NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is excited to bring the first Specialty Retail Entrepreneur Expo (SPREE) to Canada. After the acquisition of select assets of Pinnacle Publishing Group, and their publication, Specialty Retail Report, ICSC is debuting the only trade show for the cart, kiosk and specialty retail sector in conjunction with the annual Canadian Convention on September 22-24, 2014 at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre, in Toronto, Ontario.
As a thriving sector of the shopping center industry, specialty retail has different needs than storefront retail. Already established as a must-attend event in the United States, this event is specifically designed to address the nuances of the Canadian specialty retail industry. Attracting retailers from across the region, including carts, kiosks and pop-up stores, the event will feature an exhibit hall and multiple seminars – all free to attend.
“With the success of SPREE USA in Las Vegas, ICSC is endeavoring to bring this event to other markets around the world, and bring new sectors within the industry to our members,” said Patricia Norins, vice president, specialty retail, ICSC. “Canada is our first stop, and this event will showcase exciting new products, services and locations that are a great fit for expanding Canadian retailers,” she added.
The event, free for all attendees, will feature educational seminars and panels that are designed for specialty retailers and specialty leasing managers. With the addition of SPREE Canada and its 5,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, the 2014 ICSC Canadian Conference will now boast 45,000 sq.ft. for the trade show exhibition, which includes the food court, iTech Lounge, products and services areas, and much more.
“The exhibit hall will provide an important deal making opportunity, under one roof, for this critical segment of the industry,” said Norins. “The Canadian specialty retail industry has specific needs that have not yet been fully addressed. Now we will be able to provide educational content that is in complete alignment with what is happening in the marketplace,” she concluded.
Attendance to 2014 SPREE Canada is free. To register for free, please visit www.icsc.org. Press registration is also complimentary. To obtain press credentials contact Elana Krasner in ICSC’s media relations department at 646-728-3515 or ekrasner@icsc.org.
About ICSC
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 67,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials. For more information, visit www.icsc.org.
