Behind the scenes at the REBNY banquet: PHOTOS

Real estate pros donned their best attire last night for REBNY’s 117th annual gala held in the Mercury Ballroom of the New York Hilton. Industry executives including Silverstein Properties’ Larry Silverstein, Terra Holdings’ Kent Swig and HFZ’s Ziel Feldman were out in force at the event. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also seen making his way through the crowded party, flanked by several burly bodyguards. Brokers and executives hustled to work the room as attendees gathered in the lobby early in the evening, while a later meal consisted of a simple salad, steak and a sliver of chocolate fudge cake. —Katherine Clarke