Continuing an initiative launched in May at ICSC's RECon 2010 in Las Vegas, "Queen of Retail" Faith Hope Consolo will again chair a Special Interest Group of roundtables geared toward Women in Retail Real Estate at ICSC's New England Idea Exchange, Wed., July 14th from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m., at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St.
The session will be organized as a group of roundtables, with attendees able to sit in on two informal talks. Consolo, chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group, will lead a roundtable discussion of "New Retailers and Globalization." Patricia Cornelison, a principal of Boston-based design firm Arrowstreet, will discuss "The Climate for Green Design," while Susan Lucas, senior vice president of asset management for The Wilder Cos., will discuss "Practical Budgeting for Asset Management." Wendy Berger, a member of law firm Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman & Leonard, P.A., will offer a discussion of negotiating techniques. Additional speakers will be announced shortly.
"The first women's Special Interest Group far exceeded ICSC's expectations by attracting more than 125 attendees," said Consolo, who helped create the concept as a member of ICSC's RECon 2010 Intellectual Advisory Content Task Force. "But I knew there was and is a real hunger for these types of informal educational and networking events to help shatter that glass ceiling for good. I am delighted ICSC is continuing its commitment to advancing women in this industry - and thrilled to chair this initiative."
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) focus on a specific discipline of the industry and allow professionals in the field to meet and share common ideas, interests and challenges. They also provide excellent opportunities for networking with colleagues and engaging with business associates. The group meetings especially allow for informal, interactive discussions.
Attendance at the Special Interest Group is included in the registration fee for the ICSC New England Idea Exchange, but pre-registration is required for the session. Those wishing to register for the entire conference should visit www.icsc.org/2010NE. Those already registered for the Idea Exchange should register for the SIG by emailing sigs@icsc.org. In addition, the SIG has been opened to non-Idea Exchange registrants for a $25 fee. To attend the SIG only, please register at www.icsc.org/2010SIG1.
ICSC and Consolo plan to continue holding the SIG sessions at a number of the association's regional meetings throughout the year, including:
* Florida Conference in Kissimmee, August 22 to 24;
* Western Division Conference in San Diego, September 22 to 24;
* Chicago Deal Making Conference in Chicago, October 28 to 29;
* Southeast Conference in Atlanta, GA, November 8 to 10;
* Texas Conference in Grapevine, TX, November 17 to 19;
* New York National Conference in New York City, December 6 to 7.
"Not all industry professionals attend the global conference in Las Vegas," Consolo added. "Bringing these sessions to additional meetings allows us to extend our reach to the future regional leaders of today and tomorrow - who will lead this industry well into the future."
About ICSC
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center
industry. Its more than 60,000 members in over 90 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials.
About Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group
As the industry leader in retail leasing, investment sales and consulting, Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group is renowned for its success on local, national and international platforms. Headed by Faith Hope Consolo, Chairman, the group's comprehensive scope extends to virtually every facet of the retail landscape; from celebrated Madison Avenue to Rodeo Drive, urban retail corridors worldwide, upscale super regional shopping malls, luxury specialty centers and hotel/casino retail. Over the years, the group has brought world-famous fashion designers and international brands to U.S. markets; and U.S brands abroad. Moreover, they are the exclusive representatives of prominent portfolios held by investment funds, public companies and private property owners; as well as consultants for business improvement districts and government agencies.
Renowned for its innovative marketing strategies, the Retail Group offers a wide range of services that are critical for today's economic environment, and provide customized, focused solutions on a client-by-client basis. With unparalleled access to a global network of businesses, owners and buyers, Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group is the foremost retail real estate authority in the country.