How much does a NYC corporate team building event cost?

In New York City, most all-inclusive corporate team building events - covering the venue, food, drinks, professional chefs, and interactive activity - cost between $200-$400 per person. Bundled pricing is especially attractive for HR and office managers because it simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprise invoices from separate vendors. Real Results: A finance firm booked a Battle of the Bites cooking competition at $189pp and compared it to their prior year's setup of separate catering + bar + entertainment. That approach ran 22% over budget. The cooking event required just one invoice, and employees later said it 'felt like Top Chef but with people from accounting.' Takeaway: Budget $200-$400 per person and prioritize providers offering flat, all-inclusive pricing.

Where should we host our corporate team building event?

The best corporate event venues in NYC are central, private, and purpose-built for group activities. Loft spaces in Chelsea and Flatiron are popular because they're subway-accessible, professional yet creative, and flexible enough to host both competitions and formal dining. Unlike restaurants or conference centers, private loft kitchens keep your group in one room, ensuring focus and inclusivity. Real Results: A consulting firm chose a Chelsea culinary loft for 70 employees. HR noted, 'It was the first time we didn't have to split into separate rooms - it changed the energy completely.' A law firm booked the same type of space and said it struck 'the perfect balance of professional and playful.' Takeaway: Choose a private loft with a full kitchen and dining setup - it reduces logistics and keeps your team connected.

How many activities should we plan in one day?

Decision-makers often over-schedule, but one strong, three-hour event produces better engagement than multiple rushed activities. The ideal structure: a 30-minute reception, a 75-minute interactive activity, and a 75-minute seated meal or networking session. This rhythm keeps energy high without overwhelming staff. Real Results: A financial services firm crammed three activities into a single day across Manhattan. By the second stop, employees were disengaged. The following year, they booked one private cooking competition, and survey scores improved by 40%. Takeaway: Focus on one high-impact anchor activity that provides collaboration, food, and fun in one flow.

What are the hottest corporate team building trends in NYC?

The biggest shift in 2025 is toward immersive, hands-on events. Employees want to create something together, not just attend a dinner. Culinary competitions, mixology challenges, and interactive wellness workshops top the list. Inclusivity has also become a priority, with formats that engage extroverts and introverts alike. Real Results: A retail company replaced their annual rooftop cocktail party with a corporate cooking challenge. Survey responses cited it as 'the first event where we actually felt like a team, not just colleagues standing around with drinks.' Takeaway: Trends point to interactive, inclusive, and creative formats. Pick experiences where employees leave with stories and skills.

Do you offer private or shared corporate events?

For corporate groups, privacy matters. Shared events may work for social gatherings, but most decision-makers prefer private corporate team building events where the venue and activity are reserved exclusively for their employees. This ensures customization, confidentiality, and a focused environment. Real Results: A tech company tested an open, mixed-group event through another vendor and regretted it. Employees felt awkward competing with strangers. The next year, they booked a private event and participation skyrocketed. Takeaway: Book private-only corporate events to maximize engagement and professionalism.

What types of activities are available?

Corporate culinary programs in NYC generally include interactive cooking lessons, Iron Chef-style competitions, cocktail-style events with hors d'oeuvres, and seasonal holiday themes. Each can be adapted to your company's culture - collaborative for relationship-building or competitive for high-energy teams. Real Results: A biotech company chose a Dinner Duel competition, and their CFO became the surprise MVP. Another team opted for a cooking class and praised it as 'the perfect pace for post-conference downtime.' Takeaway: Explore culinary event formats that fit your culture. Full program options are available on our website and brochure.

How far in advance should we book?

The best practice is 2-3 months in advance, especially for October-December, which is peak season for corporate events. Spring and summer allow more flexibility, but last-minute slots are competitive. Real Results: A bank that booked in July secured their ideal holiday Saturday. A law firm that waited until November had to settle for a weekday, hurting attendance. Takeaway: Book your anchor event early to secure prime dates and simplify planning.

How do we handle dietary restrictions and inclusivity?

Diverse NYC teams often include vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and gluten-free needs. Strong providers design menus and tasks so everyone can fully participate, regardless of dietary or physical requirements. Real Results: A global law firm had 40% of attendees with dietary restrictions. A culinary competition ensured every employee had a role - from plating to presenting - so nobody was sidelined. Takeaway: Prioritize inclusive formats with flexible menus and accessible layouts.

How do we measure ROI from a team building event?

ROI is measured in engagement, morale, and collaboration. HR teams often use post-event surveys, interdepartmental collaboration metrics, and retention trends to show value. Real Results: A global bank ran a cooking competition and weeks later reported stronger collaboration across departments, credited to the bonds formed in the kitchen. Takeaway: Treat ROI as cultural, not just financial. Team building strengthens productivity long-term.

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

COOKING CLASSES AND COMPANY COOKING COMPETITIONS

Corporate Team Building Activity Programs
& Company Party Ideas

Our 4 immersive culinary programs can be tailored to all kinds of event needs. Whether you want to network with clients, bond with colleagues or challenge your boss in an Iron Chef-style competition, we've got you covered. Plus, our fabulous kitchens and event spaces are the perfect place to cook, eat and groove!

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4 Programs to Choose From:

The MCP Program Battle of the Bites Shop, Drop, & Roll Dinner Duel

THE MCP PROGRAM

MENU WITH DINNER HORS D’OEUVRES ACTIVITY MENU SPECIALTY MENUS PARTY EXTRAS

beautiful dish Our culinary events are 3 hours in length. We begin with complimentary Hors D’oeuvres while guests are arriving. Next, we cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Finally, you and your guests either enjoy the hors d’oeuvres made during the class, or sit down to a three course meal – created by you, plated by our chefs, and served by our staff. We handle all arrangements from A-Z – so there is no need for you to deal with event specifics once you arrive. Beyond being a one stop activity spot, we really pride ourselves on the fact that our Cooking Classes truly bring people together in a unique way; slicing, dicing and sautéing to the Gypsy Kings often leads to an impromptu dance party. The mcp program is so much more than a cooking class, it is a warm and playful arena where your employees can build connections, and make great memories as well as fantastic food!

BATTLE OF THE BITES^TM

SMALL BITES MENU MENU WITH DINNER PARTY EXTRAS

smiling clients In the spirit of the Top Chef and Iron Chef phenomenon – MCP offers a competition outlet for spirited leaders looking to shine. In this style program, guests are divided into teams. Each team will have the opportunity to choose ingredients from our chest of mystery drawers. Then, under the guidance of our chefs, groups must work to invent & execute an Hors D’oeuvre that beats the competition. Participants will be judged based on creativity, taste, design and the speed with which they were able to complete the challenge. All participants enjoy the fruit of their labor as well as the hors d’oeuvres created by the alternate teams. MCP works with event organizers to establish a system of judging, and the winning team enjoys bragging rights (and silly paper chef hats!). The battle of the bites is the best choice for groups containing participants who may not be interested in cooking an extensive meal from start to finish, and it is a perfect fit for Type-A personalities! Our clients rave about the Battle of the Bites because we roll out an original celebration that maximizes on play and human connection. The Battle is a Party Game that is as Clever as they come!

SHOP, DROP & ROLL

ROLL ACTIVITY MENU MENU WITH DINNER PARTY EXTRAS

dinner duel Welcome to team-building at its best! The shop, drop & roll is a scavenger hunt, a cooking class & a culinary competition all rolled into one. On arrival, guests are greeted with hors d’oeuvres. Shortly after, we divide your participants into teams. Before launching the supermarket search at the Fairway (two doors down), we host your team for a company quiz; the winner of which will have a HUGE advantage in the game. Next, guests receive their roll themed recipes, and head out to hunt & gather their groceries. Upon return, participants will work under the guidance of our chefs to execute their rolls. While each team races against the clock trying to outperform competitors, our Master of Ceremonies will be tallying up the points. Scores reflect everything from savviest shopper to prettiest product, and all the teamwork in-between. This is an incredibly fun and engaging experience for a Company Party. The Teams that Select the Shop, Drop & Roll come to MCP for Annual Celebrations and Show-Downs.

THE DINNER DUEL

MENU PARTY EXTRAS

meal presentations Feeling really brave? Let My Cooking Party stage a culinary quest of epic proportions. After enjoying some small bites upon arrival, guests will head into combat where they will be divided into dueling groups. Once at their station, each team’s three edible weapons will be revealed. These six main-stage items (two proteins, two veggies & two starches), will serve as a base for whatever the competitors decide to present at their feast. No Recipes – just 90 minutes and a desire to win. Each team and their MCP Chef will brainstorm, plan, cook, and execute large platters of food to be served at a post duel, family-style banquet. A few added twists from our master of ceremonies will help to create a memorable evening of laughter and rivalry – And if your group is as talented as they are courageous, you will enjoy six delightful dishes that are fit for a King. If not, there’s always dessert! The Duel is a fantastic choice if you want your Company to Feel Like Family. The nature of this Party and the Plentiful Family-Style Meal make for a memorable time for Employees to Connect through Celebration!

My Cooking Party specializes in the most successful corporate culinary classes, business celebrations,and team building events in New York City!

We want to give you the highest-level, professional experience in our warm and thoughtful Midtown Manhattan lofts in Chelsea and Flatiron Neighborhoods. We're voted the "Best Cooking School in Manhattan & Best Corporate Events in NYC" by the U.S. Commerce Association, and our Rave Reviews attest to this!

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