May 16, 2025 (Washington, DC) –The Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP), dedicated to fostering and enhancing economic growth and business opportunities in the District of Columbia, will attend the ICSC Las Vegas 2025 convention from May 18-20. Celebrating its 25th year at this premier retail real estate convention, WDCEP continues to play a crucial role in supporting retail and “retail-tainment” attraction.
With over 20,000 attendees from around the globe, ICSC Las Vegas offers WDCEP a unique platform to generate new leads, strengthen relationships with retailers and brokers, and position Washington DC as a prime market for retail investment and growth. By leveraging deep insights into the District’s economic landscape and collaborating with community partners, WDCEP aims to promote sustainable, equitable, and inclusive economic development that benefits all neighborhoods and communities.
“Over the last 25 years, the Partnership’s efforts at ICSC Las Vegas have resulted in more than 300 retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues choosing to open in the District, over 60 new grocery stores, and a 183% increase in taxable retail and restaurant industry sales,” said Derek Ford, President and CEO of WDCEP.
Engaging with local and national grocery chains to enhance the availability of fresh food options in Washington, DC is of particular importance to the Partnership. By fostering partnerships with grocers, WDCEP aims to attract more grocery stores to the District, ensuring that all neighborhoods have access to quality food sources. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support local communities and promote healthy eating habits among residents.
“National conferences like ICSC are important for the District to have a presence at and is part of our marketing and business attraction efforts,” said Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “This year, we will showcase DC on the main stage at ICSC and talk about Mayor Bowser’s Growth Agenda and the future of Washington, DC as a vibrant place to locate and do business.”
Key goals for WDCEP at ICSC Las Vegas 2025 include:
- Generating business leads for major development projects and enhancing DC’s neighborhood commercial corridors, and Downtown.
- Fostering business relationships and engaging with new prospects, including retailers and retail brokers, for future collaboration.
- Actively promoting the unique retail and restaurant opportunities available in our neighborhoods.
- Expanding the Washington, DC brand as a premier business environment and investment destination.
- Pursuing entertainment and family-friendly attractions to enhance the District’s appeal as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
The WDCEP booth will feature a suite of conference rooms with access to the District’s full real estate portfolio and site selection tools for all neighborhoods. Representatives from the Council of the District of Columbia, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, and economic development agencies will join WDCEP at the conference.
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About the Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP): The Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is a nonprofit, public-private partnership at the core of economic development in the U.S. capital, Washington, DC. WDCEP supports companies by providing site selection assistance, customized market research and community tours, and navigation of financial resources to support investment into Washington, DC.
Contact: Jez Kline, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, (202) 661-8693, jkline@wdcep.com
