The ICSC European conference, hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), will celebrate its 40th anniversary on 20 & 21 April at the Park Plaza Hotel on Westminster Bridge in London.

This year’s event represents the opportunity to hear from the most influential players in the retail real estate industry. More than 700 professionals from across the world including shopping centre owners, developers, investors, and retailers will discuss the theme “Destination: Retail.” As the competitive landscape is forever changing and differentiation matters, physical retail will need to give consumers a compelling reason to visit the store: it must become a destination.

Twenty two leading speakers will give insightful sessions during the conference including keynote speaker Scott Galloway who will explain how digital will revolutionize the role of the store, and focus on the impact that it will have on the major brands driving the industry. Sarah Quinlan, Group Head, Market Insights at MasterCard will examine how touristic influx impacts the evolution of retail destinations and Kevin McKenzie, Group Chief Digital Officer of Westfield Labs will identify the social, mobile and digital market opportunities that merge the digital shopper with the physical world.

Several new concepts will be launched during the conference, as the ICSC has created the new Innovation Zone, which will serve as a platform for industry suppliers to showcase their new ideas, innovative solutions and new technologies. Another new initiative is NEXT GEN LIVE! modeled on the illustrious TED Talks, which will be launched during the conference to create a unique experience for ICSC Next Generation members. Participants will enjoy presentations from 3 top level speakers before coming together for an interactive debate.

The ground breaking NEXT GEN LIVE! will be streamed live and available to all ICSC’s 68,000 members around the world.

The ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards Ceremony will reward established, new, refurbished and extended shopping centre projects and Retail Tours of the most popular shopping destinations in London.

Mike Morrissey, ICSC Executive Vice-President said “We are very excited to be bringing the European Conference to London for our 40th anniversary of the Conference and the first time since 1980. With an important theme and with top influential speakers and industry CEOs from around the world in attendance, this promises to be the must-attend retail property event in Europe this year.”