Annual
Dinner Committee
A night to celebrate diversity in the legal profession, commemorate MBAWNY successes, and honor the members and community partners who have significantly advanced our mission.
ABOUT THE EVENT
An Evening of Excellence
Starting in 2024, we refreshed our time-honored Annual Brunch tradition, converting it into an Annual Dinner — elevating the event into a true signature evening for the MBAWNY community.
The event is a night to celebrate diversity in the legal profession, commemorate MBAWNY successes, and honor MBAWNY members and community partners whose contributions have significantly advanced and promoted the mission and values of our organization.
WHAT THE EVENING CELEBRATES
A Night Built Around Recognition
Diversity and inclusion in the Western New York legal profession
MBAWNY milestones, achievements, and successes of the past year
Outstanding MBAWNY members who exemplify our values
Community partners whose contributions have advanced our mission
The next generation of minority legal professionals in WNY
THE COMMITTEE
Countless Hours. Infinite Dedication.
Our Annual Dinner Committee is responsible for all the hard work — totaling countless hours and a lot of patience and creativity — of planning and coordinating the event.
From selecting the venue and designing the program, to coordinating honorees and managing the evening's flow, every detail of the Annual Dinner is the result of the Committee's tireless dedication to MBAWNY and to excellence.
COMMITTEE RESPONSABILITIES
What the Committee Delivers
Venue Selection
Identifying and securing a distinguished venue that reflects the elegance and prestige of the MBAWNY Annual Dinner.
Program Design
Crafting the evening's program — from the order of events to honoree remarks to entertainment — ensuring a seamless night.
Honoree Coordination
Identifying, vetting, and coordinating with award honorees — members and community partners who have advanced MBAWNY's mission.
Ticket & Sponsorship Sales
Managing individual ticket sales and table sponsorship opportunities — making the event accessible and financially sustainable.
Partner Relations
Coordinating with sponsors, community partners, and vendors to execute an evening of distinction and excellence.
Event Day Management
On-the-ground coordination ensuring every detail of the evening — from arrival to awards to final remarks — runs flawlessly.
LEADERSHIP
Committee Chair and Co-Chairs
Three dedicated MBAWNY members invest countless hours of planning, creativity, and coordination to produce the Annual Dinner each year.
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James L. Harrington
Committee Co-Chair
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Jonathan Abrams
Committee Co-Chair
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Ian Artis
Committee Co-Chair