29th – 31st October at the Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC Dubai, UAE
Dubai: The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) in association with the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) present RECon MENA 2017 starting from 29th until the 31st of October at the Ritz Carlton Hotel – DIFC in Dubai, UAE. RECon MENA 2017 is themed “Reinvention” in line with the shopping centre and retail industry which are continuously changing and evolving, driven by a new, dynamic, global transformation providing service, connectivity and convenience for customers.
David Macadam, CEO of MECSC says, “This year will mark twenty three (23) years of RECon – making it the longest running conference for the retail industry in the MENA region. As one of the most anticipated conferences locally, the RECon Conference attracts retail industry professionals regionally and globally. Strong attendance numbers annually provide a lively business environment and world class-networking forum; it also hosts the most innovative workshops and offers the most renowned globally recognized speakers at the conference. Our MECSC App allows instant connection and information with regards to every aspect of the conference.”
RECon MENA 2017 begins on 29th of October with a morning workshop on “The Art & Science of making great places and compelling customer experiences” by Gilbert Rochecouste (MD of Village Well). The afternoon session will be led by Chairman of the ICSC Global Design & Development Viva Awards Jury – Phil McArthur on “Global Shopping Centre Design and Development Trends”. The evening will conclude with a welcome reception at the Olive Garden in Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC.
David Macadam (CEO of MECSC), Marwan Eskandarani (MECSC Board President) & Tom McGee (CEO of ICSC )will be welcoming the delegates of RECon 2017 on 30th of October and kicking off the start of the Conference, the speech will be followed by Kate Sweetman, Co-Author of Reinvention and an experienced leadership consultant, educator, author, editor and speaker. Kate will be followed by an education panel discussion with Maimunah Shebani, Gilbert Rochecouste, Mohamed Alawi, Prakash Menon & Ravi Raman. The day will conclude with Keynote address by Ali Al Saloom, an author, cultural consultant, professional speaker, TV show host (Ask Ali) and one of the fastest rising media starts of the Gulf, who will take us on a journey to always Think Quality.
The final day of the Conference 31st of October will commence with a welcome address by Kenneth Bernstein (Chairman of ICSC and President & CEO of Acadia Realty Trust NY). Followed by a Keynote speech by Herculano Rodrigues (Associate Director of Javelin Group – Accenture Strategy, London) who will highlight The Future of Retail – How to Create a Customer Centric ‘Living Business’. Taking the stage next will be Darren Katz, (Managing Director of Excellerate Brand Management), with his keynote address about understanding shoppers and what motivates them for retail success. The day will progress with a panel discussion on “Current Trends in F&B and its role in new real estate developments” with Mario Bauer (Executive Board Member of Vapiano SE) and Ian Ohan (CEO and Founder of Freedom Pizza). This will be followed by “The Benefits of integrating placemaking in to shopping centres” by Gilbert Rochecouste (MD Village Well). RECon Conference will conclude with the ICSC Cocktail Reception, ICSC MENA Awards & Gala Dinner – a celebration of Shopping Centre and Retail Industry achievements and great success.
RECon 2017 Schedule:
Day 1: Oct 29th (10 am to 4 pm) Pre- Conference Workshops on Global Shopping Centre Design & Development Trends, and The Art & Science of Placemaking – Sahaab Meeting Room, Ritz Carlton
(6:00pm till 8:00pm) Welcome Reception – Café Belge at the Ritz Carlton
Day 2: Oct 30th (9:00am until 3:30pm) – Conference, Exhibition, Networking & Deal Making Sessions– Ritz-Carlton Hotel Samaya Ballroom
Day 3: Oct 31st (9:00am until 3:00 pm) – Conference, Exhibition, Networking & Deal Making Sessions– Ritz-Carlton Hotel Samaya Ballroom
(6:00pm) – Cocktail Reception
(7:00pm) – ICSC Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner
About RECon MENA 2017:
Jointly organized by the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), RECon Middle East & North Africa 2016 will bring together shopping centre industry professionals, retailers, management and consulting companies, architects and design companies, entertainment and leisure companies, product and service providers to the industry. All under one roof for three days of networking, learning from the best and brightest in the retail industry, deal making, celebrating the 2017 Award winners and exploring new business opportunities, the RECon Conference enables its delegates to complete a years worth of business in just three (3) days.
About MECSC Mobile APP:
MECSC App is designed to connect members on mobile devices to further increase year-round member engagement. Mobile technology has changed our daily routines and how we receive information. Members spend most of their time on mobile devices and it’s time for MECSC to leverage this mobile demand and create a mobile experience for members. The App brings members closer to each other and helps members to build their professional networks and expand connections directly through the app.
MECSC members can use the Mobile App to:
- Access member directory to establish their connections and expand professional networks.
- Use private chat and activity board to connect and engage with other members.
- Stay up-to-date with MECSC’s events, activities & publications.The App is available on both iOS and Android platforms and the native app will enhance the navigation experience while accessing information on the go.
About MECSC:
Established in 1994, The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres, affiliated to the New York based International Council of Shopping Centres has over 70,000 members globally, the MECSC provides its members with unparalleled local and international business contacts. Facilitating members to grow their business through retail industry education, business development, conferencing and networking opportunities. The MECSC also raises the personal profiles of our members, locally, regionally and globally. The MECSC covers memberships throughout the MENA region and globally through the ICSC.
