Another exciting RECon has come and gone. We hope that you made meaningful connections, fostered relationships and facilitated deals.

Each year after the conference, I reflect on the underlying themes that were repeated throughout the sessions I attended and echoed in the conversations I had with industry colleagues. This year has been no different, but I am surprised by what themes seemed to emerge.

Two themes in particular stood out above the rest: the importance of building relationships and creating community. Keynote speaker Julie Rice highlighted not only how important community is to WeWork, where she is a partner, but also how it plays a significant role at SoulCycle, the revolutionary fitness company she co-founded. For example, WeWork is currently reimagining how its spaces can be used to facilitate connections between remote workers and entrepreneurs and is also hosting events in the evening to help foster community. At SoulCycle, not only does their app support community, but associates are trained to connect members with similarities, thus building individual and group relationships.

Serial entrepreneur and CEO Marcus Lemonis also offered inspiring insights about the significance of community and charged the real estate industry to put people first. He spoke about the businesses with which he partners and how local business fosters a sense of community in a specific locale.

There was much discussion, too, about food halls, which are becoming the nation’s new community center, a place where people are meeting their neighbors. When done correctly and with the right retail mix, these food halls can thrive and be the connection hubs that society craves. Over 400 food halls are being built across the country in the next year, and it appears these popular destinations, which boost community, are here to stay.

The idea of building relationships and communities is much bigger than the retail real estate industry, as it transcends the needs and wants of society as a whole. The retail industry is in a unique position to impact both relationships and communities as it designs and builds spaces and places for people to shop and socialize.

What themes from this year’s conference resonated with you? Do you have ideas as to how today’s real estate leaders can best foster relationships and develop a sense of community? We encourage you to share your thoughts.

There was an overall sense of excitement and change in the air at this year’s RECon, the global retail real estate convention. The phenomenal speakers (great job @ICSC!) provided countless insights on a range of topics. Here are several great takeaways:

1. Relationships are an essential part of our industry. Retail CRE is based on business-to-business interactions, and it is likely that you will meet the same associates time and again. Make sure every interaction is a good one.
2. Technology is taking the CRE industry by storm. Over the last few years, there has been increased interest in how we can incorporate different technologies into our daily work.
3. Loyalty is a great quality, according to Michael Strahan, one of the keynote speakers. You should give back and be loyal to the company that gave you your chance. They picked you! Both you and your employer want loyalty and hard work.
4. “Have jobs that you love, and you won’t feel like you are working.” (More  words of wisdom from Mr. Strahan!)
5. Retail is becoming omni-channel. Retailers and retail centers need to adapt and create spaces for consumers so they can see brands both online and offline.
6. Digitally native brands have shifted from becoming anti-brick and mortar to embracing it with key flagship store locations.
7. The retail apocalypse is real, and it makes for great headlines, but it is also exaggerated. Some retailers have been unable to adapt to the shift in retail. For example, Toys-R-Us and Winn-Dixie filed for bankruptcy multiple times prior to Amazon’s ascent.
8. Most spaces being built today are mixed-use, whether they are vertical, horizontal, or proximity to residential with a wrap of retail.
9. The experience sector of CRE is booming! Consumers are spending their money where they can immerse themselves in entertainment or an experience instead of on things.
10. Mash-ups and partnerships with different brands are a trend that is here to stay and expand.

What did you learn at RECon? Did any of these takeaways strike a chord with you?
Please add your comments below. We would love to hear your thoughts.

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