Consolo moderates Women in Retail Real Estate Special Industry Group at Chicago event

For this year's Chicago Deal Making, the annual conference sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Faith Hope Consolo, program chair for the Women in Retail Real Estate Special Industry Group (SIG), is bringing together a panel of industry leaders for an exciting interactive presentation and networking luncheon at Navy Pier. Joining Consolo, who will reprise her role as session moderator, will be Teresa Hibbard, senior real estate manager, Walmart; Sylvia Van Loveren, vice president for real estate, Walgreens; Kitsy Ritter, director of real estate, Gap, Inc.; Lisa Walker, director of real estate, Which Wich; and Lynne West, national real estate manager, McDonald's Corp. "This event gives us an opportunity to meet with colleagues, re-connect with old friends and form new relationships," said Consolo, who is also chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group. "When I started the Women in Retail Real Estate SIGs last year, I was hoping people would benefit from them, but I had no idea of how important they would become, nor how quickly. It has been very gratifying and our panel for Chicago will be exceptional." Consolo launched the Women's Special Industry Group initiative at RECon 2010 as part of an overall ICSC effort to customize its educational offerings. Special Industry Groups (SIGs) focus on a specific discipline of the business 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. Following its Las Vegas debut, the women's program continued at ICSC regional conferences in Boston, Kissimmee, FL, San Diego, Chicago, Atlanta and New York City. The first session of 2011 took place in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and came full circle to RECon 2011 in Las Vegas last May. Chicago Deal Making represents the fifth ICSC Women in Retail Real Estate SIG for 2011, following events at the New England idea Exchange in Boston last July, and the Western Conference in San Diego in September. For more information, and to register, visit http://chicagosig2011.eventbrite.com/, http://www.icsc.org/sigs/sig-reg.php, or www.icsc.org/2011CDM. About ICSC 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. For more information, visit www.icsc.org. About Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group 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.