Achieving greatness in any field requires relentless dedication, continuous learning and a commitment to excellence. In the self-storage industry, success also comes from mastering best practices, staying up to date on trends, and learning from the most experienced teachers.
Each year, the brightest minds in the business assemble on this stage: the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, which this year is taking place April 7-10 at Caesars Forum Conference Center in Las Vegas. In fact, a main attraction of this prestigious event is the education program. Spanning four days, it brings together industry owners, managers, investors and developers looking for a highly acclaimed experience with copious benefits.
Through expert-led seminars, workshops, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and more, you’ll gain valuable insight to industry trends and innovations. With its red carpet of thought leaders and show-stopping presentations, the ISS World Expo education program is a true showcase of industry excellence.
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The self-storage experts who teach our education program are like the Hollywood A-list. The lineup includes leading performers with decades of proven expertise and fresh faces introducing bold, groundbreaking ideas, all of whom are making an indelible mark on the industry. This dynamic blend of top talent guarantees you’ll gain a comprehensive and forward-thinking perspective on the current market landscape and future possibilities.
In fact, the “celebrity” lineup is a hallmark of the ISS World Expo. Our presenters’ stories of perseverance, innovation and triumph serve as both inspiration and guide. Their sessions are also a celebration of the industry’s rich history and a testament to the hard work of the characters who have shaped it.
The heart of the ISS World Expo is its robust seminar program, which shines a spotlight on the most critical aspects of the self-storage sector. From emerging trends to advanced technologies, day-to-day challenges to skills mastery, our 42 education sessions cover a range of topics relevant to today’s market.
This year’s blockbuster event includes six comprehensive seminar tracks on April 8 and 9, each offering seven 50-minute sessions. They are:
Building. Get an insider’s view of the development process. These courses focus on feasibility, construction management, scope of work, design and building codes, lighting retrofits, architecture and brand identity, and the relationship between form and function.
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Investing. Avoid missteps by staying informed. This track provides a foundation that’ll empower you to make sound financial decisions this year. Learn how to start your investment journey, loan types and terms, acquisition strategies, the power of investment partnerships, creative financing, and a playbook for the first 90 days of a new buy.
Management. Daily self-storage operation can be complex. If you’re the star of the “facility show,” this track is for you. It’ll help you sharpen your sales skills, optimize revenue, prevent delinquency, cultivate fresh revenue streams, avoid risk, improve your marketing, and maintain your facility, even if it’s partially or fully automated.
Ownership. Whether you’re a passive or active owner, it’s imperative to direct the business on the right path. This track explores third-party management options, strategies to compete with bigger companies, pricing, risk management, staffing, curb appeal and value, and brand development and recognition.
Technology. Advancements in this area are revolutionizing the industry. In these seminars, you’ll how to evaluate and implement tech tools, choose vendor partners, use artificial intelligence, build up your stack, bolster site security, and harness the power of your business data.
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Tomorrow. Get a peek into “Self-Storage: The Sequel” in this forward-thinking track. It begins with an expert panel of professionals who’ll discuss the future of the industry from all angles. This track then delves into next-gen customer desires, development sustainability, technology’s impact on investing, the rise of flex space, AI’s influence on marketing, and how to safeguard your business from legal risks.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth education experience, consider attending one or more of our eight half-day workshops. Held on April 7 and 10, this year’s four-hour sessions are:
Advanced Operations Workshop. Learn about the systems and strategies that are shaping the future self-storage operation. You’ll walk away with real-world, immediately actionable tactics to increase efficiency, elevate customer experience and drive revenue—without increasing overhead.
Development Workshop: Planning Phase. Before you can begin construction, you must complete the necessary legwork. Get an overview of the development climate, including statistics on building activity nationwide, plus insight to feasibility and site selection, assembling a support team, site design, and the zoning and approvals process.
Development Workshop: Building Phase. Once have land suitable for development, you need to maximize return on investment. Learn important building strategies for any type of project, including considerations for traditional and multi-story construction, conversions, and facility renovations and expansions.
Digital Marketing Workshop. Uncover the key elements of an effective online strategy. Learn how to audit your campaigns and improve them, marketing channels that deliver, search engine optimization and paid advertising, and ways to step up your social media game.
Intensive Legal Workshop. Sidestep legal blunders by attending this information-packed session. Hear about leases, lien sales, potential liabilities, legal trends and much more from a long-time industry attorney.
Investing Workshop: Buy vs. Build. It’s the question every investor faces, but choosing your path can be tricky. Get a summary of each course, the pros and cons, timelines, costs, potential hurdles, and more.
Management Mastery Workshop. The role of self-storage manager is evolving, so you must learn your script! Our presenters lay out the strategies and best practices for sales, service, security, site maintenance and all the other essential elements to ensure you earn rave reviews from tenants.
Remote Management Workshop. It’s an operations model that’s growing in popularity, but there are many parts to keep this ever evolving production. Explore the possibilities, do’s and don’ts, and required technology. Plus, hear real-world case studies.
In addition to learning from our lineup of super-star speakers, you’ll have the opportunity to glean knowledge from your peers by attending one of the five highly interactive, open-forum discussions. The Self-Storage Q&A Sessions will take place 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 9. These themed gatherings focus on Investing & Development, Management & Marketing, Technology & Innovation and International Business. Each will be led by two experts in the field, who’ll steer the conversation and share their own expertise.
From 4-6 p.m. on April 9, you can participate in the highly praised Legal Chat With Jeff Greenberger. Popular for its depth of insight as well as its entertainment value, this event is led by one of the self-storage industry’s most renowned attorneys. Take advantage of his decades of experience, no tickets necessary!
These quality exchanges of ideas foster creativity, helping you discover new solutions to the challenges you face in your business every day. You’ll also be informed about emerging trends and learn about key market shifts, ensuring you remain competitive and adaptable.
Participating in the ISS World Expo education program is like walking the red carpet of self-storage excellence. It’s your moment to shine, to showcase your commitment to growth and innovation. The sessions are designed to challenge your thinking and expand your horizons. You’ll leave the event feeling empowered, motivated and ready to take your career and business to stardom.
So, come to Las Vegas and gain the knowledge, skills and connections to thrive in a competitive market. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best, network with your peers and acquire the tools to excel. Visit issworldexpo.com to learn more about this year’s stellar education program and register. Then get ready for a show-stopping experience!
ISS Staff
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