Bringing South African shopping centre industry the best in leadership, a number of highly regarded speakers are set to dominate the stage at the 20th Congress of the South African Council of Shopping Centre’s (SACSC) to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 7 to 9 September 2016.

Hosted by SACSC and sponsored by Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking Property Finance, this annual flagship event will feature the latest insights on leading trends, technology and customer engagement as well as provide a meeting place for industry leaders and leading retailers and brands alike.

Commenting on the compelling speaker line-up for the congress, Amanda Stops, SACSC CEO, says: “The programme has been carefully crafted to ensure topics are both relevant and informative to all who attend. Responding to both opportunities and challenges faced by retailers and shopping centres, this year’s congress will address the rapid changes affecting the industry, with particular focus on technology, economic forces and ever-evolving consumer expectations.”

Featuring the highly anticipated industry awards event as well as an enticing exhibition, numerous networking opportunities, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Mall of Africa; this year’s biggest retail gathering will also provide access to a line-up of thought provoking presentations delivered by some of the biggest names in the industry.

Following on from a welcome from SACSC’s newly appointed president, Jeff Zidel, both Jeffrey Williford from the Disney institute and Bernie Brooks, CEO and MD for Edcon will share with delegates their own views on and experience with leadership, offering an in-depth perspective of what leadership in retail really means.

Magnus Lindkvist, renowned Trendspotter and Futurologist, will be there to offer some perspective on business trends and growth opportunity, while well-known designer and trend analyst Dave Nemeth will give the audience a snap shot of where retail is headed and how they can stay ahead.

Bringing technology to the forefront, Innovation Agency CEO Rory Moore will also be there to shine a spotlight on innovative initiatives and how retailers can harness the power of the crowd using digital technology as an aid.

Others to look out for include South Africa’s top adventurer and motivational speaker Peter van Kets, as well as Taste Holding’s CEO Carlo Gonzago as we discuss the Starbucks’ journey to SA and Renzo Scribante of Rembrothers, who will be sharing the Rembrothers story and discussing the impact of the changing food retail landscape in the country today.

“With this programme we have aimed to bring those in attendance a wealth of market-related intelligence and key insights, all the while highlighting the prominent role the retail industry plays in the development of communities, and the ripple effect this has on the economy, and the country as a whole. Most importantly, however, the SACSC Congress aims to bring together retailers and shopping centres professionals from varying backgrounds, providing them with an opportunity to learn from one another, connecting, discussing new ideas and sharing information relevant to their industry.”

* For more information about SACSC’s 20th Annual Congress visit www.sacsc.co.za or email sacsccongress@sacsc.co.za