ICSC RECon is sprawling and frenetic enough to test the nerves of grizzled veterans and wide-eyed first timers alike. Commercial Observer picked up some expert advice on the event that hopefully came in handy for those now leaving Las Vegas.
Chase Welles, SCG Retail
Strategy: “I’m almost completely booked with existing clients and solidifying current deals and will take a look at new ones. I also make it my business to go to Lotus of Siam. It’s the best Thai restaurant in the country.”
Trend prediction: “Sunday of ICSC is the new Wednesday.”
Bradford Siderow, Siderow Organization
Strategy: “I’m going to dress better than the other brokers. … I’ll get there [the conference] early. The early bird gets the worm. While everyone’s hungover, I’ll wake up at 6 a.m. and run the Strip.”
Best party last year: “I didn’t go to any parties last year. I hadn’t been to Vegas in 25 years. I did a Jack Nicholson. I chained myself to the radiator and didn’t leave at night. This year, I’m looking forward to a Jamestown cocktail party and the Newmark one.”
Kathryn Welch, Forest City Ratner Companies
Favorite party last year: “The New York Developers party. It was a beautiful night, and many of my favorite friends and colleagues were there.”
Party you’re most excited for this year: “A dinner party that I am hosting on Tuesday evening when all the craziness of the deal-making hall is finished and I can sit and relax with a few retailers over a nice meal at Sinatra.”
David Schechtman. Eastern Consolidated
Aspirations: “I’ve been handed a list of events and invites from my team here, and candidly, this is my first time going in nine years in the business. My eyes are going to be wide open. My goal is not to get roofied by James Nelson at Massey Knakal.”
Scott Auster, Grid Properties
Favorite party last year: “I always enjoy the Newmark party because it’s outside. It’s at the Cosmopolitan, at Marquee nightclub. It doesn’t get overcrowded. You have some room to walk around and see people.”
Todd Cooper, Ripco
Best party: “Anywhere I can make money.”
Biggest deal closed at ICSC: “No one really does that. You bring stuff you’re working on. You talk about it while you’re there. I don’t think you really finish a deal while you’re there.”
Hitting the tables: “I don’t gamble.”
Geoff Bailey, SCG Retail
Favorite booth last year: “Jersey Mike’s had great stuff. But I actually made my best connection in the sauna at the Wynn on the last day of the show. A developer I kind of knew walked in.”
