I am a fairly new Manager at a facility in Mass and would like to attend an expo. I manage our only site with 365 units, and our budget is limited. Which conference would be more suitable for me to attend, as I will probably only be allowed one expo every few years. Thanks for any help on this matter!

I am no expert as I have only been in the business (manager) for a few years now, but I have attended both the SSA and ISS expos. Both were held in Las Vegas at different locations.

In my opinion the ISS is the only way to go. They are much better organized and I learned a lot more from the ISS Expo.

I will not be attending a SSA Expo again, unless they make a LOT of drastic changes to their organization (and offer me free attendance and hotel to make up the the last one!! )

Just my .02

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Wayne Docktor
Manager
All American Self Storage
Palmdale, CA.
webmast@all-americanselfstorage.com
www.all-americanselfstorage.com

Wendyrose

You should consider going to the Conference and Trade Show sponsored by the Massachusetts Self Storage Association. The program features Brad North and excellent speaker who will talk about Sales and Marketing. It is next week May 7 & 8 at the Springfield Sheraton in Springfield, MA. You can get details at: http://www.maselfstorage.org/coming.html

This show might not be too far away for you. Asking your owners to send you across the state might be easier then trying to convince them to send you to Las Vegas for three or four days. Being able to show them all the things that you learn and the networking that you can do with other owners and managers from across the State will help to build the case for sending you to an Expo.

MisterJim444

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Learning Never Ends

I thank you both for your comments. I did attend the Greater Northeastern Trade Show and Convention and I have to say that the seminar led my Brad North was the greatest experience I've had yet in the Self-Storage business. It was very informative, and I believe I learned quite a bit that will definitely help our business grow. Thanks again.

In another business I am in we have what are referred to as networking events/ round tables. Where part of the time you are listen to speakers on specific topics. Looking at demonstrations, and the rest of the time hanging out with other owners/operators and talking about whatever. (there is generally some alcohol involved too lol)
They are usually hosted by a specific owners in different regions of the US. And generally about 20-80 people go.

I imagine it would kind of be likened to the state associations here. Except Iowa doesn't have one any more lol. Maybe it is time to bring it back, but it was poorly attended and used previously.