Ballroom Waltz: A Minute-By-Minute Account of Last Night’s REBNY Gala
By Jotham Sederstrom January 18, 2013 1:39 pm
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7:10—A crew of reporters interviews a number of prominent industry players in a mock studio set up on the side of the lounge. On deck is Larry Silverstein, president of Silverstein Properties. “Let’s go,” he motions to a young woman waiting for him when the interview concludes, as a number of young brokers line up to shake his hand.
7:18—“It’s an opportunity to reconnect with people you know,” said a title closer with Fidelity who preferred not to be identified. “And to make business leads and contacts.”
7:20—The crowd of slickly dressed real estate all-stars make their way from the main cocktail lounge and the VIP room to the main hallway as they begin to make their way, painfully slowly, to the Grand Ballroom.
7:25—An account executive with First American Title ushers stragglers out of the main cocktail area sponsored by her company, showcasing her Italian fluency in assisting a gentleman with ties to the great European boot, but not before sharing her praise for her favorite real estate trade publication. “We always have it in our office and I read it religiously,” she says of The Commercial Observer. “Piacere.”
7:28—“There seems to be more people here than last year,” said Alan Kahn, an attorney who’s attended the gala more than 10 times prior.
7:30—Ladies and gentlemen have been moving into the ballroom but seats are for the weary as machers continue a constant string of conversations with an ever changing cast of colleagues, old friends and new contacts.
7:31—REBNY President Steven Spinola attempts the first of many ‘shushes.’
7:45—Before cracking into his dinner, Joe Koicim takes a nostalgic look back on fond memories of his entry into the industry, when he first crossed paths with fellow Marcus & Millichap (MMI) brokers at a career fair during college. “That’s when I first linked in with Peter (Von Der Ahe). Eight and a half years later he can’t imagine doing anything other than real estate and the REBNY gala has served him well in the past, even landing him a fruitful deal last year. “This is the event you want to be at to see everyone in the industry, and every year I’m amazed at how many people make it out.”
7:48—Rob Speyer takes to the podium as REBNY’s newest chairman amid the din of the crowd. “Even if none of you are listening, I’m still looking forward to working with you in the days ahead.”
7:49—Mr. Speyer gives a shout-out to honoree, Mike Fishman of the labor union 32BJ, as well as outgoing chairman, Mary Ann Tighe. “She has done an extraordinary job.”
7:50—Mike Fishman presents Steven Spinola with a whistle to help quiet the crowd.
7:54—“Bernie really was a truly great friend,” said Donald Zucker, after receiving the Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate award.
7:56—Woody Heller—being honored with the Louis Smadbeck Broker Recognition Award—attempted to express some thoughts at the podium—“For the first time in my career, I’ll try to be brief”—but the crackling overture of the crowd’s conversations, like a mighty wave, forced his words back into the dais.
7:57—Mr. Spinola uses his new whistle!
7:58—Sen. Charles Schumer emerged, stepped to the podium long enough to say, “Let’s keep building and grow New York!” in a thunderous, booming voice, before disappearing. His entire speech lasts 23 seconds.
8:01—“Luck of the draw,” said Port Authority executive director, Patrick Foye, on why he was seated at the very end of the table on the dais.
8:04—Mr. Spinola pulls out his whistle again.
8:05—“In Hollywood, they say the camera adds 20 pounds,” said William Montana, holding up an illustration of his likeness by artist Michael Marsicano in last week’s Commercial Observer. “Well, in real estate, the caricature artist for The New York Observer’s REBNY issue adds 50. At least he gave me more hair than I actually have.”
8:08—Mr. Spinola completes his 68th ‘shush’ of the evening.
8:11—Dottie Herman: “I want to tell all my colleagues, you have certainly made a difference in my life and so has New York.”
8:16—The crowd continues talked during a prepared film on the Midtown East Rezoning plan the courtesy it could not muster for REBNY leadership and honorees.
8:37—The last of the uneaten Caesar Salads are removed from the tables.
8:39—REBNY organizer confirms there are 200 more attendants than at last year’s gala.
8:45—“I like MaryAnne Gilmartin’s dress. I’m not a fashion critic, but I want it,” says one party attendee, who demands anonymity after proceeding to characterize another female attendee as “haggard” in appearance, and later comparing REBNY President Steven Spinola to a kindergarten teacher for continuously shushing the crowd as he delivered his speech to attendees, who customarily refuse to withhold their chatter, even during the evening’s ceremonies and presentations.
8:47—The dais begins to empty and food begins to reach the mezzanine-level tables, where The CO has been relegated, quite slowly.
9:02—Food sits before The CO. Steak: room temperature, but tender. Potatoes: an au gratin-like stack of thin slices—surprisingly tasty. Spinach: definitely the weak link on this plate.
9:10—The ballroom has evolved into a tessellated network of different conversation groups, all whirring with promise of potential deals or the relaxed din of friendly banter.
9:20—No fistfights observed yet.
9:25—“I feel people are pretty upbeat, which is a good sign,” said Cushman & Wakefield’s Mikael Nahmias, predicting a good 2013.
9:26—“It was livelier than last year,” said Craig Deitelzweig of Rockrose Development. “I think last year people were trying to feel good. This year I think more of the same.”
9:29—A mass exodus of partygoers is underway. Ladies and gentlemen pour from the ballroom to collect their coats.
9:37—Stepping outside the Hilton to get a breath of fresh air before deciding which after party to attend, Murray Hill Properties’ Daniel Lolai opines that investors will remain active, despite the conclusion of fiscal cliff talks. As for the gala? “Plenty of deals will happen here today,” he said.
