An ever-changing industry deserves a revolutionary platform of education. Thats just what youll find at the Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas, March 14-16. This years biggest industry conference includes new speakers, innovative seminar topics, a special opening session, a slate of first-time exhibitors and so much more. Heres a sampling of just a few of the ISS Expo happenings you should attend.
What: A View From the Top: Self-Storage Leaders Discuss Operational Challenges in 2012
When: Wednesday, March 14, 8-8:50 a.m.
Why you should attend: Ever wonder if the large operators face the same challenges as smaller ones? Learn how todays top operators grapple with concessions, lagging occupancy, online marketing, industry consolidation and more at this insightful opening session.
Led by Jim Chiswell, president of Chiswell & Associates LLC, the panelists represent more than 100 million square feet of storage space and nearly a million rental units. Participants include:
- Cris Burnam, President and Chief Operating Officer, StorageMart
- Daniel "Skip" Elefante, President, Platinum Storage Group and Storage Direct
- Jack Rogers, Vice President of Business Development, Sovran Self Storage Inc.
- Carol Shipley, Vice President of Third-Party Management, CubeSmart
- Jim Stevens, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Strategic Partnerships, Extra Space Storage
What: Owner Executive Workshop
When: Friday, March 16, 1-4:30 p.m.
Why you should attend: Regardless if youre a new self-storage owner or a veteran, getting a fresh perspective on ways to manage your operation for optimal performance is good practice. Bob Copper, president of Self Storage 101, will lend his expertise to show owners how to take their business to the next level. Hell delve into numerous topics including providing better staff training, tracking your marketing, creating the best curb appeal, and increasing your assets overall value. 
What: Legal Q&A
When: Wednesday, March 14, 3-3:50 p.m.
Why you should attend: Confused about lien sales, rental-agreement revisions or other legal aspects of running a self-storage business? Get your questions answered by Jeffrey Greenberger, a partner with Katz Greenberger & Norton LLP and one the industrys leading legal advisors. The one-hour Q&A will cover some of the most common self-storage legal questions on operators minds.
What: Finance Symposium
When: Thursday, March 15, 8-9:50 a.m.
Why you should attend: Whether youre looking to finance a new facility, buy an existing one or refinance your current loan, get informed about todays lending options at this information-packed session. Led by the top finance experts in the industry, the two-hour session is split into three mini sessions on the various types of financing available today, and even includes an open Q&A.
What: The Great Debate: Mass Media vs. Web Marketing in Self-Storage
When: Wednesday, March 14, 11-11:50 a.m.
Why you should attend: For months, self-storage operators have debated on the ISS website which marketing channels truly offer the best results. Each outletonline or mass mediahas its champions. Now theyll present their arguments in a live debate. A panel of industry operators and vendors will discuss the effectiveness of Web marketing vs. radio and TV advertising to drive rental activity. Learn more about these advertising mediums and how to determine whats best for your market.
For more details on the above ISS Expo offerings and all the seminars, workshops, peer-to-peer networking events, exhibitors and more, visit www.insideselfstorageworldexpo.com.
