It's a beautiful time of year for travel, whether you're enjoying the change of seasons in the American states or venturing out to enjoy the culture of other countries. Germany just finished rejoicing in Oktoberfest. Last week, the people of Switzerland observed "Fight of the Queens," an annual contest in which Erdinger cows fight to be ruler of the herd. The Vegetarian Festival will begin soon in Thailand. And taking place right now in Brazil is the Círio de Nazaré, the largest festival on the River Amazon and the country's main shindig after Rios Carnaval. It seems like no matter where people live, it's a time for celebrations and voyages.
This is true for self-storage professionals as well. Fall is a busy time for folks in this business, particularly if you're interested in the global industry. If your eye is bent toward owning, operating or building facilities in mushrooming markets outside the U.S., then this autumn holds a cornucopia of opportunity for you. From a custom-tailored magazine to several international events, you'll have your pick of dishes from the learning table.
Today Inside Self-Storage released its 2013 International Digital Issue, designed to provide information to global investors, builders and operators. As we've assembled and written the content for this annual edition, we've been amazed to discover how the industry has blossomed in areas where it was already established and spread to new terrain. This year's publication includes articles about the growth, challenges and operation of self-storage on six continents. You can get more details and a free download from the comfort of your own desktop or mobile deviceno travel required.
But if you're down for taking a trip, there are several coming up that might entice:
Next week the Self-Storage Association of the United Kingdom and the Federation of European Self Storage Associations are joining forces to host the European Self Storage Conference and Tradeshow, Oct. 14 and 15. The event is taking place at the 200 Aldersgate etc.venues location, near St. Paul's and The Barbican in the heart of London. The program includes seminars and a tradeshow as well as several social events, including an evening dinner cruise down the River Thames and drinks at the Museum of London.
The Brazilian Self Storage Group (BSSG) will host its first tradeshow and education conference on Nov. 4-5 in São Paulo. The All Latin Trade Show will be held at the Secovi Convention Center and feature a series of presentations. In addition to tradeshow exhibits and education seminars scheduled for both days, a welcome cocktail reception will be held on Monday.
For Spanish-speaking owners and operators on the other side of the pond, La Asociación Española de Self Storage will host its annual conference in Barcelona on Nov. 14.
For many of you, travel funds may already be expunged for this year. That's OK. You can get through the winter holidays and then save up your energy for the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, March 31-April 2, 2014, at the Paris Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas. It's where facility owners, operators, managers, investors and builders from around the world gather to share notes, test new products and services, and make global connections. We're also planning an international track of seminars for the next show. Watch the website for details.
Are you attending any of the events mentioned above? If it's a pleasure trip, what are you most hoping to see/experience? If for business, what are you looking to learn? Please share your plans on the blog. Perhaps you'll connect with another reader from your intended destination! The world of self-storage is vast. Happy travels.