LAS VEGAS—As the retail real estate industry gears up for ICSC Las Vegas this weekend and early next week, industry executives share what they're most looking forward to at this year’s event—and why it remains a critical moment in the calendar for relationship-building, deal-making, and insights into the future of retail.
“ICSC Las Vegas is a cornerstone event for our industry. It brings together retailers, shopping center peers, and thought leaders in a dynamic environment that supports collaboration and forward-thinking,” Ron Meyers, chief leasing officer at Phillips Edison & Co. tells GlobeSt.com. “What excites me most is the opportunity to engage with our ‘Neighbors’—our term for current and prospective retail partners—and to explore trends that will shape the future of retail.”
Meyers says that the event is also a showcase for PECO’s capabilities: “We’re proud to highlight our latest acquisitions, ground-up developments, and our best-in-class operating platform. These projects reflect PECO’s mission to create great grocery-anchored shopping experiences and enrich neighborhoods—one center at a time.”
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Beyond the presentations, it’s the personal interactions that matter most. “The one-on-one meetings and networking sessions are invaluable. The energy at ICSC Las Vegas always sparks new perspectives and long-term growth opportunities,” Meyers says. “There’s something uniquely effective about in-person meetings—they build trust and foster more meaningful, lasting relationships. For our leasing team, it’s a powerful environment for successful deal-making.”
According to Sandy Sigal, chairman, CEO & President, NewMark Merrill Cos., “In times of uncertainty—and we certainly have that now—being able to meet face-to-face with so many people I respect brings comfort and confidence. Hearing how others are interpreting market conditions and their plans helps us better shape our own strategies.”
Sigal views ICSC as more than just a networking opportunity. “Every show has its own energy. You see trends emerge, merchants evolve, and the incredible creativity and optimism that defines our industry. ICSC represents the best of retail real estate—people coming together to improve communities and find innovative ways to move forward.”
We also caught up with Sean Tufts, Managing Director of Investment Sales, Northmarq, who noted that “For Northmarq, this year’s ICSC Las Vegas is especially exciting. We’re introducing our new Shopping Center National Group, expanding beyond our Northwest roots to offer clients national-scale investment sales support. It’s a great moment to deepen relationships and explore new markets.”
Tufts also expects capital markets and macroeconomic conditions to be hot topics. “We’re seeing heightened focus on tariffs and the uncertainty they create for retailers. The volatility in the 10-year Treasury is affecting financing strategies, complicating decisions around holding versus selling assets,” he said. “While leasing activity is at record highs, new development is at record lows—especially in the Northwest—contributing to a continued net loss in retail square footage.”
“Owners are increasingly looking at recapitalizations as a way to preserve fees and cash flow,” Tufts adds. “These are the kinds of insights and strategies we’re eager to discuss with clients and peers at ICSC.”
Stay tuned for more insights from the upcoming ICSC Las Vegas event and check out the stories below you might have missed.
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Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
