ICSC: The Global Retail Real Estate Association Explained
ICSC is the world's largest trade association for the retail real estate industry. Understanding ICSC membership — and the credentials it offers — is essential context for any investor, broker, or developer active in retail assets, shopping centers, or net lease properties.
What Is ICSC?
ICSC (formerly the International Council of Shopping Centers) is the global trade association for the retail real estate industry. Founded in 1957, ICSC has grown to over 70,000 members in more than 100 countries, representing developers, investors, retailers, brokers, lenders, architects, and service providers involved in all forms of retail real estate.
In 2021, ICSC dropped its full name in favor of simply “ICSC” — reflecting its evolution beyond traditional enclosed malls to encompass open-air centers, net lease retail, mixed-use projects, lifestyle centers, and the intersection of physical retail with e-commerce logistics.
ICSC's annual Las Vegas convention is the single largest retail real estate event in the world, hosting tens of thousands of attendees for deal-making, education, and networking. For anyone serious about retail CRE, ICSC membership and conference participation are foundational.
Why ICSC Membership Matters for Retail Investors
The Investor Advantage
Retail real estate deals are driven by relationships. The major retailers, REITs, developers, and capital sources that control retail property are highly concentrated — a small number of institutions own or control a large share of quality retail inventory. ICSC is where those relationships are built.
For investors focused on strip centers, NNN retail, pad sites, or power centers, working with an ICSC-affiliated broker means access to the tenant relationships, developer pipeline, and capital connections that determine whether deals get done at market price or above it.
ICSC Membership Benefits
Access to ICSC events and conferences
Including the annual Las Vegas convention and regional events. Conference access is the highest-value membership benefit for active deal-makers.
Market research and data
ICSC publishes retail market research, consumer spending reports, and industry benchmarks accessible to members.
Education and professional development
Members access online courses, certification programs, and continuing education content through ICSC's learning platform.
Pathway to CRRP and CDP designations
ICSC membership is a prerequisite for pursuing the CRRP (Certified Retail Real Estate Professional) and CDP designations.
How to Find ICSC Members
ICSC Member Directory
icsc.comICSC members and designation holders are searchable through the ICSC website.
ICSC vs. Other CRE Credentials
ICSC vs. CRRP
ICSC membership is the trade association membership — open to anyone who pays dues. CRRP is the designation that ICSC awards to members who complete coursework and pass an exam. General ICSC membership signals industry involvement; CRRP signals verified expertise.
ICSC vs. NAIOP
NAIOP covers commercial real estate broadly — industrial, office, retail, and mixed-use. ICSC is retail-focused specifically. For professionals in retail CRE, ICSC membership is more targeted and relevant. Developers active in mixed-use or retail-anchored projects often hold both NAIOP and ICSC memberships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICSC conference?
ICSC hosts several major events, including its annual Las Vegas convention (formerly called RECon) which is the largest retail real estate event in the world. The conference brings together retailers, developers, investors, brokers, and service providers to conduct business, attend educational sessions, and network. ICSC also hosts regional events and specialized conferences including an investment symposium focused on retail capital markets.
What is ICSC called now?
ICSC rebranded in 2021, dropping the 'International Council of Shopping Centers' full name in favor of simply 'ICSC.' The rebrand reflects the evolution of the organization beyond traditional shopping centers to encompass all forms of retail real estate — including open-air centers, lifestyle centers, net lease retail, mixed-use developments, and e-commerce-adjacent logistics and fulfillment.
Does ICSC offer certifications?
Yes. ICSC offers two primary designations: the CRRP (Certified Retail Real Estate Professional), which requires five years of experience and a comprehensive exam, and the CDP (Certified Development, Design and Construction Professional), focused on the development and construction aspects of retail properties. Both are earned credentials that require demonstrated experience and examination.
Related Designations
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Ryan Solberg is a licensed Florida commercial real estate broker specializing in retail, NNN, and investment property across Central Florida.
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