Rob Langrell

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 | 11:44 a.m.

The largest retail real estate conference in the world is coming to town next week.

More than 25,000 shopping center professionals from around the world will converge on Las Vegas for RECon — The Global Retail Real Estate Convention. The International Council of Shopping Centers holds its spring convention annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and this year, it runs May 17-20.

RECon gives the world’s top shopping center owners and developers, financial companies, brokers, retailers and public sector companies the opportunity to network, discuss strategies and, simply, do business. More than 1,800 exhibitors will set up across about 2 million square feet in the trade exposition and leasing mall.

Plus, there will be about 150 exhibitors in the “Green Zone” this year. That area focuses on the growing trend of sustainability.

Attendees will have plenty of deal-making opportunities, as well as the chance to shop for the latest products and services and attend educational sessions taught by industry experts.

For more information on the convention, visit www.icsc.org.

This edition of CRE places a focus on the state of the retail industry in Southern Nevada. You’ll get updates on projects that have opened during the past year, such as Town Square, The Shoppes at The Palazzo and the retail aspects of Encore and Wynn.

Additionally, you’ll get a sneak peak at some of the latest retail developments planned here. You’ll find stories about Tivoli Village at Queensridge, Fontainebleau and Crystals at CityCenter.

Check out our popular “Realty Check” columns, too. This is where we showcase the viewpoints of some of the top real estate experts in the city. If you are looking for insight from some of the industry’s top local names, you can find it here.

Enjoy learning about the future of the retail market in the Las Vegas Valley. We have some of the world’s greatest shopping centers right here in our backyard. Join the people worldwide who already know it’s a great place to shop.