After the opening speeches, the 50 or so American executives gathered at the Hotel Pennsylvania in Manhattan were invited to divide up.

On this morning, several months ago, the executives have gathered to view a sample of the new shows being developed.

In May, senior executives from Wall Street's top investment banks gathered at a conference center with a cadre of federal and local law enforcement authorities.

More than at other banks, top executives gather at local bars for beer with groups of young managers.

As launch-time neared, Classic's top executives gathered in a chilly master control room near Battery Park.

WHEN 19 chief executives gathered early one morning last month in Manhattan, their sense of expectation was palpable.

The Ranger players, coaches and executives will gather at the Garden today for a photo session.

But the meeting yesterday was described as the first time senior executives from the bailout firms gathered to get a firsthand briefing about its performance.

Unlike the many other occasions when these executives gather formally or informally, however, this meeting is not about their business.

Jobs and the three executives from Apple gathered in an eighth-floor conference room next to Amelio's office.