Live from ICSC!

TheInternational Council of Shopping Centersis hosting itslargest crowdsince the recession and Bisnowis in Las Vegas, bringing it to you live with some33,000CRE types joining in the 2013 Global Retail Real Estate Convention, known asRECon. Thousands gathered around the poolside at Bellagio Sunday afternoon (we tried to get all 30,000 in the picture, but a few brokers from El Paso kept looking the other way) to celebrate the kick-off of the event.

On the ICSC exhibit floor,WS Development SVP Michael McNaughton and leasing director Kerry Dowling tell us about giant Seaport Square that's had final designs and is in permitting for 2014 commencement--and for which they are already actively leasing. The Chestnut Hill-based developer owns 20M SF, largely in New England.

"Just give me the damn deal!" Maybe thats not what he said, but we did a double take when we saw former NFL stand-outKeyshawn Johnsondecked out in his ICSC RECon badge with the other32,999 folkson the grounds here in Las Vegas. We didnt get a chance to ask the ESPN sports analyst what his ICSC goals were, but we know that his company,Keyshawn Capital Development,focuses on CRE and development projects, includinginner-city revitalization efforts.

Dallas-basedRyan LLChelps reduce tax liability for real estate owners and likes to say it's one of the few companies that clientswant to get billsfrom, since they usually charge just based on success. We also like their motto: "Innovative Solutions toTaxing Problems."

This Orlando-based company builds pay-to-participate attractions likeroller coasters, wind tunnels, andFerris wheels. It's done 300, which cost anywhere from$1M to way more, like that "poler coaster" behind them that's being constructed 325 feet above Myrtle Beach. Tell them we sent you, and they said we get a big referral fee. Thank you in advance.

We should write a book called "The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Shoppers." Email [email protected]