This constant evolution is necessary in order to keep up with trends and consumer demand.

The Annual SACSC Research Conference, coordinated and hosted by the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC), is an event focusing on this evolution and what research and education is necessary in order to satisfy consumers throughout the country while growing the retail and shopping centre industry. Now in its seventh year, the SACSC Research Conference is renowned for enlightening those in attendance about current and upcoming trends, consumer needs and satisfaction as well as technology.

Chief Executive Officer for the SACSC Amanda Stops said the upcoming SACSC Research Conference had grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years and this year would be no exception. “This event was started in 2011 with the main objective of enhancing and satisfying the need for more information on up-to-date trends, technology and customer information with regards to retail and shopping centres.

At the conference, we have industry professionals, local and international, who share their ideas and suggestions at the conference and keep shopping centre professionals up-to-date with these trends,” she said.

This year, entrepreneur and founder of Project Isizwe, Alan Knott-Craig and Chief Executive Officer for Instant Grass International, Greg Potterton will be two of the many guest speakers who will present at the conference. Alan, the man behind the free WiFi network in Tshwane will touch on the importance of internet being a basic need and how it affects consumers. Greg will be presenting on what the millennials are spending on and what they are looking for in a shopping experience.

Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate is the official sponsor of the 2017 SACSC Research Conference. Nomzamo Radebe, CEO of JHI - part of Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate said she was absolutely thrilled to be a part of such a highly-regarded event. “We at Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate feel privileged to be sponsoring the event, as we are firm believers that research provides the relevant knowledge in achieving a good commercial basis for sound business strategies and promotes innovative thinking, which is crucial in retail today. The benefits of the conference are immediately obvious. 

Having a common platform for our industry to gain insight into ever changing shopper preferences, trends in technology and the retail market at large, ensures we remain at the forefront and deliver on these needs,” she added.

The conference takes place at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton on May 17, 2017. Those interested in the 2017 SACSC Research Conference can register on: https://sacsc-researchconference.co.za/application or visit www.sacsc.co.za or call +27 (0) 10 003 0228 for more information.