Retail Sector to address challenges head-on

RECon Middle East & North Africa, the region’s leading trade exhibition and conference for the retail real estate sector will be held 2nd – 3rd  May, 2010 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Convention Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.   RECon Middle East & North Africa provides a dedicated forum for members of the retail real estate sector to come together and share information, discuss ideas and challenges, develop business partnerships and grow professionally.  www.reconmiddleeast.com

The event formerly known as the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres Annual Convention is a joint initiative between the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and is sponsored by Majid Al Futtaim Properties with RetailME, RLI & Images Retail as media partners.

The pre and post conference programme includes a full day touring of retail developments for conference delegates, as well as a schedule of workshops covering topics such as:  Lease Workout Solutions, Specialty Leasing and Shopping Centre Finance.  A highlight of the conference itself is the Official Networking Dinner to be held on 2nd May.

Retail real estate properties are undeniable cornerstones in the communities they serve.

“Regardless of the worldwide economic slow-down, the shopping centre industry has remained a powerful force in the economic landscape.” said Ms Kim Redman, Regional Director, Middle East Council of Shopping Centres.

“Times are tough and shopping  centre leaders are faced with having to constantly re-evaluate their businesses looking towards the future.  RECon Middle East & North Africa provides a platform to network with others in the same position, taking a visionary perspective and preparing to meet the demands of the ever-changing dynamics of the industry. “

Discussing the two-day Conference component of the event, Ms Redman explains that both international and regional speakers will share their experiences, analyse trends and help delegates gain insights which will assist them to re-formulate business plans, driving for stability and growth.

The Trade Exhibition (which runs concurrently to the conference) provides the opportunity for retail sector players to promote their projects, concepts and products to the high quality audience of decision makers that the event attracts.  The Trade Exhibition comprises a Leasing Fair, Retail Zone and Trade Expo.

“Generating business leads and forging new partnerships and alliances is at the top of the priority list.  The Trade Exhibition offers a wonderful platform to achieve these goals.” says Ms Redman.

Developers and Retail Real Estate Management / Leasing companies will showcase their projects to prospective retailers and investors at the Leasing Fair.  Meanwhile at the Retail Zone regional and international retail brands, franchises and concepts will be on show.  The Trade Expo offers the ultimate networking opportunity for companies within the Shopping Centre and Retail Industry to promote their services and products and for decision makers to develop new contacts and partnerships .

Who should attend?  “…everyone in the retail sector.” says Ms Redman. “Developers and management companies, retailers, franchisers and franchisees, property management companies, architects and designers, engineers and construction companies, bankers and investors, market research and consulting companies, security and facilities management….it’s a dynamic gathering and something anyone in the industry shouldn’t miss.”