The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is celebrating 128 years as an organization, longer than the pact that brought together the five boroughs.
For the first time since the pandemic, its annual gala banquet will return to its traditional winter date in January and take place at the Glasshouse in Midtown West.
Guests include REBNY’s board of governors and the evening’s honorees along with (very often) the governor, the mayor, deputies, commissioners, the City Council speaker, Council members, state senators and Assembly representatives, US Congressional representatives and senators, as well as other officials who can create gridlock as the press buzzes in a red carpet area with cameras and questions.
As the city’s oldest and most influential trade association, REBNY represents a who’s who of landowners, investors, real estate executives and service professionals who work to provide housing for residents of all incomes and nationalities, along with 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.
Led by President James Whelan, its 14,000 members are intimately involved in crucial city matters including the formulation of tax policy, city planning and zoning, land use policy, landmarking, the preservation of affordable housing and other structures, regulations governing the condition of rentals and conversions, building codes and other legislation that make our city socially and equitably responsible, safer and greener.
REBNY members include smaller residential apartment owners, residential and commercial brokers and managers, financial companies, title companies, lawyers, accountants, architects, bankers, utilities and even media companies like the New York Post.
“It takes hard work and dedication and learning the business and I advise people to start in management or brokerage.”
Douglas Durst, chairman of the Durst Organization
The organization also publishes reports providing indicators of market pricing in the residential, retail and commercial sectors as well as policy analysis and back-to-work statistics.
Smart politicians listen because the organization provides thoughtful and well-crafted advice on policies that affect all state and city residents. REBNY continues to educate and have conversations with those who are against incentivizing growth and development as high taxes, retail theft and a lack of housing at all price points continue to be of nagging concern.
At the gala, a new educational video will show the real estate industry’s impact on the city’s economy, which includes the creation of over 187,200 construction and real estate jobs. Real estate also provides the city with about $35.72 billion — half of its $71.4 billion tax collection and a third of the city’s $107.6 billion budget.
Jed Walentas, REBNY’s newest chairman, will preside over tonight’s celebration on the far West Side of Midtown. The venue’s two large outdoor terraces have been a big hit as folks gather to enjoy the sweeping views of the city and Hudson River.
“I’m excited to dive into the role of REBNY chairman, building upon the incredible work under Douglas Durst’s stewardship,” said Walentas, principal of Two Trees Management. “While we’re gearing up for some significant challenges this year, I’m eager to collaborate closely with industry leaders and government officials on productive solutions to tackle our pressing housing crisis and provide crucial support to the shifting commercial real estate sector.”
The raucous event will have over 1,000 attendees who pay $2,500 each to mingle more than they sit for canapés and cocktails during the enormous networking receptions that continue throughout the evening and into the après party, when a $500 ticket permits more members to join the celebrations for dessert and tunes from DJ Monopoli, who usually spins for the Knicks and Rangers.
The dinner’s culinary experiences are being prepared by chefs including Bar Boulud’s Dan Guzman, Hill Country’s Chris Stark, Ci Siamo’s Hillary Sterling, Le Pavillon’s Michael Balboni and Yohko Ogata, along with kosher selections from Le Marais plus cocktails and beverages from Union Square Events and sweet treats provided by Li-Lac Chocolates.
Assigned tables are also on tap for the evening’s main events when the dais guests are introduced and REBNY will honor individuals who have demonstrated continued commitment to both the city and the industry.
Honorees will receive their awards and photo ops in person but introductions and acceptance speeches will be served up in pre-recorded videos.
“Our 2024 honorees have helped make New York City a bastion of economic opportunity and innovation and are united in their commitment to service and our civic life,” said outgoing REBNY Chairman Douglas Durst. “In recognizing their exemplary leadership, we hope to inspire other New Yorkers to leave their own indelible mark on their industry and community.”
Over the years, those presiding over the dais have resorted to cymbals, megaphones and other devices to quiet the crowd during the award ceremony while former REBNY President Steve Spinola was teased for his 30 years of “shussshing.”
This night won’t be any different.
You win! Cheers to the 2024 REBNY Annual Award honorees
The Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award is received by Douglas Durst, Chairman of the Durst Organization, for exceptional accomplishments in the profession and invaluable contributions to New York’s civic welfare.
“It takes hard work and dedication and learning the business and I advise people to start in management or brokerage.”
The John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award for exceptional accomplishments and service to the public’s interest
“Young people should consider becoming a part of the fabric of NYC by thinking of themselves as public servants so that while they are accomplishing their personal goals and executing on their businesses, they are also giving back to the city.”
The Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award for outstanding service to the community
“We at REBNY are one community — whether a home, storefront or office — because it all ties together and we work in harmony together because we have one goal, to create a better New York City.”
The Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award for exceptional service to the industry and remarkable professional accomplishments
“Listen and learn from those with more experience. Take time to explore what within the real estate industry particularly interests you. Most importantly, be diligent in what you do and conduct your business with integrity.”
The George M. Brooker Management Executive of the Year Award recognizing exceptional career accomplishments as well as service to the profession and the broader community
“The issues that REBNY tackles really impact the day-to-day operations of real estate and thus have impacts on my job, on my company, on my people and my assets so if you want a seat at the table, REBNY is a great place to be.”
The Louis Smadbeck Memorial Broker Recognition Award recognizing a REBNY broker with personal and professional integrity, long-term leadership and prominence in the brokerage community and participation in REBNY’s committees
“Join REBNY’s committees because these are the people you will be sitting across the table from and doing deals with and it’s always better to know them.”
The Young Real Estate Professional of the Year Award chosen by the Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association for incredible professional achievements as a rising star of the industry and for civic leadership
“When you step into that room at the University Club for YM/WREA lunches you feel powerful because you are among the real state titans of NY — but it is still intimidating.”