2. A global network
of informed,
insightful,
and innovative
professionals
dedicated
to improving
their Industry
3. 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
4. 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.
Legal
Provides 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 / Brokers
Leasing 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
5. Luxury Retail
Between 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.
Marketing
Changing 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
6. Private/Public Partnerships
Strives 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 Media
Harnessing 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.
Retailers
The 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.
Sustainability
The 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 Estate
The 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 RETAILERSSIGS PRIVATE/PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS
7. 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
