ICSC President and CEO Tom McGee announced the decision in a letter emailed to the association’s members on Wednesday. He wrote: “As we weigh the prospect of scheduling future live events, we are guided by the action and direction of the CDC and local and national authorities, while also considering input from our members. After much deliberation and consultation with our Chair, Vice Chair and Executive Board, it is with disappointment that we have determined RECon as well as other ICSC events that were scheduled to take place before August 15, 2020, will not be held this year.”

Registrants and exhibitors have the option to receive refunds or roll over registrations and/or exhibitor fees to the same event in 2021. ICSC previously announced a complimentary year of membership to members who have become unemployed and whose membership is due to expire before July 31, 2020, and the association extended all current memberships by three months.

ICSC plans to hold:

• Florida Conference & Deal Making, Aug. 30-Sept. 1
• Canadian Conference & Deal Making, Sept. 21-23
• Chicago Deal Making, Oct. 7
• U.S. Law Conference, Oct. 14-16
• Western Conference & Deal Making, Oct. 21-22
• Southeast Conference & Deal Making, Oct. 28-30
• CenterBuild Conference, Dec. 1-4
• New York Deal Making, Dec. 8-10
• ​Whistler Conference & Deal Making, Jan. 24-26.

McGee noted that these plans are subject to change pending the COVID-19 pandemic.

ICSC’s Annual Meeting of Members and the approval of the new board of trustees, chair and vice chair, which normally occur at RECon, will be scheduled for the New York Deal Making conference in December. Current officers and trustees will remain in place until then.

ICSC has launched ICSC Connect Virtual Series, a twice-weekly schedule of business insights and professional learning content; has increased the frequency of its SCT Week newsletter; and has launched a Coronavirus Resource Center with updates on advocacy efforts, as well as information for small businesses, for midsize and large businesses and for individuals and families.

On May 4, the association will launch a virtual community where members can have industry discussions and share best practices.

McGee wrote: “This is an unprecedented time in our history and one that has the potential to shape many aspects of our daily and professional lives going forward. ICSC remains committed to connecting the industry and helping our members navigate these uncharted waters. While we are saddened by the necessary changes in our event schedule, we look forward to serving you in new and unique ways.”

Read McGee’s full letter here.