New York's premier DMC for incentives, meetings & events

The Shackman Group is widely regarded as New York's premier DMC for incentive travel.

Founded by Karen Shackman in 1990, our company has spent over thirty years building the exclusive partnerships and insider knowledge that make New York incentive programs truly exceptional.

With a client satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 and an uncompromising standard of white glove service, The Shackman Group delivers incentive programs across all five boroughs — from rooftop galas with skyline views to behind-the-scenes evenings at iconic New York institutions.

A Destination Management Company (DMC) in New York handles every aspect of a corporate event or incentive program on the ground — venue finding, hotel sourcing, airport transfers, ground transport, team building activities, gala dinners, guided experiences and full on-site coordination.

The Shackman Group goes further than most, operating as an organic extension of the client's own team from the first planning call to the last guest departure. With an in-house creative services department, every aspect of the guest experience is meticulously crafted so no detail is ever missed.

The Shackman Group organises a wide range of corporate events and incentive programs in New York, including conferences, conventions, corporate meetings, product launches, incentive travel programs, team building events, rooftop gala dinners, themed evenings, award ceremonies and reward trips.

We also handle ground logistics for larger congresses and association meetings. Every program is tailor-made to the client's brief, group profile and budget — whether it is an intimate board retreat or a large-scale incentive for hundreds of delegates from around the world

DMC New York - how it saves costs to use us

A locally based DMC like The Shackman Group reduces both costs and risks in several important ways.

Our thirty-year network of distinguished partnerships with New York's finest hotels, venues, restaurants and suppliers gives clients access to preferred rates and priority availability that overseas organisers simply cannot obtain independently. 

Our on-the-ground presence across all five boroughs means we can respond instantly to any changes or challenges during a program. Our intimate knowledge of New York City — from permit requirements to neighbourhood dynamics — eliminates the costly mistakes that come from planning a New York program remotely.

New York offers some of the world's most extraordinary incentive experiences — and The Shackman Group has exclusive access to many that simply cannot be booked independently.

The most sought-after experiences include rooftop galas with dramatic Manhattan skyline views, private behind-the-scenes evenings at iconic New York institutions, Broadway show buyouts and VIP theatre experiences, private Hudson River cruises, helicopter tours over the city, exclusive culinary experiences with celebrity chefs, and curated discovery trails through neighborhoods like Brooklyn, Harlem and the Meatpacking District.

The Shackman Group's in-house creative services department ensures every experience is uniquely designed for each group."

For most corporate events and incentive programs in New York, we recommend starting the planning process at least six to nine months in advance.

This ensures the best availability of hotels, venues and exclusive experiences — particularly during peak periods such as spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when demand for New York events is highest.

For larger groups requiring exclusive venue hire or complex logistics, twelve months or more is advisable. That said, The Shackman Group has successfully delivered programs with shorter lead times — contact me, Karen Shackman directly with your brief and I will tell you what is possible."

New York uses the US Dollar (USD) as its currency.

New York operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is GMT minus 5 hours, or GMT minus 4 hours during Eastern Daylight Time (mid-March to early November) — 5 hours behind the UK and 6 hours behind Central European Time.

New York observes a number of US public holidays throughout the year, including Thanksgiving (the third Thursday in November) and Independence Day on 4th July — both of which offer spectacular city experiences for incentive groups.

As The Shackman Group, we can advise on how public holidays and major city events may affect your program dates and logistics.