Yesterday, Robbie and I returned from ICSC REcon in Las Vegas, an event we have been attending for years. This convention always allows us to catch up with longtime friends from across the country and a chance to make some new connections, even though it can feel like speed dating at times. Here are a few of our takeaways from 2026:
- Yes, AI (and PropTech specifically) are here to stay. Still, the perseverance of personal relationships can be a game changer once the facts are on the table.
- New this year, ISCS devoted an entire section of the conference to building community with women in the CRE industry. We support Birmingham CREW and appreciated seeing this on a national level.
- We saw a huge increase in student participation in ICSC. There was onsite programming just for students and teachers, and inclusion into the inner workings of the show. Scholarships were available, and it was refreshing to see the focus on next-gen professionals.
- As for industry trends, we are seeing a shortage of new development, so the retail supply will remain tight. Sustainability has become a core performance metric for brands and not just a marketing add-on.
