To become really, really good at something, you must thoroughly research the subject and learn all you can about it. You must also be willing to invest time and energy, and take risks. This is true for just about anything. Think about it: You can’t just pick up a guitar, strum a few chords and be an expert musician. It takes education, practice and patience.

This is certainly the case when it comes to self-storage investing. While it may seem easy when looking in from the outside, it can be complex. Just like playing a guitar, you need a solid knowledge base and experience to succeed.

The Inside Self-Storage World Expo, April 3-6, at the Paris Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas, can help you become well-versed on issues of industry investing and real estate, including acquisitions, facility value, financing, marketing conditions, selling and more. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first property, expand a portfolio or maximize the value of an existing investment, with 45 seminars, seven workshops, six networking opportunities and nearly 200 exhibitors, the ISS World Expo is the best place to not just become not just good at self-storage, but exceptional.

Capitalize on Education

The concurrent education program, which takes place on April 4 and 5, includes an entire track of seminars designed specifically for those seeking information on industry investing. The nine sessions will provide insight on national development and acquisitions activity, project feasibility, buying, raising capital, financing options and more. Taught by experts in the field, they’ll provide data and analysis on today’s self-storage market.

If investing in storage properties outside the United States piques your interest, explore the International Program. Open to all registered attendees, it includes seminars and discussions with representatives from companies across the globe. Learn which markets are the hottest for foreign investors as well as how to break into them.

Spend Time Networking

Whether you’re looking to purchase a property or unload one, you’ll find like-minded individuals at the Buyers & Sellers Meeting, 1:30-3 p.m., on April 5. Held in the expo hall, this annual event attracts people from all over seeking a real estate match. The meeting is organized by region, making it easier to find the perfect deal.

Here are some other places to hobnob with other owners, investors and professionals on the investing side of the business. Each of these three events are open to all attendees and exhibitors:

Participate in Buying

The ISS Exhibit Hall, showcasing nearly 200 industry suppliers, is where new deals are made. Hosted in the expansive Paris Ballroom on April 4 and 5, the venue features a cornucopia of self-storage products, partners and services. Financing vendors will include specialists in accounting, cost segregation, commercial loans, finance trends and more. You can also connect with real estate experts to discuss acquisitions, property valuation, franchising and joint-venture partnerships.

Many exhibitors also use the annual event to unveil new products and offer specials. Some booths will feature celebrity appearances, parties and free gifts.

If it’s time to take your self-storage investment to the next level, seek the knowledge that will help you get there. To register or explore information about the education tracks, seminars and speakers, visit www.issworldexpo.com.