8th Annual Building Connections Networking Event
May 14, 2026
Meadowlands Racetrack – 1 Racetrack Drive – East Rutherford, NJ
The 8th annual Building Connections Networking Reception is the premier real estate and construction networking event in Northern New Jersey. This annual fundraiser to raise support for local Scouting America Exploring program (a career-based program) brings together professionals in architecture, construction, engineering, real estate, and the skilled trades to network and share ideas while supporting the Scouting program.
The event showcases Northern New Jersey Council’s dedication to workforce development and deepens valuable relationships with businesses, professionals, and organizations. The event consists of networking, recognition, and features an industry lead panel discussion.
WHAT IS EXPLORING?
Exploring exists to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship provided by community and business leaders like you.
Together, we equip young people with character, leadership and life skills that can be used both today and in their future careers.
Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Businesses and community organizations initiate a career-specific Exploring post or club by matching their people and organizational resources to the career interests of youth in the community. The result is a program of interactive activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.
Interested in learning more about Scouting America’s Exploring Division? Click here!
Event Co-Chairs
Nicholas Dinallo
JLL
Jai Patel
Loading Dock Inc/Overhead Door Co
Executive Committee
Anthony Abrantes
Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Dan Badgley
Langan Engineering
Rosanna Bio
Gerard Construction
Elliot Ferris
The STRO Companies
Francis M. Giantomasi
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomas
Bryan Hekemian
Hekemian & Co. Inc
Marco Howington
The Founders Group
Jeff Kolodkin
Newmark
Jonathan Kristofich
NAI Hanson
Brenda Lapadat
Valley Bank
Allen Meccia Jr
First Bergen Title
Allen Meccia Jr
First Bergen Title
Ryan Peene
Liberty Bank
Paul Profeta
Paul V.Profeta Associates
Bruce Rosenberg
Winne Banta Basralian & Kahn, P.C.
Mark Semeraro
Semeraro & Fahrney
Michael Semeraro
Langan Engineering
Roger Smith
Gensler
Honorees
Clinton Calabrese
Assemblyman Legislative District 36 Bergen and Passaic
Jill Hirsch
President and CEO
New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
Priya Jain
Commissioner New Jersey Department of Transportation
Kevin McCade
Commissioner Port Authority NY & NJ
Cyndie Williams
Executive Director Carpenter Contractor Trust
Panelists
Stephen Dilts
Chief Operating Officer
New Jersey Turnpike Authority
Christopher Feinthel
Assistant Commissioner
New Jersey Dept of Transportation
James Kirkos
President & CEO
Meadowlands Chamber
Lauren LaRusso
Co-Host City Manager & General Counsel
FIFA World Cup 26™
New York New Jersey Host Committee
Binu Thomas
Senior Advisor to the President/CEO, World Cup Planning
New Jersey Transit
Eric Daleo
Founder, Principal Managing Director Telos Advisers
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Panel Moderator
Event Sponsor $15,000
- Fifteen tickets
- VIP access for all attending guests
- Recognition as sponsor on digital invitation, event website, and social media platforms
- Company’s logo featured on event signage
- Full-page ad in the printed program.
VIP Sponsor $10,000
- Ten tickets
- VIP access for all attending guests
- Recognition as sponsor on digital invitation, event website, and social media platforms
- Company’s logo featured as VIP sponsor
- Full-page ad in the printed program.
Cocktail Sponsor $7,500
- Ten tickets
- VIP access for four guests
- Recognition as sponsor on digital invitation, event website, and social media platforms
- Company’s logo featured as Cocktail Reception sponsor
- Full-page ad in the printed program.
Trade Sponsor $5,000
- Ten tickets
- VIP access for two guests
- Recognition as sponsor on digital invitation, event website, and social media platforms
- Company’s logo featured as Trade Sponsor
- Full-page ad in the printed program.
Construction Sponsor $3,000
- Eight tickets
- Recognition as sponsor on digital invitation, event website, and social media platforms
- Company’s logo featured as Construction Sponsor
- Half page ad in the printed program.
Individual Ticket $300
Journal ads will be published in the event program. All companies that purchase journal ads will also be recognized in the e-journal. Please submit ad journal art, and logo by May 4th to Betsy.Hendriksen@scouting.org
Submit full page ad in portrait orientation.
Submit half-page, quarter page and business card ads in landscape orientation.
- Full page ad: $1,000
- Half page ad: $600
- Quarter page ad: $400
- Business card ad: $365
We thank our 2025 Event Sponsors
Cocktail Reception Sponsor
SJP Properties
Trade Sponsors
Langan
Semeraro & Fahrney LLC
NAI James E. Hanson
Hekemian
Russo Development
JLL
