Lost in the Woods
My very first TSSA convention was in 2002 in San Antonio. I had spent months researching the self-storage industry and was convinced that it was a sound investment and a good move but I wanted more evidence. I’m not sure why I hadn’t run across the TSSA website (TMSA at the time) but for some reason, I didn’t find it until just a few days before convention started!
The Early Bird Pricing had long expired, and I was looking at paying the full non-member rate for the registration. I scanned the educational offerings and thanked my lucky stars for steering me to this site! I signed up on the spot.
With just days to go before convention started, I ended up in one of the outlying hotels. Luckily, TSSA had set up shuttle service from the various hotels, and getting to the convention center was never a problem.
Memories of the rest of the experience are a little blurry now that seven years have passed, but a few things still resonate when I think back. I remember the excitement I felt when I walked into the registration area and saw the throngs of people gathering there — all of them interested in the self-storage business! I remember meeting Emily Mathews for the first time and her winning me over when she offered the member rate – if I promised to join within 30 days of the convention.
I also remember the frustration I felt, beforehand, over the amount of time wasted trying to find information and trying to make connections, when all I needed was to attend the TSSA Convention. The education sessions were an eye-opener and packed with valuable information. I still refer to the notes and handouts from that convention!
I can’t even begin to describe how incredibly useful and timely the trade show was for me. Every possible storage-related service was represented. Every vendor I met at that show was patient, knowledgeable, and professional. I went to the preview AND the full show the next day, and felt I could’ve used more time with the vendors! I had so many questions and was hungry for the information they shared.
TSSA closed the convention with a live auction benefiting the Shriners Childrens Hospital. The good natured bidding wars were fun to watch and I got caught up in the excitement. I could tell that I was among some caring and generous people who enjoyed each other’s company.
I left that first convention with an armload of information and renewed interest. Every bit of knowledge gained at that convention, and those following, has been put to use at some point. I’ll always have fond memories of my first TSSA Convention and that feeling of hitting the jackpot!
I might have been lost in the woods when I started on this journey but TSSA helped me find my way to a great business. To Emily’s credit, I did join the Association right after attending, and I haven’t looked back since.
Don’t miss the 2009 TSSA Annual Convention and Trade Show at The Woodlands!