I have been attending ICSC conventions for 32 years. As a young professional, I was pretty excited to attend these shows, meet with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy the energy that is ever present, especially at the opening of the conference. Nowadays, after a long career and considering the energy and money it takes to attend, I sometimes ask myself, “Is it worth it?” Do I really need another show?” The answer is always an emphatic, “Yes.”
I have been attending ICSC conventions for 32 years. As a young professional, I was pretty excited to attend these shows, meet with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy the energy that is ever present, especially at the opening of the conference. Nowadays, after a long career and considering the energy and money it takes to attend, I sometimes ask myself, “Is it worth it?” Do I really need another show?” The answer is always an emphatic, “Yes.”
I attend, on average, 5 shows a year. What do I gain by attending them?
Well, first would be that energy I mentioned earlier. There is nothing like the energy and optimism that comes from one of our trade conferences. 1,500-50,000 professionals, depending on the venue, all working in the same industry, excited to be working and discussing transactions, assisting one another, and learning something new. This is seriously invigorating. We need this, for the Commercial Real Estate Development, Leasing/Sales, and Management is a very tough business. It can beat you up badly. So encouragement along the way is essential.
Education: I’m learning every day in this business, but these conferences have always accelerated my understanding and education.
Networking and meeting new people and old friends is, in general, a good thing. It keeps the business fresh and the opportunities anew.
Fun: Yup, I admit it. It’s a good time, too. Getting together with friends and associates in the business … learning what’s going on in their lives … finding the potential for doing more business … all while enjoying good food, good wine, a great golf course, and the culture and entertainment of the cities … good times.
Finally, DEALS. Let’s face it … we do have to perform and execute transactions to thrive in the business. As difficult and testing as most transactions are today, it is incredibly rewarding when a deal comes together. The competitor in me loves the transactional part of the business, too. I am sure all industries and their corresponding tradeshows provide the same type of incentives, but I feel ICSC shows are special. We are blessed to be in a most dynamic and challenging profession. To the young professional, I would encourage you to embrace the conventions and the industry with this mindset. To the old guys like me, continue to be encouraged and inspired by what we do.
See you at RECON in Vegas, May 21-24, 2017!
Jim
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