Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping center industry with more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries including shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials.  At the ICSC RECON convention, the City will have the opportunity to meet with these members and take advantage of networking, deal making and education opportunities.  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.  In addition, by attending the convention, the City team will meet with potential developers by canvassing the trade show floor.

The travel expenses for two (2) City Council members to attend ICSC 2019 RECON will be approximately $3,000.  The funds for this expense are contained in the current year budget.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Authorize travel related expenses, in the amount of $3,000 for two City Council Members to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 20 - 22, 2019, to attend ICSC RECON 2019; and

• Direct staff to prepare a report on the outcome to the City Council by the City Administration.