The two words most often used by attendees to describe the Maine Self-Storage Association (MeSSA)’s 2011 annual conference on June 9^th and 10^th were “fun” and “educational” (and not necessarily in that order). The conference was open to both members and non-members alike. Members took advantage of MeSSA’s special pricing – the first attendee from each member facility was able to attend for free. This was especially enticing as the conference was held at Hollywood Slots in Bangor.

The night of the 9^th featured a vendor-sponsored cocktail and appetizer reception from 6 to 8pm. This was the perfect opportunity for attendees to mingle and network with other facility operators and managers as well as with industry vendors. Afterward, most of the attendees took advantage of the venue and tried their luck at the slots. A large number of people took advantage of the social atmosphere to continue to mingle and talk. Most of the attendees who had to travel to the event stayed in the hotel, taking advantage of the comfortable accommodations and special event pricing.

A breakfast buffet, included in the registration, was set up from 8 to 9am for attendees. Tim Dietz, Self Storage Association Sr. VP-Communications and Government Relations, opened the day with a state of the industry talk, touching specifically on the many state associations going through the process of updating their lien laws. Dietz specifically commended MeSSA on the changes to Maine’s self-storage statute, making enforcing liens on delinquent units simpler, more economical, and efficient.

After Dietz, MeSSA President and Vice-President Rhonda Hallett Pope and Mark Adler spoke in more detail about the changes to the Maine law as well explaining the benefits of membership in the association.

Michael Grant from the Maine Emergency Management Agency gave a presentation that was informative and entertaining, not only going through a PowerPoint presentation, but also using personal experiences and amusing anecdotes to spice up the subject matter. Grant may have frightened a few attendees into paying close attention by speaking about explosives, weapons, and clandestine drug labs.  

Can-Am Building Systems representative Tim Noonan gave a presentation on the importance of facility maintenance and curb appeal, and the direct effect they have on new rentals and customer retention. Noonan outlined some simple yet affective ways to keep facilities in tip-top shape.

Attendees were treated to lunch in Hollywood Slot’s world famous “Epic Buffet”. The choices were endless and no two plates contained the same combination of edibles. Dessert was sinful and more than one comment was made about the future effects of the meal on people’s waistlines.

After lunch, Connie Neville, from Sperry Van Ness Commercial Real Estate Advisors spoke on facility valuations, cap rates, and purchases and sales. Neville provided this information in a way that even the most financial-phobic of the group were able to understand and benefit from it.

Paul Maglio, of Storage Auction Solutions was the conference key note speaker. Maglio talked about the auction process and how the rash of reality television shows featuring storage auctions such as “Storage Wars” and “Auction Hunters” have affected the storage industry. Paul also regaled the attendees with stories “from the trenches” of auctions as well as talking about filming an episode of “Auction Hunters”.

The day was wrapped up with the awarding of door prizes and many a hearty “thank you” to all those who contributed to the success of the event.

Based on feedback from attendees in regard to the success of the conference, the MeSSA Board of Director’s has decided to schedule the 2012 annual conference for the same venue, to be held on June 14^th and 15^th.

submitted by Mark Adler