Discover the Trends That Are Transforming the Self-Storage Industry at the 2025 ISS World ExpoDiscover the Trends That Are Transforming the Self-Storage Industry at the 2025 ISS World Expo

The self-storage industry is undergoing significant transformation, with innovation becoming essential for success across all business roles. Your understanding of the latest trends is crucial to avoid falling behind. The Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas, April 22-25, will provide the connections and information you need to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.

Ron Matejko, Associate Editor

December 11, 2024

5 Min Read
The ISS World Expo logo along side colorful paper origami being transformed

The self-storage industry is at a pivotal moment in which innovative strategies are actively reshaping the landscape. Tools and concepts that once seemed like optional luxuries are becoming standard, and staying current with the latest trends is crucial for business survival. Embracing today’s advancements can help you avoid the fate of companies that fell behind the times and became irrelevant like Blockbuster, Borders and Kodak.

If you want to adapt and thrive in the year ahead, plan now to attend the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, April 22-25, at Caesars Forum Conference Center in Las Vegas. You’ll learn about the most critical changes coming for the industry and how to leverage them to positive impact. Or you can stay behind. Your competitors won’t miss you one bit!

Bigger and Better

The ISS World Expo is the largest industry event of the year, providing more education, exhibits and networking than any other self-storage conference. This comprehensive educational and networking opportunity should be a top priority for everyone, whether you’re a developer, investor, owner, manager or supplier. It covers every aspect of the business and offers valuable resources to help you build and operate successfully, now and in the future.

Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Related:No One Plans to Fail! Set Your Nav for Self-Storage Success Using These 2025 Industry Guidebooks

  • A state-of-the-art venue in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, loaded with meeting rooms and other amenities

  • An attendee lounge where you can check email, take a quick break, chat with friends or have a drink

  • Eight intensive half-day workshops, each taking a deep dive on a critical industry topic

  • A tour of Love’s Storage Solutions in Las Vegas, hosted by Baja Carports

  • A highly motivational keynote address (more on this below)

  • An empowering Women In Storage Education program

  • 42 seminars organized into six convenient, theme-based tracks

  • Overtime With the Experts for one-on-one engagement with seminar presenters

  • A one-day International Program for attendees interesting in learning about opportunities and strategies outside the U.S.

  • Vendor presentations showcasing some of the industry’s most high-demand products and services

  • Table Talks providing insightful discussion on more than 40 hot topics

  • A show floor featuring 250-plus exhibitors, each displaying the latest innovations

  • The “Party on the Plaza” evening cocktail reception under the High Roller Observation Wheel

  • Three no-holds-barred Q&A sessions, each focused on a different sector of the business

  • Speed Networking for Facility Operators in which participants can make business connections and industry friends

  • A Buyers & Sellers Meeting to help owners and investors connect and make deals

  • An open-forum chat with industry attorney Jeff Greenberger about pressing legal issues and new laws impacting the industry

  • A full-day workshop focused on boat/RV storage, presented by Toy Storage Nation

  • An interactive website and mobile app that allow you to view and pin your favorite events, explore the show floor and exhibitor directory, and much more

Related:Become a Self-Storage Champion! Train Up and Score Big at ISS World Expo, the Super Bowl of the Industry

The Evolution Is Upon Us

The ISS World Expo will help you stay on top of the current trends and other changes that are impacting the self-storage marketplace. Consider these recent industry shifts and be prepared for how they might impact your segment of the business:

Lower interest rates. After two years of increases, interest rates may finally start to fall, breathing new life into the investing and housing markets and reinvigorating the storage industry from several angles.

Aritificial intelligence. This technology is impacting every industry, and self-storage is getting a piece of the action. Harnessing it for business growth is essential. It’s a transformative tool you can leverage today. At the expo, you’ll discover how AI is revolutionizing every aspect of the business, from development and investing to marketing and customer service.

Related:Get Organized to Preserve Your Self-Storage Facility’s Form and Function With Our 2025 Maintenance Package

Generational focus. As self-storage evolves, the ability to attract customers from the younger generations will be essential for sustained growth. The education program at this year’s show includes sessions dedicated to understanding the unique preferences and behaviors of these demographics.

Remote management. This new business model is transforming the way the industry functions, providing flexibility and efficiency for operators and customers. Our education sessions will dive into the benefits and logistics of overseeing facilities with minimal onsite staff, leveraging technology to enhance security and customer service.

Financial opportunities. You’ll leave the event with a greater understanding of the latest investment trends, having seen presentations focused on innovative funding strategies, capital raising, debt financing, acquisitions and more. Our experts will discuss market forecasts and economic indicators to help investors and owners make informed decisions, so they can secure the financial resources to propel their business forward.

A Motivational Journey

If the above isn’t enough to inspire you to attend, perhaps our courageous keynote speaker and his incredible journey will! Anthony Robles is a renowned motivational speaker, author and advocate for inclusivity and resilience. Born with a congenital condition that left him without a right leg, Robles defied the odds to become a champion wrestler, winning the NCAA Championship in 2011 while competing for Arizona State University. His inspiring journey from adversity to success has resonated with audiences nationwide, emphasizing the power of perseverance and a positive mindset.

Robles is the author of the book “Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.” His life story will be featured in a movie of the same name, which had limited theater release in December and will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime in January. With a wealth of experience and insight, Robles will surely inspire you to rethink your potential and demonstrate how to strive for excellence.

Our industry is shifting rapidly, and the changing landscape can significantly affect your business. Don’t risk being unprepared! The ISS World Expo will equip you to thrive, providing the insight and resources needed to help you assess your current business performance, set goals and develop actionable plans to drive growth. To learn more about the show’s education program, networking events and exhibits, visit issworldexpo.com. Registration is open!

About the Author

Ron Matejko

Associate Editor, Inside Self-Storage

Ron Matejko is associate editor at Inside Self-Storage. To reach him, email [email protected].

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