ICSC is the worldwide not-for-profit retail real estate organization connecting over 55,000 industry professionals, including investors, developers, retailers, asset managers and government officials who benefit from continuous ICSC research and top-level educational programmes.

High-level speakers from across Europe have already confirmed their attendance. Keynote speaker is Jiri Lenk, Industry Manager for Google in the Czech Republic on the new marketing channels to sustain and grow business and Chris Igwe, Senior Director European Leasing at CBRE will speak on “Why history always repeats itself”. Architects Einar Aakeroy at AMB Architects Norway and Robert Bishop of Benoy look at the possibilities and limitations of shopping centre redevelopment: Can a first generation shopping mall become a 21 century retail and leisure destination

Chair of the ICSC Czech Republic National Committee, Jan Kubicek, Head of Asset Management at ING Real Estate in the Czech Republic, said: “Huge potential exists to boost footfall through search engines such as Google and social media. With everything available on-line customers need a reason to visit, but with few new developments, existing shopping centres need reinvention to attract people back in. If not done correctly, it could spell the end of a tired shopping centre – and prove a costly mistake for asset managers. Our conference speakers will share their expertise and debate these issues.”

The shopping centre industry across The Czech Republic and Slovakia plays a big part in the innovation and growth of the countries’ retail economy, contributing to the growth of employment, supporting local industry and the supply line. Across Europe, shopping centres employ 1/5 of all employees in retail, around 4 million people in Europe, according to ICSC research. The conference will showcase a new development in Bratislava by ECE Projektmanagement.

The ICSC Czech Republic National Committee works to connect fellow industry professionals and raise awareness for an essential industry that boosts the economy and employment. It seeks to increase professionalism and improve transparency as well as representing the industry at Government level.

For more information on the ICSC Czech and Slovak Retail Real Estate Conference visit www.icsc.org/2011SRC