Navigating ICSC Las Vegas: Tips & Tricks for the Las Vegas Convention Center
ICSC Las Vegas highlights the commercial real estate industry's continuing evolution and innovation, set within the iconic Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada, from May 19-21, 2024. With the center's ongoing expansion, attendees can anticipate an enriching experience, including professional development workshops, keynote talks, and networking receptions at a venue renowned for its conventions and meetings, ideally positioned near many Las Vegas hotels.
This premier event promises a platform for dealmakers and industry experts to drive transformation, featuring two to three days of events that cater to professional growth and sector advancement amidst the backdrop of the Las Vegas Convention Center's major renovation. Attendees are expected to engage respectfully, capitalizing on the opportunities to connect, learn, and expand their professional networks in one of the most dynamic settings for events in Las Vegas.
Preparation Tips before Attending ICSC Las Vegas
Registration and Accommodation
Register early to benefit from reduced fees, which vary depending on the registration period and membership status.
Utilize discounted hotel rates available through ICSC’s official hotel partner, onPeak, to ensure convenience and savings.
Badge and Meeting Preparation
Opt to have your badge mailed in advance for a $25 fee to avoid long lines at the venue.
Schedule meetings with targeted contacts well in advance as calendars fill quickly; ensure these are set in local Las Vegas time to avoid timing issues.
Prepare your presentation materials and ensure they are accessible offline; rehearse your presentation to minimize confusion during your pitch.
Health and Networking Tips
Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated, as days can be long and involve substantial walking.
Always have business cards handy and be ready to engage with new contacts at every opportunity.
Charge all electronics overnight and carry chargers to stay connected throughout the day.
Strategic Planning
Block off time for the conference a year in advance to prevent scheduling conflicts.
Plan objectives for attending the conference, focusing on making strategic connections and scheduling firm meetings, preferably at your company booth.
Logistics During the Event
Be aware of the ongoing renovations at the Las Vegas Convention Center and plan additional travel time accordingly.
Familiarize yourself with new drop-off and pickup locations for shuttle buses, Uber/Lyft, and taxis to streamline your transportation plans.
Post-Event Strategy
Sort collected notes and business cards into piles for immediate follow-ups and sending thank you notes, ensuring no valuable contact is overlooked.
What to Expect at ICSC Las Vegas
Key Highlights and Sessions
Estimated Attendance: The ICSC Las Vegas conference recently saw around 24,000 attendees, showcasing its significance in the commercial real estate sector.
Focus on Technology and Marketing: Topics such as generative AI and digital marketing trends were prominently featured, reflecting the industry's forward-thinking approach.
Event Duration and Location: Spanning two to three days, this major event takes place at the iconic Las Vegas Convention Center, which is currently under significant renovation.
Detailed Schedule and Events
Professional Development Workshops and Keynote Presentations: Attendees can engage in various developmental workshops and listen to influential speakers during the keynote presentations.
Exhibit Hall and Sessions: The Exhibit Hall will be open for attendees to explore, alongside numerous sessions scheduled throughout the event.
Special Receptions: Notable events include the ICSC Foundation Reception and the Opening Reception, both scheduled for May 20, 2024.
Networking Opportunities
Diverse Attendance: The event is known for its diverse attendance, drawing over 40,000 people from different sectors, providing ample networking opportunities.
Interaction with Exhibitors: Attendees are encouraged to interact with exhibitors to get inspired by new technologies and innovative ideas.
Insights from Industry Leaders: The keynote speeches are a must-attend, offering valuable insights and inspiration from top industry leaders.
Practical Tips from Experts
Cherilyn Kawa Megill's Tip: To rejuvenate before evening events, lying down with feet elevated can significantly boost energy.
Denise Browning's Tip: Enjoy the unique giveaways, such as flip flops from Phillips Edison, adding a fun element to the networking.
Registration and Accommodations
Fees and Policies: Detailed information on registration fees, including early bird and on-site rates, alongside a strict cancellation policy.
Badge Mailing: Options for badge mailing are available for convenience, with a specific deadline for opting in.
Hotel Deals: Discounted rates through ICSC’s official hotel partner, onPeak, ensure attendees can secure accommodations efficiently.
Exhibitor and Sponsorship Information
Exhibitor Contacts: For those interested in exhibiting, contacts like Kim Romano and Keith Colavito are available for space reservations.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Carlos Baudett can be contacted for potential sponsorship and advertising opportunities, enhancing business visibility.
Networking and Making the Most of the Opportunities
Effective Networking Strategies
Contact Key Personnel: Reach out to Kim Romano or Keith Colavito to secure exhibit space, and connect with Carlos Baudett for sponsorship and advertising opportunities to enhance your visibility at the event.
Maximize Networking Platforms: Utilize the ICSC platform designed specifically for networking and client prospecting.
Professional Conduct: Always carry business cards, maintain professionalism at social gatherings, and limit alcohol consumption to ensure your interactions reflect business acumen and professionalism.
Engage Broadly: Make an effort to engage with attendees both within and outside official sessions. This includes approaching others to join meetings and visiting local company booths even without prior appointments.
Organizational Tips: Develop a system for managing business cards you receive. Read and make notes on the cards during interactions to remember key details for follow-ups.
Post-Event Follow-Up: Begin the follow-up process soon after the event. Send emails and thank-you notes within a few days to keep the momentum going.
Additional Engagement Opportunities: Allocate time to explore the exhibition floor extensively and consider scheduling meetings outside show hours to build deeper connections.
Post-ICSC Las Vegas: Follow-Up and Next Steps
Preparation for Next Year's ICSC Las Vegas
Objective Setting: Establish detailed, reality-based objectives for attending the conference to ensure a focused approach.
Contact Planning: Create a list of targeted contacts you wish to meet, detailing the reasons for each selection.
Meeting Scheduling: Arrange prospects for firm meetings at convenient locations, maximizing time and opportunities.
Calendar Management: Prepare your calendar a year in advance to prevent any scheduling conflicts, ensuring your availability for all key sessions.
Preparation for Meetings
Organizational Readiness: Be organized to increase the likelihood of successful pitches when presenting your retail business.
Material Accessibility: Ensure that your ICSC meeting materials, including business cards, are easily accessible to facilitate smooth interactions.
Presentation Rehearsal: Rehearse your presentation thoroughly to avoid any confusion or distractions during the actual event.
Market Research: Understand the market dynamics, including prospects' stores and their competitors, to tailor your discussions effectively.
Market Trends and Challenges
Retail Sector Strength: The retail sector remains robust with high occupancy rates and rent levels maintaining historical highs.
Expansion Interests: Quality tenants in sectors such as discount clothing, automotive, and QSR/Food/Beverage are looking to expand.
Interest Rate Impact: While interest rates affect transaction volumes, an upward movement in cap rates in conjunction with higher interest rates is observed.
Development Hesitation: Despite high demand and low vacancy, developers are delaying deals due to unfavorable economic calculations.
Loan Maturities: The stalemate between buyers and sellers may be resolved as loan maturities approach.
Experiential Retail: Trends such as experiential retail, seamless technology integration, and sustainability are shaping the future of retail.
Addressing City Entitlements
City and Developer Disconnect: Address the disconnect between cities and stakeholders like property owners, developers, and retailers regarding city entitlements to smooth future developments.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the comprehensive guide to navigating ICSC Las Vegas, we underscore the importance of strategic preparation, engagement, and follow-up for maximizing the opportunities this premier event offers. Through diligent planning—from registration and accommodation to effective networking and presentation preparedness—attendees can leverage the convergence of innovation and industry leadership at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The insights and practical tips provided serve not only as a roadmap to a successful conference experience but also spotlight the evolving dynamics of the commercial real estate sector.
Moreover, the broader implications of themes discussed, such as technological advances, market trends, and the future of retail, underscore the significance of ICSC Las Vegas for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of their industry. By engaging in this vibrant ecosystem of ideas, attendees can forge valuable connections, gain unprecedented insights, and contribute to the shaping of commercial real estate's future. As the curtains draw on another year’s conference, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the connections made, looking ahead to future innovations and collaborations that ICSC Las Vegas continues to foster within the industry.
FAQs
What should I wear if I'm attending an ICSC conference? For those participating in an ICSC conference, it is advisable to dress in business attire. If you are considering wearing a costume or attire that deviates from the professional nature of the event, you must obtain written approval from ICSC in advance.
What is the typical attendance at ICSC Las Vegas? The 2022 ICSC convention in Las Vegas marked a significant return after a two-year break due to the pandemic, with over 21,000 attendees. This made it the largest gathering of industry professionals since the onset of the pandemic.
How much does it cost to have a booth at an ICSC event? For an ICSC event, securing a booth will cost $26 per square foot. The standard 10'x10' booth includes 8' high fabric walls on three sides, a backwall graphic, an exhibitor ID sign, one round table, three chairs, one wastebasket, cleaning services for the first night, and an allowance for up to 100 lbs.
Can you explain what ICSC Las Vegas is? ICSC Las Vegas is the premier event for the commercial real estate sector, bringing together the industry's leading dealmakers, changemakers, and innovators from across the globe. This three-day event is the largest of its kind for the year and offers a virtual series to prepare attendees with everything they need to know before the conference.
