Contributed by Deidre Ebrey, Economic Development Director, City of Moore, OK

ICSC Las Vegas is a convention that allows you to meet with all parties involved in recruiting retail to your community. Brokers, developers and retailers all attend this show. Attending the show will help you gain insight into the retail industry, future trends etc. Deidre Ebrey has been to ICSC in the past and offered these tips to help you have a more productive show.

• Do your homework prior to attending
  - Cross reference the Retail Tenant Directory with a list of attendees and their booth addresses
  -Review your Buxton report
  
  
• Stay as close to the convention center as possible
  
  
• Attend social functions at other venues in the evening
  
  
• Wear sensible footwear with business attire
  
  
• Connect with your local brokers/developers
  
  
• Have your days structured i.e. workshops then leasing mall
  
  
• Know what you are there for
  - Promoting existing development to retailers
  - Searching for a developer to “take on” a site
  - Filing in vacancies in shopping centers, big boxes, etc.
  
  
• Take appropriate marketing pieces
  - Trade Area Demographics, Psychographics, Growth Data, etc.
  - Aerials showing the site and surrounding developments
  
  
• Follow up after the show