Yesterday's BOMA and Builders Parties

Break out your colorful ties and cocktail dresses: spring real estate parties are abloom, and we were on hand for a couple yesterday.

It's not poetic license to call The BOMA Trade Show at the Merchandise Mart yesterday a party—it brought out beautiful vendors and subcontractors of every ilk. Green By White's Shirley Ryskiewicz, Cherie Clark  and Joan Rolbiecki  showed building managers how to spruce up their lobbies with flowers and greenery. Of course they have standard arrangements, but they've also done odd jobs such as bouquets in urinals for a wedding. (We've only seen them wind up there after a few martinis.)

Security Management and Investigation Inc's Steven Castans, left, gathered this group at his booth for a "best swag" competition: DePalma Group's Kim Nussbam  and George DePalma, flanking MRSA's Amy Ferguson  and   SMI's George Zader. Amy told us she's looking forward to the Block Party cocktail hour later in the evening, where, for once, the security managers party with you.

Strata Contractors Ltd.'s Matt Surprise  has a great name considering he was offering a big giveaway. The prize: that seat back next to him, from pre-renovation Wrigley Field. Strata does the exterior facade improvements to the Friendly Confines every year. No word on if they've found the lucky facade improvement that'll finally get the Cubbies a World Series win.

Merchandise Mart Properties Inc's Nicole Burke, John Geiss  and Joanne Weiman  enjoy the sun near one of the riverfront windows. John heard this year's show was going to be the most prolific ever. As the plumbing supervisor of the world's second largest commercial building, we think he knows a little about building management.