US Sen. Chuck Schumer speaks at REBNY banquet.

NEW YORK CITY—A happy, convivial mood permeated the Real Estate Board of New York's 123rd Annual Banquet at the New York Hilton Midtown on Thursday night. The number of attendees, energy and the decibel level were sky high. It started with a pre-dinner cocktail party, mingling throughout dinner, followed by more networking outside the ballroom. It was an evening of socializing, socializing and more socializing.

But it was also more than socializing. Amidst conversation levels that people compared to a baseball stadium or the inside of a crowded school bus, real estate insiders say it's also a place where deals are made. With prices at $1,200 per individual ticket and tables at $12,000, the event consistently sells out, with this year having more than 2,000 attendees.

REBNY cocktail party/ Image credit: @REBNY Twitter account

In addition to recognizing professional and civic accomplishments, the organization discussed its future commitments and the city's needs. US Senator Chuck Schumer spoke at the dinner emphasizing the importance of public infrastructure, including the Gateway project. REBNY Chair Bill Rudin said one of the trade association's goals will be to increase the diversity of people working in commercial real estate.

“The REBNY Banquet is more than a celebration of real estate's best and brightest. It is an acknowledgement of how important our industry is to New York and how much we love this city,” said Rudin. “The honorees reflect the kind of excellence and dedication that we all strive for. They have made exceptional contributions to both the real estate industry and our entire city.”

The following real estate professionals were honored with this year's REBNY awards:

Daniel R. Tishman, principal owner and vice chairman of Tishman Hotel and Realty, was chosen as the recipient of the Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award.

Diane M. Ramirez was awarded the Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award. She is the chairman and CEO of Halstead Real Estate.

Carol Kellermann, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, was honored with the John E. Zuccotti Public Service Award.

Helena Rose Durst, a principal at the Durst Organization, was selected for the Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award.

Bernard Warren was honored with the George M. Brooker Management Executive of the Year Award. He is the chairman and president of Webb & Brooker.

Ira Z. Fishman, a partner at HSP Real Estate Group, received the Louis Smadbeck Memorial Broker Recognition Award.

Alex Bernstein was awarded the Young Real Estate Professional of the Year Award. He's the EVP and new business director at Bernstein Real Estate.

Stay tuned. The GlobeSt.com website and our New York market e-Newsletter will include additional coverage of this year's REBNY banquet. Look for an upcoming photo slideshow and our video interviews from the city's largest real estate networking event.

Instant Insights /

REBNY's Annual Banquet: The Who's Who in NY Real Estate

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