Everything You Need To Know When Visiting Hudson Yards

Posted on May 10, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

Hudson Yards is the newest neighborhood in New York City. Featuring more than 100 shops, restaurants, art venues, and attractions, Hudson Yards is now the nation’s largest private development and one of most complex construction projects in New York history. We’re taking a closer look at what makes this destination unique and why it is a great fit for leisure during your next AMA Center meeting in New York City.

Location and Transportation

Hudson Yards is located between 10th and 12th Avenues, from West 30th to West 34th St. There is easy access to commuter rail service, the subway, the West Side Highway, the Lincoln Tunnel, and ferries along the Hudson River.

This new complex was built on 28 acres over a working rail yard. That not only explains why the construction project was so complex but also helps one to understand why Hudson Yards is so unique.

Shop, Dine, and Explore

Apparel, jewelry, and beauty items are just a few of the types of shops in Hudson Yards. Everything from shoe stores to brand name eyewear awaits your browsing.

Dining options range from simple coffee shops to finer dining for your evening enjoyment. A wine bar and ice cream shop are just two other options to discover while visiting Hudson Yards.

Visitors can enjoy a great view of the New York skyline from the Edge. Located 100 stories high, it is the highest man-made outdoor viewing area in the western hemisphere.

Public gardens, art, and cultural institutions and more provide visitors with a variety of choices in this special and unique place. We think that Hudson Yards is a must-see while visiting New York City.

AMA Executive Conference Centers

The AMA New York Conference Center is the largest conference center in New York City’s Time’s Square district. Featuring 90,000 square feet and 43 rooms, this center can accommodate up to 200 participants. Located in the heart of Times Square, the conference center is within blocks to many restaurants, shopping, and attractions, including those in Hudson Yards.

A favorite feature of meeting planners is the 6th-floor meeting space at the AMA New York Conference Center. A spacious lounge also overlooks Broadway, making it a perfect space for receptions and conference activities.

AMA Executive Conference Centers are also available in Atlanta, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Each of our centers provides the essentials you need for a successful meeting or event. The centers are conveniently located close to transportation, lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions. Learn more about our centers and our services by clicking here to contact us today.

Simplify Your Life With These TED Talks

Posted on April 17, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

For the average person, life is becoming increasingly complex. Our days are busy, our task lists are full, and prioritization isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity. Nonetheless, some people have rejected this lifestyle as an inevitability. What if you could simplify your life, accomplish more, and find greater fulfillment? Here are a few of our favorite TED Talks to help you do just that!

A Rich Life With Less Stuff by the Minimalists

These two friends have gained prominence in the past few years for their eschewing of materialism, consumerism, and the traditional life path. Their suggestion? Focus less on material goods, seek out your passion, simplify your life, and find happiness.

As Work Gets More Complex, 6 Rules To Simplify
by Yves Morieux

In Yves Morieux’s discussion of the workplace, he discusses how traditional approaches to solving workplace problems have become too complex. Rather, he favors six rules to increase efficiencies, simplify processes, and improve performance and fulfillment among employees.

Sweat The Small Stuff by Rory Sutherland

Applicable to both professional and personal challenges, this talk takes a humorous approach to problem-solving. Sutherland’s discussion focuses on how big problems can be solved by simple solutions, rather than applying maximum force. The end state is decreased stress, fewer resources required, and better solutions.

All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes by Andy Puddicombe

This talk discusses the power of mindfulness and encourages the execution of the simplest task: doing nothing. Specifically, it encourages the power of 10 minutes of daily meditation to simplify thoughts, improve focus, and slow down.

While these TED Talks are just the tip of the iceberg, it’s a great start towards slowing down and simplifying your life. At AMA Executive Conference Centers, we are passionate about helping employees maximize their time and improve their work-life harmony. For more information about our executive meeting services and conference centers in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC, contact us here.

Don’t Waste Time: Plan Meetings That Are Effective and Engaging

Posted on April 8, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

It’s no secret that attending meetings can often become an unpopular activity with employees. Increasingly hectic work schedules combined with the decreased attention span of the millennial population has made it even more difficult to run productive internal meetings. Nonetheless, meetings are often an important part of running a successful business. It’s not too late to change your meeting tactics, engage your employees, and increase productivity. Here are some novel ideas to help you do just that.

Engage All Employees In The Conversation

One of the most frustrating habits that a manager leading a meeting can have is talking at the group, rather than with the group. This quickly leads to inattention and frustration. Rather, a suggested tactic is “call on people gently and strategically.” Evaluate who would be a relevant participant in the topic, and then invite them to speak. Not only will this involve employees, it will increase the flow of ideas.

Encourage And Show Empathy

In order to receive meaningful feedback, it is critical to ensure employees feel comfortable enough to speak without judgment. This allows people to offer their ideas as well as “act as individual agents of change.” Not only will your organization flourish, but employees will begin to flourish as well.

Set Ground Rules And Stick To Them

There is nothing like a manager who sets policies but never adheres to them. Employees not only regard their manager in a negative light, but they are unlikely to follow the policies themselves. It is important to structure a meeting to provide expectation management; that said, ground rules must be taken seriously. For example, try a no-device policy that is coupled with a time limit on the meeting. Tech-free meetings are often more focused and therefore, tasks are accomplished more quickly. These types of policies are effective in engaging your office population, if they are properly adhered to.

Keep Meetings Small

A major point of frustration in many offices is the experience of sitting through a meeting that is irrelevant. It is important for those leading and scheduling meetings to keep them thin, inviting only the necessary participants. Many successful companies adhere to this model, and the result is increased efficiency. Do your best to only bring in critical participants – you can always reconvene if you need different inputs.

These tactics are great for small gatherings, large meetings, and even conferences. Here at AMA Executive Conference Centers, our top priority is helping deliver effective meeting solutions to leaders and professionals. We look forward to the opportunity to host your next meeting at one of our Centers in Atlanta, New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco. For more information, contact us here.

Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Atlanta, NYC, San Francisco and DC

Posted on February 11, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

Some of the most iconic cities in the U.S. also have some of the most fascinating histories behind them. Guess which U.S. city had the first pizzeria? We looked into Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC – each an AMA Executive Conference Centers city – and you’ll be amazed at some of the things that you may not have known about them!

ATLANTA

Let’s start on the east with Atlanta, located in Georgia, which is known as The Peach State.

Atlanta is home to The Varsity, which is the largest fast food drive-in in the world, established in 1928.
The symbol of the city is the phoenix after being burned down during the Civil War in 1864.
It has one of the biggest Hindu temples outside of India.
There are 71 streets whose names are a take on “Peachtree.”
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airportcurrently holds the title of world’s busiest airport.
Two Nobel Peace Prize winners were from Atlanta: President Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr.

NEW YORK CITY

Now, let’s take a bite out of the Big Apple with some fun facts on this bustling city.

In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France. It was part of their centennial celebration.
The New York Public Libraryis home to over 50 million books. It also currently boasts the title of the third largest library in the world.
The Wyckoff Farm is the oldest building in New York City, established in the 1640s.
The taxis in the city weren’t always their well-known yellow. In fact, they used to be red and green until 1912.
In 1895, the first pizzeria was opened in the United States. It was located in, you guessed it, New York City.
And do you know where Times Square gets its name? The New York Times!

SAN FRANCISCO

Let’s head west to the bright and sunny San Francisco.

The Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest in North America and is home to over 100,000 people.
The official musical instrument of San Francisco is the accordion.
The ice cream and oatmeal cookie treat that’s coated in chocolate called It’s-Itwas created in San Francisco.
The street that is currently known as Maiden Lane used to be a red-light district and was called Morton Street.
Over 50 film festivals happen in San Francisco each year.
There’s a name for the color of the Golden Gate Bridge: International Orange.

WASHINGTON DC

Finally, let’s shed some light on the capital of the United States: Washington DC!

The streets use letters as names but are missing the letter “J.”
The Washington Monument is the world’s tallest obelisk.
Inside of the Capital Building are elevators that are only used by senators.
The Washington Metrois the third most busy subway system in the United States.
Before it was called the White House, the building was known as the President’s Palace or President’s House.
Washington DC is home to a unique museum called the International Spy Museum.

For more fun facts about United States cities, check out 50states.comand learn to your heart’s content. And for more facts about hosting your next meeting at an AMA Executive Conference Center in one of the above cities, click onto www.AMAconferencecenters.org.

Holidays at AMA in New York City

Posted on June 13, 2018June 1, 2023 by Editor

Holidays at AMA in New York City

‘Tis the season of business travel during the holidays; when the inevitable question of business or pleasure is sure to come up. However, when traveling to New York City, especially during the holidays, it doesn’t matter if your soul purpose of travel is business; there are plenty of holiday activities that can bring pleasure to any business trip. The following is some of the fun that can be had between meetings during your visit to AMA’s Executive Conference Center located in the heart of NYC’s Time Square.

Union Square Holiday Market

Being away from home on business during the holidays can make anyone feel a bit like Scrooge. A visit to the Union Square Holiday Market is guaranteed to make up for lost time, when you bring the most unique gifts home to your loved ones. Click here to learn more about the Union Square Holiday Market.

Holiday Jazz Cruise

Sightseeing in NYC can be done in style while sipping on hot cocoa (spiked if you choose) and tapping twinkle toes to a yuletide beat on a 1.5-hour Holiday Jazz Cruise. Observe the city lights by water, as a live Jazz Trio plays all the holiday favorites. Click here to learn more about holiday statue and sightseeing cruises.

Sippin’ Santa Pop-up Bars

When it’s time to mix and a’ mingle in the jingling feet, miracles don’t happen on 34th, but rather 12th Street, where the Sippin’ Santa Pop-up Bars return, with Christmas-themed drinks to keep you warm and bring you cheer. Click here to learn more about the Miracle and Sippin’ Santa Pop-Up Bars in New York City.

Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Perhaps the most dazzling of Christmas trees is found in the Rockefeller Center, standing 72-feet-tall, adorned with 3 million Swarovski crystals. This tree brings a sense of holiday magic to any spectator, no matter their age. Click here to learn more about activities at Rockefeller Center.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

See more Swarovski crystals shine in brilliance, as they shower the costumes of the famous, show stopping, leg kicking Rockettes, at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This dynamic performance has been a NYC favorite since 1932. Click here to learn more about the Rockettes and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show.

No need to feel ‘bah humbug’ while attending a December conference or meeting at our AMA Conference Center in NYC. We’re conveniently located near the best restaurants and entertainment; you’re in good hands this holiday season. Whether you have a couple minutes, hours, or days, there’s an event nearby guaranteed to spark the spirit of the season!

Click here to connect for more details on how we take care of the meeting space, and you take care of business.

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