ICSC show was opportunity to show off Quad Cities mixed-use assets

Grow Quad Cities joined more than 25,000 commercial real estate and retail leaders at ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Las Vegas, held May 17–20. The annual gathering, one of the industry’s most influential deal‑making events, brought together over 1,000 exhibitors and featured expanded programming.

This year’s show aligned perfectly with Grow's new focus on mixed‑use and riverfront development across the Quad Cities. Over three days, the Grow team visited exhibitor booths, attended targeted sessions and introduced the Quad Cities to national developers.

“ICSC was an exciting opportunity to showcase the Quad Cities to national developers who may not have previously considered our region and to see their genuine interest in learning how we can partner to bring quality-of-place investment to the community,” said Tami Petsche, Vice President for Business Attraction at the Chamber. “These conversations are just the beginning of building the relationships that will help drive future investment and momentum in the Quad Cities.”

Petsche said the team generated dozens of leads at the show with the potential to support mixed-use development, including walkable lifestyle districts, integrated residential spaces over retail, experimental dining clusters and activated riverfront districts.

“Enhancing the quality of life in the Quad Cities makes us more competitive and attractive to people on the move, those relocating their businesses and to our own local residents,” said Peter Tokar III, President & CEO, Grow Quad Cities. “Attracting investment to build out our river fronts and key entertainment and lifestyle corridors will create dynamic spaces and places that drive more tourism and attract and retain more people in our region, creating a more sustainable ecosystem,” he added.

In addition to Grow team members, Quad Citizens in attendance at ICSC included local real estate brokers, Macerich Properties (owners of NorthPark Mall), developers and representatives from the City of Moline.