Wednesday, June 4, 2025
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Rocky Mountain Welcome Reception*
Riverside Terrace
Kick off the Executive Retreat with a Texas welcome—Rocky Mountain style! Join us for a reception where Texas hospitality meets alpine charm. Reconnect with fellow storage operators and make new connections over elevated fare, handcrafted cocktails and unforgettable mountain views. Enjoy a signature whiskey tasting that blends bold Texas spirit with Colorado cool, all while soaking in the crisp mountain air. This is your first taste of the Executive Retreat—and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Thursday, June 5, 2025
8:00 a.m.
Registration Open
Riverside Foyer
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast (Provided)
Riverside Foyer
9:00 a.m.
Announcements, Remarks and Sponsor Recognition
Riverside Ballroom
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Opening Session: The Economic Lens – How CRE Trends Are Shaping Self Storage
Riverside Ballroom
Christian Sonne, CRE, MAI, FRICS, Newmark Valuation & Advisory
While the 2025 marketplace may not look drastically different, shifts in investor sentiment and risk tolerance are driving change. Join Chris Sonne as he explores the current state of the self-storage industry, the evolving commercial real estate landscape and the key economic factors that should inform your strategy and decision-making in the year ahead.
R. Christian Sonne, CRE, MAI, FRICS, joined Newmark Valuation & Advisory in 2019 and currently serves as executive vice president and national practice co-leaser for the Valuation & Advisory's self-storage specialty practice. He oversees a team of 20 specialists located throughout the US with industry expertise and local market knowledge. His team delivers best-in-class valuation and consulting services for the self-storage asset class.
Due to his sector experience, Sonne completes real time data and research for market reports, feasibility studies, appraisals, portfolio analytics and consulting services related to self-storage economics. He has been published over 100 times on articles relating to self storage and has been a featured or keynote speaker at over 50 industry events throughout the US.
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Networking Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cash, Cap Rates and Clarity: Inside Today’s Capital Markets
Andy Bratt, Gantry; Shawn Hill, The BSC Group; Anna Siradze, Talonvest Capital and moderated by Shrenik Shah, Montfort Capital Partners, LLC
Riverside Ballroom
Accessing capital and equity in the self-storage sector has become more nuanced as market conditions evolve and investor expectations shift. Industry experts will break down where capital is coming from, what types of deals are getting done and how to position your self-storage business to attract equity partners and financing. From lender expectations to creative capital stack strategies, get the insights you need to move forward confidently in today’s capital markets environment.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch (Provided)
Resort Restaurant
1:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Free Time and Optional Events
1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Explore the Town of Vail Valley
Step outside the conference room and into the heart of the Rockies! Join fellow participants and their guests for a relaxed and scenic outing as we head into the charming town of Vail Valley. Hop aboard a sprinter van for a short ride into town, where you’ll have time to shop local boutiques, stroll through art-lined streets, savor regional bites and soak in the unique mountain culture. This is your chance to unwind, connect with other attendees in a casual setting and experience the local flavor of Vail—no agenda, just good company and great views.
A shuttle will run on a loop between the resort and the local town for the duration of this time period. Meet at valet area for pickup.
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Summit Social*
Evening Reception with Dinner
Resort Wedding Lawn
Nestled in the mountain air, this elevated reception brings together the best of the retreat: exceptional food, lively conversation and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy a chef-curated dinner and libations while networking with fellow industry leaders in a relaxed, scenic setting. The night comes alive with live entertainment and a unique leather branding experience that puts a rugged twist on Western tradition. Come for the food, stay for the connections—and leave with a story to tell.
Friday, June 6, 2025
7:45 a.m.
Registration Open
Riverside Foyer
7:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast (Provided)
Riverside Foyer
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Insights and Lessons Learned from Self-Storage Veterans
Mike Burnam, Storage-Mart; Don Clauson, Lockaway Self Storage and moderated by Davis Deadman, Advantage Self Storage
Riverside Ballroom
Join us for a fireside chat with seasoned self-storage industry veterans as they reflect on two decades of economic cycles—what they’ve learned, how the industry has evolved and how to apply those lessons in today’s uniquely uncertain environment. With economic conditions that defy past patterns, this discussion will explore how self storage has weathered past storms and what strategies can help your business stay resilient and responsive moving forward.
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Networking Break
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Profit Under Pressure: Operational Tactics That Deliver
Eric Bishop-Berry, Extra Space Storage; Vianney Jasik, Trusted Self Storage Professionals; Darren Laratonda, Storage Asset Management and moderated by Norm Shore, William Warren Group
Riverside Ballroom
Self-storage operators can’t always control demand, but they can control how efficiently and effectively they run their business. We'll dive into proven operational strategies that impact your bottom line, from revenue management and expense control to tenant retention and customer service excellence. Hear from experienced operators on how to build a financially sound and tenant-focused operation, even in a challenging market.
11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Networking Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Groundbreaking and Deal Making: Acquisitions & Development in 2025
James Denissen, Baranof Holdings; Zachary Dickens, Extra Space Storage; Scott Levy, Highline Storage Partners and moderated by Nathan Bennett, UTEX Storage Partners
Riverside Ballroom
Texas remains a key market for self-storage growth, but the rules of the game are shifting. Storage executives will share how their strategies for acquisitions and development are evolving, from underwriting and site selection to risk assessment and deal structure. Whether you're buying or building, get an insider's look at what’s driving decisions in Texas right now and what to expect for the remainder of 2025.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks, Wrap-up and Lunch
Resort Restaurant
1:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Free Time and Optional Events
*Guests welcome! Please purchase a guest pass if your spouse and/or family would like to join you for the social events.