A Warm Welcome
The Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Center for Learning in Armonk, NY, was formally known as the IBM Learning Center — it provides today’s professionals with comfortable lodging and an IACC certified meeting space. The center has been renamed in honor of Mr. Gerstner for his accomplishments and successful career at the IBM Corporation.
The center is just a quick ride on Metro North Railway from Grand Central Station, and offers meeting facilities and a nature-filled complex that are considerably more tranquil than the hustle-and-bustle of Manhattan, Philadelphia, Chicago and other major cities. The location has become a favorite meeting place and retreat for business leaders, especially women in today’s leadership roles and workforce who are at various stages of their careers.
Education Meets Hospitality
The center is under the leadership of General Manager T.J. Fimmano from Flik Hospitality Group. “We offer small companies and large corporations such as IBM, Citi Group, Apple, etc. not only a place for learning, but we also provide great cuisine, sports facilities as well as lounge areas for relaxing and socializing with company colleagues,” said Mr. Fimmano. The center has everything for business meetings and corporate retreats with comfortable accommodations and programs that can be tailored to each specific group. The property houses a large theater for keynote speakers to several conferences rooms and smaller break-out meeting spaces.
Tom Spanos, Director of Sales and Marking, gave me an extensive tour of the center and its vast property.
All of their meeting rooms offer 98” LED screens, a podium, wireless laser pointer, wireless microphones, teleconferencing capabilities and everything that a vistors would need to conduct their meeting like flip charts, easels, printers … “IBM just spent $1M updating all our technology in the Main Conference Center,” said Mr. Spanos.
Private & Comfortable Rooms
The rooms are bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the manicured landscaping. Every room comes with a large desk, flat screen TV, safe and private bath. I found the rooms to be comfortable and quiet – so guests are able to work, relax and sleep in peaceful surroundings. They are single occupancy rooms and come with a deluxe queen-size bed, coffee and tea makers plus complimentary, secure Wi-Fi.
Food For Thought
The center prides itself on its fresh, high-quality, power foods and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Executive Chef, Keith Chodan, (above) creates the daily menu with a selection of meals that satisfy every appetite and are mindful of all dietary restrictions and allergies. His menu often changes depending on the season, guest requests and the demands of today’s various tastes in the culinary arts.
Chef Chodan and his team keep the selections on point with a seasonal buffet and stand-alone service stations that dish-up everything from made-to-order pasta, omelets, seasonal fruits and vegetables, holiday specials and international cuisine. During this visit, I enjoyed the hot buffet with roasted chicken, potatoes, and mixed vegetables.
It’s not all about work and meetings. Their pastry chef creates some of the most inventive and tasty desserts, treats and confections.
Stay Fit
The property has a workout room with a fully-equipped gym, outdoor tennis courts, and plenty of paths for jogging, running, and hiking on a challenging trail. The gym also offers everything from cardio exercise equipment, to yoga, basketball courts and cycling classes.
“New renovations at the center begin in August, however, we will remain open and conducting business as usual. The step-by-step process will not interfere or affect our guests. We are also offering seasonal rates for meetings, training and conferences during weekends,” said Mr. Spanos.
Additionally, there is a shuttle bus to take visitors around the vast property. For women in leadership roles, The Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Center for Learning is ideal with providing a safe place and professional environment to share ideas, new training techniques, networking and business development for today’s employees.
For more information call or click on the link below.
Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Center for Learning
20 Old Post Road
Armonk, NY
10504
PHONE 914.499.2000
https://www.ibmlearningcenter.com/
