More than 20,000 commercial real estate industry professionals and service providers are preparing to head to Las Vegas for RECon 2009, the International Council of Shopping Centers' (ICSC) Annual Spring Convention, which starts this Sunday, May 17th, and runs through Wednesday, May 20th. In addition to offering "deal-making" resources for your use in today's CoStar Advisor, CoStar Group will also have a major presence at the convention, exhibiting its substantial platform of commercial real estate information and marketing services -- be sure to visit us at Booth # 1014 in the South Hall, Section S1. According to ICSC's current attendee list, more than 8,400 retail leasing agents will be present at RECon this year in search of opportunities to lease both new and existing retail space. In this article, we highlight some of the major tenants exhibiting at the conference that are actively seeking retail space to lease. To download our guide (excel spreadsheet format) to potential tenants with booths at RECon that includes tenants' growth plans and typical square footage requirements, click here. This year's retail tenant exhibitor roster (located in the South Hall, primarily section S4) outlines a definite trend in the retail commercial real estate marketplace. The hall is overwhelmingly comprised of tenants that fall under the discount / affordable retail and dining categories -- they include both well-established and emerging names in segments including warehouse clubs, closeout stores, dollar stores, discount department stores, affordable apparel, check cashing, thrift stores, pawn shops, discount grocery, affordable hair salons, quick service restaurants, and diner-style casual restaurants. Alternative tenant types are also well represented, including a couple fitness center operators, childcare center concepts, indoor entertainment concepts, and seasonal / temporary tenants. Necessity-based tenants, such as grocery stores, gas / convenience stores, and drug stores make up the remainder, along with one or two retailers in the home improvement, pet supply, sporting goods, media, pack/ship, and auto supply/repair categories.