Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Council Members to Attend the Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) 2026 Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 18 through May 20, 2026.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Tanya Ramirez, Interim Assistant City Clerk
____________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the approval of council members to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the 2026 ICSC Las Vegas Conference from May 18-20, 2026.
end
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 2026 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.
Council members who have attended the conference in the past two years have assisted in booth set-up and breakdown; accompanied staff to meetings with investors, developers, and other parties of interest; and rotated with staff and each other to work the city’s booth. The council members provide a special presence that shows Westminster’s seriousness in advancing economic development opportunities to attract those who are interested in investing in the community.
Per Resolution No. 5338, which established the travel policy for elected and appointed officials, out-of-state travel requires formal approval by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost is approximately $3,000 per council member. This amount includes the discounted registration rate of $875 for registering prior to February 17, plus the costs for airfare, hotel, and per diem ($86 per full day at Las Vegas Non-Standard Area rate). All costs 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 members of the council to attend and participate in the conference.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 5338
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager