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More than 800 attendees gathered at The Palace at Somerset Park May 16 for the NAIOP New Jersey 2024 Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala.

The evening featured food, fun and networking, while honoring industry leaders and recognizing – and revealing – the deals of the year.

Joining commercial industry professionals and NAIOP NJ members for the occasion were NAIOP chair Brian Walker, president, Burns Scalo Real Estate of Pittsburgh; NAIOP President and CEO Marc Selvitelli; state Sen. Clinton Calabrese, D-36th District; former Gov. James McGreevey, executive director, New Jersey Reentry Corp.; Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac; and others.

The event included some innovations: Gala journals were distributed digitally via QR code for added convenience and to conserve resources. Meanwhile video presentations incorporated in the awards ceremony brought to life the achievements of honorees and recognized projects, incorporating first-hand testimonials and striking visuals.

“Charles Darwin got it right. The ability to adapt is key to survival in a world that allows change. You all understand this,” said NAIOP NJ Chief Executive Officer Dan Kennedy introducing the evening’s program. There’s no alternative to adaptation for an organization like this, he continued. “Standing still is not an option. We are bringing some fresh eyes to the challenges and new opportunities.”

Deal of the year

While winners for office and mixed-use deal of the year were previously announced, three finalists were up for this year’s industrial honor: CenterPoint at Linden, Central 9 Logistics Park in Old Bridge and Seagis Newark Airport Logistics Center.

Find out who won in the video below. Click through our slideshow above for more.