Even though the Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas is only at its halfway point, it's already obvious from attendees' reactions the industry is already aware of the value of Self-Storage Talk (SST). SST, the industry's largest online community, played an important role in yesterday's Self-Storage Q&A, an open and interactive education session facilitated by Jim Chiswell (MisterJim444) and Mel Holsinger (Mel Holsinger). For the first time, SST members from all over the world, those attending and not attending the conference, were able to participate in the live Q&A by logging on during a designated time. Members both posted original questions and provided answers to questions that were being asked in the seminar room.

A particularly good discussion in the Q&A was inspired by moderator JulieA, who posted a question about the trend of putting carpet in self-storage hallways and units, and playing music over speakers to enhance the customer experience: Is it worth the investment? Cris Burnham, president of nationwide operator StorageMart, happened to be in the audience, and he shared his experience and opinion. He believes customer-experience enhancement is crucial, so he asserted he'll never build another interior-hallway facility that doesn't have carpet. He even cited examples as to why it's cost-effective. He also was a proponent of music. Read more about this discussion on the thread "Self-Storage Q&A."

After the Q&A, SST moderator Gina Six Kudo (Gina6k) led a roundtable discussion answering questions about the forum and sharing why it's so vital to her as a facility manager. The roundtable also served as an impromptu meet and greet with other regular posters.

If you're still in the dark about SST, or you haven't participated in a while, head over to www.selfstoragetalk.com and check it out. You can register your free account, which you'll need to post, by clicking "register." If you're in Vegas, you can also stop by the SST booth on Thursday between noon and 5 p.m. and Friday between 9 a.m. and noon. I'll be there to give site tours and sign up new members.