New York City is the most populous city in the United States. With an estimated 2015 population of 8,550,405 distributed over a land area of about 302.6 square miles, New York City is also the most densely populated major city in the United States. Located at the southern tip of the state of New York, the city is the center of the New York metropolitan area, one of the most populous urban agglomerations in the world. A global power city, New York City exerts a significant impact upon commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment, its fast pace defining the term New York minute. Home to the headquarters of the United Nations, New York is an important center for international diplomacy and has been described as the cultural and financial capital of the world.
With an estimated 2,648,771 residents in 2017, Brooklyn is very much a city in its own right. Named after the Dutch village of Breukelen, it borders the borough of Queens at the western end of Long Island. Brooklyn has several bridge and tunnel connections to the borough of Manhattan across the East River, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connects to Staten Island. Since 1896, Brooklyn has been coterminous with Kings County, the most populous county in the U.S. state of New York. Brooklyn boasts of one of the largest art districts in the United States. Always a major draw for first timers to the area, many of Brooklyn's neighborhoods attract a mix of people from all around the world, creating a colorful patchwork of cultures, cuisines, and religions.
The conference venue is within walking distance to several well-known New York area attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, and the Brooklyn Heights Riverwalk. For more information about local attractions, please visit the following websites:
New York is in the Eastern time zone (UTC -5:00). All times listed on this page (and on this website) are for the Eastern time zone.
Banks in the New York metro area are typically open from 9:00AM - 4:00PM on weekdays and 9:00AM-1:00PM on Saturdays, though hours do vary by branch. If you are looking to convert foreign currency into U.S. dollars ($), you may visit any bank or currency exchange office. Click here to view current exchange rates.
All major credit cards are accepted in the New York area.
Early October in New York is typically quite pleasant weather-wise, as the heat and humidity of the summer gives way to mild, dry air. Daytime high temperatures usually range between 65-70°F (18-21°C), while nighttime lows can range between 50-55°F (10-13°C).
Electrical devices in the Unites States require either a two-prong or three-prong adapter. The electric current used is 120 volts/60Hz
The pleasant October temperatures help make it easy and enjoyable to explore the New York area by foot. Alternatively, New York is home to one of the most comprehensive, advanced public transportation systems in the United States. Every part of the city can be accessed via subway, bus, or taxi. Fares for the subway or bus are $2.75 per ride, while taxi fares vary by company and distance traveled. To use the subway or bus, you must first purchase a MetroCard, which can be done at any subway station via station attendant or automated machine. All major credit cards are accepted for public transportation services.
New York is world-reknowned for the variety and quality of its restaurants. From portable food trucks to exquisite formal restaurants, New York offers it all. Lunch is typically served between 11:00AM and 1:30PM, while dinner is served starting at 4:30PM and ending at closing time. Actual hours vary by restaurant.
New York is generally regarded as one of the safest cities in the United States. However, pickpocketers may be around the airport, subway stations, and areas where there are high numbers of people. Please take some common-sense precautions and do not leave personal items unattended.
Most retail stores are open seven days a week from 10:00AM through 6:00PM, with abbreviated hours on Sunday. Hours vary by store, so plan ahead before visiting.
Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are not allowed inside of virtually every building in the New York metro area, including the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. Please check with the front desk at the hotel for the location of designated smoking areas.
In case of emergency, simply dial 911 from any phone. Be prepared to state your name, location, and the nature of your emergency. Local emergency personnel will be dispatched immediately.