For the past few weeks, my son has been working diligently on a school project. His Language Arts teacher has created an elaborate getting ready for college assignment that requires him to truly think about his future. Considering colleges and careers is a daunting task for a class of 17 year olds. To help ease them into the process, the teacher created a multi-step approach, with the first step just considering what career they might like. Other steps include considering which colleges meet their needs, and learning how to use the Internet to find potential scholarships.
As adults, we may already know what we want to be when we grow up, but the learning process and professional and personal growth really never stops. So while we may not be considering colleges, we are assessing where we are and where we want to be.
Theres no better place to explore and learn than the industrys biggest show of the year, the Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas. The show, March 14-16, will feature a number of learning opportunities for self-storage operators, managers and investors. First, there are four education tracks, covering everything from online marketing and handling lien sales to solar panels and the new SBA loans. If you havent already registered, act quickly because early registration closes March 11.
But the education seminars arent the only place to learn. The exhibitor hall will be packed with nearly 150 self-storage vendors. Why not use this opportunity to ask questions and learn from their years of experience. Yes, the vendors are there to meet customers, but its not a used-car lot. These men and women genuinely enjoy this industry and are pleased to share their wealth of knowledge. Just ask.
The show also has several networking events, all wonderful opportunities for you to meet with other self-storage operators. The popularity of the ISS forum Self-Storage Talk has proven industry folks like to learn from one another.
The best event for peer interaction is the Self-Storage Q&A following the first day of seminars. If youve never attended this event youre in for a treat. The interactive event is led by our hosts, Mel Holsinger and Jim Chiswell, both industry veterans and just all-around witty guys. The Q&A is a chance to ask a roomful of industry people your most pressing questions. Topics at past shows run the gamut from dealing with abandoned vehicles to writing a solid rental agreement. No doubt a hot topic at this years even will be Storage Wars and auctions. Plus, well have some really great prizes.
You may be beyond the college years, but why stop learning? Take this opportunity to learn something, discover a new product or service, or simply meet new people. Get all the details on the show, speakers, networking events, workshops and exhibitors at www.insideselfstorageworldexpo.com. We hope you can join us.