The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) has announced that it will dedicate the third day of its European conference entirely to building closer co-operation between investors, developers and retailers.
'Retail Friday' will showcase innovative new retail concepts from across the globe, giving retailers the opportunity to present their company to the leading shopping centre industry professionals. Other sessions will focus on maximising the opportunities for retailers and developers to work more profitably together.
ICSC European Conference Chair, Gerard Groener, CEO of Corio, said: "To sustain the shopping centre industry and drive it forwards, we must work closer together. Providing the right environment, support and opportunities for retailers, developers and investors to meet and do business at our 2009 conference in Barcelona will signal our determination to enable these closer working relationships."
The conference is being held at Catalonia Palace of Congresses from 22-24 April 2009.
Over the last three years ICSC has increased the opportunities to retailers at all its conferences and seminars. In 2006 the association ran the first 'Retail Runway' during its annual conference, offering retailers the unique opportunity to showcase their concepts to top industry professionals. Over the last three years this has become increasingly popular, leading to ICSC's announcement today. ICSC's Retail Connections deal making event for landlords and tenants, being held for the second time in London in February 2009 has also seen increased interest from retailers this year.
Groener added: "At the ICSC European conference in Barcelona, we will focus on sharing our passion for shopping center planning, retail innovation, design, management and more. In a tough economic climate, this is what ICSC conferences are all about."
Source: Nicky Godding
