T
he real estate industry's biggest night in New York, the REBNY Gala, was a subdued affair this year. Gone are the days of strict black tie attire; now it's cocktail dress code at the swanky Glasshouse on 12th Avenue. The more relaxed vibe may be due to the pandemic, but spirits were still high among attendees, who predicted better times ahead for the industry with their characteristic optimism.

    On the red carpet, a few industry notables stood out fashion-wise, including commercial broker Joseph Aquino in a dapper velvet dinner jacket and Corcoran Group CEO Pam Liebman in an all-black ensemble. The VIP room was abuzz with industry insiders like Bess Freedman and Mayor Eric Adams mingling with politicians.

    After cocktail hour, the press and other attendees were separated from the executives and electeds, but we still enjoyed the same food and drinks. Once the main event began, Kathy Hochul spoke, and pictures of award-winners were taken, but by 9:30, the industry had seemingly worn itself out, and with no official after party, it was time to head home.

    I'm left wondering if my colleague's claim that nobody in real estate knows how to party anymore is true – or if I just wasn't invited to the right after parties. If you're planning a splashy real estate event, invite us; we'll prove him wrong.