PRESS

Defining Hospitality

Celebrity event planner/hospitality consultant Arthur Backal has, in the course of this two decades in the industry, managed more than 20 event spaces in New York. He has consulted and participated in the development of new hotels, restaurants, and event spaces around the world. His hospitality company, Backal Hospitality Group, serves as a vehicle through which to implement his hotel, restaurant, and life-style projects, while his thriving even management firm, State of the Art Enterprises, Inc. has, since its 2002 premiere, provided Backal with a personal creative event outlet stamped with his innovative, signature style. Backal was appointed Consulting Director of Catering for the Mandarin Oriental’s New York flagship hotel in February 2003. He graduated from the Hotel and Restaurant Program at Michigan State University, and worked from the onset of his career with some of New York’s most renowned hoteliers, from Leona Helmsley at The Palace to Donald and Ivana Trump at The Plaza. He was in charge of the re-opening of the majestic St. Regis, overseeing the entire food and beverage operations, and was also credited with restoring The Pierre to its legendary grandeur during his time there as Director of Catering. Stints at The Waldorf-Astoria and The Rainbow Room rounded out his successful career. Backal is a leading philanthropist for several major charities including Food Allergy Research and Education, City Harvest, National Jewish Health, and several others.