When the Real Estate Board of New York talks, politicians listen — because the organization provides thoughtful advice on policies that affect all the city’s residents. The oldest and most influential trade association in the city represents a who’s who of landowners, building investors and owners, and real estate executives and service professionals who work to provide housing for residents and spaces for retailers, hotels and companies of all shapes and sizes.
REBNY members also serve those from all over the world seeking to live, invest or park their dollars in the safest spot on the globe.
Along with property owners, members include residential and commercial brokers and managers, financial service companies, title companies, lawyers, accountants, architects, bankers, utilities and even media companies like The New York Post.
Members are intimately involved in crucial city matters including the formulation of tax policy, city planning and zoning, landmarking and land use policy, rental and conversion regulations and conditions, plus building codes and legislation that make our city safer and greener.
The organization also publishes several reports providing indicators of market pricing in residential, retail and commercial sectors.
Only about 2,000 of REBNY’s 17,000 members will fit into Thursday night’s 122nd Annual Banquet at the ballroom of the New York Hilton Midtown at 1355 Sixth Ave.
While younger and newer members cannot always afford the prized ducats — which cost $1,200 each — they still swarm the Hilton hallways and attend other parties in tuxedos and fancy dresses. They all want to be seen and hope 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 that is informally known as the “Liar’s Ball.”
An earlier VIP cocktail party hosts the dais guests, and includes REBNY’s board of governors, the evening’s honorees and often the state’s governor, the mayor, various deputies, commissioners and staffers, the City Council speaker, a sprinkling of council members and, of course, other appointed and elected officials who all end up creating a security detail gridlock.
Chairman Bill Rudin will preside for the first time over the lively and generally raucous event.
Longtime city-based family developers host their tables in the front of the room and every company has the same location each year — much like season tickets to the opera and baseball games.
But most guests spend more time mingling than chowing down at their own tables — and rarely pay attention to what goes on at the dais.
At tonight’s dinner, REBNY will honor a distinguished group of individuals who have demonstrated continued commitment to the city and the industry.
REBNY President John Banks will do his best to quiet the yakking crowd during the 30-minute award ceremony and the screening of a short video about the challenges of affordable housing.
Sen. Charles Schumer, a frequent banquet attendee, will receive the John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award named after REBNY’s former chairman, developer and deputy mayor.
Rob Speyer, president and CEO of Tishman Speyer, who led REBNY through two mayoral administrations and the selection of Banks — the first new REBNY president in 30 years — will receive the Lifetime Leadership Award.
The other honorees are Richard LeFrak, Joanne Podell, Ron Lo Russo, Elizabeth Stribling and Gene Boniberger.
Years ago, one newly elected governor walked out in a huff when the audience ignored his attempt at a long-winded speech.
Things won’t be any different tonight.
