In an age of incessant online shopping and socializing, face-to-face interaction and practical product assessment often fall by the wayside as people succumb to the convenience and immediate gratification of the Web. But in self-storage, theres still a place for the personal. Facility owners and managers seek opportunities to talk one-on-one with experts in the field, exchange ideas with peers, and get their hands on the products that make their businesses run smoother, better and more profitably.
The ultimate such experience is on the horizon as the Inside Self-Storage World Expo approaches, March 14-16, at the Paris Hotel & Resort and Las Vegas. The industrys largest networking, education and commerce event will provide attendees with the attention and resources they crave, including ample time to talk with authorities in every segment of the business and try out the latest product and service offerings. Whether theyre after insider tips, expert advice, peer support or live product demos, storage professionals will find what they need at the ISS Expo.
Excelling in Education
The shows foundation is its 30-plus seminar education program, built around the industrys most pressing needs. New this year is a Hot Picks track showcasing several of the industrys top concerns: manager compensation, online marketing, financing and rental delinquency. Other areas of focus include:
Facility management. A devoted education track as well as the Management and Legal Learning Live Workshops address key issues faced by todays facility operators. Topics include lien sales, rental agreements, insurance coverages, workplace conflict, manager training, facility maintenance and much more.
Marketing and sales. These skills reign supreme on every operators list as markets saturate, consumer dollars dwindle and competition comes to a head in many areas. Our dedicated marketing and sales track covers branding, how to create marketing materials, grassroots efforts, mystery shopping, closing techniques and others. Online marketing takes center stage with a new three-hour workshop presented by eMedia Strategist Eric Shanfelt and seminars such as Free Ways to Get Self-Storage Tenants Online.
Investing and building. Industry pundits predict recovery for the commercial markets, and investors are getting ready to wheel and deal. Those interested in buying, selling, developing, building or financing a self-storage project will get what they need in an insightful four-prong education track as well as the ever-popular Developers Seminar.
Questions Answered
Perhaps one of the best aspects of attending live industry events is the opportunities they afford for asking questionsand getting immediate answers. Though many industry professionals have found in outlet in online communities such as Self-Storage Talk, many still enjoy the intimate connection of face time, whether it be meeting a fellow manager over coffee, getting advice from a speaker after a seminar, or soliciting group input during a roundtable discussion.
This years ISS Expo includes the popular and favorite Self-Storage Q&A, an anything-goes open forum where attendees speak candidly about the challenges and victories of their businesses. Moderated by well-known experts Jim Chiswell and Mel Holsinger, the Q&A is open to everyone, and all industry-related questions are welcome.
Roundtable discussions, held immediately after the forum event, provide a venue for meeting in small groups to discuss a wide range of topics. Each table is lead by an expert in the field, but the floor is open to all who would like to share or get info.
The Tech You Need
Theres no question that technology is playing an increasing role in the operation of self-storage facilities, and yet some operators remain intimidated by the wealth of options. The expo provides a user-friendly, streamlined environment in which to explore, use and ask questions about the tech tools available today. Self-storage products include mobile devices, kiosks, call centers, feature-rich software, advanced security systems, call centers and others.
Our technology track of seminars includes two new and unique panel discussions. In Self-Storage Software and Security: Evaluating Options, Maximizing Products, experts and operators join together in a candid conversation about choosing and using packages, including pitfalls to avoid and how to get the most out of your purchases. Then in New Technological Tools: Automation, Sales and Operational Support, join the fun as our panel debates the tools available and how they can be used to maximize time and revenue.
Finally, dont miss the Technology Marketplace, a two-hour interactive practicum for investigating the industrys many choices in software, security equipment, online directories and more. Dozens of companies will participate. Many will offer live product demos.
Hot Shop Opps
The ISS exhibit hall represents the self-storage industrys largest assembly of quality vendors. Dont miss this opportunity to meet one-on-one with the people who design, develop, manufacture and build your most essential facility components. See these products and services in actiontouch and try your purchasing prospects first-hand. Heres a small sampling of what youll see on the show floor:
- Gates
- Keypads
- Cameras
- Doors
- Buildings
- Portable containers
- Locks
- Software
- Boxes
- Signage
- Rental trucks
Represented services include marketing, legal, insurance, accounting, payment processing, contracting, engineering, appraisal, real estate, financing and much more.
Accept No Substitute
While it can sometimes be nice to hide behind a computer, theres no substitute for the knowledge, information and connections to be gained from a live industry event. Dont miss the self-storage industrys largest conference and tradeshow. Come to the Paris Las Vegas during March 14-16 for the best education and interaction in the business. For details about the agenda including seminars, speakers, exhibitors and events, visit www.insideselfstorageworldexpo.com.
Get Your Discounts!
Its not too late to take advantage of show discountsbut you have to act fast! Register by Jan. 15 and take advantage of early-bird savings of up to $300. Missed the EB deadline? Never fear, the next tier of pre-registration discounts remains in place through March 11. Visit www.insideselfstorageworldexpo.com for details.
Book your room now and enjoy a great rate. The Paris Hotel & Resort delivers opulent amenities at an affordable price. Register by Feb. 18 and pay only $139 per night for single/double occupancy. To make reservations, call 877.603.4389 and mention the ISS Expo to secure the discount rate. To view hotel information, visit www.parislasvegas.com.
