the arts marketer’s

guide to new york city

You’re Gonna Be a Part of It…New York, New York!

Conference dazzle aside, we’re in New York City, baby. It’s quite literally what songs are written about. 

No matter whether the iconic tunes of Frank Sinatra, Jay-Z, Billie Holiday, or Billy Joel come to mind now, you’ll stroll down bustling streets and hear the symphony of the city when you arrive for Boot Camp.

There’s so much to see and do—here’s our guide to a great conference stay, smooth travel, exciting evenings, and inspiring ideas for your post-conference weekend.

Where to stay

Boot Camp may be in the city that never sleeps, but you’ll still need to! Here are a few things to consider when booking a place to stay in the city.

conference Location 

Boot Camp is located at The Times Center:
📍 242 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036

The entrance is close to the middle of the block on the south side of 41st Street (between 7th and 8th Ave). 

🤓 Fun Fact: You may be saying, “The Times Center…Times Square. Any connection?” Well, yes! Originally called Longacre Square, Times Square was renamed in 1904 to acknowledge The New York Times relocating to the Times Tower.

 

nearby accommodations

Yotel

📍570 Tenth Avenue, W 42nd St
New York, NY 10036

We partner with Yotel to offer great rooms just steps away from The Times Center. You’ll get a special link for booking in your Boot Camp 2024 registration confirmation email.

homewood suites

📍312 W 37th Street
New York, N Y10018

We have no affiliation or hotel block with Homewood Suites, but it is another location Boot Camp attendees have stayed in and enjoyed in the past.

getting around

If you’re staying in Times Square, you can walk to The Times Center within 15 minutes from most locations. Just save a little extra time for wayfinding (or sightseeing!).

If you stay outside Times Square, you can access The Times Center via subways A, C, E, N, Q, R, 1, 2, 3, 7, S to 42nd St. Times Square.

  • Not sure how to navigate the subway? Never fear. Google Maps and Apple Maps provide great guidance on which train to take and where to catch it. You can also download apps like Citymapper for Point A-to-Point B direction.

    🔥 Hot Tip: It’s a good idea to download a Subway map in case your wifi access is interrupted underground. Maps are also posted in subway stations with details on when the train will come.

    🤓 Fun Fact: The NYC subway system is one of the most comprehensive in the world! It opened in October 1904, includes 472 stations, and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. (That said—service can be interrupted for reasons like maintenance. Double check your map app to confirm the train you want is running).

  • The subway costs $2.90 per ride. You can still use a MetroCard to pay but it’s no longer required. You can now tap to pay with your phone or credit card at the turnstile. Here are more details about fares for NYC transit.

  • The public transit system in NYC is fantastic, and subways aren’t the only way! You can also…

    🙋 Hail a cab

    🚌 Take a bus (you can tap to pay just like the subway, or use cash!)

    📱 Uber or Lyft

    🚶 Walk

    🚲 Citi Bike

when to arrive and depart

When you arrive and depart New York City is totally up to you, but here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Boot Camp

Conference doors open around 8am on Thursday, October 24. The conference ends around 5:30 pm on Friday, October 25.

The Times Center has a complimentary coat check for storing personal items and luggage during the conference, if necessary. Space may be limited.

Warm Up

If you are attending Warm Up on Wednesday, October 23, doors open around noon. 

You may bring luggage into the venue on this day.

Travel Times

As with any travel, estimated times are subject to delays. Planning a buffer is an easy way to keep stress at bay while making your way.

  • It takes about 75 minutes to reach Times Square by car from JFK and about 60 minutes via train.

    To travel directly from JFK to the venue, you will take the AirTrain from JFK to Jamaica station (you’ll pay when exiting the train) then take the Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica to Penn Station. You can use the Train Time app to pay for your railroad fare. Penn Station is about 10 blocks from Times Square, which you can finish by walking or taking a car, train, or bus. Each option takes about 10 minutes.

  • It takes about 45 minutes to reach the conference venue by car from LGA.

    To travel directly from LGA to the venue, we recommend a taking a car. LGA is not as easily accessible via public transit.

  • It takes about 1 hour to reach the conference venue by car or by public transit.

    To travel directly from EWR to Times Square, you can take the Newark Airport Express bus to Port Authority Terminal located at 625 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018, then walk about one block to Times Square.

Where to Eat + Drink

The NYC food scene is no joke. From iconic hot dogs stands to sit-down restaurants, you’ll have plenty of options around every corner. 

First things first: you will be fed breakfast pastries, snacks, and a boxed lunch during the conference on Thursday and Friday.

Dinner and other fuel is up to you!

Here are some recommendations from CI staff:

Melissa
Says:

Jimmy's Corner is one of my faves on 44th St, or Keens Steakhouse a bit away on 36th St.

Molly
Says:

Glass House Tavern for excellent pre- and post- show people watching. OH - if you are someone who wants to avoid 42nd Street like the plague, may I suggest…43rd Street?

Jess
Says:

Bluestone Lane is right across the street from The Times Center and a great, easy spot for fresh light fare and delicious coffee.

Jeanette
Says:

Gotta represent Brooklyn! Red Hook Tavern for the best meal ever. Also, the Time Out Market New York building is right on the water, and you get a great view of the city!

what to see + Do

So you’re in Cultural Capital of the USA. Sure, it may be a long (inspiring!) conference day—but there's still so much to see and do! Here are some suggestions for your evening or weekend if you extend your trip.

Explore more suggestions from CI staff…

chynna
Says:

Wander around West Chelsea to enjoy a bunch of art block after block. Shops and restaurants are abundant at the nearby Chelsea Market – my favorite place to refuel after gallery hopping!”

sara
Says:

The Belvedere Castle in Central Park is one of my favorite spots in the city. It's right across from the Delacorte where Shakespeare in the Park is performed. And the Shakespeare Garden is beautiful.

cecily
Says:

For a non-traditional tourist view that lets you gaze over all the sightseeing greats, and experience some art while you do it: highly recommend Summit One Vanderbilt.

…or discover the city through some CI client organizations!

madge
Says:

The Drama Book Shop!

See you here!

Questions? Just email capacityinteractivebootcamp.com.