Social/Philanthropic
The Save Venice Carnival Ball
THE SCOOP: Venetian costumes and masks are the society set's look for the Save Venice Ball. Each year the ball's proceeds go to a different monument in Venice, Italy, which also determines the theme.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's carnival-themed soiree at Cipriani 42nd Street featured event d?cor by Philip Baloun Designs and entertainment by the Big Apple Circus and Carrie Robbins Designage.
THIS YEAR: The Byzantine Ball was be held at the Metropolitan Club, with decor by Antony Todd Event Design. March 1
Read our coverage of this event...
Media/Social/Philanthropic
American Museum of the Moving Image's Salute
THE SCOOP: The museum attracts top-notch talent to its black-tie evening by honoring a big-time film artist's body of work (Tom Hanks, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts and Martin Scorsese are past recipients). That brings friends of the honoree, industry executives--and, of course, acclaim to the museum, notes museum director Rochelle Slovin.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The first salute, honoring director Sidney Lumet at the Plaza, was such a success that later salutes needed a larger space. Now about 800 guests show up at the Waldorf=Astoria.
THIS YEAR: Mel Gibson was the draw, with event coordination by Event Associates. March 7
Read our coverage of this event...
Technology/Internet
New York Software Industry Association's New York Software Summit
THE SCOOP: This day-long networking event is considered a must-attend for New York's computer-based industries.
BEHIND THE SCENES: This year's "Stand With New York" theme focuses on technology's role in rebuilding lower Manhattan, and the three-year-old summit scored a coup by snagging Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as the keynote speaker. About 1,000 attendees are expected.
THIS YEAR: NYSIA worked with event strategy firm iLounge to produce and publicize the event at the Regent Wall Street; btldesign was the event's ad agency. March 8
Health Care
International Vision Expo East
THE SCOOP: The first major optical show of the year and the leading optical trade event, International Vision Expo East draws 15,000 attendees and serves as a showcase for more than 100 new products and services. The conference portion of the show features educational sessions. The 2002 show will feature the addition of the Youth Summit, which will address health care issues of infants through teenagers. The show is hosted by Vision Council of America and the Better Vision Institute.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Reed Exhibition Companies produces the show; Tina Jordan is special events and publicity director.
THIS YEAR: At the Javits Center, with d?cor by Freeman Decorating Company. March 14 to 17
Public/Holiday
St. Patrick's Day Parade
THE SCOOP: Even without floats, the St. Patrick's Day Parade is--according to organizers St. Patrick's Day Parade Inc. at least--the city's largest parade with 150,000 marchers, and its oldest (after 241 years).
BEHIND THE SCENES: Approximately 186 organizations participate in the parade, which honors St. Patrick as both the patron saint of Ireland and the Catholic Archdiocese of New York City.
THIS YEAR: Cardinal Egan served as the grand marshal. Jim Barker of St. Patrick's Day Parade Inc. oversaw planning for the parade, which ran up Fifth Avenue, from 44th Street to 86th Street, and began with a mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. March 16
Music/Media
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductions
THE SCOOP: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame may be in Cleveland, but the inductions have been in New York for all but two of 17 years. Big-time musicians show up to induct other big-time musicians (Paul McCartney inducted James Taylor), and the event's highlight is usually the all-star jam session at the end of the night (inductees Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and Robbie Robertson played together in 2000).
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year FoxNews.com columnist Roger Friedman wrote that the dinner itself costs $1.8 million and record companies pay as much as $25,000 per table.
THIS YEAR: Inductees included Isaac Hayes, Tom Petty, the Ramones and Talking Heads, at the Waldorf=Astoria.March 18
Automobile/Consumer
New York International Auto Show
THE SCOOP: North America's first and largest auto show marks its 102nd anniversary this year. More than 1,000 models, ranging from classics to futuristic concept cars, go on display for the trade and public.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's show included a gala preview that benefited the East Side House Settlement, with planning by the Susan Magrino Agency, d?cor by Tansey Design Associates, food by Taste Caterers and music from DJ Tom Finn. And PR firm Sams Crispe Communications put together an opening ceremony with a monster truck event, cheerleaders and a marching band.
THIS YEAR: At the Javits Center, with a preview gala on March 26. The show runs from March 29 to April 7
Social/Philanthropic/Health Care
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Spring Benefit Gala
THE SCOOP: A sold-out crowd of 850 helped the 2001 BCRF Spring Benefit Gala raise an astounding $2.9 million last year. Established in 1993 by Evelyn Lauder--an important name on the social circuit--the foundation has drawn benefit chairs including Elizabeth Hurley, Linda Stein, and Lauder's husband, Leonard Lauder.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year Sir Elton John performed, and Monroe Alechman of Estee Lauder and H. DeVinn Visual transformed Cipriani 42nd Street into a groovy go-go lounge, complete with geometric-patterned tablecloths and centerpieces consisting of silver steel globes and small acrylic vases filled with red gerbera daisies.
THIS YEAR: At the Waldorf=Astoria,with d?cor by Alechman, entertainment by Diana Krall and Elton John, and Paula Zahn as M.C. Stephanie Hamburger is the BCRF's interim event coordinator. April 4
Read our coverage of last year's event...
Government/Political/Media
Inner Circle Show
THE SCOOP: Giuliani in drag? A skit with Hillary and J-Lo in the same jail cell? It happened last year at the Inner Circle event, a lampoon charity show that spoofs local, state and national politicians. Government officials and.phpiring politicos don't miss this notoriously biting roast.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The event is hosted by a group of the city's political reporters helmed by WWOR-TV news reporter Bob O'Brien.
THIS YEAR: At its traditional home, the Hilton New York. April 6
Publishing/Entertainment/TV/Advertising/PR
The Matrix Awards
THE SCOOP: New York Women in Communications' luncheon draws more than 1,200 high-powered media women to honor big-name gals in advertising, arts and entertainment, books, broadcasting, magazines, newspapers and PR. Past recipients include Martha Stewart, Bette Midler and Barbara Walters.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year, Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl hosted the luncheon and adjusted the Waldorf=Astoria's menu to her standards. Antony Todd provided flowers.
THIS YEAR: At the Waldorf, with floral design by Floralia.
April 15
Health Care/Philanthropic
Social Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Awards for Excellence
THE SCOOP: Known as "one of the most elegant charities" according to social columnist R. Couri Hay, the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center throws a number of chic benefits; this dinner draws society types like Pat Buckley and past event chair Coco Kopelman (wife of Chanel head Arie Kopelman).
BEHIND THE SCENES: Barbara McLaughlin, the society's executive director, oversees the event. Last year Bob Hardwick Sound and Susan Bell Special Events helped, and the Pierre Hotel hosted and catered the dinner.
THIS YEAR: The event--along with vendors Bob Hardwick and Susan Bell--moves to the Plaza. April 22
Art/Design/Social
Kip's Bay Designer Showhouse
THE SCOOP: Put on by the Women's Committee of the Kip's Bay Boys and Girls Club, the designer showhouse has attracted the top interior designers for 30 years. Each spring, interior and floral designers transform an Upper East Side townhouse, and artists create special works for hallways and passageways. The house typically earns $700,000 through ticket sales, ads and corporate sponsorships, and a preview gala attracts a crowd of society types and designers.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's preview gala was held at the Americas Society and catered by Canard Inc..
THIS YEAR: This year's townhouse is at 18 East 74th Street. The preview is at the French Consulate on April 22; the house is open to the public April 23 to May 19
Publishing/Media/Social
PEN Literary Gala
THE SCOOP: Billed as the "premier gathering of the literary community," PEN draws media bigwigs like Peter Jennings, Steve Brill and Calvin Trillin to its annual awards gala, which includes awards for imprisoned writers and First Amendment advocates. Each table at the gala has a "literary host" who mixes it up with other guests. This year's crew includes Arthur Miller, George Plimpton and Salman Rushdie.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Lynn McCary Events put together last year's gala at the New York State Theater, with d?cor by Philip Baloun Designs, catering by Glorious Food and Restaurant Associates, PR by Nadine Johnson and dinner music by Peter Duchin.
THIS YEAR: The party moves to the Pierre Hotel. April 24
Social/Philanthropic
Kids for Kids to Benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
THE SCOOP: Kids and well-off parents play at this celebrity carnival, where famous volunteers like Ellen Barkin, James Gandolfini, Richard Gere, Brooke Shields and Debra Messing host kid-friendly activities.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Andrea .phpardino, the foundation's special events manager, worked with Empire Entertainment to coordinate the event, which took over tents from Starr
Tents at Wollman Rink in Central Park. Lighting was by Frost Lighting, and stiltwalkers and jugglers from Great Neck Games & Productions added to the fun feel. Restaurants including Mesa Grill and Gotham Bar and Grill contributed food.
THIS YEAR: Back at Wollman Rink. April 28
Read our coverage of last year's event...
Social/Philanthropic
Boys' Club of New York benefit
THE SCOOP: This is one of the most prominent benefits on the calendar of the old-guard social set. Started in 1876, the nonprofit uses proceeds to run its four clubhouses for youths in New York. Founded by railroad tycoon Edward Harriman near Tompkins Square Park, the Boys' Club now has five locations in New York and New Jersey. The charity celebrated its 125th anniversary last year.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's dinner dance was held at Cipriani 42nd Street and featured a circus theme. Hank Lane Music and Productions provided a dance band and strolling circus performers, including clowns and hula hoop girls who distributed hoops to guests.
THIS YEAR: The event is tentatively planned at the St. Regis on April 30
Events in January and February 2002
Events in May, June and July 2002
Events in August, September and October 2002
Events in November and December 2002
The Save Venice Carnival Ball
THE SCOOP: Venetian costumes and masks are the society set's look for the Save Venice Ball. Each year the ball's proceeds go to a different monument in Venice, Italy, which also determines the theme.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's carnival-themed soiree at Cipriani 42nd Street featured event d?cor by Philip Baloun Designs and entertainment by the Big Apple Circus and Carrie Robbins Designage.
THIS YEAR: The Byzantine Ball was be held at the Metropolitan Club, with decor by Antony Todd Event Design. March 1
Read our coverage of this event...
Media/Social/Philanthropic
American Museum of the Moving Image's Salute
THE SCOOP: The museum attracts top-notch talent to its black-tie evening by honoring a big-time film artist's body of work (Tom Hanks, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts and Martin Scorsese are past recipients). That brings friends of the honoree, industry executives--and, of course, acclaim to the museum, notes museum director Rochelle Slovin.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The first salute, honoring director Sidney Lumet at the Plaza, was such a success that later salutes needed a larger space. Now about 800 guests show up at the Waldorf=Astoria.
THIS YEAR: Mel Gibson was the draw, with event coordination by Event Associates. March 7
Read our coverage of this event...
Technology/Internet
New York Software Industry Association's New York Software Summit
THE SCOOP: This day-long networking event is considered a must-attend for New York's computer-based industries.
BEHIND THE SCENES: This year's "Stand With New York" theme focuses on technology's role in rebuilding lower Manhattan, and the three-year-old summit scored a coup by snagging Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as the keynote speaker. About 1,000 attendees are expected.
THIS YEAR: NYSIA worked with event strategy firm iLounge to produce and publicize the event at the Regent Wall Street; btldesign was the event's ad agency. March 8
Health Care
International Vision Expo East
THE SCOOP: The first major optical show of the year and the leading optical trade event, International Vision Expo East draws 15,000 attendees and serves as a showcase for more than 100 new products and services. The conference portion of the show features educational sessions. The 2002 show will feature the addition of the Youth Summit, which will address health care issues of infants through teenagers. The show is hosted by Vision Council of America and the Better Vision Institute.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Reed Exhibition Companies produces the show; Tina Jordan is special events and publicity director.
THIS YEAR: At the Javits Center, with d?cor by Freeman Decorating Company. March 14 to 17
Public/Holiday
St. Patrick's Day Parade
THE SCOOP: Even without floats, the St. Patrick's Day Parade is--according to organizers St. Patrick's Day Parade Inc. at least--the city's largest parade with 150,000 marchers, and its oldest (after 241 years).
BEHIND THE SCENES: Approximately 186 organizations participate in the parade, which honors St. Patrick as both the patron saint of Ireland and the Catholic Archdiocese of New York City.
THIS YEAR: Cardinal Egan served as the grand marshal. Jim Barker of St. Patrick's Day Parade Inc. oversaw planning for the parade, which ran up Fifth Avenue, from 44th Street to 86th Street, and began with a mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. March 16
Music/Media
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductions
THE SCOOP: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame may be in Cleveland, but the inductions have been in New York for all but two of 17 years. Big-time musicians show up to induct other big-time musicians (Paul McCartney inducted James Taylor), and the event's highlight is usually the all-star jam session at the end of the night (inductees Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and Robbie Robertson played together in 2000).
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year FoxNews.com columnist Roger Friedman wrote that the dinner itself costs $1.8 million and record companies pay as much as $25,000 per table.
THIS YEAR: Inductees included Isaac Hayes, Tom Petty, the Ramones and Talking Heads, at the Waldorf=Astoria.March 18
Automobile/Consumer
New York International Auto Show
THE SCOOP: North America's first and largest auto show marks its 102nd anniversary this year. More than 1,000 models, ranging from classics to futuristic concept cars, go on display for the trade and public.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's show included a gala preview that benefited the East Side House Settlement, with planning by the Susan Magrino Agency, d?cor by Tansey Design Associates, food by Taste Caterers and music from DJ Tom Finn. And PR firm Sams Crispe Communications put together an opening ceremony with a monster truck event, cheerleaders and a marching band.
THIS YEAR: At the Javits Center, with a preview gala on March 26. The show runs from March 29 to April 7
Social/Philanthropic/Health Care
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Spring Benefit Gala
THE SCOOP: A sold-out crowd of 850 helped the 2001 BCRF Spring Benefit Gala raise an astounding $2.9 million last year. Established in 1993 by Evelyn Lauder--an important name on the social circuit--the foundation has drawn benefit chairs including Elizabeth Hurley, Linda Stein, and Lauder's husband, Leonard Lauder.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year Sir Elton John performed, and Monroe Alechman of Estee Lauder and H. DeVinn Visual transformed Cipriani 42nd Street into a groovy go-go lounge, complete with geometric-patterned tablecloths and centerpieces consisting of silver steel globes and small acrylic vases filled with red gerbera daisies.
THIS YEAR: At the Waldorf=Astoria,with d?cor by Alechman, entertainment by Diana Krall and Elton John, and Paula Zahn as M.C. Stephanie Hamburger is the BCRF's interim event coordinator. April 4
Read our coverage of last year's event...
Government/Political/Media
Inner Circle Show
THE SCOOP: Giuliani in drag? A skit with Hillary and J-Lo in the same jail cell? It happened last year at the Inner Circle event, a lampoon charity show that spoofs local, state and national politicians. Government officials and.phpiring politicos don't miss this notoriously biting roast.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The event is hosted by a group of the city's political reporters helmed by WWOR-TV news reporter Bob O'Brien.
THIS YEAR: At its traditional home, the Hilton New York. April 6
Publishing/Entertainment/TV/Advertising/PR
The Matrix Awards
THE SCOOP: New York Women in Communications' luncheon draws more than 1,200 high-powered media women to honor big-name gals in advertising, arts and entertainment, books, broadcasting, magazines, newspapers and PR. Past recipients include Martha Stewart, Bette Midler and Barbara Walters.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year, Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl hosted the luncheon and adjusted the Waldorf=Astoria's menu to her standards. Antony Todd provided flowers.
THIS YEAR: At the Waldorf, with floral design by Floralia.
April 15
Health Care/Philanthropic
Social Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Awards for Excellence
THE SCOOP: Known as "one of the most elegant charities" according to social columnist R. Couri Hay, the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center throws a number of chic benefits; this dinner draws society types like Pat Buckley and past event chair Coco Kopelman (wife of Chanel head Arie Kopelman).
BEHIND THE SCENES: Barbara McLaughlin, the society's executive director, oversees the event. Last year Bob Hardwick Sound and Susan Bell Special Events helped, and the Pierre Hotel hosted and catered the dinner.
THIS YEAR: The event--along with vendors Bob Hardwick and Susan Bell--moves to the Plaza. April 22
Art/Design/Social
Kip's Bay Designer Showhouse
THE SCOOP: Put on by the Women's Committee of the Kip's Bay Boys and Girls Club, the designer showhouse has attracted the top interior designers for 30 years. Each spring, interior and floral designers transform an Upper East Side townhouse, and artists create special works for hallways and passageways. The house typically earns $700,000 through ticket sales, ads and corporate sponsorships, and a preview gala attracts a crowd of society types and designers.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's preview gala was held at the Americas Society and catered by Canard Inc..
THIS YEAR: This year's townhouse is at 18 East 74th Street. The preview is at the French Consulate on April 22; the house is open to the public April 23 to May 19
Publishing/Media/Social
PEN Literary Gala
THE SCOOP: Billed as the "premier gathering of the literary community," PEN draws media bigwigs like Peter Jennings, Steve Brill and Calvin Trillin to its annual awards gala, which includes awards for imprisoned writers and First Amendment advocates. Each table at the gala has a "literary host" who mixes it up with other guests. This year's crew includes Arthur Miller, George Plimpton and Salman Rushdie.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Lynn McCary Events put together last year's gala at the New York State Theater, with d?cor by Philip Baloun Designs, catering by Glorious Food and Restaurant Associates, PR by Nadine Johnson and dinner music by Peter Duchin.
THIS YEAR: The party moves to the Pierre Hotel. April 24
Social/Philanthropic
Kids for Kids to Benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
THE SCOOP: Kids and well-off parents play at this celebrity carnival, where famous volunteers like Ellen Barkin, James Gandolfini, Richard Gere, Brooke Shields and Debra Messing host kid-friendly activities.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Andrea .phpardino, the foundation's special events manager, worked with Empire Entertainment to coordinate the event, which took over tents from Starr
Tents at Wollman Rink in Central Park. Lighting was by Frost Lighting, and stiltwalkers and jugglers from Great Neck Games & Productions added to the fun feel. Restaurants including Mesa Grill and Gotham Bar and Grill contributed food.
THIS YEAR: Back at Wollman Rink. April 28
Read our coverage of last year's event...
Social/Philanthropic
Boys' Club of New York benefit
THE SCOOP: This is one of the most prominent benefits on the calendar of the old-guard social set. Started in 1876, the nonprofit uses proceeds to run its four clubhouses for youths in New York. Founded by railroad tycoon Edward Harriman near Tompkins Square Park, the Boys' Club now has five locations in New York and New Jersey. The charity celebrated its 125th anniversary last year.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last year's dinner dance was held at Cipriani 42nd Street and featured a circus theme. Hank Lane Music and Productions provided a dance band and strolling circus performers, including clowns and hula hoop girls who distributed hoops to guests.
THIS YEAR: The event is tentatively planned at the St. Regis on April 30
Events in January and February 2002
Events in May, June and July 2002
Events in August, September and October 2002
Events in November and December 2002