| | | | | | | | Agenda Item - 2.d.
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
| To: | Scott C. Stiles
| From: | Lisa L. Kim
| | Dept.: | City Manager
| Dept.: | Community and Economic Development
| | Subject: | Approval of out-of-state travel to attend the 2021 Innovating Commerce Serving Communties (ICSC) convention, previously known as the International Council of Shopping Centers at the Las Vegas Convention Center from December 6, through December 7, 2021. (Cost Estimate: $10,000) (Action Item) | Date: | 11/9/2021 |
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| | | | | | | | OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report is for the City Council to approve out of state travel to the 2021 Innovating Commerce Serving Communties (ICSC) convention for up to three Council Members and four staff members. This year's convention theme "Here, We Go" will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, starting on Monday, December 6, through Tuesday, December 7, 2021. |
| | | | | | | | BACKGROUND
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, deal making and educational opportunities for retail and real estate professionals from around the world. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials.
In June 2021, ICSC rebranded under a new name of Innovating Commerce Serving Communties. The organization hopes to expand its membership to technology startups, connect with younger professionals and re-energize retail delivery. As with many organizations transitioning to a post-pandemic world, the December event marks the largest in-person conference for ICSC. |
| | | | | | | | DISCUSSION
At the 2021 ICSC Convention, the City will have the opportunity to meet with active members and take advantage of networking, deal making and education opportunities. The convention typically features approximately 1,000 exhibiting companies in various aspect of real estate development.
Attendance at this convention will allow the City’s Office of Economic Development team to explore economic, marketing and promotional conditions affecting the retail and commercial industry. Promoting and marketing the City of Garden Grove to industry retail representatives and developers remains a priority. 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, staff will meet with potential developers by canvassing the trade show floor.
Due to Brown Act concerns, a limit of three (3) Council Members may attend the convention. With the ICSC Convention two months away, staff will soon have to register and make travel arrangements for the Council Members who will attend. Although staff will host the exhibit booth for the duration of the convention, which ends on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, City Council Members have the option to return sooner.
All attendees must be fully vaccinated to participate in the ICSC - Here, We Go 2021. Instructions on how to submit proof of full vaccination will be sent to all registrants before the event starts. Just a negative COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to this event will no longer be accepted. More information is available at https://www.icsc.com/attend-and-learn/events/details/icsc-here-we-go-2021. |
| | | | | | | | FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the General Fund, and travel expenses have been budgeted for Fiscal Year 2021. |
| | | | | | | | RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
- Approve out-of-state travel for up to three Council Members and four staff to attend the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) - Here, We Go. 2021 convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center Monday, December 6, 2021 through Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
By: Grace Lee, Sr. Economic Development Specialist
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