Seems like the only constant in today's business environment is change and this year's ICSC Spring Convention is no exception. The 2007 event will host more than 50,000 retail real estate professionals from all corners of the world and boast attendance at an all-time high. And despite the Leasing Mall doubling in size from years past, booth space remains at a premium.
Something that developers and retailers alike are accustomed to is the need for change — change to stay competitive in the complex world of retail real estate. We at Retail Traffic have come to learn that introducing change is critical to the way we report on the industry and communicate with you, our reader.
One of the exciting changes we have made for 2007 involves our 18th Annual SADI (Superior Achievement in Design & Imaging) Awards. Normally we feature the winners in May. This year, we've taken SADI out and are moving it to September, where it will have more space to shine. And keep your eyes peeled for the new format in which Retail Traffic will be honoring the retail industry's leaders in design and architectural innovation. We are also pleased to announce a new partner: InterContinental Hotels Group will be our hospitality sponsor for this year's SADI Awards.
Toward the end of last year, Editor-in-Chief David Bodamer launched our blog (Traffic Court). The new blog has generated a lot of interest from readers and other industry professionals. Our next step online is to unveil a brand new redesign of our Web site. The new Retail Traffic Web site, which will be live by the ICSC Spring Convention, is not just a cosmetic upgrade. It adds new features and functionality, which will make it a key destination for retailers, architects, investors, owners, managers, lenders and anyone else interested in retail real estate. Please visit the site at www.retailtrafficmag.com, check it out and tell us what you think.
Another tremendous change for Retail Traffic is the addition of another sister publication along with National Real Estate Investor. The acquisition of Penton Media by our parent company has brought Lodging Hospitality magazine into our family of publications serving the commercial real estate industry.
So carry your GPS navigational system and stop by our booth 519 in the Trade Expo. We'd like to hear how you think we're serving your needs.