ICSC European Conference 2017 report – future-focused on the next generation of retail real estate

A highly successful and forward-thinking conference, focused on future trends and emerging innovations that will define the next generation of retail real estate.

Lodestar recently attended the ICSC European Conference 2017 in Warsaw, providing on-site support to high-profile clients, as well as taking the opportunity to gain valuable market intelligence and network with key industry individuals.

We facilitated introductions and maximised event exposure for clients such as Apsys Polska, the premium sponsors of the event, Toolbox Group and Mall of Switzerland (a project currently under development by Freo Group).

With more than 500 industry professionals gathered under one roof, the conference featured two days of thought-leadership, deal-making and fresh insight into emerging retail trends. New innovation and disruptive technologies were a key theme of the conference, as well as the accelerated rate of change in the retail environment. It has become more important than ever for those in the industry to adapt to emerging innovations, increased consumer expectations and uncertain geopolitical trends.

Lodestar clients Toolbox Group captured this theme in their own lively roundtable discussion, led by CEO Michelle Buxton. As providers of technology and innovation designed to improve relationships within retail destinations, Toolbox highlighted how increased collaboration between landlords and tenants will exponentially improve the customer experience. The emergence of ‘big data’, the increasing importance of food and leisure and a need to merge online and offline technologies make increasingly sophisticated retail innovations necessary for a successful bricks-and-mortar destination.

Other conference highlights included more than 20 further insightful roundtable debates, the ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards and a series of highly successful retail tours showcasing some of the most inspiring and influential shopping centres in Poland. The team coordinated with Apsys on their full-day tour to Posnania. This centre is a prime example of a shopping and lifestyle destination that has successfully responded to the challenges of 21st century retail. By incorporating advanced technological and digital experiences, innovative architecture and a mind-set that sees visitors as guests rather than customers, it sets a standard for how a mall can redefine traditional concepts.