If you’ve been thinking about whether to dive into a self-storage investment, either as a new entrant to the business or an existing investor or owner looking to expand, there’s no better time than now to take the plunge. The industry fared well through the pandemic and continues to improve as the economy rebounds. But before jumping in, you need to gear up with right knowledge and resources to ensure your venture is a success!

Immerse yourself by attending the Inside Self-Storage (ISS) World Expo, July 13-16, at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The four days of education, networking and exhibits will help you determine if this is the right excursion for you. If you already own a storage business, you’ll gain insight to help you grow or sell your portfolio, plus boost its value. So, come on in … The water is fine.

Jump Into Our Education Program

Investing in self-storage may seem like a simple concept, but there are many complexities to buying and selling in this asset class. If you’re looking to acquire, you need to know which markets are performing, how to evaluate candidates and the options for financing. If you plan to sell a property in the coming months, you need insight to value and how to determine the right timing.

First, make sure you sign up for this year’s Investing Track of one-hour seminars, which will provide guidance on a range of critical topics. The seven sessions, split over July 14 and 15, are:

Next, consider the Acquisitions Workshop on July 16. Taught by industry expert Bob Copper, the four-hour course is designed for new investors as well as owners who want to maximize the value of their properties before sale. Topics will include real estate best practices, how to evaluate potential deals, how to determine your budget, due diligence, exit strategies, and pitfalls to avoid. Attendees will also get case-study examples of poor transactions, what went wrong and the consequences.

Swish Your Networking Fins

While our education program will deliver much of the hard-hitting information you need to start or grow a self-storage investment, you’ll also need strong connections to implement your plans. The ISS World Expo can help you find the right diving buddies, with lots of opportunities for group swim.

Start by participating in the investing-themed Storage Talks on July 14. Formerly known as Table Talks or roundtable discussions, these sessions will function differently in 2021 in response to health requirements related to COVID-19. Now, instead of rotating from table to table, you’ll get comfy in a chair and enjoy five short presentations on stage, in 10 minute increments. Each speaker will give a short introduction and then invite feedback and questions from the audience.

You also won’t want to miss the investor-focused Self-Storage Q&A on July 15. This open-forum format is your perfect chance to get your questions answered. The session will be hosted by finance expert Shawn Hill of The BSC Group LLC and real estate guru Ben Vestal of Argus Self Storage Advisors.

Next, make your way to the exhibit hall, where you’ll find more than 150 product and service suppliers, including those that provide financing, consulting services, real estate brokerage and more. Exhibits will have extended hours this year, giving you more time to mingle and learn from other industry professionals.

Finally, take advantage of the annual Buyers & Sellers Meeting on July 15, which takes place on the show floor. There you’ll be able to speak with like-minded owners and investors who are looking to buy or sell properties. Conversations are organized by region, so you can quickly connect with the right potential partners.

No matter what your investment plans are for 2021 and beyond, you’ll gain the know-how you need and find the resources to move forward at this year’s conference and tradeshow. So, stop standing on the shore. It’s time to grab the right equipment and dive into self-storage. Open water, here we come!

To register and learn more about the ISS World Expo, including education sessions, exhibitors and speakers, visit issworldexpo.com.