Self-storage managers and operators can learn to improve their facility marketing and build a plan that gets results at the Inside Self-Storage Expo in Nashville, Tenn. On Oct. 8, 2008, Anne Ballard, president of Universal Management Co. (UMC), will present a comprehensive overview of marketing basics that work in a modern competitive environment. She’ll discuss how to identify a facility’s target market, create a compelling marketing message, generate leads and referrals, choose which products and services to promote, and use the Internet to save time and money. The seminar will take place at 10 a.m. 
 
UMC has specialized in operating self-storage sites for 15 years and currently manages 45 U.S. facilities. Ballard has global experience in self-storage consulting, specializing in staff training and store startups. She has served on the board of directors for the national Self Storage Association, the Georgia Self Storage Association and the former association for the Southeast Region.
 
The ISS Nashville Expo, Oct. 7-10, 2008, will feature four days of educational seminars, vendor exhibits and networking opportunities. The show will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. It is sponsored by Inside Self-Storage magazine, a monthly trade publication for owners, operators, managers, investors and suppliers of the storage industry. For details, visit www.insideselfstorageexpo.com.