ICSC and MECSC to Host RECon MENA 2012
NEW YORK, October 23, 2012 –Commercial development is on the rise in the Middle East and North African region, these once untapped markets are now booming and retailers are not hesitating to expand their brand’s reach into this region. RECon MENA, the only conference developed by shopping center professionals for shopping center professionals, will once again be held by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Middle East Council of Shopping Centers (MECSC). This power packed conference will take place November 11-13, 2012 at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [Editor’s note: please visit the RECon MENA website for full conference details.]
A series of pre-conference workshops will kick-off this event, attendees will be able to select from three different topics. The first workshop, “Negotiating Techniques for Shopping Centre Professionals,” will be led by John-David W. Franklin, SCLS, senior vice president, director of client relationship management, Madison Marquette Retail Group. The second workshop will feature ideas surrounding the theme, “Social Media Boot Camp: Effective Digital and Social Networking Strategies,” presented by professor Dr. Filipa Fernandes, head of strategy, research and innovation, SES Spar European Shopping Centres. Nathalie Kleinschmit, founder, Globe Ease will lead the third workshop, “Customer Care: From Promise to Practice.”
A series of educational events, panel discussions, and concurrent sessions will take place throughout the duration of the conference. These sessions are held by key industry leaders who are considered experts in their fields. Events are aimed to foster the sharing of experiences, provide an opportunity to analyse current trends, and provide time for networking.
A Retailers Runway will showcase the business models of international retailers who will share their potential expansion plans. Company’s who will present include; Chessecake Factory, Neck & Neck, Pandora, and Superdry. A sneak preview of up and coming new brands will be provided by; M.H. Alshaya Co., LLC., Garretts, Pei Wei, IHOP, and Meatballs.
An informative session, “Showcase: Future Retail Projects in the MENA Region” will provide an overview of upcoming developments. This session will be led by Shane Eldstrom, CSM, CLS, director of real estate and development, Retail Arabia International.
Be inspired after listening to representatives from home grown regional brands that were able to turn their retail concept into a success. The following professionals will share their experiences; Muwaffaq M. Jamal, CEO, Azizia Panda United; Eng. Rami Abu Ghazaleh, CEO, Al Baik Food Systems; Hosam A. Alqurashi, senior director of marketing and external affairs, Alnahdi Medical Company; and Fadi Malas, CEO, Just Falafel.
On November 12th, the MENA Shopping Centre Awards Ceremony and Gala will take place. This event will honor the premier examples of shopping centres in the categories of marketing, design and development, and retail store design. Shopping centre owners, developers, management companies, architects, designers, and retailers will be honored at this awards ceremony.
Registration fees for RECon MENA are $799 USD (2,935 AED) for MECSC/ICSC members, and $1,199 USD (4,400 AED) for non-members. To register, contact ICSC’s Members Services Department at 646-728-3800, or register online.
