Technology

Using Interactive Technology and Social Media to Generate Leads and Improve Marketing Presence

Monday, March 14, 9-9:50 a.m.
Location: Concorde C
Speakers: Randy Hatch, president of marketing and media, Michaels Wilder; Stacey Shaw, chief client officer, Michaels Wilder; and Renae White, national sales manager, AT&T

Are you trying to reach new and existing customers in a local market? If so, it’s imperative to know how to optimize your interactive marketing dollars on tools like search engine marketing, pay per click, mobile advertising and social media. Twitter and Facebook are rapidly supplanting e-mails and texts as the primary form of online communication. The massive adoption of mobile-friendly websites and applications are pushing mobile marketing to the forefront. How will your company benefit from this phenomenon? This seminar will show you how technology can build enthusiasm and loyalty for your brand, as well as increase awareness and revenue.

Self-Storage Software and Security: Evaluating Options, Maximizing Products

Monday, March 14, 10-11:50 a.m.
Location: Concorde C
Moderator: Mel Holsinger, president and CEO, Professional Self Storage Management LLC

Panelists: Stephan Ross, president, Cutting Edge Self Storage Management; John Hinkley, manager, Storage Depot

Choosing the right management software and security system for your self-storage facility can be challenging, especially given the amount of conflicting information and feedback one finds when researching options. There are many great products on the market with overlapping features, but each has unique tools, benefits and even drawbacks. When it comes to software, do you want PC- or Web-based? Full-featured or streamlined? How much training will a program require? What kind of reporting will a program generate? On the security side, which components do you need and how do they tie together? How much is enough? How do the packages compare? These are the types of issues to consider when making a software or security purchase. This candid panel presentation will cover the important aspects of choosing and using management software and security components.

Come listen and join in on the conversation shared by fellow facility operators, multi-facility operators, third-party management companies, and representatives of popular software and security offerings. Ask questions and get answers that will help you choose the best products and services for your self-storage business.

Self-Storage Technology: The Mobile Transition

Monday, March 14, 1-1:50 p.m.
Location: Concorde C
Speakers: Aaron Warnock, director of product management, G5; Kim Evered, senior vertical marketing manager, self-storage, G5

Self-storage owners and operators need to get on board as the mobile momentum is feverishly building. At the current rate of change and adoption, the mobile Web will be bigger than desktop internet use by 2015. Currently, local searches on mobile devices are approximately two to three times higher than desktops. Attend this seminar to get the information you need to keep up-to-date with the mobile transition.

New Technological Tools: Automation, Sales and Operational Support

Monday, March 14, 2-3:50 p.m.
Location: Concorde C
Moderator: Tron Jordheim, president and CEO, PhoneSmart

Panelists: J.E. (Jay) Wallace, vice president for operations, Monster Self Storage; Stuart Wade, director of business development, AAAA Self Storage; Matt Van Horn, vice president of operations, Cutting Edge Self Storage Management

Technology is seeping into the operational protocol of all types of industries, and self-storage is no exception. Today, self-storage facilities incorporate a wide range of technological tools to streamline operations, provide customer convenience, manage information, reach target audiences and save money. Options range from kiosks and call centers to remote access and mobile devices. The ultimate goal is to meet consumer demand, provide ease of use, and create automation that gives the manager and owner greater flexibility, freedom and sales support. Join this open panel discussion on the tools available and how they can be used to maximize time and revenue.

Our panel of facility operators, multi-facility operators and third-party management companies will open a frank dialogue about these important topics. Technology providers will also be present to answer key questions. Don't miss this opportunity to get the real low-down on self-storage tech tools.