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ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION:
The Economic Engine Behind U.S. Manufacturing Reshoring

A man dressed in a maroon blazer and white shirt sitting at a table in a restaurant or wine cellar, reading a document. The table has glasses of wine, a plate with cookies, and a red flower centerpiece. There is a wine rack filled with bottles behind him.
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The evening featured elevated conversation, a multi-course dinner, and a guided discussion on how automation has changed the cost structure, scalability, and risk profile of domestic manufacturing, making reshoring economically viable for the first time in decades.

Rather than debating policy or nostalgia, the focus was on productivity, capital efficiency, control of throughput, acquisition strategy, and long-term ownership the factors that quietly determine where value is created as U.S. manufacturing returns.

  • Matthew Chang
    Founder & CEO, Chang Robotics

  • The future of manufacturing is being rebuilt through disciplined capital allocation. Robotics and automation are emerging as the core infrastructure behind U.S. reshoring, where the real opportunity lies in ownership of assets, recurring revenue models, and the platforms enabling scale across industrial sectors.

    • Chang Robotics

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FROM SPECULATION TO STEWARDSHIP
Structuring Digital Assets For Long-Term Wealth

The evening featured elevated conversation focusing on custody, control, tax efficiency, governance, and generational transfer, the factors that quietly determine whether digital wealth is preserved or lost.

  • Jake Claver
    Founder, Digital Ascension Group
    Advisor to Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families & Family Offices on Digital Assets

  • As digital assets mature into a recognized component of long-term wealth, the conversation must shift from speculation to stewardship. Sophisticated families who prioritize custody, governance, tax efficiency, and generational transfer will be best positioned to preserve digital wealth with the same discipline applied to traditional assets.

    • Digital Ascension Group

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FROM NOISE TO INFLUENCE:
Winning High-Value Clients in the Attention Economy

Aboard a private cruise, this Headliner session explored the new blueprint for winning trust and capturing influence in a world where everyone is vying for attention. Against the backdrop of shrinking attention spans and rising client skepticism, we examined how decisions aren’t made in logic but in emotion. The conversation centered on identity-based trust, subconscious decision drivers, and how curated environments outperform traditional sales tactics in high-value dealmaking.

  • Jarrod Guy Randolph
    Founder, Headliner Series

  • In the attention economy, shouting louder doesn’t work. Curating better does. High-net-worth clients don’t buy with logic. They buy with identity, perception, and trust. The session unpacked relationship architecture, emotionally resonant experiences, and non-sales environments are now the highest ROI tools for advisors, banks, and institutions seeking to move from transactional to transformational influence.

    • ACES

    • Barnes Yachting

TACTICAL EMPATHY:
The Hidden Power Behind High-Stakes Negotiation

This Headliner gathering featured legendary negotiator Chris Voss, who challenged the room to rethink negotiation not as a contest of logic—but as an exercise in emotional mastery. From managing ego in real estate to bridging generational divides in family offices, the evening revealed how Tactical Empathy drives better deals, deeper trust, and breakthrough outcomes across every industry.

  • Chris Voss
    CEO and Founder, The Black Swan Group

  • Negotiation isn’t about logic—it’s about listening. From boardrooms to buyouts, the power lies in identifying emotions, uncovering unknowns, and creating space for the words that matter most: “That’s right.” Chris Voss reminded the room that tone trumps title, silence is a weapon, and empathy—when used intentionally—can shift outcomes faster than facts. In high-stakes moments, connection isn’t a bonus. It’s the strategy.

    • Digital Ascension Group

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REDEFINING ACCESS:
Who Gets Funded, Who Doesn’t, and Why It Still Matters

The evening brought together investors, fund managers, founders, and capital allocators for a candid, salon-style dinner conversation. Through powerful dialogue and hard truths, attendees examined how meritocracy can obscure systemic bias, how gatekeeping persists through networks and credentials, and what happens to inclusion once the spotlight fades.

  • Claude Grunitzky
    CEO, The Equity Alliance
    Chairman, TRUE Africa

  • This wasn’t a DEI discussion—it was a hard look at how capital really moves. Meritocracy, as framed by the status quo, often reinforces exclusion rather than disrupting it. The real issue isn’t a lack of talent or performance—it’s a persistent misperception of risk in markets labeled “untapped.” Founders with cultural fluency are outperforming expectations, but access remains the exception, not the norm. Shifting capital starts with shifting power—and that requires more than good intentions. It demands structural change.

    • The Cannady Group Limited

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CRISIS-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS:
How Leaders Avoid the Trillion-Dollar Communication Mistakes

The evening featured a compelling conversation on the future of work, exploring how leading organizations are rethinking talent, leadership, and innovation in a post-pandemic world. Attendees joined industry experts for a deep dive into what it takes to build agile, inclusive, and resilient teams—while navigating shifting employee expectations and technological change.

  • Lynn Smith
    Founder/CEO, Lynn Smith Media & Communications

  • The future of work demands a bold new approach. From redefining culture and connection to adapting to remote-first environments, organizations must prioritize flexibility, purpose, and people-centric leadership to thrive in the evolving landscape.

    • The Cannady Group Limited

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    UNLOCK THE FUTURE: Integrating AI for Family Office Success

    Attendees gained actionable insights into leveraging AI to streamline internal processes, analyze portfolios with precision, and revolutionize underwriting methods. The event also explored how strategic AI adoption can drive long-term growth and sustainability, offering a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders.

    Headliner: Peter Swain
    Managing Partner, ROAI

    Take Away: AI is rapidly transforming the way family offices operate, offering unparalleled opportunities for efficiency and innovation. From streamlining internal processes to revolutionizing portfolio analysis and underwriting, adopting AI strategically is key to staying ahead. Aligning AI solutions with your specific needs can drive both growth and sustainability while maintaining a clear focus on long-term success.

    PARTNER: La Maison Orveda

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    NEXT-GEN EXECUTIVE DINNER: Shaping NYC’s Future

    Insights flowed as attendees explored how next-gen leaders can drive the future of New York City. Through engaging discussions on civic involvement and impactful contributions with ABNY, the event highlighted key strategies to keep NYC thriving in business, politics, and culture.

    Headliner: Michael Rudin
    Co-CEO, Rudin Management

    Take Away: New York City thrives on the contribution of the young population. To ensure the city remains a global powerhouse, it's crucial for the next generation to engage with organizations that support NYC's continued growth in business, politics, and civic life.

    PARTNER: ABNY

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    IT’S BROKEN. SO LET’S FIX IT: The 6 Billion Dollar Man on Disrupting E-Commerce and the Future of Direct to Consumer Business

    Our headliner and attendees discussed the changing retail and e-commerce landscape, as well as trends to be aware of in the near future.

    Headliner: Bernt Ullmann
    CBA

    Take Away: The e-commerce/DTC marketplace is vast and at times daunting, so it’s important to maintain a combination of adaptability while also staying true to your business’ core focus.

    PARTNER: JGR Capital Group

  • Three men in suits sitting at a dinner table, with one man speaking and gesturing with his hands, in a well-lit, modern dining room.

    THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY: How NYS Legislation Will Impact the Real Estate Landscape in 2020

    The evening consisted of a deep dive into current & upcoming legislation, and how that plays a role in the real estate investment arena.

    Headliner: James Whelan
    President, REBNY

    Take Away: There are many new and proposed legislative actions being proposed in Albany that can have a profound impact on the NY real estate market. It’s increasingly important to stay on top of what’s happening politically. Further, there’s reason now more than ever to look beyond just NY for real estate deals.

    PARTNER: Bank of England Mortgage

  • AN INTIMATE CONCERT AND CONVERSATION WITH GRAMMY AWARD WINNING PERCUSSIONIST: Adonis Rose & Special Guest Melanie Scholtz

    From hearing about Adonis Rose’s musical upbringing and his work spreading the love of Jazz across the country, to the inspiring singing from Melanie Scholtz, the evening was both fun and highly educational.

    HEADLINER: Adonis Rose, Grammy Award Winning Percussionist

    TAKE AWAY: There are infinite forms of jazz, and the genre itself has a very complex history. Whether you already know you love jazz or you’re a sceptic, there’s always something to learn and a new form that may sweep you off your feet.

    PARTNER: Club75

  • NEW DEVELOPMENTS, NEW FRONTIER

    The evening covered every important topic impacting new development sales, from inventory, absorption, consumer sentiment, legislation, and taxation.

    HEADLINER: Ryan Schleis, SVP, Research & Analytics, Corcoran, Corcoran Sunshine, and Citi Habitats

    TAKE AWAY: There are nearly 10,000 units in Manhattan alone that need to be sold. It is a buyer’s market and developers are negotiating. Now is the time to buy.

    PARTNERS: NYRS, Starry & Dorian Lam

  • CONNECTING THE DOTS: How to Gain Access and Close Funding

    The group explored how to build a narrative that will attract the attention of investors, ways to define what type of investment and investor is right for their business, and how to make the ask.

    HEADLINERS: Lori Katz, Owner, Magnolia Willow; Katherine Hill Ritchie, Director, Nottingham Spirk Family Office / Founder, Private Capital Investments, LLC; Angelina Darrisaw, CEO, C-Suite Coach

    TAKE AWAY: Know your pitch inside and out and don’t be afraid to ask for money.

    PARTNER: Convene

  • BUSTING THE MYTHS OF NEGOTIATION: Changing Behavior and Closing Deals in a Challenged Market

    Top international negotiation experts lead a discussion on how senior level executives should prepare for a negotiation.  How to prepare, close, and build relationships along the way. 

    HEADLINERS: Brian Buck, CEO, Scotwork; Randy Kutz, Negotiation Expert, Scotwork

    TAKE AWAY: There is a proven 8 step process to prepare for a successful negotiation. That process will train even top experts to change their behavior and negotiate from a point of strength.

    PARTNERS: Bank of England Mortgage & NYRS

  • WOMEN IN THE C-SUITE: Becoming A High-Powered Executive is More Than A Man’s Games. How Psychology, Fortitude, Whit, and Feminine Mystique Can Make You An Unstoppable Force

    A discussion with Maëlle Gavat, COO of Compass, about the experience of being a high-profile, female executive and what comes along with the job.

    HEADLINER: Maëlle Gavet, COO, Compass

    TAKE AWAY: The demands on a female executive are far different than that of a man. Once at the top, you have to continue to prove yourself. But with the support of the community, things are beginning to change equality is a real part of the conversation.

    PARTNER: JGR Holdings, LLC

  • IF IT GLITTERS, IT'S GOLD: Finding the Opportunities in Opportunity Zones

    A conversation on the state of the new OZ laws that impact investment, funding, and long-term tax benefits.

    HEADLINER: Patrick J O’Sullivan, Partner, Herrick

    TAKE AWAY: The laws still need to be ironed out, and defining real opportunity is tough when balancing asset appreciation, tax benefits, and other investment opportunities.

    PARTNERS: Dorian Lam & JGR Holdings, LLC

  • THE FUTURE OFFICE: Developing Co-Working Space That Works

    Focused discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of highly specialized co-working space vs broad spectrum tenant pool, how the property owners work with operators to maximize value, and ways to improve the model.

    HEADLINER: Michael Rudin, SVP, Rudin Management

    TAKE AWAY: There is still great opportunity in the market for smaller, more specialized service oriented co-working space models to compete and grow.

    PARTNER: World Wide Insurance

  • IS LUXURY DEAD? FROM CONVERSATIONS TO COMMISSIONS: How To Close More Deals in Today’s Challenging Market, What Influcences Consumer Behavior, And What Does Luxury Really Mean

    Top real estate brokers from around the U.S., from the most expensive markets, shared stories on the state of the market in their regions. They defined what a property must offer to define it as luxury.

    HEADLINER: Leonard Steinberg, Chief Evangelist, Compass

    TAKE AWAY: Many commonalities and parallels were established during the evening, and all participants walked away with new techniques to close big clients.

    PARTNERS: Wells Fargo, Alexis Tieu & JGR Holdings, LLC

  • WOMEN & FINANCE – HOW TO MANAGE SUCCESS, FINANCE, EGO: Building Wealth, Defining Legacy, And Giving Back in Today’s Complex Financial Market

    A discussion about the demands on a successful woman in the workplace, how she can create legacy for future generations, and how to set herself up financially to manage it all.

    HEADLINER: Sterling McDavid, Co-Founder, Burnett New York

    TAKE AWAY: Guests walked away with financial planning knowledge to build their legacy and enjoy life.

    PARTNERS: Drucker Wealth Management & Vin and Fin

  • NYC NEW DEVELOPMENT CONDO MARKET - PART ONE: Everything You Should Know When Buying in New Development

    The process of how to sell to buyers in today’s market was discussed in detail. Brokers shared stories on techniques to negotiate offers, create value for their clients, and approach developers for the best deal.

    HEADLINER: Anna Zarro, Founder, Anna Zarro Consulting

    TAKE AWAY: Today’s market is eschewed towards the buyer, and new development product is one of the best places to negotiate a deal for clients.

    PARTNERS: Wells Fargo & NYRS

  • NYC NEW DEVELOPMENT CONDO MARKET - PART TWO: Everything You Should Know When Buying in New Development

    Insight from a leading midsize New York City developer about the development process, where he sees the market, and how to close deals with a developer.

    HEADLINER: Eric Brody, COO, Wonder Works Construction

    TAKE AWAY: Guests garnered intimate insight into how developers think, and different ways to negotiation terms that everyone is happy with.

    PARTNERS: Valley National & NYRS

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HOW FOREIGN INVESTORS ARE LOOKING AT:
The New York City Market For Investment, Capital Security, The US Dollar, And Quality of Life

Exploration into the world of foreign investment and the state of the EB5 program was discussed. In addition, the new markets that are funneling assets into the U.S. at scale such as Vietnam and Mexico.

  • Erika Banach
    Director, Extell New York Regional Center

  • The EB5 program’s new rules and regulations could potentially reduce the amount of foreign investment in the short term. Long term for capital preservation, diversification of currency and assets, foreign capital will always be attracted to the U.S.

    • Abrams, Garfinkel, Margolis, & Bergson

    • NYRS

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IF YOU BUILD IT…WILL THEY COME?
How Architecture Defines A Building, A Street, And A Community

Intimate discussion on an architect’s creative process. How to create value, define spaces, and change a neighborhood’s landscape for the better.

  • Morris Adjmi
    Principal, Morris Adjmi Architects

  • Quality design is invaluable to consumers. Creating a unique project is what people seek and expect to see in today’s market.

    • Citibank

    • NYRS

  • A man in a suit sitting at a table with a glass of water and a notebook.

    BUILDING A BRAND, BRICK BY BRICK: How A Highly Successful Developer Builds A Stalwart Following

    Conversation around developing a signature product and how that creates security and adds value to the consumer. Insight on the process, craftsmanship, and narrative of the company’s brand was discussed as well.

    Headliner: Joe McMillan
    Chairman & CEO, DDG Partners

    Take Away: Similar to heritage brands, when a luxury condo delivers consistent product it will result in higher sales prices even in fringe markets.

    PARTNER: NYRS

  • Large modern lounge with high ceilings, large arched windows, and contemporary furniture. Several groups of people are socializing near the bar and seating areas.

    THE FUTURE OF NYC REAL ESTATE – THE ART OF CONVERSIONS: Turning Old Into New

    An evening with developer Ben Shaoul of Magnum Real Estate Group to discuss the intricate process of restoring an architecturally significant building, and the value it brings to the inhabitants.

    Headliner: Ben Shaoul
    President, Magnum Real Estate Group

    Take Away: It is more difficult to restore a building than it is to build new. But, the value in return is owning a part of New York City history and a preservation of the past.

    PARTNERS: Citibank & NYRS

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    NYC DEVELOPMENT: Building Future Inventory – How To Differentiate Your Development in A Growing Market

    A discussion on how a developer builds a brand, their creative process, the struggles of controlling costs, and delivering an exceptional product.

    Headliner: Todd Cohen & Terrence Lowenberg
    Founders, Icon Realty Management

    Take Away: The pricing to purchase a quality product directly reflects the time and consideration the development team puts in. In many ways it is far less expensive than building a custom product on your own.

    PARTNERS: First Republic & NYRS