ICSC/MECSC International School for Professional Development returns to Dubai

Last year's event set new records with over 115 enrolled participants from 15 countries, including Algeria, Bahrain, Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, UAE and Yemen.

As a result of their successful participation in the program, 5 MECSC members completed the ICSC Global Examinations in autumn of 2008 and achieved their respective designations as Certified Shopping Center Manager, Certified Leasing Specialist, Certified Marketing Director or Certified Development, Design and Construction Professional.

Highlighting the importance of this unique educational training program, Kim Redman, MECSC Regional Director, stated:

"Given the increased competition within the industry due to the growing number of existing and soon to be completed shopping malls in the region and the challenging effects of the current economic climate, Shopping Centre Professionals must now focus more than ever on how to market, lease and operate their centres successfully. Learning from seasoned industry experts and exchanging experiences with other industry peers will help participants to successfully cope with the challenging circumstances."

In five intensive days, the participants, consisting of Shopping Centre Managers, Marketing and Leasing professionals, will gain basic fundamentals and advanced knowledge to effectively manage the income and retail productivity of their shopping centres.

Besides offering a great learning experience the program also provides an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to network and build relationships with colleagues from across the region.

"The Retail Real Estate industry in the region has seen amazing developments in recent years, not only did the shopping centers multiply but they got bigger and better in every aspect with better merchandising mix, improved facilities, extraordinary attractions and enhanced marketing efforts. This calls for the need for more qualified and certified professionals that are well updated with the latest strategies and processes delivered by some of the world's finest experts in the field. This is an essential program for all Shopping Centre Professionals in all levels," comments Maher Al Shaer, President of the MECSC.

An outstanding group of experienced international and regional faculty will help participants gain insight into the best practices followed in international markets as well as learn from practical experiences that are dominant in this region.

Walter Kleinschmit, one of the founding members of the MECSC and a seasoned industry expert with more than 25 years of experience in the retail and development industry in the Middle East, points out the fact that professional development and training is of utmost significance in these times:

"Although the MECSC/ICSC shares many of the same financial challenges of the industry we are organised to serve, the commitment to provide top notch professional education options is not compromised. Once again we bring to Dubai, some of the most qualified members of the ICSC International faculty to share their experience with local retail real estate managers. If ever there was a time to invest in one's professional qualifications and improved capabilities and skills and expand one's network of professional resources, now is the time."

Celebrating its 10th edition in the Middle East this year, the event has grown to become the largest international School held outside the United States.