February 11 to 12
Hospitality/Nonprofit
NYSAE We Love New York Day
THE SCOOP: This is how the New York Society of Association Executives shows off the importance of associations and nonprofits to the city's economy. (They employ more than 100,000 and hold lots of meetings here.) The event draws 1,500 association execs, meeting pros and politicians.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year the conference spawned a benefit for the Larry King Cardiac Foundation--the Parade of Stars, headlined by Marc Anthony at Madison Square Garden.
THIS YEAR: Marie Osmond performed for the Parade of Stars, and NYSAE honored Bill Marriott, at (surprise!) the Marriott Marquis. February 12 to 13
Art/Design/Social/Philanthropic
The Art Show
THE SCOOP: The Art Dealers Association of America's Art Show takes over the Seventh Regiment Armory with a five-day exhibition of work from 70 of the nation's top art galleries. A socially significant gala benefits the Henry Street Settlement--expect the likes of Kitty Carlisle Hart and co-chairs Ronald and Jo Carole Lauder.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Sanford Smith & Associates has managed the show since it began 14 years ago. This year it almost moved to the Javits Center due to military use of the armory, but was able to stay in its usual home.
THIS YEAR: Taste Caterers catered the preview gala on February 20; the show ran at the armory from February 21 to 25
Art/Design/Social/Philanthropic
Armory Show
THE SCOOP: Presenting contemporary works of art, the Armory Show is known for showing off important new work from a growing number of exhibitors to an international audience. BEHIND THE SCENES: Ironically, the Armory Show isn't held at the armory any more. Last year, it moved from the 69th Regiment Armory (which housed the groundbreaking Armory Show of 1913) to Piers 88 and 90. Produced internally, the show uses GES Exposition Services for logistical help.
THIS YEAR: A preview night raised money for the Museum of Modern Art on February 21; the show ran at Piers 88 and 90 from February 22 to 25
Social/Philanthropic/Art
The Frick Collection's Young Fellow's Ball
THE SCOOP: This one is big among the young social set. Last year's "Tartan Ball" theme got A-list socialites like Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer and Marina Rust Connor into plaid dresses and inspired a Sex and the City scene.
BEHIND THE SCENES: This year's "Fete des Quatre Saisons" theme was inspired by Francois Boucher's painting "The Four Seasons."
THIS YEAR: Tentation catered the event, and Tiffany & Company's Robert Rufino handled the d?cor. February 22
Read our coverage of this event...
Events in March and April 2002
Events in May, June and July 2002
Events in August, September and October 2002
Events in November and December 2002