Page 17 - RLI May 2019

EVENT REVIEW | rli connect globAl

CONNECTINg PEOPLE

ACROSS ThE PONd

The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, an iconic landmark in California played
host to the seventh RLI Connect global event on the 1-2 April, enhancing

RLI’s presence in the US whilst expanding its global footprint in association
with headline Partner Sands Retail and gold Sponsor grandscape.

os Angeles lies at the heart of Retailtainment and is a past perhaps location was the key topic and most important event was yet again a first class industry event. It continues to by a kick about on the famous pitch, with gourmet snacks and
perfect fit with the RLI Connect brand, with its added choice in the development of new retail projects, now it is all provide exposure to innovative concepts and the opportunity complimentary soft drinks, beer and wine adding much needed
focus on Retailtainment, giving that all-important about placemaking and delivering the best possible experience,” to network with relevant stakeholders and key decision makers.” refreshment. The day ended with an impressive flyover of four
Lopportunity to Connect, Explore and Develop those she continued “it was great to welcome new faces and connect Gold Sponsor for the second year was ‘Grandscape’, an fighter jets to everyone’s amazement... though I have to admit that
deals, and this years’ event did just that with its first foray into the entertainment concepts with investors and developers in such upcoming development in Texas, US being developed by wasn’t down to RLI, it was in fact a rehearsal for President Trump’s
US market. Entertainment is an integral part of the evolution of amazing surroundings, and the pre-arranged one to one meetings Nebraska Furniture Mart, a Berkshire Hathaway company. Jeff visit to LA on the 5 April for a fund raising event with high-dollar
today’s retail real estate, enhancing the were a first for the US market, a ground-breaking base to build Lind, President, said “RLI Connect continues to meet and exceed donors, nevertheless it gave a stylish end
“The RLI ConneCT GLobaL evenT was customer experience and boosting the upon in the future.” our expectations. The quality of attendees and superb organisation to the first day. “RLI ConneCT ConTInues To meeT
yeT aGaIn a fIRsT CLass IndusTRy attraction of shopping venues. The future of shopping centres will be more entertainment- that goes into this event makes it time well spent.” Returning on the morning of the and exCeed ouR expeCTaTIons.The
evenT. IT ConTInues To pRovIde Meetings over the two days focused oriented than the retail dominated centres of the past. Mall Global Partner MAPIC was once again in attendance, Neit second day, attendees once again got quaLITy of aTTendees and supeRb
exposuRe To InnovaTIve ConCepTs more on Leisure and Entertainment entertainment demand is growing and this year’s RLI Connect Nuñez, International Sales Manager, Reed Midem, commented, “It stuck into making new acquaintances and oRGanIzaTIon ThaT Goes InTo ThIs
the most of their meeting schedules, Mike
with investors and developers exploring
event succeeded once again in connecting innovative and
was a great three day event to network with the top players in
and The oppoRTunITy To neTwoRk this paradigm shift from everyday retail imaginative concepts with mall owners and developers to restore retail real estate. The format was excellent, which allowed me to Rielly, Managing Principal, SRS Partners said, evenT makes IT TIme weLL spenT.”
wITh ReLevanT sTakehoLdeRs to placemaking, transforming shopping the magic and the lure of the shopping experience to a consumer communicate with everyone attending. I was able to generate “After twenty-five years in the industry Jeff LInd
and key deCIsIon makeRs.” centres into world-class destinations landscape that is rapidly drifting away. new business with the pre-set meetings, the networking sessions and attending numerous conferences, I can president GRandsCape
RLI Connect Global once again delivered a focused forum for
by bringing the world of Retail and
and the evening cocktails. I will definitely attend again.”
honestly say that RLI Los Angeles 2019
TImoThy Jones Entertainment together under one roof networking and deal-making, providing an opportunity to do a Other Partners included Europa Property, Europe Real Estate, was one of the most professionally run and elegant events I have
senior vice president sands ReTaIL for the whole family to enjoy. year’s worth of deals in just two days. ‘Sands Retail’, part of Las We Are Pop Up and retailp.com. experienced. Jayne has such a deep reach across the globe and
Founder of RLI Connect, Jayne Rafter, Vegas Sands Corporation and a world leader in the development Day One of the event ended with the customary Networking an incredibly refined touch especially when it came to the Awards
says: “People’s perceptions of shopping centres have changed of integrated resort destinations continued their Headline Reception, only this time with a difference as attendees got a Dinner that was beyond impressive. I was just blown away!”
and what customers expect from their shopping experience Partnership for the seventh consecutive year. Timothy Jones, chance to unwind after a hectic day of meetings with a visit to the A great testament to our foray into the US…let’s see what
has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. Whereas in the Senior Vice President, commented, “The RLI Connect Global stadium’s museum housing the clubs iconic memorabilia followed the future brings!
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