We are excited to share our team’s favorite quarantine recipes to try at-home!
Read about how COVID-19 is impacting our world of events.
Read all about how “A little party never killed nobody” at this epic Bat Mitzvah!
Click to read more about the educational events that bring together women in the wonderful wine industry!
As a HELEN MILLS Event Space & Theater event host or attendee, you may be wondering what else the Chelsea neighborhood has to offer before or after your event with us?
Whether you are a local or visiting from out of town, we’ve compiled a list to help you make the most of your time while visiting our venue. All recommendations are located within a three-block radius, so you’ll be sure to find a little bit of anything and everything. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a place to dine out, grab a drink, or check off your culture quota, this is the place to find it. The team at the HELEN MILLS Event Space & Theater warmly welcomes you to your event and into our neighborhood!
Whether you’ve come to HELEN MILLS for an event in the theater or event space, the vast variety of restaurants around HELEN MILLS is sure to fulfill any craving.
1. Our/ New York Vodka (151 W 26th Street)
Our/New York Vodka is Manhattan's first distillery since prohibition. Conveniently located only a few doors down from HELEN MILLS, you can easily extend your evening of networking with specialty vodka tastings and behind-the-scenes tour. Insider tip: mention that you are a guest of HELEN MILLS and receive their Happy Hour pricing on all drinks (any time of day/night)!
Our New York Vodka bar
Image courtesy of ournewyorkvodka.com
2. The Smith (1150 Broadway, at 27th Street)
Located just 1 avenue over from HELEN MILLS, The Smith takes the local, the natural and the sustainable into high consideration with their menus. As makers of great food, great cocktails, and a great atmosphere, the Smith is the perfect place to wine and dine after a daytime event at HELEN MILLS.
The Smith Restaurant
Image courtesy of thesmithrestaurant.com
3. The NoMad Restaurant (1170 Broadway)
Located in the lobby of the NoMad Hotel, the NoMad Restaurant is the perfect locale to impress your clients after your media or press event at HELEN MILLS. Our personal recommendation? Be sure to request a table in the library or lantern-lit parlor for the most unique and sophisticated dining atmosphere!
The NoMad Restaurant
Image courtesy of ny.eater.com
Don’t let a great night of socializing at HELEN MILLS keep you off your feet before arriving. Those looking to stretch their legs and take in Chelsea's natural sights before a HELEN MILLS event are sure to find something on our list. All located within easy walking distance of HELEN MILLS, you’ll enter your event feeling refreshed by the outdoors and ready for an evening of fun.
1. Madison Square Park (Flatiron District)
Located between the intersection of 5th Ave and Broadway at 23rd street, Madison Square Park is home to stunning art installations, quiet reflection and breathtaking gardens. Whether you wish to lounge on one of several benches lining the park, grab a burger from Shack Shake or entertain yourself by scoping out the city’s most adorable dogs before your event at HELEN MILLS, this is the local spot for some much-appreciated fresh air.
Madison Square Park
Image courtesy of madisonsquarepark.org
2. Flatiron Building (Flatiron District)
After taking in the beauty of Madison Square Park, be sure to stop and bask in the unique architecture of the nearby Flatiron Building. This groundbreaking skyscraper is a triangular 22-story steel-framed landmark that currently houses Macmillan Publishing and has been featured in numerous motion pictures.
The Flatiron Building
Image courtesy of crystalgalerie.com
3. Gilsey House (E 29th & Broadway)
Continuing the historic tour of Chelsea, and before heading over to HELEN MILLS, be sure not to overlook the lesser-known Gilsey House. A New York City landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this former 8-story 300-room hotel was a personal favorite of Diamond Jim Brady, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Clemens.
Gilsey House
Image courtesy of newyorkarchitecture.com
Perhaps of interest to those hosting and attending a film festival or theater event at HELEN MILLS, you can start your culture-filled day surrounded by some of world’s most acclaimed artists and artworks only a few blocks away.
1. The Museum at FIT (227 W 27th Street)
For the fashion forward member of the party, The Museum at FIT is located in the Fashion Institute of Technology. It is home to rotating exhibitions along with permanent garment and accessory collections. After taking a walk through the museum, you’ll be sure to find an outfit inspiration fitting for your next event invite at HELEN MILLS.
The Museum at FIT
Image courtesy of businessfashion.com
2. Casey Kaplan Gallery (121 W 27th Street)
Started in 1995 in a single room in an upper floor loft in SoHo, this contemporary art gallery found its home in Chelsea exactly ten years later. Just around the block from our venue, on the street known as Gallery Row, you’ll find yourself surrounded by geometric abstractions, performance art, photography and drawing; all done by artists just emerging on the scene.
Casey Kaplan Gallery
Image courtesy of Casey Kaplan Gallery
For those looking to keep the party going after the bar closes at HELEN MILLS, our neighborhood is home to a unique and prevalent bar scene. Bring your friends or colleagues out for one more round of drinks at these distinctive bars that help give Chelsea its one-of-a-kind feel.
1. Rare View Rooftop (152 W 26th Street)
As one of New York City’s only year-round rooftop bars, this is the perfect place to grab a bite with coworkers after your all-day meeting at HELEN MILLS. You’ll dine against a backdrop of lush landscaping, overhanging lights and vintage photographs - and best of all, it's located right across the street from the HELEN MILLS venue! Insider tip: mention that you are a guest of HELEN MILLS and receive 10% off their Bar & Grill downstairs for lunch or dinner!
Rare View Rooftop
Image courtesy of eventup.com
2. Barcade (148 W 24th Street)
Looking to let out your inner child after a formal press event, perhaps? Then Barcade is the place to go! Known as “the original arcade” bar, grab a beer on tap and let that competitive streak loose with arcade games such as Asteroids, Frogger and Super Mario Brothers (and those are just to name a few).
Barcade
Image courtesy of Gothamist.com
3. Sid’s Gold Request (165 W 26th Street)
What better way to extend the HELEN MILLS party than to let loose at this contemporary piano bar? Divided into two rooms, patrons can enjoy the marble topped bar up front surrounded by cocktail memorabilia or sing along at the Baldwin piano bar in the back. With music leaning more toward pop, rock, soul and even punk, your evening at HELEN MILLS is sure to end on a “spirited” note upon entering this fine establishment just a few doors away.
Sid’s Gold Request
Image courtesy of sidgolds.com
HELEN MILLS Event Space & Theater is proud to be apart of the beautiful Chelsea neighborhood since opening our venue doors in 2005. From the beautiful architecture, scenic walks, and endless dining options - we assure you there is never a dull moment!
Want even more recommendations for our neighborhood? See links below for more pre- and post-event inspiration:
Written and researched by Katie Hands and Jessica Stucke
Alumni events are wonderful occasions where former classmates get together to relive the glory of college, network, and form new relationships.
Whether you are looking to plan a formal presentation, or throw a casual mixer, The HELEN MILLS Event Space and Theater is a versatile, all-inclusive, and convenient location for your next alumni get together.
Our 4,000 sq. ft. event space offers state-of-the-art sound and digital-video projection systems, as well as high-speed, wireless Internet.
Our street-level entrance offers fun and unexpected branding options, so your guests immediately feel school spirit before ever entering the event!
Connected to the Event Space is our intimate 140-seat Theater, including a large stage and green room. The theater is equipped with surround sound, HD projection, theatrical lighting, and more to create the perfect space for your next presentation, panel, and more.
At HELEN MILLS, we can take care of your catering, beverage, furniture, audio visual needs, and more!
Contact Us to learn more about hosting your alumni events at HELEN MILLS, or check out more recent events here.
Our clients come from across the world to host events at HELEN MILLS, traveling from places as far as England, Bulgaria, and Los Angeles, to places so close that we can (literally) wave to them. This means for some that they can't easily stop in to see the space, envision how their guests will spend their day, or plan for decor and signage to make their event that much more special.
To help make the planning process seamless for our current and future clients alike, we've just released our very first Google Inside Street View Virtual Tour!
The virtual tour features:
A close-up view of each part of the venue
A selection from of our in-house furniture inventory
One of three curtains we provide that add intimacy to the space (hung at the entry table)
Sample floral arrangements designed by the very talented Merriel Weston
A peek into the theater greenroom and backstage area
You'll see the tours both below and here, here, here as well as when you search for us on Google...of course, the invitation always stands for in-person tours! Please contact us to get in touch :).
As Frank Sinatra didn't quite say: if you can make an event in New York work, you can make an event work anywhere. Manhattan has over 1 million people and, seemingly, a million different venue options. So while you may be spoiled for choice when it comes to different event spaces, navigating the variety of options can be a major headache. So, to make things easier, here are a few pointers when it comes to venue-shopping in Manhattan.
Keep in mind that you will need to pay more for an event space in Manhattan vs. an event space in other U.S. cities. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, professionals in Manhattan pay more than twice the national average for a basket of goods and services. Real estate, food, vendors -- everything is more expensive here. Therefore, if you are planning a series of events in cities across the U.S., make sure to budget higher for your event in Manhattan compared to your event in other cities.
Manhattan is the busiest city in the U.S. for events, so you need to book your venue well in advance to make sure that you can secure your event date. Very often clients wait too long to book a venue, and end up with a back-up venue choice because of venue availability. Once you have decided on your dream venue, don't delay in going to contract to ensure that your date isn't reserved by someone else. Venues typically get multiple inquiries for an event date, and reserve the space for the first person to put down a deposit.
Location within Manhattan should be a top priority when deciding on an event venue. Manhattan has distinct neighborhoods with different vibes, so make sure you choose a neighborhood that will work well for your event guests. What are your guests' interests? Are they interested in art? Tech? Fashion? Based on this information, you can choose a neighborhood that is nearby to galleries, tech start-ups, shopping, etc. Locate your event in an area that will be interesting for your guests.
It is important to make sure that all guests can travel to the venue easily, so centrality and public transportation options are very important. Check that the venue is near to major subway lines, and easily accessible to Penn Station and Grand Central. Additionally, it is worth checking with the venue that it will be easy for guests to find taxis after the event. Another advantage of a central location is availability of hotel options nearby for out-of-town guests. Choose a neighborhood that is convenient for your intended guests. Think about where your guests work. If they all work in midtown for example, choose a neighborhood that is easily accessible to midtown.
A Manhattan event space tends to be unique -- each space having its own character and feel. When attending a Manhattan event, people expect to be wowed by the space, and are looking for something fun and different. Make sure that you find a space that fits the event look/feel that you are going for, and will impress your guests. If you are inviting a tech crowd, choose a loft-like venue that has a digital, modern atmosphere. If you are inviting an older, more traditional crowd, choose a more classic venue with beautiful antique furniture.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user Anthony Quintano.
New York is no ordinary city with event spaces that host ordinary events. New York is diverse, is innovative and is unique, just like the many event spaces it has. Did you know these 10 facts about Event Spaces in New York?
This only means that the event spaces in each of the neighborhoods of NYC most likely reflect the characteristics of its surroundings. For example, SoHo has spaces that are chic and trendy, while the Upper East Side would have spaces that are elegant and traditional. Do you know where your event would “fit in”?
Venues in New York are on various floors. While some are on the penthouse level with a rooftop access and some on the 23rd floor of a corporate building, just keep in mind what the needs are for your event. It’ll definitely be much more convenient to book a street-level venue for a press event for a new automobile.
New York is the most populous city in the country. With that said, there is very limited storage space, so don’t expect a venue to hold your event materials/props/furniture/etc for days prior to your first day of rental. I’ve never heard anyone say that they have space in their apartment closet, so I doubt an event space would say the same.
Did you know that if a venue is hosting an event with 75 or more guests, it should have a Place of Assembly Certificate with a Certificate of Occupancy? The Place of Assembly is renewed each year with an inspection from the fire department, and it will state the maximum number of people that are allowed in the space. You can find out if the event space you are considering for your next event has these certificates here. If legal matters ever arise from an event, you’ll want to make sure that you hosted it at a legally operated venue.
Some venues in New York work with 3rd party vendors to create all-inclusive packages for their clients, so they’ll work with catering, staffing and furniture rental companies. When event spaces are able to provide steady business to their vendors, they are able to get a discount from them, rather than a corporate company finding and booking a caterer for the first and only time. If you’re on a tighter budget, find a venue that can offer all-inclusive packages, and usually, the more guests you can guarantee, the better per person pricing.
Most event spaces are rented by the day (8-12 hours). Venues understand why clients would want a better rate for a 4-6 hour rental, but for that two-hour morning meeting, the venue would be giving up the opportunity to rent to an all-day meeting with a post-meeting reception. Some event spaces will have a better rate for renting just the morning hours, so ask your venue sales representative if they can be competitive!
It’s very common that venues will require general liability insurance from their clients, and sometimes even their vendors (photographer, florist, DJ, etc). Even if your venue doesn’t require insurance certificates, you should still obtain one to protect you and your guests, and requesting them from your vendors will also protect them and the other parties involved. You can get a one-day coverage starting at $100 here.
A lot, if not most, venues do not place soft holds on dates for prospective events without receiving a signed contract and deposit. This makes sense, since it wouldn’t be fair to hold a date for one company when another is ready to book their event immediately, and the company with the hold decides to book elsewhere a few days later. What you could do is ask your venue sales representative to do their best to let you know if anyone else is considering your date.
If they do, it may not have the central air conditioning system you want to cool-down a 5,000 square foot venue. If you’re planning a summer event, ask the venue if they have central air conditioning so your attendees are comfortable.
There are so many event space options in New York. You may decide that an old firehouse turned event space is a good idea for your event, because of that warm (no pun intended), cozy feeling it has. No matter how big or small your event is, there’s a venue here for your unique event, and it doesn’t have to be in the same hotel that your guests are staying in.
Now you know a little more about New York event spaces, and I’m hoping that this helps you find the perfect venue for your next event. Are you ready to start the search?
With high stakes and tons of options, choosing an event space in New York City can be challenging. Make it simple by identifying your needs, recognizing the important considerations and potential pitfalls, and letting the right venue stand up and identify itself.
Here are 5 helpful tips to make your venue search easier:
Narrow your search immediately by deciding between a traditional or less traditional venue. This is where your guests come in. Ask yourself, what are they used to, what do they expect, and is it time to shake things up?
Traditional venues like hotel ballrooms and banquet halls provide a distinct experience:
Attendees and clients will mostly be familiar with surroundings.
It’s a safe route with time-tested results.
There may be fewer things for you and your team to decide and customize.
Non-traditional venues provide a unique experience with special considerations:
An interesting space instantly makes your event memorable.
The choice must be carefully considered, so the venue enhances your goals and attendees’ experience.
You will have more opportunities to brand and make the space your own.
If you don’t have a gut reaction for which route to take, put yourself in the shoes of your attendees. When they receive your invitation, what type of event space in New York City are they picturing? What would make them excited about the event? Your choice can be unexpected, but it should feel right.
Before you start thinking about the finer details, make a list of the key elements of this specific event. Are you hosting a product launch? Will a panel of speakers need a prominent staging area? What features or amenities could make or break your event?
If the quality of one particular aspect—be it catering or multimedia hookups—will determine the success of your event, hone in on those key features first. Make a list of must-haves and rule out venues that don’t fit.
As you develop a picture of your ideal venue, pause to check all the important criteria:
Does the venue provide staff and catering services?
Can I make the venue’s furniture and rental items work for my event and budget?
Will all the necessary audio/visual and tech components be supplied? How easily can I create impactful presentations in the space?
Does the event space represent our brand? Is it appropriate for this particular event?
Does the venue help you work with your budget? Do they provide clear information on costs and estimates?
Venues should bring to the table all the information you could possibly want. From floor plans and schematics to a portfolio of past events they have held, you want to see a wealth of information to give you ideas and accommodate your staff and vendors.
Feel confident about venues that have great information available before you even ask. Even if you think you don’t need all this information, you might need it later.
Renting an event space in New York City is an undertaking that requires a great relationship with the venue staff. Even if you plan and host events regularly, you need helpful staff to answer your questions and guide you through everything venue-related.
From the first phone call to post-event paperwork, your interaction with the venue should feel personal, communicative, and helpful. You need attentive, listening staff who will go above and beyond to understand the needs of your event and make it happen.
You should also feel confident about the communication between various vendors. Will the venue coordinate other services on your behalf? Do they have preferred partners for extra services and do you feel like you get a personal touch from all of them? It’s your event, and it should feel like it.
You’ll be supplying the real content of the event, but guests and attendees will also remember you by a general impression of how enjoyable, professional, and well-managed the venue seemed. Venues with a sterling reputation and a impeccable facilities can turn a good event into a great event with wow factor.
Your invitees will be searching information on the venue before attending. Do you feel good about the reputation of the event space in New York City review sites and on social media? This is the first impression on your audience. Make sure that your venue projects the right tone and quality level that you want associated with your event.
In a recent research paper on the future of meeting venues, Maritz Research shares three main trends: increasing technology requirements, a stronger focus on sustainability, and most interestingly, the rise of non-traditional venues. These non-traditional venues reflect an increased need for ‘creative, out of the box, fun meeting locations.’ Since the study was published, this trend has only increased. Meeting planners are increasingly showing a preference for more non-traditional spaces, instead of the traditional conference center or hotel ballroom. The following are three reasons you may want to consider a non-traditional venue:
People get energy not only from event content and great speakers, but also from their surroundings. Spaces with unique elements will surprise and delight your guests and can create great conversation pieces. For example, hosting your meeting in a venue that has a theater can inspire speakers to take different approaches to talks they may have given many times before. They may be inspired to create a kind of performance, in line with the space.
Planning events in similar venues may encourage similar ways of setting up the venue, agenda, and guests’ experiences. New types of venues will encourage you to think outside of ways you’ve planned events before. While certain core elements will remain the same, you may want to consider shaking things up with different ways of seating your attendees, different menus, experiential activities to engage guests with your brand or product, and of course the opportunity for more informal networking to maximize connections made the day of the event.
The venue where you hold your event says a lot about your ideas, brand and/or product. Guests will see the venue as a reflection of your businesses goals and values and thus the selection shouldn’t be taken lightly. When you visit the venue make sure to not only check on amenities and costs but also how the venue feels to you. Does it have the ‘it factor’ you’re looking for? Does it match the thought leadership, mission and image of the company or organization you work for?
When selecting a venue, it’s always important to consider what space feels right to you as a representative of your organization or company and well best help you accomplish the goals you’ve set out to achieve. Will guests want something more traditional or will they be comfortable with a venue that is outside of their past experiences? There is no ‘right’ venue for everyone.
