ICSC Las Vegas is the biggest deal-making event of the year. We’ve got you covered with tips to make the most of it.
PLAN AHEAD
Different from many tradeshows, ICSC Las Vegas is a self-proclaimed deal-making tradeshow. While prospective customers and curious attendees alike will have plenty of opportunity walk the show floor, the best opportunities are created well in advance of the show. If there are people you are planning to meet at ICSC Vegas, we highly recommend reaching out early to schedule meetings. Schedules often fill up weeks in advance of the show. Book a meeting with Hubexo before our slots fill up!
BECOME A MEMBER OF ICSC
ICSC in its own words is a “member organization for industry advancement. They have numerous local and regional opportunities to network, learn and advance your career. ICSC also engages regularly with local and national governments to elevate issues and causes important to it’s members. ICSC provides opportunities to give back, mentor and engage with people of all walks of life in the retail real estate sector.
LEVERAGE ICSC’S MEMBERSHIP DATABASE AND ATTENDEE LIST
Once a member of ICSC, you will want to log in to ICSC.com to gain full access which includes a directory of all ICSC members and registered attendees of the ICSC Las Vegas show. From there, well, the reins are in your hands to make contact with promising leads and see how compatible you are.
STAND OUT
It is easy to get lost in a sea of suits and blouses. Many of the best canvassing experts adorn themselves with flare original and unique to them. It doesn’t hurt that that flare is often easy to recognize in the crowd. Beth Azore, who leads Azore Advisory services and the Azore Academy, is famous for her red suit. Taj Adhav wears a paisley jacket that is hard to miss; and Bill Tomala is known by his red glasses. Even our team can be found with our purple Hubexo backdrop, which, with any luck, catch the eye.
ENTERTAIN AND BE ENTERTAINED
Some of the best networking happens outside of the tradeshow floor. Attend cocktail hours, parties, and events hosted by ICSC members. To take your networking to the next level, don’t be a stranger! If you choose to host, make sure your event stands out. Again, ICSC Las Vegas is not your average tradeshow. You will be competing with world-class parties and next-level networking opportunities.
PACE YOURSELF
In more ways than one, it is easy to burn your-self out. Whether it is an over-enthusiastic schedule walking between south upper hall and central multiple times, or over indulging in late-night events. Many of the external networking events are held in casinos, which are notorious for pumping oxygen into spaces to make it easier than normal to stay up all night. This is a two-day event, and if you want to make the most of it, you will need to be ready for Tuesday. Because most don’t follow this advice, attendance might drop, especially on Tuesday morning, but a light crowd makes for prime networking.
SET YOUR NEXT MEETING
It is easy to lose track of everyone you meet at ICSC Vegas. Even after a promising meeting and follow-up, contacts can still fall through the cracks. To ensure both parties don’t delay a promising deal from getting executed, we recommend booking your next meeting at the show. If both parties have mutual interest, have your calendar ready and go ahead and book the next meeting.
BRING CHAPSTICK
Vegas is a desert environment. If you are coming from a more temperate or humid environment, it may be easy to forget the toll this takes on the body. For some, Chapstick is a must. Otherwise, it’s generally a good idea, especially after potentially flying into town, to focus on staying hydrated.
DOWNLOAD THE ICSC APP
Download the official ICSC app, probably the best tool for navigating the event. This app allows you to view attendees, tradeshow floor, exhibitors, and transportation schedule. You can also stay organized and on top of your schedule by utilizing the app’s scheduling functionality. This feature allows you to create a personalized itinerary that is tailored to your interests and priorities. You will also receive real-time updates and notifications about seminars, events, and any changes to the program, ensuring that you are always well-informed.
HAVE A TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Despite the availability of buses, trams, and mass transit, it is essential to establish a well-thought-out transportation plan. This ensures punctual arrival at the event. Ride-sharing services like Uber may appear convenient, but it is important to note that they can be sluggish, especially during peak hours like the morning of the tradeshow. Surge prices don’t help either. To prevent potential delays, exploring alternative transportation modes or arranging for private transportation may be your best bet.
THE EXHIBIT HALL IS MASSIVE
The exhibit halls at ICSC are extensive! It can take up to 20 minutes to walk from the end of South Hall to the end of Central Hall. Use the ICSC app to get acquainted with the layout of the halls and carefully plan your route. This ensures you efficiently visit booths and exhibitors that align with your interests. Prioritize your schedule based on specific criteria such as how relevant they are to your business goals or the potential networking opportunities they offer.
Make sure to visit Hubexo at South Hall Upper in booth #910U for a tour of our advanced real estate solutions, taking you through all phases of the process. Book a meeting today!
