The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) opened its ICSC@FLORIDA event on August 24, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The three-day gathering brings together hundreds of leaders in retail, real estate, investment, and consumer engagement to discuss the changing landscape of shopping and marketplaces. The event, which runs through August 26, is one of the most significant regional conferences for the retail industry and is expected to draw strong attendance from across the state and beyond.
The opening day began with registration and a welcome reception, where attendees were given the opportunity to network in an informal setting before the main sessions and deal-making activities began. The event included social opportunities, such as a Topgolf networking get-together, designed to help participants build connections outside of the exhibit hall. By Monday morning, the focus shifted toward the central business of the conference: deal-making sessions and Retailer Central, where developers, brokers, and retailers sit down to explore potential partnerships and new projects.
For many, the heart of ICSC@FLORIDA lies in the exhibit hall. Dozens of exhibitors ranging from commercial real estate firms to technology providers are showcasing their offerings. Companies such as LQ Commercial Real Estate and Kalibrate are among those presenting solutions and strategies to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving retail environment. These exhibit spaces serve as meeting points for stakeholders to discover new opportunities and align on ways to move projects forward.
In addition to the exhibit floor, the conference also includes sessions on industry trends. A key theme this year is experiential retail and how it continues to reshape consumer behavior. As shopping increasingly blends with dining, leisure, and social experiences, many retailers and property developers are looking for ways to create destinations that go beyond traditional brick-and-mortar transactions. Discussions also highlight the role of new technologies, including data analytics and digital integrations, that help retailers better understand and adapt to changing customer demands.
The timing of the conference reflects both challenges and opportunities in the retail sector. While the industry has faced economic uncertainty in recent years, analysts report that leasing activity remains strong in many markets. In Florida, in particular, demand for retail and mixed-use spaces has been rising, with low vacancy rates in many urban and suburban areas. Industry leaders at ICSC@FLORIDA are expected to discuss how developers can leverage this momentum, while also addressing the risks tied to financing costs, consumer spending patterns, and broader economic conditions.
Beyond the Florida market, ICSC has emphasized the resilience of the retail real estate sector nationwide. At its larger 2025 gatherings, the organization highlighted themes such as the resurgence of strip centers, the ongoing expansion strategies of national retailers, and the increased interest from institutional investors. Those same topics are now central to the Orlando event, where local and regional stakeholders have the opportunity to apply these insights to their own markets.
Founded in 1957, the International Council of Shopping Centers has grown into a global organization representing more than 70,000 members across more than 100 countries. Over the decades, ICSC has established itself as one of the leading voices in retail real estate, convening experts to share knowledge, negotiate deals, and track long-term consumer and property trends. Its regional events, such as ICSC@FLORIDA, play a crucial role in bringing these conversations closer to local markets while still connecting participants to the larger national and global network.
This year’s Orlando event is particularly important because it comes at a time of renewed interest in how retail spaces can serve as community anchors. The rise of mixed-use developments, blending retail with residential and office space, is reshaping cities and suburbs alike. Retailers are increasingly expected to not only sell products but also to provide engaging experiences that encourage consumers to spend time, socialize, and return frequently. These changes require innovative design and bold strategies, topics that are front and center in Orlando this week.
For retailers and developers alike, ICSC@FLORIDA represents an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how consumer habits are evolving. It also provides a platform for building the relationships that make large-scale projects possible. Whether through structured deal-making sessions, exhibit hall networking, or informal social gatherings, the conference underscores the idea that collaboration remains the driving force behind the success of retail real estate.
The conversations in Orlando this week reflect a sector that is simultaneously adapting to new realities and seizing opportunities for growth. As the event continues through August 26, participants will leave with not only new contacts but also a clearer picture of how the retail landscape is shifting in Florida and across the country.
