Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Up to Two (2) Council Members to Attend the Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) 2024 Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 19 through May 21, 2024.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Christine Cordon, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the approval of up to two (2) Council Members to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the 2024 ICSC Las Vegas Conference from May 19-21, 2024.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, deal-making, and educational opportunities for retail and real estate professionals from around the world. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials. Previously known as the “International Council of Shopping Centers,” ICSC was rebranded in 2021 to “Innovating Commerce Serving Communities” in hopes of expanding its membership and reach to not only the real property industry, but also emerging technology companies and other providers of services that complement those in the industry.
The ICSC annual conference in Las Vegas boasts over 1,000 exhibiting companies and is an opportunity for attendees to engage in deal making, networking, and educational sessions.
As economic development remains a top priority for the growth and financial stability of the city, attendance at this conference will allow the City’s attending team to market and promote the City of Westminster to industry retail representatives and developers. For the 2024 conference, staff will be exhibiting a booth, which will include materials to hand out; and the booth will be staffed by city staff as well as any attending council members. As an exhibitor, the City will maximize its opportunities to meet with key players in retail and development, while attendance at the convention will provide an opportunity for staff to meet with others on the trade show floor.
Several council members have expressed interest in attending the 2024 conference. Due to Brown Act concerns, a limit of two council members may attend the convention. With the conference three months away and early registration rates ending on February 19, staff will soon have to register and make travel arrangements for the council members who will attend. Although staff will host the exhibit booth for the duration of the convention, which ends on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, council members have the option to return sooner.
Per Resolution No. 4005, which established the travel policy for elected and appointed officials, out-of-state travel requires formal approval by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Cost is approximately $6,000 for registration, airfare, hotel lodging, and per diem ($50/day) expenses for two council members; and will be expended from the economic development fund account 11501-44030 training and meeting.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
In the past, city officials and staff have attended the ICSC Las Vegas conference to engage with industry professionals, enticing and attracting developers to invest and develop in Westminster. Therefore, the City Council may choose to send up to (2) two members to attend and participate in the conference.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 4005
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager