As many of you know, we are a marketing firm with a strong presence in the Commercial Real Estate sector. Our founder’s roots trace back to an in-house role at a Chicago-based real estate investment firm, and we’ve continued to serve this niche—and beyond—with passion and expertise.
This time of year is particularly busy for CI as we gear up for ICSC Las Vegas. Our support extends beyond the convention floor, where we assist clients by staffing booths and coordinating events. Behind the scenes, we also dedicate significant effort to preparing marketing materials, strategies, and outreach plans to ensure our clients make the most of their time at the event.
Time and again, we are reminded that attending conventions is not just beneficial but essential for commercial real estate brokers, shopping center owners, and industry professionals. These gatherings provide unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, networking, and staying ahead of market trends—reinforcing why we do what we do.
Here is a list of a few conventions on our radar this year:
| DATE | CONFERENCE & CITY |
| 3/18/25 | ICSC@Carolinas – Charlotte, NC |
| 4/3/25 | Retail Live – SouthEast – Orlando, FL |
| 5/18/25 | ICSC LAS VEGAS |
| 6/4/25 | I.CON East 2025: NAIOP Industrial Conference – Jersey City, NJ |
| 6/4/25 | Connect Midwest Multifamily – Chicago, IL |
| 6/3/25 | Realcomm | IBcon 2025 – Savannah, GA |
| 8/24/25 | ICSC@Florida – Orlando, FL |
| 9/16/25 | C5+CCIM Global Summit – Chicago, IL |
| 10/9/25 | ICSC@Midwest – Chicago, IL |
| 10/19/25 | MBA Annual Convention and Expo – Las Vegas, NV |
| 10/22/25 | CRE Tech – New York, NY |
| 10/27/25 | CoreNet Global Summit – North America – Anaheim, CA |
| 12/2/25 | ICSC+ Centerbuild – Phoenix, AZ |
| 12/11/25 | ICSC New York |
Choosing the conventions to attend starts with understanding your goals, target audience, and overall strategy. Every event presents unique opportunities, so weighing the costs against the potential benefits is essential. If you’re expanding into new markets, attending a convention in that region tailored to that region can help you build connections and gain insight into the local landscape. Likewise, if you’re exploring a new property type, a conference specializing in that asset class can provide valuable education and networking opportunities. While every convention has its advantages, selecting the right ones ensures you maximize your time, resources, and business growth.
The commercial real estate industry is constantly evolving, shaped by emerging technologies and shifting market demands. Conventions serve as a hub of expertise, bringing professionals together to stay informed, exchange insights, and adapt to industry changes. They also provide a powerful platform for networking, fostering growth opportunities, generating leads, expanding into new markets, and building strategic partnerships that drive long-term success.
From a marketing perspective, one of the most important objectives of any campaign or initiative is to build brand awareness and communicate your value effectively. Industry conventions amplify that visibility, reinforcing credibility while strengthening existing relationships and attracting new clients and collaborators. Strategies for preparation and follow-up are key considerations we work on with our clients to increase the ROI (return on investment) of conference and event attendance.
Ultimately, attending conventions is a strategic investment with undeniable benefits. From networking and education to market expansion and brand growth, these events position you as an industry leader, ready to seize new opportunities, foster meaningful connections, and drive long-term success.
Here are a few other helpful convention resources:
CI’s Convention Prep Checklist
