International Council of Shopping Centers

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is the global trade association of the retail real estate industry. The education, advocacy, research and networking initiatives promote innovation and partnership, explore emerging markets and advance the interests of the shopping center industry. Founded in 1957, ICSC is a community of over 67,000 members who believe this association is critical to their success and is a trusted ally in their daily business ventures.

As a member of ICSC, it enhances our visibility within the industry and engages our company in a vibrant community of tens of thousands of colleagues around the globe.

Education

From the first ideas exchanged between the founders almost 60 years ago to the innovative courses offered through the University of Shopping Centers, learning has defined ICSC. The vigorous exchange of ideas and expertise that permeate our work has created a culture of learning that advances careers, and the industry for the benefit of all. Expanding the educational offerings locally, regionally, nationally and globally is an ongoing priority for the association. ICSC delivers more targeted educational programs for our retail real estate members across a full range of specialties.

Advocacy

The mission of ICSC’s Office of Global Public Policy (GPP) is to actively shape global public policy and influence the federal, state (U.S.), provincial (Canada), local and European Union’s legislative, regulatory and political processes for the benefit of our members. As regulatory demands and new developments influence the industry globally, particularly in areas of tax, the environment, the workforce and growth management, ICSC will use its advocacy expertise on behalf of its members to ensure continued robust growth of the retail real estate industry. In the U.S. the ICSC PAC is the only federally registered political action campaign that represents the shopping center industry and its interests. Through the generous backing of ICSC members, ICSC PAC provides financial contributions to federal candidates who understand and support our issues.

Research

As an ICSC member, we benefit directly from a wide range of information designed to broaden our knowledge and keep us informed about industry trends and market conditions. ICSC’s research team produces its flagship global publication Retail Property Insights and numerous other industry studies. One of the department’s core missions is to collect, interpret and disseminate industry data, which is made available through its eData system (which currently houses over 12,000 industry statistics). In addition, a newly-designed Information Center is available as the industry’s one-stop search engine for thousands of member-only ICSC and non-ICSC articles, magazines, journals, company reports, country economic and financial reviews and more. Other member resources include the Global Shopping Center Directory and ICSC’s Country Fact Sheets (overviews of the industry). The department hosts research conferences and has an ever-growing global research network.

Networking

The advantage of unlimited opportunities to build our professional network, promote our organization and close deals at more than 300 meetings and conferences hosted by ICSC each year. Events such as RECon, the association’s largest conventions held globally, provide ideal venues to meet key industry players, make face-to-face business connections, launch new products and services and learn about the latest industry trends. ICSC offers other powerful tools to increase our visibility and develop our business networks, including its membership directory of ICSC members worldwide, as well as high profile awards programs that recognize outstanding achievements and celebrate excellence in retail real estate. At every stage of our business, we count on strong support from the ICSC community and make valuable contributions to it as well.