Final preparations have begun for next week's Inside Self-Storage World Expo at the Paris Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, and like you, I'm rife with anticipation for a little bit of desert warmth and the bright lights of The Strip. But before we all pack our bags for good times and good learning in Sin City, let me remind you of a few ways you can use Self-Storage Talk, the industry's largest online community, before, during and after the expo.

First of all, discussions about expo education sessions are occurring in the "Inside Self-Storage World Expo Las Vegas 2011" sub-forum. If you would like to shape speakers' presentations before the show, this area is an excellent place to start asking your questions now. This is also the right spot to start your pre-show networking. Arrange meet-ups and dinners, let fellow attendees know you'll be there, and announce your plans for the three-day event. Have any practical questions about transportation, scheduling, the hotel or some other facet of the show? Ask them here.

This area will also host running discussions of the show during Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Post your reactions to presentations and events as they're happening, and ask questions as they arise. This sub-forum will also be the designated area for show feedback and redux: what you liked, what you didn't like, what you didn't get to ask, new ideas you have, etc.

Self-Storage Talk members are encouraged to do three things at the expo. First, when you register, grab an SST member ribbon and attach it to your badge. It will be very helpful for getting to know each other and spreading awareness of the community. Second, during exhibit-hall hours come say hello at the SST Booth. I'll be there and would love the chance to meet you in person or catch up if we've met before. Finally, attend the cocktail reception on Tuesday evening, and when you walk in, look for a cordoned-off collection of tables. This is the designated "members only" area for SST members to meet, socialize, and enjoy some exquisite beverages and hors d'oeuvres. With an SST member badge, you're more than welcome to enjoy this VIP section.

Twitter users, take note: The expo has an official hashtag#ISSLV. When posting about the expo, try to squeeze #ISSLV into your 140 characters. Discussions are already starting in this medium about the show. Type "isslv" into the Twitter search function to see what's already been said. If you're not already, start following Inside Self-Storage, @selfstoragemag, become a fan on Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn.

If after reading about all of this you're still unsure what all of the fuss is about, head over to SelfStorageTalk.com, and check out the forum. To post, you must become a registered user, but it's free to join and the registration process is easy. I hope to see you on the forum and in less than a week in Vegas.