SIGS SPECIAL INDUSTRY GROUPS

A global network of informed, insightful, and innovative professionals dedicated to improving their Industry

sigs format All SIGS are interactive and participatory; SIGS are run in a variety of formats:

• Informal yet insightful discussions in a group setting

• Interactive and informative small group roundtable discussions

• Open forum-Town Hall meetings

• Report from industry experts with an opportunity to interact through Q & A.

what is a sig? Special Industry Groups (SIGs) were created by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) to give members with similar professional specialties the opportunity to exchange insight and ideas and keep themselves informed about current developments in their Industry. The activities of the SIGs, planned by ICSC members and staff, provide clear indication of the diverse interests and needs of ICSC members. Through participation in SIGs, you can help design what, in essence, are small professional networks within the broader ICSC Global membership. ICSC members can belong to as many SIGs as desired. Current SIGs and a brief description of each SIG’s activities are listed on the following pages.

a global network Launched at RECon in 2010, SIGs have grown into a vital network of forums drawing industry professionals from around the world. The need to develop informal interactive meetings for professionals of like disciplines was the impetus behind SIGs. Creating forums in which professionals share best practices, common interests, challenges and expand professional contacts are among the reasons SIGs have attracted over 16,000 participants to date.

ICSC recognizes that there is an ongoing need for networking, education and sharing of industry knowledge. All SIGs provide valuable “take home” information and ideas that you can apply immediately to your business. This is a unique opportunity to interact and get to know your business counterparts from across the country and around the world.

why join a sig? If knowledge is power then information and education are the two key ingredients that shopping center professionals must obtain in order to be successful today. ICSC SIGs program offers unparalleled opportunity for shopping center professionals to expand their knowledge and increase their career potential through interactive learning from those in the industry who are not only in the same profession but are committed to sharing their experience and genius with others in their field.

sig registration There is a fee for free-standing SIGs. For SIGs held in conjunction with other events, you must be a registered attendee for the event to attend the SIG. If you are not registered for the event but would like to attend the SIG, you may register for the SIG and pay an additional fee. For more information visit www.icsc.org/sigs

Architecture and Design Provides a forum for practitioners in the multidisciplinary area of architecture and design where they can share experiences as well as all aspects related to the design and development of shopping centers and retail stores while chronicling emerging challenges and trends with the goal of raising awareness among practitioners.

Construction Involves all sectors of the shopping center and retail construction industry. Construction SIGS are building professionals who want to be more effective at planning, organizing, controlling, and leading project work. Through organized forums, this SIG strives to share information, experiences, and best practices.

Finance / Capital Markets Serves a global community of financial professionals working at the forefront of finance in both the shopping center and retail industry. The Finance SIG is dedicated to promoting best practices in financing development, and risk management. Although most members are shopping center owners, CFO’s, and controllers as well as lenders, all members of ICSC that are involved in finance are welcome to join.

Hispanic Markets Rapid growth is the overriding characteristic of the Hispanic population. Developers have developed shopping centers in Hispanic communities for some time and retailers alike have tailored their products and services to its growing Hispanic clientele.

The Hispanic markets SIG is a special ICSC initiative that provides a forum for industry professionals involved or interested in retail in Hispanic communities. Come together to share common ideas, interests, challenges, best practices, to network, discuss industry issues and explore retail development opportunities.

LegalProvides a forum for lawyers and non lawyers interested in meeting with others to exchange views and experiences, methods and development; to share best practices and learn from and network with people interested in shopping center law.

Leasing / BrokersLeasing is people to people negotiations and it often involves options and alternatives. ICSC’s Leasing/Brokers SIG is designed to do just that; put leasing agents, brokers, and retailers together in forums at ICSC meetings so that they may foster lasting relationships.

SIGS ARCHITECT /DESIGN SIGS FINANCE SIGS HISPANIC MARKETS SIGS LEGAL

SIGS LEASING

SIGS CONSTRUCTION

Luxury RetailBetween 2010 and 2015, the luxury retail market is projected to grow by 65% globally. The SIG Luxury Retail forum draws on the expertise of premium brand professionals who share key strategies to entice luxury retail shoppers, current and projected trends, brand strategies and best practices.

MarketingChanging demographics and shifting retail trends require marketing plans that are nimble, targeted and consistent in brand messaging. Marketing SIG forums are dedicated to strategic planning, financial planning and creating income and added value.

Outlets The Outlet Special Industry Group focuses on the outlet retail/outlet development industry. Outlet retailing is a niche business based on relationships and common goals. Industry professionals will benefit from the opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges and plan for the future with people who precisely understand the outlet sector. Speak openly with your peers about “outlet only” challenges and opportunities, and what lies ahead for outlet retailing and development. Attendees must be involved in outlet retailing/outlet development to attend the Outlet SIG meeting.

Operations & Management Shopping center managers and marketers continually strive to promote the many aspects of their centers to prospective customers. The Marketing & Management SIG meetings address core concerns, offer insight, and provide practical guidance from guest speakers and fellow marketing and management executives.

Private Developers While public REITS may control the majority of enclosed malls in the industry, the bulk of open air centers are owned and operated by private developers. This SIG is devoted to the needs and desires of Private Developers/Sole Proprietors by providing them with an opportunity to discuss issues that are of paramount interest to this unique breed of entrepreneur.

SIGS OPERATIONS/MANAGEMENT SIGS OUTLETS SIGS PRIVATE DEVELOPERS

SIGS LUXURY RETAIL

SIGS MARKETING

SIGS UNDER SERVED MARKETS

SIGS SOCIAL MEDIA

SIGS LUXURY RETAIL

SIGS MARKETING

SIGS UNDER SERVED MARKETS

SIGS SOCIAL MEDIA

Private/Public PartnershipsStrives to foster and promote relationships between public officials and shopping center developers. Public and private partnerships are an important component of the shopping center industry and can be utilized in times of economic uncertainty and in periods of prosperity. There is a nexus between the public sector’s needs and the private sector’s goals and the Alliance / Public and Private Sector attempts to bridge that nexus by providing forums for the exchange of dialogue.

Social MediaHarnessing the power of social media—the internet, Facebook, Twitter, mobile marketing and other virtual communities and networks—is essential to reaching and retaining your most desired audiences. How has social media affected the retail real estate industry? How do we maximize its potential? These and other issues are addressed in this forum.

Students Students have the opportunity to attend an intimate roundtable session with networking, mentoring and educational components. Each roundtable will be led by a senior industry leader, focusing on a different facet of retail real estate. Students will gain insight and advice regarding the economy, trends, networking, employment and more.

RetailersThe Retailers SIG has been established by retailers and is for retailers only. Representing virtually every type of retailer, this SIG offers a wealth of conferences, publications, and activities on the local-to-global scale, providing unlimited opportunities for sharing technical expertise and first-hand knowledge on retailing.

SustainabilityThe consideration of the role of humanity in climate change and the notion of sustainable development are core concerns of society, and consequently of the shopping center industry. Thus the Sustainability SIG strives to influence the use of sustainable building and maintenance practices in the shopping center industry through collaboration among practitioners, researchers, and educators.

Women in Real EstateThe goal of the Women in Real Estate SIG is to foster professional enrichment for women in retail real estate through networking and educational programs that contribute to the career growth in all segments and levels of the industry.

SIGS SUSTAINABILITY

SIGS WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE

SIGS STUDENTS

SIGS LUXURY RETAIL

SIGS MARKETING

SIGS UNDER SERVED MARKETS

SIGS SOCIAL MEDIASIGS RETAILERS SIGS PRIVATE/PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS

Special Industry Groups (SIGs) are professional organizations within ICSC

To get involved, contact Lorraine Mazza, Vice President, at +1 646-728-3645 or at lmazza@icsc.org

icsc.org/sigs