SAN DIEGO—The ICSC Western Division Conference is happening this week at the San Diego Convention Center here. Attendees from across the country and globally—including GlobeSt.com—will meet to network, learn about the newest retail concepts and hear experts in the sector talk about the current and future state of the market. We spoke with several retail executives attending the conference to get their predictions on what attendees can expect. Check back over the next few days for more coverage of the event as it unfolds.

With 5,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors, Diana Hallal of TMC Financing says she expects the conference to be “really be rockin' this week. The resurgence in retail real estate has put everyone in a good mood, so there will be plenty of deal talk. Because an active market means rising lease rates, it's critical for business owners to own their buildings and access to financing is key.” She adds that TMC is looking to connect with brokers and lenders who are looking for attractive options for their clients.

Chris Hite, president of Coreland Cos., says, “We're optimistic heading into ICSC. The coming year could be retail's opportunity to really shine and break from the shadows of the office, industrial and multifamily markets. Our owners see that net operating income is steadily on the rise, and the ability to start pushing rents is definitely entering into the conversation.” Hite adds that he is looking forward to hearing about significant repositioning efforts, new developments and expanding, unique tenants coming out of this week's event.

Allison Lynch, VP of asset management for Watt Properties, says, “Our expectations for ICSC are that people are in deal mode, and we are meeting to get deals done and across the finish line. Deal flow is steady, and we have a full calendar of meetings. We are anticipating that attendance will be up but that people will be jamming everything in on Thursday to make the most of their time at ICSC.” 

Sam Alison, regional director-West of Stan Johnson Co., says he expects this conference to have the most optimistic outlook since 2005-2006. “The West-region economy is again leading the nation, creating local jobs, increasing discretionary spending, motivating area retailers to add stores and attracting new retailers. Rents are rising. Interest rates are low. Debt and equity are available.

Alison adds that unlike in previous cycles, everyone in the retail sector seems to be acting prudently, having learned their lesson from the last time. “All convention attendees should be busy and smiling. The parties should be loud and boisterous. Happy days are here again.”