Faith Hope Consolo is extending ICSC's Special Interest Group of roundtables geared toward women in the retail and shopping center industries to the Southeast, chairing the latest upcoming session at ICSC's Florida Conference on Sunday, August 22nd from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center, 6000 West Osceola Pwy. The session will be organized as a group of roundtables with attendees able to sit in on two informal talks. Special Interest 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 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 continued for the first time regionally at the New England Idea Exchange in Boston in July. Consolo will discuss "New Retailers and Globalization." Susan Lucas, senior vice president of asset management for The Wilder Cos., will discuss "To Rents and Beyond: Current Budgeting Issues in Property Management." Ivy Greaner, owner of Ram Realty Services, will discuss "Emerging Development and Redevelopment Trends in Today's Market," while Kane Morris-Webster, retail and land specialist for Colliers International, will lead attendees through a talk on networking. Lori Schneider, senior vice president of investments for Marcus & Millichap will discuss "Dealmaking with Difficult People." Barbara Champoux, a partner at the law firm Crowell & Moring L.P., will discuss "Successful Negotiation Strategies." "We've already debuted this concept to great acclaim at ICSC's global RECon meeting, and had a very successful first regional effort in Boston at the New England Idea Exchange," said Consolo, chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group. "I'm thrilled that Susan, who participated in Boston, and Barbara, who discussed mentoring at the RECon debut panel, will be joining us again, and to welcome Ivy, Kane and Lori. They're truly an outstanding group that will offer attendees a wealth of knowledge." ICSC and Consolo will continue to host Special Interest Groups at a number of ICSC regional meetings through the rest of the year. "The first two Special Interest Groups have been a terrific learning and networking experience, and we've seen astonishing growth," said Consolo, who helped create the concept as a member of ICSC's RECon 2010 Intellectual Advisory Content Task Force. "This is proof positive that we're on the right track toward helping women reach the highest levels in this business." Attendance at the Special Interest Group is included in the registration fee for the ICSC Florida, but pre-registration is required for the session. Those wishing to register for the entire conference should visit www.icsc.org/2010FL. Those already registered for the Idea Exchange should register for the SIG by emailing [email protected]. In addition, the SIG has been opened to non-Idea Exchange registrants for a $25 fee. To attend the SIG only, please register at www.icsc.org/2010SIG2. 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 http://www.icsc.org/. 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. Renowned 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.