The skyscrapers may be the stars of the glittering city skyline. But tonight, as the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) honors the best and brightest in the business, the people responsible for that skyline are getting their share of the spotlight. Tonight is REBNY’s 123rd Annual Banquet at the ballroom of the Hilton Midtown on Sixth Avenue.
One of New York City’s oldest and most influential trade associations, REBNY represents a who’s who of city landowners, building investors and owners, real estate executives and service professionals who work to provide housing for residents, along with spaces for retailers, hotels and companies of all shapes and sizes.
Along with property owners, members include residential and commercial brokers and managers, financial 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, zoning, land use policy, landmarking, the preservation of affordable housing and other structures, rental and conversion regulations and conditions, building codes and additional legislation that makes our city safer and greener.
While there are only about 2,000 seats at tonight’s gala, and since younger and newer members of the 17,000-strong organization cannot always afford the $1,200 plates, these additional folks are likely to don black ties and swarm the Hilton’s hallways as they attend other parties. Their goal is to mingle, be seen, exchange business cards with VIPs and maybe obtain the ultimate passed-along ducat for the main event, informally dubbed “The Liar’s Ball.”
A pre-event VIP cocktail party brings together dais guests, REBNY’s board of governors and honorees — as well as the mayor, governor, various deputies, commissioners and staffers, the City Council speaker and a sprinkling of council members, plus state and US senators and representatives.
For the first time, the official gala begins at 6:30 p.m. in the anteroom of the Hilton ballroom with cocktails and pre-dinner networking. And for those who want to follow the action at home, scroll through Twitter and Instagram — the hashtag for the event is #REBNY123.
REBNY’s Chairman Bill Rudin will preside for the second time over the lively and generally raucous event. Longtime city-based family developers host 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.
At tonight’s dinner, REBNY will also honor a distinguished group of individuals who have demonstrated continued commitment to the city and the industry.
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.
Over the years, those on the dais have resorted to cymbals, megaphones and other devices to quiet the crowd during this ceremony. Former REBNY President Steve Spinola was often teased for his 30 years of “shussshing.”
Years ago, one newly elected governor walked out in a huff after his attempt at a long-winded speech was ignored. Things won’t be any different tonight.
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 the current retail environment.
Highlights of the evening include the John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award, named for the late John E. Zuccotti, a former chairman of REBNY who served as first deputy mayor, chairman of city planning and former chairman of Brookfield Asset Management, and recognizes a New Yorker who has displayed exceptional accomplishments and service in the public’s interest. This year’s honoree is Carol Kellerman, president of the Citizens Budget Commission.
The Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership award, named after the developer, a building owner and multi-term REBNY chairman, will be awarded to Diane M. Ramirez, chairman and chief executive officer of Halstead Real Estate.
The Young Real Estate Professional of the Year, selected by The Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association of New York, will be presented to Alex Bernstein of Bernstein Real Estate Group. This award is given to an individual who exemplifies strong integrity, professionalism and personal ethics.
Other honorees during the evening include Daniel Tishman, Helena Durst, Ira Z. Fishman and Bernard Warren.
