Top executives from Starbucks, The Gap and True Religion Brand Jeans have joined the "United Nations of Retail" panel being moderated by "Queen of Retail" Faith Hope Consolo at the second anniversary of the International Council of Shopping Centers' Women's Special Industry Group initiative. The session will be held Sunday, May 20th from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at rooms N259 though N261 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of ICSC's RECon 2012, one of the largest gatherings of retail real estate professionals in the world.
David Chiovetti, senior vice president, North America retail/consumer direct of True Religion Brand Jeans; Brenda Godfrey, vice president of global store development for Starbucks Coffee Co., and Kathryn Ritter, director of real estate for Gap Inc. will join panelists Mark Comstock, vice president of real estate for Sur La Table and Brian French, director of store development for Uniqlo USA, in an interactive discussion of current trends in retail and real estate.
"This is an extraordinary group of retailers, many of whom have already established or are establishing a worldwide presence," said Consolo, chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group, and the chairman of the ICSC program since its 2010 inception. "It has always been my and ICSC's goal to make the Women's Special Industry Group an international program, and this second anniversary panel is a terrific way to gain a global perspective on issues facing the industry today. I can't wait!"
The session will begin with a meet-and-greet reception, followed by an interactive panel discussion that reflects the issues and concerns of the day.
"We launched this program to provide a forum for women in our business to work and learn together, but we've quickly evolved into a major educational force for all professionals," Consolo said. "This is not for women only!"
Special Industry Groups (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. Launched at RECon 2010, the program has continued at ICSC regional conferences around the U.S. as well as at RECon 2011 and the upcoming panel.
ICSC and Consolo will continue to host Special Industry Groups at a number of ICSC regional meetings through the rest of the year. The fee to attend the Special Industry Group is included in RECon registration; preregistration is highly recommended to guarantee a place at this popular event.
To register for ICSC's RECon and for the Women's Special Industry Group, visit http://www.icsc.org/2012RECON/index.php.
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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. Tags: