The Venue
Hyatt Centric Wall Street · Lower Manhattan
The event is held in a private event space at the Hyatt Centric Wall Street in Lower Manhattan — the same venue as Empire’s December training weekend, so attendees taking workshops are already on-site. The address and arrival instructions are shared on RSVP confirmation. Valet parking and concierge transportation are provided.
Where to Stay
Stay where it all happens. The Hyatt Centric Wall Street hosts both the event and Empire’s December training weekend — book a room and your evening, your workshops, and your bed are all under one roof. No cross-town cabs, no early alarms, no commute between the courses and the celebration.
Empire's concierge can reserve your room at the Hyatt Centric at a preferred attendee rate — email [email protected] and we’ll take care of the booking.
Travel With Ease
Arriving by Air
- JFK International Airport — 45–60 minutes by car to Lower Manhattan. Empire concierge can arrange private transfer.
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — 20–30 minutes by car. The most convenient option for domestic travel.
- Newark Liberty (EWR) — 45–60 minutes by car. Best for international itineraries.
Arriving by Rail
Penn Station and Grand Central are both within a short ride of the venue. For Acela travelers, plan to arrive at Penn Station and take a Yellow Cab or rideshare directly.
Ground Transportation
Empire's concierge can arrange black-car service for arrival, evening, and departure. Email [email protected] at least 72 hours before your arrival.
Discover New York in December
The event is one night — but the city is at its most magnetic in early December. A few Empire favorites to anchor the rest of your visit:
Rockefeller Center Tree
The classic. Best visited on foot in the early morning to avoid the crowds — coffee from Blue Bottle, walk down Fifth, take the photo.
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle
The most cinematic cocktail hour in Manhattan. Live piano, vintage murals, no reservations — arrive at 5:30 PM and you'll get a banquette.
The Met & The Frick
Two of the world's great museums, walking distance apart on the Upper East Side. Pair both with lunch at Café Sabarsky.
Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue
Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Tiffany — December is the one month the windows are worth the walk. Bergdorf's are the standard.
The High Line at Sunset
The elevated park is at its most atmospheric in winter light. Start at the Whitney and walk north to Hudson Yards.
A Show at Lincoln Center
The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet's Nutcracker, the Philharmonic. December schedules are the best of the year.