The Insiders Unofficial Guide to Hilton Meeting Locations

Around part of the Ballroom, Exhibit Level 2 (actually the third floor of the hotel), is a small balcony with tables and chairs that overlooks the hustle and bustle on the ballroom show floor. The balcony is a favorite spot for veteran SIFMA attendees and exhibitors, as it is a good spot for a quiet chat, or for journalists to hold interviews. Since this area is "unofficial," it may not be cleaned of empty coffee cups or water bottles as frequently as the ballroom below, but for show-weary executives, the ability to sit for a few minutes in relative quiet can't be beat. Note: this area is so unofficial, we don't even have a photo.

During SIFMA, the Bridges Bar is the official meeting location for most almost everyone at the show. Dozens of tables, chairs and large couches provide ample seating space for many concurrent meetings. The Bridges Bar serves from 5:30pm-1:00am

 

The Lobby Bar is another popular SIFMA spot. Table service is available during the afternoon and evening and the staff isn't too pushy about "requiring" you to order a drink. The Lobby Lounge serves from 12:00pm-12:00am

If the weather is nice and you want to get away from the sweltering-hot Hilton, there is a public atrium right behind the Hilton between 53rd & 54th Streets, and 6th & 7th Avenues. There are a number of places to grab a bite to eat and your client may even thank you for getting them off of the show floor and into the fresh air!

The sponsored Cyber Cafe sports a number of tables and chairs, but it's always first come, first serve. Coffees are available, but you might have to submit to having your ID badge scanned. Open during SIFMA show hours.

 

Outside of the Trianon ballrooms where SIFMA holds its conference sessions, are a number of tables and chairs. These tables are set up in the morning for Continental Breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday and are left out all day. It's a great place to meet and go over a presentation, or simply read the paper. Note: we don't have a photo because these are only set up during the SIFMA conference.

If you really can't find any place else, the New York Marketplace can provide you a meal and a place to meet. It is usually very busy and loud and it is extremely expensive (coffee and cold eggs, $36).