Now in its eighth year, the event focuses on the trends, research and education necessary to satisfy consumers while nurturing the retail and shopping centre industry in South Africa.
Amanda Stops, chief executive officer for the SACSC, which coordinates and hosts the event, said the Research Conference has become the industry event that gives attendees an invaluable insight into the year’s perspective on retail and shopping centres.
“We have industry professionals, local and international, who share their ideas and suggestions at the conference and keep shopping centre professionals up-to-date with these trends. We started Research Conference in 2011 with the main objective of enhancing and satisfying the need for more information on trends, technology and customer information with regards to retail and shopping centres,” she said.
This year, attendees can look forward to presentations by:
• Kundayi Manzara, director of Sesfikile Capital
• Justice Malala, political commentator
• Lebo Motshegoa, managing director of Foshizi
• Dr Martyn Davies, managing director, Emerging Markets and Africa for Deloitte
• Moses Mushirivindi, centre manager for Excellerate Real Estate Services t/a JHI Properties
• John Ryan, retail analyst and journalist for Retail Week
• Margaret Constantaras, independent consultant for Research IQ
• Nikolay Dolgov, general manager, Point of Sales tracking for GFK SA
• Nicolet Pienaar, business group manager for GFK SA
• Steven Burnstone, CEO Eighty20 Consulting
• Ray de Villiers, futurist for TodayTomorrow Global
• Lebogang Mokubela, CEO of the Lemok Group
Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate is the official sponsor of the 2018 SACSC Research Conference. Nomzamo Radebe, CEO of JHI – part of Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate – said that they are excited to be sponsoring this event once again.
“The research results and information that is shared at the event equip us with valuable insights that can directly impact our success in this dynamic industry. At a time when consumer behavior is becoming increasingly difficult to predict and influence, and technology is developing at a rapid pace, it is imperative that we seek out information that empowers us. To be aware of developing trends and being able to adapt and respond to them proactively is how we can maintain our competitive edge,” commented Radebe.
