When the Real Estate Board of New York talks, politicians listen.
Tonight will demonstrate why, as the oldest and most influential trade association in the city gathers to celebrate and honor a distinguished group of individuals who have shown continued commitment to the city and the industry.
REBNY is a who’s who of people serving those who want to live (or invest their dollars) in the world’s Best city.
Members include city building investors and owners, real estate executives and service professionals, residential and commercial brokers, financial companies, lawyers, architects, bankers, utilities — and even media companies like The New York Post.
They’re also intimately involved in crucial city matters, including the formulation of tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental and conversion regulations and conditions, building codes, and legislation that makes our city safer and greener.
REBNY also publishes several reports providing indicators of market pricing in the residential, retail and commercial sectors.
While only some 2,000 of REBNY’s 17,000 members will fit into tonight’s 121st Annual Banquet in the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel & Towers on Sixth Avenue, many others — including those younger and newer members who cannot afford the prized ducats ($1,200 each) — will still swarm the Hilton hallways and attend other parties in black ties and fancy dresses.
Tonight’s gala is the place to be seen and, if lucky, to bump into industry leaders to exchange business cards that can lead to future dealings; or better, score an entry card for the main event, informally known as the “Liar’s Ball.”
An earlier VIP cocktail party hosts the dais guests and includes REBNY’s board of governors and the evening’s honorees.
Those who frequently attend also include the state’s governor, the city’s mayor, various deputies, commissioners and staffers, the City Council Speaker, a sprinkling of Council members and other appointed and elected officials. Yes, attendees, expect a security detail gridlock.
Chairperson Rob Speyer, the third generation of his family to serve in that position, will preside for the fifth time over the lively and generally raucous event.
Tables are assigned — much like with opera and ball-game season tickets, every company has the same location each year, with longtime city-based family developers hosting tables in the front of the room. But most guests will spend more time mingling than chowing down, at least, until awards time.
That’s when REBNY President John Banks will do his best to quiet the yakking crowd during a 30-minute ceremony.
Carl Weisbrod, current chairman of the Planning Commission and director of the Department of City Planning, will be presented with the first-ever John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award, which recognizes a New Yorker who has displayed “exceptional accomplishments and service in the public’s interest,” according to REBNY.
The award is named for the late John E. Zuccotti, former chairman of REBNY, who served as first deputy mayor and chairman of City Planning, and chairman of Brookfield Asset Management.
The Lifetime Leadership Award will be presented to MaryAnne Gilmartin.
The other honorees are Marc Holliday, Peter Riguardi, Jed Walentas, Lindsay Ornstein and Bill Dacunto.
Years ago, one newly elected governor walked out in a huff when the audience ignored his attempt at a long-winded speech, so expect the thank yous to be brief.
