NYC meetup

[+ ArVaGuy]

The following comments are based on my background as a conference and event management professional.

 

I do not think that a potluck outdoor gathering is practical in this circumstance. From my experience it's those who don't have to deal with the arrangements who propose these outdoor events. They are much tougher to pull off and have a lot more challenges than just dealing with the weather and having a backup rain date.

 

Admittedly, I'm not a New York resident and don't know all the ins and outs of life in the Big Apple. Just where in Central Park, or other city parks, could this be held that affords enough privacy for people to feel comfortable.? Not all clients are out of the closet and not every escort is public about his line of work. A public space opens attendees to a lot of scrutiny that may not be all that welcome.

 

Do groups over a certain size require a permit for a picnic or gathering? It's one thing when two, four, or ten people meet in a public space for food and fun and an entirely different matter when it's 30 or more. The DC event in 2014 had over 50 clients and escorts, this year the group was around 35. A spontaneous group that size is going to attract attention. Anyone up for dealing with NYPD or park officials checking on permits?

 

What about alcohol? So this is a BYOB event in addition to bring your own food? Seriously? Ok people can stop at a bodega for cheap PBR but gimme a draft microbrew any day or Hendricks gin and tonic, please.

 

A restaurant space eliminates a lot of headaches. Book the space, tell people when to show up, greet them at the door, and let the wait staff handle the service. (Who's going to the event space to stake the claim and set up any equipment, tables, or whatever in a city park?) It's a hell of a lot easier to find a fixed address than some lawn in the middle of Central Park.

 

Bars and restaurants are places designed to facilitate mixing and mingling. The claim that a public space is better for people to come and go as they please is bogus. Besides, in my experience, outdoor events have a much higher attrition rate than indoor. So many factors preclude people from outside events at the last minute is not even funny. Too hot/cold/cloudy/rainy/sunny.....

 

I could go on and on with my reasoning not to hold this event outside but will cut it off here before it becomes a rant. That's my two cents based on 25 years of events management experience. I'm still planning to attend if my business travel schedule doesn't interfere even if this event is held outdoors.

[+ jrhoutex]

Meeting at a rooftop bar might be fun. It would give everyone a chance to mingle. Drinks and bar food should make a fun afternoon. I think most NYC rooftop bars can handle weather issues. Just a thought.

[mattr]

The following comments are based on my background as a conference and event management professional.

 

I do not think that a potluck outdoor gathering is practical in this circumstance. From my experience it's those who don't have to deal with the arrangements who propose these outdoor events. They are much tougher to pull off and have a lot more challenges than just dealing with the weather and having a backup rain date.

 

Admittedly, I'm not a New York resident and don't know all the ins and outs of life in the Big Apple. Just where in Central Park, or other city parks, could this be held that affords enough privacy for people to feel comfortable.? Not all clients are out of the closet and not every escort is public about his line of work. A public space opens attendees to a lot of scrutiny that may not be all that welcome.

 

Do groups over a certain size require a permit for a picnic or gathering? It's one thing when two, four, or ten people meet in a public space for food and fun and an entirely different matter when it's 30 or more. The DC event in 2014 had over 50 clients and escorts, this year the group was around 35. A spontaneous group that size is going to attract attention. Anyone up for dealing with NYPD or park officials checking on permits?

 

What about alcohol? So this is a BYOB event in addition to bring your own food? Seriously? Ok people can stop at a bodega for cheap PBR but gimme a draft microbrew any day or Hendricks gin and tonic, please.

 

A restaurant space eliminates a lot of headaches. Book the space, tell people when to show up, greet them at the door, and let the wait staff handle the service. (Who's going to the event space to stake the claim and set up any equipment, tables, or whatever in a city park?) It's a hell of a lot easier to find a fixed address than some lawn in the middle of Central Park.

 

Bars and restaurants are places designed to facilitate mixing and mingling. The claim that a public space is better for people to come and go as they please is bogus. Besides, in my experience, outdoor events have a much higher attrition rate than indoor. So many factors preclude people from outside events at the last minute is not even funny. Too hot/cold/cloudy/rainy/sunny.....

 

I could go on and on with my reasoning not to hold this event outside but will cut it off here before it becomes a rant. That's my two cents based on 25 years of events management experience. I'm still planning to attend if my business travel schedule doesn't interfere even if this event is held outdoors.

 

I would agree with you except for the fact that attendance will be iffy at a first event. If Eric books a restaurant expecting 20 people to show up and only 5 do, it is not fair to him or the restaurant. The DC luncheon is a well known and well attended event. If a New York event ever gets to that point then a more organized event can be planned. If a picnic in the park doesn't work, the only other practical choice would be a bar. I'll leave it to Eric from here but I just wanted to chime in...

[whipped guy]

The following comments are based on my background as a conference and event management professional.

 

I do not think that a potluck outdoor gathering is practical in this circumstance. From my experience it's those who don't have to deal with the arrangements who propose these outdoor events. They are much tougher to pull off and have a lot more challenges than just dealing with the weather and having a backup rain date.

 

Admittedly, I'm not a New York resident and don't know all the ins and outs of life in the Big Apple. Just where in Central Park, or other city parks, could this be held that affords enough privacy for people to feel comfortable.? Not all clients are out of the closet and not every escort is public about his line of work. A public space opens attendees to a lot of scrutiny that may not be all that welcome.

 

Do groups over a certain size require a permit for a picnic or gathering? It's one thing when two, four, or ten people meet in a public space for food and fun and an entirely different matter when it's 30 or more. The DC event in 2014 had over 50 clients and escorts, this year the group was around 35. A spontaneous group that size is going to attract attention. Anyone up for dealing with NYPD or park officials checking on permits?

 

What about alcohol? So this is a BYOB event in addition to bring your own food? Seriously? Ok people can stop at a bodega for cheap PBR but gimme a draft microbrew any day or Hendricks gin and tonic, please.

 

A restaurant space eliminates a lot of headaches. Book the space, tell people when to show up, greet them at the door, and let the wait staff handle the service. (Who's going to the event space to stake the claim and set up any equipment, tables, or whatever in a city park?) It's a hell of a lot easier to find a fixed address than some lawn in the middle of Central Park.

 

Bars and restaurants are places designed to facilitate mixing and mingling. The claim that a public space is better for people to come and go as they please is bogus. Besides, in my experience, outdoor events have a much higher attrition rate than indoor. So many factors preclude people from outside events at the last minute is not even funny. Too hot/cold/cloudy/rainy/sunny.....

 

I could go on and on with my reasoning not to hold this event outside but will cut it off here before it becomes a rant. That's my two cents based on 25 years of events management experience. I'm still planning to attend if my business travel schedule doesn't interfere even if this event is held outdoors.

 

Finally the voice of reason! These were my exact thoughts when the outdoor option was first proposed.

 

It all reminds me of the time good friends who got married in a small private ceremony decided to have their actual wedding celebration as an outdoor event months later on 7/7/07 since it was a lucky sounding date. The initial word was that it would be a casual picnic event. However, cooler heads prevailed and eventually the couple was convinced to make it a more elegant indoor affair. When the invitations were sent out it was announced as being a "Tapas Style" affair. Evidentially many did not know what that referenced. That combined with the fact that it had been first discussed as being an outdoor event half of the guests arrived dressed for an outdoor occasion. The the other half (of which I was one) wore a jacket and tie. One good friend came dressed with a loud Hawaiian shirt. His wife had on a black elegant looking dress. When I asked why the disparity the wife said, " Look closely at the material. This is a sun dress!" At any rate, I digress as no matter what is decided upon good communication is the key to success.

 

All I can add is that somewhere between an outdoor event where one would be sitting on an uncomfortable picnic bench, shooing away bugs, and wondering if the potato salad would be safe to eat vs. an elegant dinner at Le Bernerdin a happy medium can easily be found in the greatest city in the world. Given all the venues in town I am confident that an appropriate setting can easily be chosen by those most familiar with the vast array of what is available in the City.

 

Planning such events is never easy. However, a master plan and master planners who are familiar with NYC are essential to the process. Getting an accurate head count is always a problem. A date needs to be selected so plans can be formulated by those who hope to attend and especially by those such as myself who don't live in the City.

 

With any luck a date and time will be chosen so as to make it possible for as many as possible to participate. Hopefully the planets will be properly aligned and the event will prove to be a success.

[Kevin Slater]

I would agree with you except for the fact that attendance will be iffy at a first event. If Eric books a restaurant expecting 20 people to show up and only 5 do, it is not fair to him or the restaurant.

 

If we did somewhere casual like the Dish which usually doesn't use the upstairs, I don't think that'd be a problem. Whether they open it up for five or twenty they'd be happy to give us the space if we chose a time at which it would otherwise be closed.

 

Kevin Slater

[BaronArtz]

If we did somewhere casual like the Dish which usually doesn't use the upstairs, I don't think that'd be a problem. Whether they open it up for five or twenty they'd be happy to give us the space if we chose a time at which it would otherwise be closed.

 

Kevin Slater

 

I think that's a great idea. We should just DO it ...

[+ Truereview]

This is my last post on this thread bc I hear the pissing contest rumbling, and that's oh-so-boring.

 

@Eric Hassan, I don't care where this takes place in NYC as long as it is accessible for folks who may need it- elevators, ramps, etc. let's be inclusive in that regard. I just care to know the date bc my schedule is nuts. I'm confident in your ability to find a location and work out logistics. If you need help, I'm sure you will ask us. It is our shared responsibility to make the best of the event.

 

Gentlemen (and ladies) of the forum: debating location has its merits until it becomes an obstacle to the deed itself - the meet. Let's not get lost in so much analysis. We are all smart enough to work out our own way to show up. If you don't like it, you plan it next time. lets get behind Eric (it is a good view).

[RyanDean]

Count my vote for someplace inside like TheDish. Especially for the first meetup.

 

Years (ie decades) ago, I was briefly part of a group for 20something gay men that briefly met for a monthly mixer in the park in the summer and fall. Without fail, each meetup served a comedy of errors. Between the bugs and the weather and the random passersby and the fact that other groups always seemed to squat on our planned meetup spot moments before someone from our group could claim it, something always went wrong. Plus, being a long time ago, some members of our group didn't want to put up a sign or a flag or anything (suggesting that, once clustered together, we would be obvious) which meant that newbies had to pick the group out of the Central Park hordes -- which definitely led to some awkward/unfortunate moments, as well as -- we later learned -- some folks just giving up on finding us altogether.

 

All that being said, I'm with @BaronArtz and @Truereview: let's just do it.

And with @Eric Hassan willing to take the lead, I say give him the host's prerogative to determine date/time/place.

It won't please all (what could) but it promises to get the fun started...

[jjkrkwood]

Finally the voice of reason! These were my exact thoughts when the outdoor option was first proposed.

 

 

All I can add is that somewhere between an outdoor event where one would be sitting on an uncomfortable picnic bench, shooing away bugs, and wondering if the potato salad would be safe to eat vs. an elegant dinner at Le Bernerdin a happy medium can easily be found in the greatest city in the world. Given all the venues in town I am confident that an appropriate setting can easily be chosen by those most familiar with the vast array of what is available in the City.

 

 

With all the haggling going on about it, I dont think any Setting will be "appropriate" for Everyone ? I am happy to see everyones interest in the idea, but I think at this juncture it's best to leave it to Eric to pull this thing together. If I were a betting girl, I'd wager that most of the people with passionate ideas (like myself) wont even be in attendance.

[mike carey]

lets get behind Eric (it is a good view).

TR, I'm sure that is the sole reason you want to get behind @Eric Hassan, but I'm sure other perspectives would be equally pleasing! (Observe, MC incapable yet again of making a serious comment.) A venue that can be flexible with numbers and the precise start and finish times, if that can be found (which from other comments, such a place should be available), should suit most potential participants.

[whipped guy]

I have always wondered why there has never been an "official" NYC "event". Perhaps I now know why!!! However, in the past I have heard of various posters from the NYC area getting together informally. I recall talking to one such poster who attended one such gathering at the Olive Garden in Times Square. To prove that it is impossible to satisfy everyone his comment was that with the great diversity of restaurants in the City he was perplexed that they would choose a "chain establishment".

 

So as others have stated, those in the know about what they city has to offer need to pick a date, time, and place. Let the chips fall where they may and with any luck it will fit into a majority of potential attendee schedules. It will obviously be impossible to please everyone, but we need to start somewhere. Let there be a meeting of the NYC minds and let's get this show on the road!

[+ Eric Hassan]

Thank you, everyone, for your input. I've read all of the messages in this thread as well as the PMs and emails I've received.

 

I'm going to take a day to select a time and venue. I'll announce it here and request that folks RSVP by PM or email. I know I won't be able to please everyone with my choices. I know there may be some bumps along the way. I really want to do this - I want to learn from the experience and meet folks from this community in person.

 

I want to be clear that EVERYONE is invited. My intent is that this is a joyful, fun experience for all. My expectation is that you attend with an open mind and positive attitude. Thank you all, again, for your passionate responses.

[+ nycman]

an elegant dinner at Le Bernerdin

 

You got my attention.....

 

Oh...you were using that as an extreme example....sigh

 

Seriously though....I'd rather be a sitting duck target on an open knoll in Central Park than step foot inside the Olive Garden in Times Square.

 

I would lose my gay card, my NYC card, and my dignity...all in one fell swoop!

 

NYC has better options....like 10 million of them.

 

I trust that Mr. Hassen and Mr. Slater...both fellow card carrying NYC faggots....will find a solution!

[jjkrkwood]

You got my attention.....

 

Oh...you were using that as an extreme example....sigh

 

Seriously though....I'd rather be an sitting duck target on an open knoll in Central Park than step foot inside the Olive Garden in Times Square.

 

I would lose my gay card, my NYC card, and my dignity...all in one fell swoop!

 

NYC has better options....like 10 million of them.

 

I trust that Mr. Hassen and Mr. Slater...both fellow card carrying NYC faggots....will find a solution!

 

The SALT content in their food will put you into immediate cardiac arrest !

[whipped guy]

The SALT content in their food will put you into immediate cardiac arrest !

That's why if you find yourself at an Olive Garden you ask for the high sodium salad dressing to be served on the side so you can avoid it. Plus, you special order plain breadsticks or what ever they are called. Even worse is their sister restaurant Red Lobster! Death by sodium overdose!!!!

 

So hint hint to the planners that be!

[BaronArtz]

No sit down dinner please ... You can't mingle with other people. What happens if you sit next to a real BORE. No way.

[+ ArVaGuy]

You got my attention.....

 

Oh...you were using that as an extreme example....sigh

 

Seriously though....I'd rather be a sitting duck target on an open knoll in Central Park than step foot inside the Olive Garden in Times Square.

 

I would lose my gay card, my NYC card, and my dignity...all in one fell swoop!

 

NYC has better options....like 10 million of them.

 

I trust that Mr. Hassen and Mr. Slater...both fellow card carrying NYC faggots....will find a solution!

 

 

Well....what about Guy Fieri's American?

 

http://guysamerican.com

 

Welcome to Flavor Town.

[down_to_business]

Doesn't New York City have one of those gourmet Pizza Huts or Taco Bells like we have in Texas

[+ ArVaGuy]

Doesn't New York City have one of those gourmet Pizza Huts or Taco Bells like we have in Texas

 

Yeah, they got those but not a single Whataburger in the five boroughs.

[+ purplekow]

Looking forward to the event. I hope making the arrangement for this turns out to be easier than it sounds. Of course there are always those who:

[+ FreshFluff]

So everyone agrees on Bernardin. Super. What a perfect spot for romance.

 

Eric might want to lay out some choices for time and date first , since that will affect the venue choice. Will it be on a weekday starting at, say, 6:30 or 7, which a lot of New Yorkers prefer? Or will it be held on a Saturday?

http://thepicurist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LE-BERNARDIN-1-660x440.jpg

[jjkrkwood]

That's why if you find yourself at an Olive Garden you ask for the high sodium salad dressing to be served on the side so you can avoid it. Plus, you special order plain breadsticks or what ever they are called. Even worse is their sister restaurant Red Lobster! Death by sodium overdose!!!!

 

So hint hint to the planners that be!

 

but fish IS healthy ! :D:p

[jjkrkwood]

So everyone agrees on Bernardin. Super. What a perfect spot for romance.

 

Eric might want to lay out some choices for time and date first , since that will affect the venue choice. Will it be on a weekday starting at, say, 6:30 or 7, which a lot of New Yorkers prefer? Or will it be held on a Saturday?

http://thepicurist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LE-BERNARDIN-1-660x440.jpg

 

Oh Fuck it FF... you are right, why not go ALL OUT ? I am sure these Queens will love to get all gussied up in 90 degree weather !

 

http://www.made-in-italy.com/files/imagecache/lg/pictures/travel-to-italy/vacation-ideas/wedding-planning-guide/italian-wedding-venues-four-seasons-hotel-florence.jpeg

[jjkrkwood]

On Second thought, a weekday AFTER WORK meeting may be just what the doctor ordered ?

 

 

http://65.media.tumblr.com/2998d2c42c3cc650bcf4b77649d2ff38/tumblr_o82va7IpIn1uikkgzo1_500.png

[BabyBoomer]

On Second thought, a weekday AFTER WORK meeting may be just what the doctor ordered ?

 

 

http://65.media.tumblr.com/2998d2c42c3cc650bcf4b77649d2ff38/tumblr_o82va7IpIn1uikkgzo1_500.png

@latbear4blk That pic is photoshopped. Fake head. Do you recognize the body?

 

~ Boomer ~