Practical Guidance for Operators & Managers

Cathleen Slack and Will Farnsworth, Rigby Slack

Master the legal and operational essentials of self storage in this interactive workshop designed for both new and experienced operators and managers. Led by TSSA Legal Counsel, this session will cover foreclosure basics, common legal challenges faced by self-managing facilities and practical solutions for everyday tenant interactions. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask pressing legal questions and apply what they learn through real-world scenarios.

The Numbers That Drive Growth

Built for large self-storage operators, this advanced workshop explores the financial and operational metrics that directly impact portfolio performance and long-term growth. Industry leaders will discuss key topics including financing strategies, revenue management, expense control, marketing performance and operational efficiencies across multi-site portfolios. Attendees will also gain insight into third-party management models, comparing REIT-managed and privately held multi-company operator structures. Learn which KPIs matter most, why they influence the business and how top operators use data to make smarter decisions.

As historically low-rate loans mature, many owners are rethinking their financing strategy. Explore today's lending landscape, refinancing options, debt and equity considerations, and what lenders expect from borrowers. Whether you're pursuing growth, funding improvements or preparing for an upcoming refinance, you'll leave with practical insights to help you make informed capital decisions.

One of the biggest drivers of long-term success is your team. Hiring the right people, training them well and creating a culture of accountability directly impacts the overall tenant experience, employee retention, online reviews and ultimately, revenue. Discover strategies for recruiting, onboarding and developing employees while using technology to support (not replace) the human connections that keep customers coming back.

With changing market conditions, rising costs and evolving demand, development decisions require more strategy than ever. Find out how developers are evaluating opportunities, navigating construction timelines, overcoming barriers to entry and adapting project plans to position new facilities for long-term success.

As self-storage operators adopt new technologies, new legal questions are emerging. Examine the current legal landscape surrounding technology adoption, including what to watch for in contracts, data privacy considerations and how to protect your business when deploying third-party technology solutions. 

The rules of online search are changing. As zero-click search becomes commonplace for business discovery, self-storage operators must pivot to stay visible. Learn what you can do to compete in the age of AI, from optimizing your website and Google Business Profile to improving SEO and GEO, managing reviews, leveraging aggregators and running more effective Google Ads. You'll also discover simple ways to stand out in a crowded market and leave with an action plan to generate more high-quality leads and rentals.

Remote management is often misunderstood as a "hands-off" approach, while staffed facilities are sometimes viewed as the only way to deliver exceptional customer service. The reality is that both models can be successful and come with challenges. In this debate-style session, two sides will go head-to-head to make the case for remote and manned operations. We'll tackle the biggest misconceptions, compare the pros and cons of each approach and discuss what really drives operational success, from systems and staffing to maintenance, responsiveness and the customer experience. You'll get to be a part of the debate and share your perspective, challenge the panelists and help decide which arguments come out on top. Whether you're firmly in one camp or somewhere in the middle, get ready for a fun, interactive session that may just change the way you think.

A great management company is only part of the equation and doesn't mean owners can be completely hands off. Explore how to build a successful partnership through regular performance reviews, meaningful accountability and a deeper understanding of the reports and metrics that matter most. You'll leave with practical strategies for reviewing performance, asking the right questions and working with a management company to drive stronger results.

AI is everywhere, but which tools actually make a difference? Cut through the noise and explore practical AI applications that self-storage operators can start using immediately. Learn how AI can streamline customer communication, improve search visibility, simplify review management, automate everyday tasks and create operational efficiencies without adding unnecessary complexity. Walk away with real examples, feasible workflows and ideas you can easily implement, regardless of your technical experience. 

As revenue management tools become more sophisticated, operators face increasing pressure to optimize income while maintaining customer trust. Explore best practices for ethical revenue management, transparent customer communication and using your own operational data to support long-term profitability. Learn how to balance occupancy, revenue and reputation without sacrificing the customer experience.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when REITs evaluate a potential acquisition? Pull back the curtain on today's acquisition landscape, exploring what buyers are looking for, how portfolios are assessed and where the market is headed. You'll gain strategies to increase your property's value, better understand consolidation trends and make smarter long-term portfolio decisions whether or not a sale is in your future.

Rising expenses don't have to equate to shrinking profits. Explore how successful operators control costs without compromising the customer experience or daily operations. Learn where to find meaningful savings, identify hidden "expense creepers," negotiate more effectively with vendors and build a culture of cost-conscious decision-making that supports lasting profitability.

Behind every successful operation is a clear understanding of the key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter most. Learn which metrics deserve your attention, how ROI and NOI influence business decisions and how to utilize financial data to improve operations, not just review results after the fact. You'll leave with an effective framework for tracking performance, benchmarking success and making more confident operational decisions. 

Inflation. Interest rates. Market uncertainty. It seems like the market forecasts change by the hour, but what actually matters? Learn to read between the headlines using easy-to-follow charts, real-world examples and plenty of laughs to explain the forces shaping today's economy. You'll walk away informed, prepared and maybe even surprised by how interesting economics can be.