REBNY's Annual Party Returning This Summer, Minus The Black Tie

A refreshed version of the Real Estate Board of New York’s annual banquet — the top event on the commercial real estate social calendar — is set to return in June, but the 126th version of the event will look far different than its previous versions.

REBNY announced Thursday that this year's event will be titled “New York Forever: A Celebration of Our City,” and be held June 23 at The Glasshouse in Hell's Kitchen. Chef Daniel Boulud is providing canapés and Brooklyn Brewery and New York Distillery are providing drinks at the open bar bash.

This year, the event is being run in partnership with nonprofit NY Forever and some of the funds from the event will go to the REBNY Foundation's programs that aim to increase diversity in the industry.

Breaking with tradition, the dress code will no longer be black tie. The event had been held in recent years at the New York Hilton Midtown.

“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,” REBNY Chairman Douglas Durst said in a statement. “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.”

Long known as the "Oscars of Real Estate" or sometimes “Liar’s Ball” the annual event is one of the biggest on the real estate industry calendar.

The coronavirus pandemic hit the real estate party circuit hard, with major events — where networking, dealmaking and schmoozing often takes place — largely canceled.

REBNY President James Whelan said the organization is looking forward to welcoming industry leaders while continuing to work “together to build a stronger and more equitable city for all.”