Cushman & Wakefield Waterloo Region Insights

Bringing ICSC@WHISTLER’s Real Estate Insights Back to Waterloo Region

Some members of our team of realtors recently had the incredible opportunity to attend ICSC@WHISTLER, a premier real estate conference held from January 26-28, 2025, at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Whistler. This event brought together some of the most innovative minds in the commercial and retail real estate industry, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, insightful discussions, and forward-thinking strategies that will help shape the future of marketplaces across North America.

What We Learned at ICSC@WHISTLER

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panels, including a fireside chat with Adrian Rocca from Fitzrovia and Katie Henley from the City of Markham, where they explored the evolving landscape of urban development and mixed-use communities. Another highlight was the “Housing Crisis 101” discussion with Carolyn Whitzman, which provided valuable perspectives on housing affordability, sustainable development, and strategies to meet growing demand.

Beyond the sessions, our team engaged in meaningful conversations with industry leaders, gaining insights into market trends, investment opportunities, and best practices in commercial real estate. With the rapid evolution of retail and urban spaces, discussions on placemaking, innovation in leasing strategies, and the future of brick-and-mortar spaces were particularly valuable.

What This Means for Waterloo Region

Returning from Whistler, our team is energized and equipped with new expertise that will directly impact our approach to real estate in Waterloo Region. The key takeaways from this conference will allow us to:

  • Elevate our client services – By integrating the latest market insights, we can provide even more strategic advice to our buyers, sellers, and investors.
  • Enhance community-focused development – Understanding how retail and commercial spaces are evolving helps us guide our clients in creating vibrant, sustainable developments.
  • Implement innovative marketing strategies – With a deep dive into new leasing and sales trends, we are better prepared to market properties effectively in today’s competitive landscape.
  • Strengthen our industry connections – The relationships built at ICSC@WHISTLER open new doors for collaboration, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

We are excited to bring these insights home and continue raising the bar for real estate in Waterloo Region. Whether you’re looking to invest, develop, or find your next home, our team is ready with fresh expertise and an unwavering passion for helping our clients succeed.

Stay tuned as we put our learnings into action! If you have any questions about what’s next in real estate or want to discuss your property goals, reach out—we’d love to connect.