New York

Galas at the Met, benefits across Park Avenue, and the fall auction weeks — New York sets the pace. The Met Gala in early May launches the social spring; September brings Fashion Week SS, the U.S. Open, and the United Nations General Assembly; November is dominated by Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips evening sales. Add an unmatched concentration of museum benefits, restaurant debuts, and private dinners and the city runs at full tempo nine months of the year.