A "magical" event is in store for the 37th annual Outlet Retail Convention scheduled for Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif.
The 1999 convention, sponsored by ICSC's Value Retail News, borrows a page from neighboring Disneyland with its "Deal Making Magic" theme. California was chosen specifically to introduce new Pacific-basin manufacturers and retailers that are ready to help solidify the outlet sector as an international industry.
The convention expects to draw 800 to 1,000 attendees. The three-day event offers ample opportunities for education, deal making and networking.
"We will spend a tremendous amount of time on the impact of e-commerce and the web on retail in general and on the outlet industry over the next few years," says Fred Filer, vice president and publisher of Value Retail News. "Everyone is wondering how e-commerce and the web are going to impact their businesses and traffic at outlet centers."
Educational programs feature 15 hours of sessions on value-oriented retail issues including development, operations, leasing, marketing, management, finance and technology.
The programs are aimed at helping those in the outlet retail sector build on their strengths in the face of an increasingly competitive environment.
The conference kicks off with a breakfast presentation by John Konarski, an ICSC vice president, who presents industry research on both the outlet industry and the Internet.
Dan Clark, who is a well-known inspirational speaker, will deliver the keynote address at the Aug. 31 luncheon.
Other programs offer discussions on outlet retailing in Y2K, marketing and creative recruiting. A session on new manufacturers offers case studies of successful outlet start-ups. Large and small chains that found success in the industry are profiled.
For more information, contact www.icsc.org or call 212-421-8181.