New York Attractions: Javits Convention Center

Known as “The Marketplace of the World”, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center was built in 1986 and is considered New York City’s largest convention center. Situated between 34th and 38th Street from 11th to 12th Avenue on the West side of Manhattan, the Javits Center was designed by the architect I.M. Pei and was named for the New York State Senator who passed away in that same year. Until 1986, the Coliseum was considered the largest convention location in the city. The Coliseum was eventually demolished to make way for the Trump Warner Center.

The Javits Center has 675,000 square feet of floor space, making it the perfect location for any organization or company wishing to hold an exhibition or conference of any imaginable size. If that is not enough, there are plans to expand the center by approximately 45% - including the building of a hotel. The expansion project should cost around $1.7-billion and will be completed by 2010.

Interesting Facts about the Center

• The Jacob K. Javits Center can accommodate up to 85,000 people at six different events - all at one time.
• Three million people pass through the doors of the center each year.
• The “ Crystal Palace” is the name given to the Center’s 150 foot glass lobby.
• The Center has an auditorium that seats 2500 people.

Tips About the Center

• There are various modes of public transportation to and from the Javits Center. Cabs and subway are a popular choice, although car services are also available through the concierge.
• The Center is very centrally located and in easy walking distance of Manhattan’s shops, malls, hotels and attractions.
• The Center has a wide range of restaurants and eateries conveniently located on location that cater to all taste buds. Twenty-two permanent and a much larger variety of mobile and temporary outlets ensure that nobody goes hungry at the Center. The restaurants are mainly located on Level 1 and Level 3 in the food courts. Visitors can choose from typical coffee bar type places, to traditional cuisine such as Asian, Italian or Japanese. Kosher restaurants, ice cream parlors and sushi bars are just some of the options available. Of course, the popular restaurants of the Times Square area are also close at hand.
• A concierge service is available for assistance in all matters, including transportation reservation, sightseeing information, as well as travel services and restaurant recommendations.
• A full business service is provided by the Center. The FedEx Kinko Office and Print Center provide office services for visitors at a fee, assisting with anything from faxing, signs and banners, press kits and others. There are also conveniently placed workstations throughout the Center, as well as executive suites for visitors to have quick meetings or spend some quiet time at their laptops. They also offer packaging and shipping services.
• There are nightclubs and other facilities in the proximity of the Center. An example would be the Copacabana – a world-renowned venue which features top name artists. It includes excellent dining facilities and is a good location to socialize with fellow-convention goers after hours.
• It is advisable to book accommodation in the nearby Times Square or Madison Square Garden locations. There are hotels closer to the Javits Center but there are no shops or restaurants in their vicinity, making them a poor choice. As mentioned, the Center will boast its own hotel within a couple of years.
• Dress in layers. Air conditioning or heating in the Center might not be to your liking and you will be wise to have layers to remove or add according to your own body temperature.

Shows Hosted at the Javits Center

The American International Toy Fair
This amazing exhibition showcases all the new products in the toy market. More that 1500 manufactures, agents and distributors from over 30 countries come together at the Javits Center to display the latest toys and entertainment items, ranging from interactive games, dolls, bicycles, stationary, preschool equipment and more. The next toy fair is due to take place in February 2008 and is not open to the general public.

Book Expo America
This exciting gathering brings anyone who is connected to the English book industry under one roof for several days in the Javits Center. New titles, writer workshops and educational sessions are just some of the things to be found at the Book Expo. The event is regularly attended by writers, publishers, editors and librarians and is a popular happening in the Center’s calendar.

The New York National Boat Show
This is considered the world’s finest and longest-running boat show where visitors can view a vast selection of the newest boats and marine equipment in the industry. The show attracts thousands of people each year who get to enjoy a series of fun activities and take part in fascinating seminars and workshops related to the world of boating. The show is a popular place for new sailors to buy their first boat, as the event offers one-stop shopping under one roof, including the newest products in the market, a large selection to choose from, experts to consult with and financing options.

The New York International Auto Show
This is a show that is eagerly awaited for by anyone with an interest in the automobile industry. The event showcases the newest cars in the market and many cars make their debuts at the show. Top car companies in the industry present their new models to the general public who get to view anything from convertibles, sedans and jeeps. This is definitely a highlight in the Javits Convention Center’s list of annual events.

Javits Convention Center NYC

It is easy to see why the Javits Convention Center is such a popular location for some of the top shows and exhibitions in the world. Its close proximity to some of the top areas, restaurants, attractions and hotels in Manhattan ensures that it will remain the first choice for events organizers and attendees for years to come. The building’s impressive architecture makes it instantly recognizable and shows why it has become one of the icons of the City that Never Sleeps.

Location
Javits Convention Center is located at 655 West 34th Street, New York City.

Call: 1-866-406-5341

Click here to visit Javits Convention Center official website