Classic Westerns

Fond memories, firsthand previews and personal perspectives on an upcoming conference highlight.

For commercial real estate professionals, ICSC annual conferences are the kind of events that are not to be missed—and are not soon forgotten. The upcoming ICSC@WESTERN conference—which will be held Wednesday, October 25^th through Friday, October 27^th at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California—is no exception.

For NewMark Merrill, ICSC@WESTERN is an invigorating and inspiring whirlwind of meetings and moments: an annual opportunity to connect with peers, learn more about new industry innovations, share ideas, and to inspire and be inspired. Our attendance at ICSC@WESTERN isn’t just a formality—we roll deep! This year we will be sending 18 members of our team to San Diego. For some, it’s their first time. But for others, it’s the continuation of a tradition and a beloved annual highlight. And what better way to understand what ICSC@WESTERN means to them and to so many others than to hear it from some of our attendees firsthand?

Why It Matters

“It’s an unmatched opportunity to meet and dialogue with other industry professionals that you wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to shake hands and have one-on-one interaction with.”
— Lance Taylor, VP of Acquisitions & Development, Mountain States Division

“Vegas is great for many reasons, but I believe that ICSC San Diego provides an opportunity to connect with the local market and since there are fewer people, you can have longer, deeper conversations with your colleagues.”
— Caylie Bontz, Leasing Associate

“It’s an opportunity to spread the word about NewMark Merrill’s mission, vision, and current projects. From sharing leasing opportunities at our newly acquired shopping centers to strategizing with key anchor tenants on the markets where we should be seeking development opportunities.”
— Greg Giacopuzzi, Vice President, Leasing & Development

A Beloved Annual Ritual

“My first Western ICSC was way back in 2002 when the event was taking place in Palm Springs, CA. I have been every year since and feel that it is the best show we attend. ICSC Western is a much more regional show as compared to the national ICSC Vegas. We seem to have a great turnout every year of the regional deal makers we need to meet with.”
— Darren Bovard, Senior Vice President, Leasing

“I’ve been attending for 12 years and have been to every RECON in Vegas and every Western Division Conference they have held since.”
— Greg Giacopuzzi, Vice President, Leasing & Development

“I have attended this show since the late 1980s when it was in Coronado and then Palm Desert before coming to San Diego. ICSC tested moving the event to LA and then made the good decision to return it to San Diego.”
— John Hickman, Managing Director, NewMark Merrill South

Place-Making, Deal-Making & Memory-Making

“One of my favorite ICSC memories wasn’t directly related to ICSC but brought me closer to a fellow professional. In the early 2000s, Glenn Anderson of Sullivan Hayes and I hiked Mt. Charleston just outside of Las Vegas. We made it to within about 500 feet of the 11,918-foot peak but had to turn back because we were sinking into snow up to our chests. When you consider it was 103 degrees down on the strip, being able to see the strip while you were sinking in snow was a wild experience. Glenn and remain friends and continue to hike and work on transactions to this day.”
— Lance Taylor, VP of Acquisitions & Development, Mountain States Division

“Every year we throw a great party in the Gaslamp district. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet with people who we weren’t able to connect with during the convention, but also gather in a relaxed environment with our employees, dignitaries, and real estate professionals.”
— Darren Bovard, Senior Vice President, Leasing

Beyond the Conference Floor

“I’m really looking forward to the team dinner and to spending time with people in the company that we do not get to interact with on a daily basis.”
— Caylie Bontz, Leasing Associate

“This is my first year, so I’m excited to experience this event for the first time. The ICSC party in Las Vegas was amazing. I still have people talking about it when they reach out to me, which really helps our brand.”
— Robert Mendoza, Project Manager, Development & Construction

“San Diego is a premier destination and there are so many walkable things to do near the convention center that makes the event very fun and easy to enjoy with others from our business.”
— John Hickman, Managing Director, NewMark Merrill South

“The parties held by NewMark Merrill Companies and others are my favorite way to interact with others in the business. We are often on the phone or Zoom calls throughout the year, but rarely get a chance to have a conversation over a few cocktails in a fun and relaxed environment.”
— Greg Giacopuzzi, Vice President, Leasing & Development

“How can you not like being in beautiful San Diego?”
— Darren Bovard, Senior Vice President, Leasing

If you are going to be in beautiful San Diego this week for the conference, stop by our booth (#411) and say hello! If you’d like to schedule some time to meet, please reach out to Tim Murphy, our Senior Director of Marketing and Technology, at [email protected].