Consolo moderates Special Industry Group panel at ICSC New York: "Food as Fashion: Redefining Dining"

The Women's Special Industry Group (SIG) spotlight turns to food at the International Council of Shopping Centers' New York National Conference, as "Queen of Retail" Faith Hope Consolo will moderate a discussion of "Food as Fashion: Redefining Dining" on Monday, December 3 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the New York Hilton's Mercury Ballroom. Consolo, who has chaired the SIG initiative from its 2010 origin, will host a group of leaders from several of the nation's major restaurateurs and quick-service dining chains in a discussion of new trends and expansion plans for this ever-growing sector. "In New York and around the country, we are ever more time-pressed and often too tired to cook," said Consolo, chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group. "Restaurants and retailers, from fine dining to quick-service chains, and even to drug stores are providing healthier, trendy options to serve them. I'm looking forward to a terrific discussion of this phenomenon, and how it will affect retail both on Main St. and in our nation's shopping centers." A national, and even international view of the subject is critical, Consolo said, as the New York National Conference attracts thousands of real estate professionals from around the country. Previous New York panels discussed the renovation of the flagship Lord & Taylor department store, and an overview of retail featuring executives from Brooks Brothers Group, CVS, GameStop, and Toys "R" Us. "All of these leaders take time from their regular duties at the busiest season of the retail year to share their experiences and wisdom with our attendees," Consolo said. "All of us who work so hard to plan these meetings remain touched and thrilled at their commitment to advancing women in the industry, and indeed all professionals. These sessions are not for women only!" SIGs 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. The initiative was launched at ICSC's RECon 2010, the global conference held in Las Vegas in May, and has continued at ICSC regional conferences around the United States over the past three years. Registration for the Special Industry Group is included in the fee for the New York National Conference, but preregistration is required. To register for the full conference, visithttp://www.icsc.org/apps/meeting_display.php?meeting=2012EDM&utm_source=homebox&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=2012EDMhomebox Registration for the Women's SIG can be found at http://www.icsc.org/apps/meeting_display.php?meeting=2012SIG20. Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 55,000 members in over 90 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials. As the global industry trade association, ICSC links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world. As the industry leader in retail leasing, investment sales and consulting, Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group is renowned for its success on local, national and international platforms. Headed by Faith Hope Consolo, Chairman, the group's comprehensive scope extends to virtually every facet of the retail landscape; from celebrated Madison Avenue to Rodeo Drive, urban retail corridors worldwide, upscale super regional shopping malls, luxury specialty centers and hotel/casino retail. Over the years, the group has brought world-famous fashion designers and international brands to U.S. markets; and U.S brands abroad. Moreover, they are the exclusive representatives of prominent portfolios held by investment funds, public companies and private property owners; as well as consultants for business improvement districts and government agencies. Recognized for its innovative marketing strategies, the Retail Group offers a wide range of services that are critical for today's economic environment, and provide customized, focused solutions on a client-by-client basis. With unparalleled access to a global network of businesses, owners and buyers, Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group is the foremost retail real estate authority in the country.