2013 Part Two - Dubai and Onwards

After an incredible first half of the year, which culminated with our RLI Connect event and Global RLI Awards in London, you could be forgiven for thinking we would ease up on the accelerator; this is not the case here at the RLI offices. While people are using the summer months to recharge the batteries and take some personal time (myself included), we are working towards a massive September issue and the mammoth edition that will be the November issue of RLI.

Before this however I am heading to Dubai on Wednesday, and am very much looking forward to spending some time with the family and the sunshine, despite the heatwave in the UK I have missed most of it being in the office!!! It is not all play and relaxation on this trip however, as it presents a fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends and associates in the Emirates, and I have some important meetings planned whilst I am out there.

Back here at the office, we are in the process of putting the September issue together, whilst gearing up for the biggest issue of the year in November. which will once again be in all the delegate bags at MAPIC 2013, this huge 106 page issue will be full to the brim with articles, news, a preview of the MAPIC event, and lots of advertising space that is being taken quickly. To include your company in this pivotal issue get in touch at jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com or ring +44 (0)1706 212200

MAPIC, as the world's largest Retail Real Estate event, is a huge occasion for everyone in the industry, and this is no different for myself. As well as utilizing all the possibilities at the event, RLI is once again co-organising a special Conference session with Reed Midem for this year's MAPIC which takes place between the 13-15 November in Cannes. The session is entitled "Middle East Miracle" and it will examine how the Middle East has emerged as a key market for retailers across the world. Retail has become one of the fastest growing industries in the region for the past few years. The shopping centre industry in particular is experiencing unprecedented growth, and the Miracle of Dubai has caught the attention of the world's leading retailers, not forgetting the other Emirates now looking to replicate similar offerings. Not only that, in terms of investments and revenue generation, the Middle East is one of the world's most desirable retail environments made attractive by favourable government policy frameworks and active participation by the private sector.

Within this panel session, we will take a look at Entrepreneurship, challenges and opportunities in the region. This session is scheduled for Wednesday 13 November from 14:30 to 15:15.

MAPIC is not the only time I am holding a panel session in this flurry of events towards the end of the year. I will also be hosting a panel session at the India Retail Forum which takes place on the 25-26 September. This session is entitled "Making India the Next Big Player in Luxury Retail - Charming the Snakes and Scaling the Ladders". The session will allow luxury giants to share their perspectives on what they perceive of the Indian market, how to grow the luxury segment, and understand from the other retailers the peculiarities of the Indian consumer, and what they should do differently from what they have been doing. This session will take place on Wednesday 25 September from 14:15 to 15:30.

After my summer break to Dubai, the pace picks up again and the months leading up to Christmas will be a whirlwind of travel and exciting worldwide retail events. Before they all take place let me take this opportunity to brief you on the most important events on the retail calendar, and how RLI is involved in them.

BCSC Showcase - 11-12 September: -

The showcase is heading in an exciting new direction for 2013, taking place at the London Olympia it will be exactly what the delegates have asked for. This is the UK's largest business-to-business networking event for the retail and retail property industry.

RLI Involvement: Media Partner, magazine on show throughout the event


Retail Matchmaking Event 2013 - 25 September: -

Taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Zagreb, Croatia, Retail Matchmaking is Central Eastern Europe's deal-making event of the year. The event connects the dots between leasing professionals and global retail brands ready to expand throughout the region via pre-arranged meetings in one place on one day.

RLI Involvement: Global Media Partner, magazine on show throughout the event


India Retail Forum - 25-26 September: -

To be held at the Mumbai Renaissance Hotel, the IRF will be built around engaging topics such as retail brand building, retail real estate, reinventing the physical store experience, e-commerce, social media marketing, FDI in retail, the changing decision-making roles of the modern consumer and more...

RLI Involvement: Global Media Partner, magazine on show throughout the event and Panel Session


Expo Real - 7-9 October: -

Expo Real is an unmissable business platform for the international property sector, and for investors. Gathered together here in a single, compact forum are all the links in the value-added chain for the sector: from project development, finance and realization through to marketing, management and final use. The event takes place at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


World Retail Congress - 7-9 October: -

The 2013 World Retail Congress is your chance to engage with and learn from those steering the world's leading retail businesses. Recognised as the pre-eminent meeting place in the retail calendar, over the last six years the Congress has brought together over 6,200 of the industry's most influential business leaders and decision makers to challenge current thinking, unveil the latest innovations and shape the direction of retail. To be held at the CNIT La Défence Conference Centre in Paris.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


World Retail Congress Latin America - 31 October-1 November

World Retail Congress Latin America brings something totally new and unique to the market: a dedicated and premier CEO class strategic retail Congress to the Latin America markets. The exponential growth of the retail sector in Latin America means there is much interest in the dynamics of Latin American retail markets, the examination of the emerging trends, challenges and growth opportunities and best practice within key markets. This year's event will be held at the WTC Sheraton in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


World Retail Congress Africa - 4-6 November: -

World Retail Congress Africa 2013 is your chance to engage with and learn from those steering the Pan-African and world's leading retail businesses. It marks a step change for industry in the region - The African Retail Revolution Realised. This event is to be held at The Maslow in Johannesburg.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


MAPIC - 13-15 November: -

MAPIC is the key meeting point for retailers looking for partners, property developers and owners looking for retailers to enhance their sites. MAPIC delivers three days of tailored meetings, expert-led conferences and a premium exhibition for industry leaders targeting all types of retail property: city and shopping centres, factory outlets, leisure areas and transit zones. As usual, the event takes place at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

RLI Involvement: The magazine will be in all the delegate bags at the event, in the main hotels along the Croisette and in the Media racks in the Palais des Festivals, there will also be a Panel Session co-organised by RLI.


RECon Middle East  & North Africa - 24-26 November: -

The pre-eminent educational and networking conference for the shopping centre industry professionals, retailers and owners in the Middle East & North Africa, RECon MENA will take participants on a deep dive to what they need to know now, and in the future, to operate successful shopping centres, The 2013 event takes place in The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi in Dubai, UAE.


RLI Involvement: The magazine will be in all the delegate bags at the event and will be on show throughout. RLI will also be organising a panel session... details to follow!


RECon Asia Conference - 2-3 December: -

The conference program will feature an outstanding line-up of industry experts who will address a timely array of topics assessing the challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Exhibition will showcase developers, investors, retailers and product and service providers from Asia and abroad. The event takes place at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing.

RLI Involvement: Magazine on show throughout the event


As you can see from the list above the end of this year is going to be a hectic one, but each event offers different takes on world retail so it makes the travelling more than worthwhile, along with this all the networking opportunities it allows, as well as a chance to catch up with associates makes the trips an excellent investment.

First up though is a mainly relaxing holiday in the Dubai sun. I hope everyone enjoys their summer and any holidays or trips you may have planned.

See you on my travels...

In the Summertime...

Hi there, I hope you are enjoying some fine weather wherever you may be reading this. Here at the RLI office we are currently experiencing something of a heatwave outside our building, well, a heatwave by UK standards anyway!

I have gradually been finding my feet again over the last few weeks, and have had some time to digest the fantastic response we received from our inaugural RLI Connect event. Due to the overwhelming success and the amount of requests for an extension, I am pleased to announce that the World's First Global Retail & Leisure Property Deal-Making Forum will return next year and take place over two days on the 4 and 5 June 2014 at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club. We will also be holding this event alongside the highly anticipated ninth Global RLI Awards that will take place in the evening of the 5 June. This two day, two event spectacular is set to be the highlight of the networking calender, so make sure you do not miss out on either event, book a place at both events now by emailing jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com or by ringing +44 (0)1706 212200

The July/August issue of RLI has now hit CEO's desks worldwide, and we have a summer blockbuster of an issue for you to feast your eyes upon. There are features galore, an exciting cover story and an exceptional insight into retail from around the globe in our Voyager section. Add to this the latest news from across the world, a review of our RLI Connect event, an RLI special feature on Tourism and a Winner's brochure from our RLI Awards 2013, and you have an issue that as always is bursting to the seams with news, features and comments on world retail and leisure.

On top of everything else included, the July/August issue is only the second magazine where we have used a new style for the front cover. The main picture on the cover now spreads to the entire page, the title and information included on every cover is now simply incorporated around the main artwork. Here at RLI we think it is a subtle but noticeable change, we hope you all agree.

The cover story for this months issue focuses on Aedas International, and the worldwide success they are finding with the continued growth of its landmark retail and entertainment destination, Starlight Place. RLI spoke to Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas International, the Project Architect for Starlight Place in China, which recently won the Global RLI Award for International Retail & Leisure Destination 2013. For a preview of this excellent article go to www.rli.uk.com

In this issue we have a feature on the Netherlands-based lingerie specialist retailer Hunkemöller, which is currently experiencing a period of accelerated growth and expansion. As part of the article RLI sat down with the company's CEO Philip Mountford as he talks about the company's plans for the future, and how they intend to fulfil their aim to be the number one lingerie specialist throughout the world.

There is also a feature on Private Selection Hotels, who operate in six European countries and strive to ensure they maintain the highest possible standards of quality and service. RLI talks to the company's President Olaf Reinhardt to find out more about its successful growth and commitment to guest satisfaction.

There are more features throughout the magazine, but I cannot give away all the details of what really is a bumper issue! However, the features mentioned above are just the start of what is included in this July/August issue. Carrying on the Voyager section that has been included in the previous two issues of RLI, this edition zooms in on Africa and the retail market that is currently there and what is in store (excuse the pun) for the future.

Now that we have had time to reflect on our inaugural RLI Connect we have included a review of the day, explaining what happened on the day, what the advantages of this event are and what we have in store for next year to make even more deals take place under one roof. For more information visit www.rliconnect.com

Now, as this was a summer issue, we could not let it slide by without including The Global RLI Awards 2013 Winners brochure along with the magazine. This 52-page brochure has a section on each of the categories included on the awards, highlights the winners and portrays an evening of style and celebration through the photographs included. Preparation is already well underway for our ninth annual awards ceremony next year at the Natural History Museum in London.

Looking ahead, we have a fantastic September issue lined up, mentioned in the previous blog entitled Getting Back to Business. Also, the manic month that is November is drawing ever closer and with it will bring the biggest edition of RLI yet.

The future looks an exciting time for RLI, as we continue to build on the success of RLI Connect, as we look to bring our ninth annual awards to fruition and making it the must attend celebration of the year, and as always, we look to bring you month after month the best guide to global retail and leisure.

Till next time...

Getting Back to Business

June turned out to be quite a month for me and the RLI team. It kicked off with the launch of our inaugural RLI Connect event at Chelsea Football Club on the 5 June, and this was followed up on the 6 June with our annual Global RLI Awards Gala Dinner which took place at the Natural History Museum. As if that was not enough, as soon as the dust settled from these two highly successful events, I found myself back at the office working on the July/August issue of our magazine so that it was ready for print.

Now that the calendar has turned over to July, and the most recent issue of RLI has been put to bed (due out later this week), I can take a breather, get back to a semi-normal routine (that is my normal) and prepare myself for a fantastic few months starting in September. Who knows, I may even be able to squeeze some time in with my emails!

The summer months are one of the quieter periods of the year in the RLI office, although this certainly does not mean we will be grabbing an after lunch ice cream or having afternoon naps in the sunshine anytime soon.....

We have a whole host of changes planned here at RLI to implement over the summer. First off, work is well underway in the construction of the brand new RLI Connect site (due to launch any day now), so that we can start planning and booking people for the most highly anticipated networking event of 2014. Once this is up and running we are going to re-vamp our RLI website, making it easier and faster for you to find out all the essential retail and leisure news, along with top features and interviews from the most important people in the sector.

Alongside these changes work has started to make sure our September issue is bursting with exciting aspects, making you wish we had never been away. Already confirmed for the September issue are lead interviews with the UK high street retailer AllSaints and the world's largest cosmetics and beauty company, L'Oréal. On top of this, we will have an article on the world-renowned Genesis Colors and a special feature that focuses on Urban Regeneration, so be sure not to miss it.

Away from the magazine, September is going to be a great month for the industry, and I look forward to attending two massive events. First up is the BCSC Annual Showcase, which takes place at the London Olympia on the 11 and 12 September. This year promises to be better than ever with an exciting new direction and a global feel. The BCSC will welcome international investors and retailers looking for that key link to London, the world's retail capital. At this must attend event, I am pleased to announce that RLI - Retail & Leisure International will continue its partnership with BCSC, and has again been chosen to be a Media Partner at an event which will inspire and challenge attendees with an impressive collection of industry speakers from retail, development and public sector communities.

Following this star-studded event, the large events just keep on coming. Towards the end of September, on the 25 and 26, the annual India Retail Forum (IRF) takes place. Now in its tenth edition, this event will bring together more than 2,500 delegates, 175 distinguished speakers from around the world and 100 exhibitors of innovative products and services for the retail sector.

At this world-renowned event I have been given the opportunity to moderate a panel session. The topic is 'Making India the Next Big Player in Luxury Retail - Charming the Snakes and Scaling the Ladders' - Even while China has been hailed as the force du jour by the leisure industry, India is the next destination to watch out for with the luxury industry growing at 25 per cent and sales expected to touch $15 billion by 2015, nearly double of what they are today. Not surprising at all, given India's 81 million households which fall in the upper middle class and high-income bracket which surpasses the entire population of many Western nations. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Louis Vuitton's presence in India, which was the first luxury brand to set foot in the country. Luxury brands like Prada, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney and Christian Louboutin are already here, or making a beeline for India. The luxury giants at this session will share their perspectives on what they perceive of the Indian market, how to grow the luxury segment, and understand from the other retailers the peculiarities of the Indian consumer, and what they should do differently from what they have been doing.

If anyone is interested in being a part of this exciting topic and would like a seat on the panel, please get in touch at jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com

For the immediate future I look forward to spending some time with the family, getting back down to the day-to-day schedule and sorting out my schedule between now and Christmas, which is looking even more packed than last year. I say bring it on.....

For more information on both of the exciting events taking place in September, please see the links below: -

BCSC Preview
India Retail Forum Preview

For the eighth consecutive year, may I present to you, the Global RLI Awards

Following RLI Connect the previous day, I was quickly back on the work wagon as the 8th annual RLI Awards rolled around. For the sixth time in eight years the awards were held at the Natural History Museum. The evening celebrated everything revolutionary and visionary that the industry has to offer, with a guest list that included some of the biggest names in the sector.

I arrived at the venue a couple of hours before it all started to assist in the setting up and to do the final checks. The champagne reception quickly came around which gave people who met at RLI Connect a chance to catch up and for other people to become reacquainted before my opening speech and dinner.


After a fantastic four-course meal we settled down to the entertainment. 'Thriller Live' proved to be an exceptional spectacle, playing all the classic songs from the back catalogue of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. After a brief re-organizing of the stage we headed towards the main event.....

The Global RLI Awards 2013, and the winners were.....



Global RLI Award for Future Project 2013 - Sponsored by Location Group
The first award of the evening rewards the projects that are not yet under construction, judges considered architectural excellence, innovation in materials, equipment, new techniques and the positive impact that each development will have upon the community.

And the winner is, Yongsan International Business District, Seoul, South Korea

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Waterfront City Centre, Beirut

Global RLI Award for Omni-Channel Retailer 2013 - Sponsored by Moxie Software
This new award recognizes those retailers that demonstrate excellence and innovation in combining their bricks-and-mortar offering with dot.com channels, including the integration of all on-line and off-line channels, including mobile and catalogue shopping, to provide a seamless customer experience.

And the winner is, Dixons Retail

Global RLI Award for Most Innovative Retail & Leisure Concept 2013 - Sponsored by Sands Retail
The next award celebrates the most outstanding contribution to retail and leisure conceptualisation over the past year, this category rewards the company that has taken a brand and created an extraordinary experience for the customer.

And the winner is, KidZania, Cuicuilco

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Shinsegae Uijeongbu, South Korea

Global RLI Award for International Retail & Leisure Destination 2013 - Presented by McArthur + Company
For this category, judges will celebrate the most outstanding new international retail and leisure experience by awarding a special prize to the destination that has delivered the most customers, the best offering and the most dynamic approach to property development.

And the winner is, Starlight Place, Chongqing, China

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, The Star Vista, Singapore

Global RLI Award for International Shopping Centre 2013 - Sponsored by MK-Illumination
In this award judges looked for the contribution made by shopping centres in providing customer care, good presentation, maintenance and cleanliness, this award also paid particular attention to high levels of service, diversity of offer and design excellence.

And the winner is, Vincom Centre A Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Global RLI Award for Shopping Centre Renovation 2013 - Sponsored by Haskoll
The next award will be presented to the centre that demonstrated innovation in its renovation through architecture and design, how it has contributed to the overall regeneration of the town, city or area, its contribution to the local community and the steps it has taken to improve sustainability.

And the winner is, Plaza Singapura, Singapore

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Palm City Mersin Shopping

Global RLI Award for UK Retailer 2013 - Sponsored by ShopperTrak
This award honours a UK retail business that can truly be described as having had an exceptional year. Our judges will be looking for strong financial performance, in-store innovation and proven customer service.

And the winner is, Boux Avenue

Global RLI Award for International Retailer 2013 - Sponsored by TriGranit Management Corporation
For this award, there is the opportunity to honour the international retailer that has achieved great things in the past year. Judges looked for innovation, brand values and store innovation. Strong financial performance and a clear development strategy were also essential.

And the winner is, Asics

Global RLI Award for Emerging Market Retailer 2013 - Sponsored by UK Trade & Investment
In this award judges looked for a business that can demonstrate that they have a robust and growing retail format whilst examining the part it is playing in the development of the emerging economies.

And the winner is, Giordano International

Global RLI Award for Global Leisure Operator 2013 - Sponsored by Red Sea Mall
This award is a tribute to the international leisure operator that has shown the strongest performance, whilst offering the customer an innovative and exciting brand and maintaining global recognition.

And the winner is, Hard Rock International

Global RLI Award for Hospitality 2013 - Presented by Aerium
The number of restaurants, clubs and bars opening throughout the world is truly staggering and there is no shortage of choice. This new category, aims to reward quality, diversity and genuine global expansion. The nominee must be an operator with a minimum of six outlets and an international presence.

And the winner is, McDonald's Restaurants

Global RLI Award for Developer 2013 - Sponsored by Design International
This award is designed to highlight the best new retail and leisure schemes from the most successful and exciting development company of the last 12 months, with an emphasis on diversity, innovation and, of course, the 'wow' factor.

And the winner is, Capitamalls Asia

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, TriGranit Development Corporation

Global RLI Award for Designer 2013 - Presented by Spar European Shopping Centers
This award is a tribute to the designer that consistently and accurately delivers the value of a brand to both business and customers. Our judges have examined both the design process, its objective and, most importantly, the results.

And the winner is, Design International

Global RLI Award for Contractor 2013 - Presented by National Association of Shopfitters and Interior Contractors
The next award honours innovative and trail-blazing companies, this award acknowledges the importance of the contractor's role in the successful completion of any retail and leisure development. The judges have examined project portfolios, safety records and site presentation, amongst other factors.

And the winner is, ISG

Global RLI Award for Interior Excellence 2013 - Presented by Multi Development
This award acknowledges the importance of the shopfitter's role in the successful completion of any retail or leisure development. The award also recognizes the company's understanding of a client's needs, their contribution to the design process and their innovative use of the space and materials.

And the winner is, Burberry Flagship Store, Regent Street, London, UK

Competition was so fierce in this category that a Highly Commended Award was also presented, and this went to, Marina Home Interiors

Global RLI Award for Rising Star of the Year 2013 - Presented by ISG
The final award of  the evening recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit, achievements and long-term ambitions of smaller up-and-coming retail businesses.

And the winner is, Hotel Chocolat

As the evening came to a close after a spectacular awards ceremony and several photographs, you would be forgiven for thinking the night was coming to an end, what actually happened was that the real party was only just beginning. There was an after party for everyone who attended the awards at the exclusive champagne bar Babble, courtesy of our entertainment sponsor Novus Leisure. It was an excellent venue and allowed everyone a chance to unwind and do some very informal networking in a relaxed atmosphere.

As these two days of non-stop action come to a close, all that is left to say is that I cannot wait to do it all again bigger and better next year, so do not miss out.

To view some press that followed the awards, just follow the links below: -

http://news.kuwaittimes.net/giordano-wins-emerging-market-retailer-2013-award-the-leading-apparel-retailer-bested-many-retailers-from-across-the-globe/
http://designinternational.com/sites/default/files/design_international_is_designer_of_the_year.pdf
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?section=uaebusiness&xfile=data/uaebusiness/2013/june/uaebusiness_june320.xml

I'll be back soon, till next time.....   

Months of planning put into action.....

Hello there!!! My apologies for being MIA so long, how is everyone? The last few months have been a complete whirlwind, travelling all over and organizing our RLI Connect and RLI Awards events back-to-back, not that I would have it any other way. However now that I can draw breath, I can catch you up on all things RLI.

The 5th June saw the launch of RLI Connect, The World's First Global Retail and Leisure Property Deal-Making Forum. The idea for this event is something I have had in my mind for years, to bring together key global retail and leisure decision makers and put them together under one roof, and let the deals get done in person without all the informal emails and layers of phone transfers. I would like to thank our
Headline Sponsor Sands Retail and Silver Sponsor Red Sea Mall for their invaluable Support.

Held alongside our annual RLI Awards on the 6th June at the Natural History Museum, London, the RLI Connect event took place at Chelsea Football Stadium the day before, and what a day it was.....

Having travelled down to London the day before to set-up, me and my colleagues arrived at the venue early to do last minute checks and to greet the early risers. From the moment the doors opened people turned up in their droves and it was an excellent sign of things to come. Fuelled by three courses of buffet food and drink at varying points in the day, people set about to do what they had come for, to create contacts, have meetings and make deals happen! With the creation of our online database well in advance of the event, people turned up knowing exactly who they were going to see, knowing who they wanted to meet and knowing they were being given the opportunity to network in a focused, high-energy environment with the top players in the retail and leisure industry. There was a fantastic turnout for the event, and we even got people turning up on the day who were interested in participating in this unique forum.

We finished the event with a cocktail party (how else?) in the early evening in the main RLI Networking Lounge at the venue, of course this over ran and before we knew it we were being gently persuaded to clear up and get out! Almost all the people who attended during the day made an appearance at the cocktail party to relax and network in a more tranquil setting than the scene had been earlier. This was also a chance to gain some perspective on how others had found the event, and we have had some amazing feedback from participants, some of which are listed below: -

"RLI Connect provided a fabulous platform for retailers and property owners to connect in a positive forum and in a way not offered by other events. Our headline sponsorship derived us great value and we look forward to our continuing association with Jayne and her team for years to come." - David Sylvester - Senior Vice President - Sands Retail (Headline Sponsor)

"RLI Connect 2013 was a great networking platform for me to meet others and share information between retailers and developers. I think it is a must for everyone in the industry to attend" - Mohammad I.B. Alawi - CEO - Red Sea Mall (Silver Sponsor)

"RLI Connect is a useful event in terms of meeting the key stakeholders for new business ventures..... I am sure it will be one of the main events in the Global Retail Events calendar." - Derihon Coquard - International Business Development Manager - George

"RLI Connect was a great forum to network and meet up with fellow retailers, shopping mall developers, service providers and consultants." - Ishwar Chugani - Managing Director - Giordano

"A well organised, concentrated event providing exposure to numerous quality international contacts in just one day" - David Hyde - Group Sales and Marketing Director - AMS Group

"This is an event that we would recommend to any shopping mall, property developer or retail brand to help them crystallise their thinking as to the most practical and profitable ways to move forward." - Roy Seaman - Managing Director - Franchise Development Services

"Jayne put together an absolutely flawless event, it allowed our organisation to have very strategic meetings with retailers looking at expansion into the middle eastern region. Extremely productive and well planned" - Ritu Chopra - Director - Retail Leasing & Client Relations - McArthur & Company

"For a first event, all I can say is that this was amongst the best retail events I have participated in. Everything was well thought out and organised so that we could make the most of the day. Also in terms of networking it was impressive, so we can't wait for the next one" - Filipe Correia - Expansion Director - Parfois

"Both the RLI Connect and the Global RLI Awards events were simply amazing. I made some fantastic contacts as well as some prospective deals..... RLI is a great platform for global retail on all levels." - Steven Wolfson - International Franchise Director - NYS Collection

"RLI Connect was a great success for Haskoll, we got to see a number of people that have eluded us for some time, including a Chinese developer, worth every minute of the whole day's event. Must do it again" - Derek Barker - Managing Director - Haskoll

"This is a great platform to network and do business. We definitely got some great leads." - Hiro Harjani - Chairman - Aftershock London

"All the premium attendees of the over-sized conferences in an intimate environment and all there to do real business" - Andrew Darrow - Executive Vice-President - KidZania

"Intend to take more people next year..... A very successful "first" for RLI with a number of interesting retailers and mall owners/developers from around the globe" - John Strachan - Partner, Global Head of Retail - Cushman & Wakefield

"Great network platform, high class contacts, enough time, good buffet, good location." - Bastian Jendral - Founder/Director - Delice Delikatessen

"Good networking event that allows you to access key decision makers" - Roger Williams - Head of International - Hotel Chocolat

"RLI Connect is a great market place for expanding global retailers to meet landlords and real estate support services" - Ermine Amies - Business Development, Europe - Local Gravity

"RLI Connect was a great event, there was private meeting rooms, a central meeting point and there was friendly and helpful support" - Helen Barnish - Head of International Development - Hamleys

"I was impressed by the spirit of the event, it was a stress-free environment which allowed people to socialize easily and simply, something obvious like this can often be over-looked" - Eric Portelli - Development Director Europe - Carmen Steffens 

"A great event and very well put together - well done! I particularly liked the meeting rooms that gave privacy and allowed for in-depth conversations. I also liked the fact that you introduced us to people that we did not know" - Mohamediqbal Yacoobali - CEO - Dune International

"The RLI Connect Deal-Making Forum was well organized and the pre-arranged meetings went ahead flawlessly. There was a buzz around the event and Jayne made sure that every delegate was looked after. I will certainly be present at her future events." - Khurshid Vakil - CO-Founder - Marina Home Interiors

"The who's who in international retail were present in one room, was a great opportunity to have face time without the need of travelling" - Mark Eve - Director - Global Retail Forum

"RLI Connect was a great experience and I can't wait to join next year" - Roberto Di Giorgio - President - Campo Marzio

"It was a pleasure to attend RLI Connect held recently at Chelsea Football Club. The organisation of the event was superb and all the small details were handled with grace and professionalism. Our meetings were not only interesting but highly productive. We will definitely be back for RLI Connect 2014." - Phil McArthur - Managing Director - McArthur + Company

"An event like this is the best possible option to bring together people from all over the world to have productive meetings about retail business. Without taking part in RLI Connect, it would have taken us years to find and contact these companies." - Gregor Garbajs - Manager - Maya Maya

"Yet another great event by RLI" - Michael Ellis - Partner - 5+design

"I appreciated that the number of operators was limited to the best players in the real-estate market" - Paola Macchi - Real Estate Director - Dolce & Gabbana

"RLI Connect proved to be a very beneficial event for Yours Clothing. Being able to discuss opportunities with members of UKTI, international landlords and developers as well as being able to network with other retailers and colleagues made this first event one to remember. Certainly an event to attend for 2014!" - Richard Aquilina - International Consultant - Yours Clothing

"Great forum to get your brand exposed to the international real estate community. Makes for excellent networking" - Daniel Spinath - CEO - Crepeaffaire

"Great venue, very professional and the RLI team did a splendid job on the day. The event was worthwhile, interesting and useful on many levels" - Simon Taylor - Head of International Franchise - New Look

"It was a great, well-organised event in a central location. For us, the difference from other events we attend was the opportunity to meet a wide range of new faces, from the retail, catering and leisure world - facilitated through Jayne's connections - putting us in touch with people we hadn't met before. We will certainly attend next year." - Helen Carr - Senior Manager, Leasing - intu Properties

"It was a pleasure to attend the RLI Connect event. The event was very organised and it was easy to use the meeting rooms which were very private and that made it easy to have one on one meetings. I found it very interesting and will most likely tie up a very good business deal over the next month so it was definitely worth it." - Armand Grech - Director - Square Deal

"It was a great event to meet with potential business partners. I particularly liked the private areas to conduct meetings and the two general mingling areas" - Bernard Smith - Head of Franchise - Laura Ashley

"Was a great event and I found it very useful, I look forward to the next one" - Naresh Abrol - Managing Director - Internacionale

"Overall it was a great event and very worthwhile going to, the ease of meeting all of the mall developers and representatives in one place on one day was a particularly good feature." - Cathal Power - CEO - Zumo

Looking ahead, we will also be taking on board the positive comments made to make sure we include these elements again next year, but with a fresh spin, and to act on the possibilities for improvement brought to our attention here at RLI. We already have several ideas we are looking forward to implementing at the second RLI Connect, such as providing an improved online meeting system to give users an even better chance of concluding deals on the day, which is what this event is all about.

After what was an exhausting but extremely productive day, I think everyone (myself included) was grateful to collapse into their beds for some much needed rest before another huge day, and the eighth annual RLI Awards.

   
 

     

 

 

 

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is an Integrated Resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore, developed by Las Vegas Sands., it is billed as the most expensive stand-alone integrated resort property ever built. The Resort features a 2,561-room hotel, a 1,300,000-square-foot (120,000 m2) convention-exhibition centre, the 800,000-square-foot (74,000 m2) The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, two large theatres, seven "celebrity chef" restaurants, two floating Crystal Pavilions, an ice skating rink, and the world's largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines. The complex is topped by a 340m-long SkyPark with a capacity of 3,900 people and a 150m infinity swimming pool, set on top of the world's largest public cantilevered platform, which overhangs the north tower.

 The Art Science Museum is constructed next to the three blocks and has the shape of a lotus. Its roof will be retractable, providing a waterfall through the roof of collected rainwater when closed in the day and with laser shows when opened at night. In front of the Event Plaza is the Wonder Full show, a light and water spectacular that is the largest in Southeast Asia.

My favourite as a shopaholic…The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands which boast close to 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 m2) of retail space with over 300 stores and F&B outlets, including numerous luxury duplexes for boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Cartier and Prada. Other luxury stores include Gucci, Hermès, Emporio Armani, Chopard, REDValentino, Dior, Dunhill, Vertu, Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo,Montblanc, Blancpain, an Hermès Watch Boutique, and Herve Leger.

A canal runs through the length of the Shoppes, in the same style as the Venetian in Las Vegas.  There are also Celebrity Chef Restaurants – Cut (by Wolfgang Puck), Waku Ghin (by Tetsuya Wakuda), Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza (by Mario Batali), Guy Savoy (by Guy Savoy), DB Bistro Moderne (by Daniel Boulud).

An Iconic centrepiece lies in the form of a crystal Pavilion which houses the world's largest Louis Vuitton boutique, in addition to being on a floating island, at 20,000 square feet, it is connected to part of the boutique in the Shoppes via an underwater tunnel. There is also a Grand Theatre and ice-skating rink.

To find out more visit marinabaysands.com