New York City’s Javits Center is one of the busiest convention centers in North America. In a typical year, prior to Covid-19, the facility would host more than 175 events, up to 40,000 exhibiting companies and more than two million visitors. Best known as NYC’s preeminent large-scale event venue, the Javits Center showed its versatility by playing a critical role during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now the venue has returned to hosting events, augmented by the completion of its expansion—including an additional 1.2 million square feet of state-of-the-art event-related space.
The gleaming glass edifice, which opened in 1986, was designed by I.M. Pei and Partners and served as an answer to the dark, windowless convention centers of the time. It was named for Jacob Koeppel Javits, who served New York State for more than 30 years as Attorney General, a US Congressman and US Senator.
Photo: Julienne Schaer
Photo: Julienne Schaer
Today the Javits Center sits amid Hudson Yards, a sprawling hub of commerce and culture that has driven the revitalization of Manhattan’s west side. The area holds immeasurable appeal for event attendees. Highlights include an upscale shopping district; a range of creative dining options, including Mercado Little Spain from noted chef José Andrés; an ultramodern performing arts center and event venue called The Shed, which can contract and expand for a variety of configurations; and Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere (also available for events).
But the iconic Javits Center is extraordinary in its own right. Whether you’ve already booked your meeting or are still in the early stages of planning, our guide will help you make the most of its offerings.
Fast Facts
• Space: The recently expanded facility now has a total of 3.3 million square feet of diverse, event-related space including 10 exhibit halls, 106 meeting rooms and a rooftop pavilion, overlooking the Hudson River, that can accommodate up to 1,500 attendees.
Photo: Julienne Schaer
Photo: Julienne Schaer
• Location: The complex sits at the 34th Street/Hudson Yards stop on the extended 7 subway line, which connects the Javits Center to Times Square in five minutes and continues all the way into Queens. It is walking distance from Penn Station, the High Line and much of Midtown West. Ample parking is also available nearby.
• Technology: Free 512 kbps WiFi is available throughout the facility. Dedicated wired internet access, wireless microphones, sound systems and tape-recording equipment are available for rental, as is a range of telephonic services. Planners can learn more by calling 1-877-4-JAVITS or emailing services@javitscenter.com.
• Hybrid Capabilities: The brand-new Javits Broadcast Studio can host virtual and live-streamed events with up to 300 in-person attendees. The 30,000-square-foot unique space features a giant video wall, two studio cameras, wireless connectivity and wireless mics. An experienced on-site production team coordinates all events and services.
Courtesy, Javits Center
Courtesy, Javits Center
• Sustainability: The 6.75-acre green roof is home to some 35 bird species, five varieties of bats and hundreds of thousands of honeybees. (Check out the Live Green Roof Cam for a peek.) It also will be the location of Manhattan’s largest rooftop installation of solar panels, some 3,000 which will generate 1.7 million watts of solar energy.
• Load-In/Load-Out: This state-of-the-art marshaling facility has space to park over 200 tractor trailers, 27 additional loading docks and three drive-in ramps for each floor to streamline event setup and breakdown.
• Expert Guidance: A diverse workforce includes expert sales managers, event coordinators and construction professionals who collectively speak nearly 20 languages.
• Amenities: Multiple food courts and cafés offer a range of dining options, including grab-and-go and made-to-order fare. There is a new touchless café called Fresh and Fast on the North Concourse, as well as an American Express OPEN Business Lounge, a FedEx Office and more for the convenience of event staff and attendees.
Pivoting with a Purpose
When Covid-19 brought business and events to a halt worldwide, the Javits Center swiftly stepped in to help. The facility transformed into a makeshift hospital in March 2020, during the peak of the pandemic in New York City. More than 1,000 New Yorkers were treated at the field hospital before it ceased operations due to a successful flattening of the curve.
In January 2021, the Javits Center assumed a more hopeful—yet equally vital—role as the largest Covid-19 vaccination center in the country, distributing more than 646,000 vaccines in less than six months. Throughout its operation, the facility ensured a safe, comfortable and seamless experience, including live music and a “Wall of Thanks” where visitors expressed their appreciation for the unprecedented effort.
Expanding for the Future
Courtesy, Javits Center
Courtesy, Javits Center
In the spring of 2021, the Javits Center completed a $1.5 billion four-year expansion adding 1.2 million square feet of total space and increasing its meeting space by a factor of five. New additions include 90,000 square feet of exhibit space, 107,000 square feet of meeting rooms, a 54,000-square-foot special event space (the largest in the Northeast), a rooftop pavilion that can accommodate up to 1,500 attendees and a four-level truck garage that will relocate event trucks off nearby streets. On top of it all, a one-acre rooftop farm can produce up to 40,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables a year.
As part of the expansion, the Javits Center launched a new full-service catering program called Cultivated. Developed in partnership with Levy Convention Centers and CxRA, the brand is focused on enhancing the hospitality experience with local ingredients and purveyors, unique dining presentations and a signature menu.
These changes have equipped the Javits Center to host not only a greater volume of events but a wider range, complete with customized and memorable experiences for both exhibitors and attendees.
New York City’s global prominence as a business and financial capital, paired with its infinitely diverse cultural landscape, make it an unmatched destination for meetings and events. As the City’s official convention and visitors bureau, NYC & Company works with planners at every stage of the event cycle. Get in touch with us to discuss your next event.