REBNY unveils new annual event: “New York Forever: A Celebration of Our City”

New York, NY The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), one of the city’s leading real estate trade associations, unveiled its iconic annual gathering will enter its 126th year by taking an exciting new direction – one that will mark a departure from its black-tie history and deliver a night for industry leaders and guests from across the five boroughs. 

REBNY’s brand-new annual event features a partnership with NY Forever, a non-profit organization working to recapture faith and pride in New York by organizing and motivating New Yorkers from every borough and generation to participate in the city’s civic rebirth.

The new event – “New York Forever: A Celebration of Our City” – will take place June 23 at The Glasshouse, one of the city’s most in-demand new venues with breathtaking waterfront and skyline views. 

“There’s no city in the world like New York – and there’s no party in New York like REBNY’s brand-new annual event,” said REBNY Chairman Douglas Durst. “Just as our industry has always led New York’s economy into the future, we’re thrilled to bring this fresh look to the biggest night in real estate.”

Unlike REBNY’s past annual events, this year’s celebration will no longer be a black-tie affair. Guests will enjoy a night that packs as much flavor as The Big Apple itself at a dynamic networking reception featuring an open bar and a variety of culinary tastes from across the city. 

The event’s food tasting experience will offer an array of canapés from top New York City chefs including guest chef Daniel Boulud, one of America’s leading culinary authorities, who will provide a taste of creative vegetable and seafood-focused cuisine from his newest restaurant, Le Pavillon at One Vanderbilt. Additional guest chefs will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Beverage offerings will also be curated by Brooklyn Brewery, New York Distillery, and some of New York City’s top mixologists. 

“The real estate and hospitality industries are both essential to the fabric that makes New York City such a unique place to live and work and such an unforgettable destination for visitors from across the world,” said chef Daniel Boulud. “I’m excited to join REBNY to celebrate the city and our collective efforts to create an even brighter future through the art, passion and community-minded spirit that guides us all forward.”

“As any New Yorker knows, it wouldn’t be a true celebration of our city without an incredible showcase of the tastes of the city,” said REBNY president James Whelan. “We can’t wait to welcome industry leaders and a wide array of other stakeholders to our new event as we continue working together to build a stronger and more equitable city for all.”

A portion of event proceeds will go to the REBNY Foundation, which is helping to increase diversity and inclusion in the real estate industry through ongoing initiatives such as the REBNY Fellows Leadership Program in partnership with Coro New York and REBNY’s Internship Program in partnership with Project Destined and the City University of New York (CUNY). The Foundation also supports ongoing efforts by Project Parachute – an initiative seeded by REBNY members in collaboration with the non-profit community – to provide rental assistance and other support to vulnerable New Yorkers impacted by the pandemic. The Foundation also supports ongoing work by the non-profit Building Skills New York to connect New Yorkers from historically underserved communities with good construction jobs and career opportunities. 

Additionally, REBNY’s new partnership with the non-profit NY Forever on this year’s event will help to amplify the work of an array of citywide volunteer and philanthropic initiatives promoted through the NY Forever network. More news on fundraising and volunteer efforts will be announced by the REBNY Foundation and NY Forever in advance of the event. 

"Since we began last January, we have dedicated ourselves to championing New York City's recovery from COVID-19 — rallying New Yorkers to show their pride in our city by showing up, volunteering and supporting organizations on the front lines,” said Emily Anadu, NY Forever board member. “Together we've helped hundreds of New Yorkers volunteer for community-based organizations and raised over $400,000 for our non-profit partners. We are excited to partner with the REBNY to continue to build on these efforts and ensure we are building back a better, more equitable New York City."

As in years past, the new event will also put a spotlight on REBNY’s annual honorees – the winners of the most prestigious awards in New York City real estate. REBNY will soon announce its annual honorees and will continue to recognize their incredible work in the months leading up to the event.

For more information on “New York Forever: A Celebration of Our City,” including details on how to purchase tickets and secure sponsorship opportunities for the event, see here.