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, the City will have the opportunity to meet with these members and take advantage of networking, deal making and educational opportunities.  The convention typically features approximately 1,000 exhibiting companies, 36,000 attendees in a 2,000,000 square foot convention center.   

This year the City's Economic Development staff will be exhibiting at the ICSC Cities of the World Pavilion showcasing the City's economic development programs and opportunities in the City of Garden Grove (see attached RECON Program).  During the Convention there will be opportunities for City Council Members to attend educational seminars to learn about retail development and help City Council make informed economic decisions.  Council Member Beard is slated to attend the Convention to represent the City and answer questions regarding development opportunities for the City.  

Pursuant to the City's expense guidelines and reimbursement policy for City Council Members, expenses for out-of-state travel require City Council approval.

It is estimated that the total cost will be $1,400.  The funds for the expenses related to the 2016 ICSC-RECON Convention are contained in the 2015-16 Budget in City Council packages 0010 and 0011.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Authorize travel related expenses, including costs of travel, lodging, food, and other ancillary expenses, in the amount of $1,400, for one City Council Member related to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada on May 22 through May 25, 2016 for the International Council of Shopping Centers, also knows as RECON. 

By:  Greg Blodgett, Sr. Project Manager