In a combination of two programs designed to help retail real estate professionals advance in their careers, Faith Hope Consolo, chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers' Women’s Special Industry Group program, will moderate a SIG Luncheon discussion on "Picking Your Path to Success" at ICSC's Next Generation National Conference, to be held Tuesday, July 28th from 12:15 to 2 p.m. at JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.

Consolo, chairman of Douglas Elliman's Retail Group, will be joined by ICSC trustee Holly Cohen, vice president global DTC retail real estate and store construction of Nike, Inc., and Pauldine France, director of leasing of Thor Equities, in a discussion of career paths, trends, challenges and opportunities.

"I've conducted Women's SIG panels at events around the country since we launched the initiative in 2010, but this will be my first at the Next Generation Conference," said Consolo. "This is a unique opportunity to meet with professionals who have already achieved a certain level of success and are now determining the next phase of their careers. And I can’t think of a better panel to help them do that."

Special Industry Group Programs focus on a specific discipline of the industry and allow professionals in the field to meet and share common ideas, interests and challenges. They also provide excellent opportunities for networking with colleagues and engaging with business associates. The group meetings especially allow for informal, interactive discussions. Consolo has chaired the Women's SIG program since its 2010 inception, and seen the initiative become a global force at ICSC conferences around the world.

The Next Generation National Conference is the culmination of nearly 1,000 events held globally since 2001, organized to provide educational sessions and opportunities for middle management to create their own industry networks. As this program and its participants have matured, it has become a force of industry decision-makers in its own right.

In a welcome synergy with Commercial Real Estate Women's Network, CREW members who are not registered for the full conference may attend the Women's SIG for a nominal fee. Consolo is a national director of CREW Network.

"I'm delighted that ICSC is extending this courtesy to CREW, continuing a wonderful collaboration between two of my favorite organizations," Consolo said. "This will introduce CREW members to the benefits of ICSC – and vice versa!"

Also on July 28th at the Next Generation Conference, Consolo will conduct a Breakfast Executive Board Room Session from 8:30 to 10 a.m., allowing her to profile her own career, and answer questions in an intimate setting. She joins an elite list of industry leaders who will lead separate sessions that morning: R. Webber Hudson, executive vice president of Related Company Retail Group; Gregory Maloney, president and CEO, JLL Real Estate Services; Gene Spiegelman, vice chairman of Cushman & Wakefield; and Steve Weingarten, senior vice president of Weingarten Realty.
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