Hall of Fame

Join BizBash as we induct an industry visionary into the BizBash Hall of Fame during the general session. BizBash's Hall of Fame was created to recognize and reward key event strategists who in their careers have made major contributions to furthering the event industry's goals, as well as to personal philanthropy.
 

ARTHUR BACKAL
C.E.O. and Founder, Backal Hospitality Group

Known around Manhattan as the "go-to" guru for New York events, celebrity event planner and hospitality consultant Arthur F. Backal has - in the course of his two decades in the industry - managed more than 20 event spaces in New York, and has consulted and participated in the development of new hotels, restaurants and event spaces around the world.

Backal has for many years enjoyed a reputation as one of New York's most experienced and talented food and beverage professionals, as well as an unparalleled artist in the arena of special events. His hospitality company, Backal Hospitality Group (BHG), serves as a vehicle through which to implement his hotel, restaurant and lifestyle projects, while his thriving event 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.

Appointed Consulting Director of Catering for the Mandarin Oriental's New York flagship hotel in February 2003, Backal was credited by The New York Times for the enormous success of the Mandarin, as many of his high-end clientele followed him to his new venue.

The native New Yorker 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 Helmsley 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 round out his successful career.

Despite his busy schedule, Backal still makes time to be an active and caring member of the community. He is a leading philanthropist for several major charities including Food Allergy Initiative, City Harvest, The American Cancer Society and several others.

Dividing their time between Manhattan and Brookville, New York, Arthur and his wife Liana enjoy spending their "down" time as a family with Liana's sons Robby and Cory and happily welcomed their first child together, Amanda Lucy Backal, in March 2006.