Featuring an all-star line up of the city’s most formidable real estate professionals, this year’s annual Masters of Real Estate fetched a record 450 RSVPs, The Commercial Observer has learned.
Observer Media Group executives began preparing for the event, now in its third year, six months in advance with an eye toward creating an eclectic mix of speakers. Larry Silverstein of Silverstein Properties, Michael Fascitelli of Vornado, William Rudin of Rudin Management, Jeff Blau of Related Companies and Glenn Rufrano of Cushman & Wakefield (CWK) are all scheduled to appear. Rob Speyer of Tishman Speyer bowed out.
Jared Kushner, the owner of The Commercial Observer and president of Kushner Companies, will lead the event with remarks.
The event, set to run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Metropolitan Club at One 60th Street, features three panels on the state of capital markets, the state of New York City real estate, and the state of opportunistic investments.
Given its size and the clientele of the speakers, the event is planned far in advanced to ensure that the date is marked on every calendar in the industry.
“We started planning six months ago and had a date set six months in advance. This is because the speakers and attendees have very busy schedules,” said Zarah Burstein, director of marketing and events at the Observer Media Group.
“The more time we have to plan the event, the better,” Ms. Burstein added.
In the early stages of planning, Ms. Burstein and The New York Observer sought to host the event at The Metropolitan Club, where the all-day event has been held for the past three years. Last year, Douglas Durst of the Durst Organization and Gary Barnett of Extell Development was among the roster of panelists.
“With how the event is growing, hopefully next year will continue to be bigger and bigger,” she added. “It is definitely one of the most exciting events that we have with a very good speaking panel. The ticket price is $500, but everyone finds it worthwhile as the attendees have the opportunity to interact with real estate power players in the city.”
