In March 2017, Ceetrus Romania (former Immochan) organized the Retail United conference, which took place in Brasov. The event had the motto “Together we grow communities”, and the talks focused on how future cities should be: sustainable, smart and animated. Mayor Ioan Popa represented Reşiţa as the main speaker of the event.

The conference brought together more than 200 public and private participants and over 17 international speakers, including Dragos Bucurenci (Communication Strategist Khastalia Consulting), Caroline Fernolend (Director of Mihai Eminescu Trust Foundation), Francoise Pamfil (architect and editor-in-chief of Igloo Magazine), Marina Neagu (Urban Economist and Managing Partner, MKBT: Make Better), Nicolae Moldovan (City Manager Alba Iulia).

Mayor Ioan Popa was the surprise “keynote” of the event. He spoke about the urban regeneration process he is coordinating, with an emphasis on the Mociur – Valea Ţerovei area, and also on the importance of a proactive municipality in supporting the functional reconversion of industrial sites through public and private investments.