And business is decidedly the issue at this event. According toICSC figures, approximately 25% of all the retail leases inshopping centers signed in any given year in the US are eitherconcluded or initiated during the three days the Leasing Malloperates each May.

This year, "the exhibitors I've spoken to are pumped," saysPhyllis Peterson, director of leasing and dealmaking for ICSC, whohas managed the Leasing Mall for the past 17 years. "They see a lotof opportunity for business out there. The vibe I'm getting is verypositive, and I think it reflects the optimism of the retailindustry in general."

Indeed, according to Peterson, advance registration is runningabout 4,000 ahead of 2005 when the event, which also includes aconvention program and a trade expo, drew nearly 41,000. ICSCofficials project total attendance in the 45,000 range thisyear.