BCSC president John Bullough said that, as at the beginning of October, more than 1,800 registrations had been received, more than ever before at a similar stage. This reflects the growing maturity of the event. After all, it was only two years ago, when the BCSC went to Belfast, that visitor numbers broke the 2,000 barrier.

The venue for the event, which takes place from November 5 to 7, is the spectacular Sage Gateshead, on the south bank of the Tyne.

This year the conference sessions will focus on how the shopping centre industry impacts on people and their lives, and the potentially positive impact that the retail industry can have on communities.

BCSC President John Bullough says: "The 2007 Conference theme 'Impact' dovetails perfectly with our organisation's ongoing focus on sustainability and social engagement. Retail destinations across the UK play a major role in the economic and social success of their respective communities. This conference will seek to shape the debate on our industry's impact on community, environment, education, employment and the consumer."

And conference chairman Peter Drummond, chief executive of BDP, is confident that the content will match these aspirations. "This year's event is sure to push the boundaries in terms of the number and range of delegates and exhibitors taking part, as well as the quality and profile of our speakers," he forecasts.

A varied line-up of speakers will investigate the impact of the ever-changing retail landscape on the economy, the community and the environment - both in the UK and worldwide. Keynote speakers at the 2007 conference will include athlete, politician and chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Games Lord Coe; musician, activist and entrepreneur Sir Bob Geldof; and the global explorer Pen Hadow.

And giving an industry perspective will be Julia Cleverdon, chief executive of Business in the Community; Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of fashion label Red or Dead; Chris Sanderson, co-founder of The Future Laboratory; Patrick Hanly, commercial director of Harvey Nichols; Ben Page, director of MORI Social Reserarch Institute; and John Bucksbaum, chief executive of General Growth Properties and past chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Three sponsors are supporting the event, with Grosvenor sponsoring the conference itself; Multi Development Corporation sponsoring the Showcase; and Multiplex the social events programme.

BCSC chief executive Michael Green concludes: "The BCSC Conference is the premier networking event for the retail property industry and we are delighted to be bringing it to NewcastleGateshead for the first time."

Conference programme

Day One: Monday November 5

0900 Golf competition at Slaley Hall, Hexham

1030 Study tours to Newcastle and Gateshead

1500 - 2100 Registration in The Sage, Gateshead

1730 - 2100 Welcome party in the Showcase, The Sage

2130 - 2330 BCSC Comedy Store, The Sage

Day Two: Tuesday November 6

0800 Registration in The Sage, Gateshead

0900 Conference sessions begin

Opening from BCSC president John Bullough, chief operating officer, Aldar; introduction to conference facilitators - Paul Finch of CABE and Fiona Trott of BBC North East - by the conference chairman Peter Drummond, chief executive of Building Design Partnership.

Welcome by Sir John Hall

Pen Hadow, polar explorer, Christopher Sanderson, creative director, Viewpoint and co-founder, The Future Laboratory

1040 Morning refreshments in the Showcase

1140 Julia Cleverdon, chief executive, Business in the Community

Patrick Hanly, commercial director, Harvey Nichols, Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games

1315 Close of conference sessions. Lunch and afternoon networking in the Showcase

1730 - 1830 Cocktail hour in the Showcase

1900 Exhibition closes

Day Three: Wednesday November 7

0830 Registration in The Sage

0930 Opening and welcome by the facilitators Wayne Hemingway, Ben Page, chairman MORI Social Research Institute and managing director, Ipsos MORI Public Affairs

1055 Morning refreshments in the Showcase

1135 John Bucksbaum, chief executive, General Growth Properties

Sir Bob Geldof

1315 Close of conference sessions, lunch and afternoon networking in the Showcase

1600 Showcase closes

1930 Survivors' party at Tiger Tiger

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