LAS VEGAS—As the retail commercial real estate world sets its sights on Las Vegas in about a month from now for the annual ICSC Las Vegas event, anticipation is running high. The industry’s premier gathering is known not just for its deal-making but for the spontaneous connections, data-driven insights, and strategic conversations that shape the future of retail. GlobeSt.com will, of course, be live on the ground, connecting with industry leaders and reporting in real time.

Ahead of the event, we caught up with several retail experts to get a sense of what they’re most looking forward to—and what trends they’ll be tracking closely on the show floor.

Gregg Haverstick, enterprise managing consultant at RealFoundations, is particularly interested in the growing role of artificial intelligence. “I’m excited to hear about the continued impact of AI on helping attendees make data-driven decisions, especially at an event like ICSC where deal-making takes center stage,” he told GlobeSt.com. “It’s interesting to see how technology is helping people move faster and make smarter choices on the ground.”

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For Matt Hammond, principal of brokerage at Coreland Companies, ICSC is all about connection and intel. “ICSC Las Vegas always provides the best platform to network and learn,” he noted. “Our primary focus is the marketing of our listings, as well as uncovering new opportunities.”

Hammond told GlobeSt.com that with so many industry experts under one roof, ICSC is the best place to engage with as many professionals as possible to gain a better understanding of current retailer trends, shifting acquisition criteria, changes in permit processes, and any number of other key factors that affect deal flow. And often, he said, the most valuable insights emerge from the most casual conversations: “The best part is that you can do all of this in a series of spontaneous conversations on the conference floor.”

Ryan Ash, vice president of development at Vestar, is coming to Vegas with a strategic lens on economic shifts. “This year, I'm excited to connect with our valued partners and tenants to learn more about their expansion plans for the years ahead,” he said. “I'm also looking forward to hearing insights from attendees—both landlords and tenants—on how upcoming tariffs might influence the industry over the next 12 months.”

Ash added that the ripple effects of construction costs and global trade volatility are key concerns for long-term property holders. “At Vestar, we take a forward-looking approach and factor these economic shifts into our strategic planning. Our development pipeline remains strong, and we continue to feel confident about the future.”

Stay With Us in Vegas

GlobeSt.com will be attending ICSC Las Vegas live and in person—so be sure to follow along for exclusive interviews, expert insights, and the biggest takeaways from the show floor. 

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Natalie Dolce

Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.