Retail sector‘s 18th Annual African Congress of Shopping Centres to kick off on 20th August 2014

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The retail sector’s annual flagship event, the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) Annual Congress will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 20 to 22 August 2014. It will bring an unmatched line-up of international leading lights to South Africa’s shores, as well as feature the best and brightest minds in South African retail.

The 18th Annual Congress has attracted a number of not-to-be-missed speakers from around the globe, all leaders in their field, thanks to its new collaboration agreement with the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC).

Nedbank Corporate Property Finance is the sponsor of this high-profile event which attracts a wide range of industry professionals. These include stakeholders from the shopping centre and retail sectors alike, including investors, developers, marketers, designers, analysts and strategists. Congress delegate numbers continue to multiply each year and come from Southern Africa and further afield to attend this popular event.

According to Frank Berkeley, Managing Executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, supporting this key event is a natural fit for the bank. “We are proud to once again sponsor the 2014 Congress of the South African Council of Shopping Centres, especially as the retail sector continues to drive the property market as one of the country’s key economic catalysts,” says Berkeley.
Amanda Stops, SACSC CEO, comments, “This year’s programme responds to the unique innovation and distinct challenges that define our industry. It addresses the issues with a global perspective in a locally relevant context. It is also bursting with inspiration on every level.”

The congress is designed to inspire from the first moment. The event kicks off with a business networking lunch hosted by former head of logistics for President Nelson Mandela and, more recently, author of “Good Morning, Mr Mandela” Zelda la Grange, as well as rugby great Francois Pienaar, led in discussion by Derek Watts.

The congress’s international speakers will shine a light on the latest retail influences from around the world. International trendhawk Lady Kinvara Balfour is a leading European fashion, culture and style commentator; Helen Barnish is Head of International Expansion at Hamley’s; Peter Gold is CBRE Director of Retail Cross Border for the EMEA region; Ahsin Rasheed is CEO and President of international planning, architecture and design company DDG; and Kathrine Heiberg of Reteam in Norway is known worldwide for her ability to identify trends that will influence the future of the shopping mall.

A dazzling list of local speakers will share their exclusive insights to inspire. Richard Brasher is CEO of Pick n Pay; Therese Gearheart is President of the Coca Cola South African Business Unit; Ian Fuhr is CEO of Sorbet; Jeremy Gardiner is a director of Investec Asset Management; Reg Lascaris is Managing Director of TBWA Hunt Lascaris; Herman Mashaba is founder of Black Like Me; and Miles Kubheka is founder of restaurant Vuyo’s.
“With this exciting line-up, and our other great speakers, focusing on topics from consumer behaviour to architecture and business leadership to economic stimuli, we are confident this year’s SACSC Annual Congress will empower delegates with an astute and inspired view of the industry,” says Stops.
For more information about SACSC’s 18th Annual Congress email [email protected] or Tasnim Mustan, [email protected] or visit www.sacsc.co.za