Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials.  At the ICSC RECon Convention, City representatives will have the opportunity to meet with these members and take advantage of networking and education opportunities, as well as opportunities to promote and market the City.  The convention typically features approximately 1,000 exhibiting companies, and approximately 36,000 attendees.

Attendance at this convention will allow the City Council to explore economic, marketing and promotional conditions affecting the shopping center industry. Promoting and marketing the City of Garden Grove to industry retail representatives and developers remains a priority. The City will be exhibiting a booth with display and marketing materials located in an area designated as the Cities of the World Pavilion.  As an exhibitor, the City will maximize its opportunity to meet with key players in the shopping center, hospitality and housing development arenas.  Additionally, the City team will have greater opportunities to promote and market to potential developers by canvassing the trade show floor.

The cost of three City Council Members to attend the ICSC 2018 REcon Convention will be approximately three thousand dollars ($3,000), and will be paid through the General Fund.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Authorize travel and related expenses for three City Council Members to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada on May 21 - 23, 2018, to attend ICSC RECon Convention 2018.
  
  
•  Direct staff to prepare a report for the City Council on the outcome by the City Administration.