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ICSC is introducing a new women-focused initiative at its 2026 ICSC LAS VEGAS industry gathering, adding a dedicated program called ICSC + WOMEN IN CRE to the conference schedule. The new offering will begin with an opening reception on May 17, followed by a full day of content on May 18. Participation in ICSC + WOMEN IN CRE is included at no additional cost for registered attendees of the main conference and is designed to facilitate connections and conversations among women leaders in commercial real estate.
ICSC Chief Operating Officer Whitney Livingston explained that the program grew out of broader changes underway within the organization and across the industry. She noted that ICSC’s Next Generation cohort, defined as members under age 40, now represents nearly one-third of the association’s membership, and that retailer participation at ICSC events has expanded significantly. These shifts point to new voices and perspectives entering the industry, but leadership also recognized that more intentional work is needed to broaden opportunities for women in commercial real estate.
Against that backdrop, ICSC + WOMEN IN CRE is framed as more than a one-off event. Livingston described it as a longer-term commitment by ICSC to elevate, empower, and support women across commercial real estate. The organization has previously offered women-focused breakfasts and receptions tied to its dealmaking and specialty programs, and those smaller events consistently sold out, signaling sustained demand for dedicated women’s programming. The new format is intended to expand that effort and reach a wider cross-section of members.
The content for ICSC + WOMEN IN CRE is structured to be relevant to women at all stages of their careers and across all segments of commercial real estate, not just retail. To shape the agenda, ICSC convened an advisory council with representatives from different sectors and career levels. This group worked with the internal ICSC team to craft program topics and sessions that align with the initiative’s goals and appeal to a broad audience of women professionals.
ICSC selected its flagship ICSC LAS VEGAS conference as the launch platform to maximize visibility and participation, describing it as the world’s largest commercial real estate conference. In addition, ICSC has invited other women’s organizations in commercial real estate to collaborate on the event. CREW Network and Pipeline, which is marking its 10th anniversary, are among the groups partnering with ICSC on ICSC + WOMEN IN CRE alongside several other women’s organizations.
Livingston emphasized that the program is designed to deliver practical value that attendees can apply immediately in their business activities at the main conference. Planned sessions will cover topics such as networking, sponsorship, and investing in real estate. The agenda also includes a panel focused on increasing women’s participation as investors in commercial real estate, responding to data indicating that women currently account for less than 3% of all investors in the sector. That session will address how women can access investment opportunities and grow portfolios once they begin investing, with direct relevance to dealmaking activity at the larger event.
Although specific plans for future years are still evolving, early registration response to the 2026 launch has been described as overwhelmingly positive. Based on the initial reception, ICSC expects to continue building on the ICSC + WOMEN IN CRE platform in 2027 with programming that remains focused on engaging, elevating, and empowering women in commercial real estate.
The post ICSC + WOMEN IN CRE Program to Debut at 2026 ICSC LAS VEGAS Conference appeared first on CRE Market Beat.
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