The Texas Self Storage Association (TSSA) will feature reality TV star Bill Rancic at its annual conference, Oct. 27-29, at the Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in The Woodlands, Texas. Winner of the first season of Mark Burnett's game show The Apprentice, in which contestants competed for the chance to work for Donald Trump, Rancic will serve as the TSSA's opening keynote speaker on Monday, Oct. 28.

An entrepreneur and real estate developer, Rancic also produced and starred in the A&E TV series We Mean Business, where he and his team of experts helped the owners of failing businesses by showing them how to reduce expenses, increase profit, limit liability, implement new technologies and more.

He wrote the book "Beyond the Lemonade Stand," which educates young people about the value of money and how to leverage skills, talents and abilities at an early age. All proceeds from the sale of the book have gone to charity. He also authored the "New York Times" best-seller "Youre Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life from the Winner of The Apprentice."

The TSSA conference begins Oct. 27 with a charity poker tournament to benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas. In addition, a live and silent auction will take place throughout the event to raise additional funds. This is the TSSA's 12th year of involvement with the hospital. Since 2001, the association has raised nearly half a million dollars for Shriners.

The event will offer four education tracks as well as how-to tech talks, manager-specific training, expanded sessions for owners and a tradeshow highlighting industry suppliers. Education sessions will take place on the 28th and 29th, addressing emerging trends, technology issues, operations, management, sales and marketing. The lineup of speakers and special presentations will cater to industry newcomers as well as veteran operators, according to a press release. Event information can be found at www.txssa.org.

Established in 1986, the TSSA is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to enhancing the quality of self-storage in Texas. It provides industry education, research and discussion.