ICSC Relaunches Its Specialty Leasing Conference: ICSC+SPECIALTY
The reimagined event will bring together specialty retailers, property owners, specialty leasing and marketing professionals, and retail industry leaders for two days of education, networking, and dealmaking.
After a hiatus, ICSC is relaunching its specialty leasing event with a new name and a renewed focus on bringing together the specialty retail community—including retailers, property owners, specialty leasing professionals, and marketing teams—to connect, learn, and grow. Taking place August 30–31, 2026, as part of ICSC@FLORIDA at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, ICSC+SPECIALTY reflects the continued evolution of specialty retail and the growing recognition that collaboration among retailers, property owners, specialty leasing professionals, and marketing teams is more important than ever.
"Relationships have always been at the heart of our industry," said Patricia Norins. "Whether you're a retailer looking for your next location or a property owner or specialty leasing professional searching for new retailers and concepts for your center, relationships create dealmaking opportunities. That's why events like ICSC+SPECIALTY continue to play such an important role in bringing our industry together and facilitating dealmaking."
Actionable Insights from Industry Leaders
One of the highlights of ICSC+SPECIALTY is its content sessions, designed to deliver both strategic insights and practical tactics that attendees can apply to their businesses. Sessions include:
What's New, What's Next: The Future of Specialty Leasing – Explore emerging retail concepts, consumer trends, and innovative ideas shaping the future of specialty leasing.
Retailer Perspectives: How Successful Retailers Choose Where to Grow – Hear directly from expanding retailers about the factors they consider when evaluating new markets, shopping centers, and growth opportunities.
Better Together: Aligning Retailers and Landlords for Stronger Results – Learn how collaboration between retailers and property owners leads to better experiences, stronger relationships, and long-term success.
Standout Specialty Leasing Designs – Discover how thoughtful visual merchandising and compelling brand storytelling can capture attention, engage shoppers, and drive sales.
Roundtables – Participate in interactive discussions with industry peers on timely topics, including AI and specialty leasing, experiential activations, sponsorships, innovative canvassing strategies, and community partnerships.
Whether you're looking to refine your growth strategy, discover fresh ideas, or learn practical approaches you can implement immediately, the content sessions are designed to provide actionable takeaways for every attendee.
Discover New Opportunities
ICSC+SPECIALTY creates opportunities for retailers, property owners, and specialty leasing professionals to connect face-to-face, exchange ideas, and explore new business opportunities.
These conversations open the door to new locations, strategic partnerships, and lasting professional relationships that simply aren't possible through email or virtual meetings alone.
Build Valuable Relationships
One of the greatest benefits of attending an industry conference is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships.
ICSC+SPECIALTY is designed to encourage conversations between retailers, property owners, specialty leasing professionals, marketing professionals, and industry partners. Those connections lead to new ideas, stronger partnerships, and future business opportunities.
Registration Information
For retailers, specialty leasing professionals, marketing professionals, and other industry attendees, registration is just as easy. Simply use the promo code SPECIALTY at checkout to receive the discounted ICSC Member registration rate. As an added benefit, the promotion also includes a one-year ICSC membership at no additional cost.
See You in Orlando
Blue Butterfly will be participating in ICSC+SPECIALTY, and I'm honored to serve on the event planning committee and moderate one of the content sessions.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside retailers, property owners, and specialty leasing professionals who are passionate about helping businesses grow. One thing has remained constant: our industry thrives on relationships, collaboration, and a willingness to share ideas.
If you're looking to grow your business, discover new opportunities, strengthen your professional network, and gain practical insights you can put to work immediately, ICSC+SPECIALTY is designed to do exactly that. I hope to see you in Orlando.
