Sarah J.F. Braley
The US Open just finished up here in New York, as Alexander Zverev won his second major (of the year and in his life), and Elena Rybakina solidified her No. 1 ranking by beating Aryna Sabalenka. As a lifelong fan of the sport and the tennis tournament (I've been going since it was played on grass in the 1970s), the event's two weeks that surround Labor Day are sacred to me.
For incentive planners with like-minded winners to wow, the M Social Times Square threw an example of the perfect event this year to showcase the tournament and its players. A similar activity could celebrate the accomplishments of the people who garnered an incentive prize.
Add in a couple of special tickets to the tournament, and car service to the stadium in Flushing Meadows, Queens, and those guests will feel like they won the grand slam tournament itself.
Yannick Hanfmann, left, and Hamad Medjedovic graciously shared their time at the M Social event. Photo Credit: Photo by Sarah J.F. BraleyWelcome panel of professionals
After arrival at the M Social, many of whose 480 rooms have views of Times Square and Broadway, a panel was held featuring two players who were gearing up to compete in the first round of the tournament. World #54 Yannick Hanfmann and #77 Hamad Medjedovic spoke about the rigors of the ATP tour, how they spend their time in the cities they visit and how much they have to practice.
The two professionals also took some questions from the audience, then mingled during a cocktail hour where they played on a makeshit pickleball court with anyone willing to pick up a paddle, while the evening's crowd drank signature US Open Honey Deuce cocktails (Grey Goose vodka, fresh lemonade and raspberry liqueur, garnished by three honeydew-melon tennis balls on a toothpick). A number of health-and-fitness activations also grabbed the attention of the guests.
The terrace at the M Social Times Square all set up for the morning's stretching class. Photo Credit: Sarah J.F. BraleyStretching on the terrace
The M Social welcomes guests on the 52nd Street building's 7th floor, where the lobby bar looks out toward the neon of Times Square and a terrace that's available for events is just a step through the glass doors.
The next morning on the terrace started with an early stretching class lorded over by the skyscrapers surrounding the hotel, followed by a healthful breakfast and an activation highlighting the property's rooftop beehives, which are thriving thanks to the expertise of the beekeepers at Alveole. The honey is used in cocktails at the hotel's restaurant, Beast & Butterflies.
If I'd had a ticket for the tournament in hand that day, the events would have finished up at a great time to leave to see the matches.