Thanks to all who participated in the International Self Storage Convention & Exposition in Orlando!
SSA would like to thank all of this year's attendees, vendors, our sponsors Compass Building Systems and Hart Storage Realty for making the Convention & Expo a great success!
View a slideshow of the event 
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Trends in Self Storage Discussed at Convention
During the International Self Storage Convention & Exposition industry professionals packed the sold-out Gaylord Palms Resort for several days of education and networking. Amongst the information shared at the event was a presentation by SSA President & CEO Mike Scanlon which demonstrated the changing landscape of storage. Scanlon pointed to new data which showed that fewer Americans are moving than during years past. Approximately 13% of the country are expected to move during 2008, compared to 14% in 2000; 16.5% in 1995 and 17% in 1990. The ability of self storage to maintain occupancy demonstrates that many tenants are using storage not simply while they are moving, but to improve their quality of life as an extension of their home storage areas. Many of these tenants are long-term or permanent self storage renters. Also discussed in Scanlon's presentation was the growth trend of self storage over the past two decades, with self storage new starts outpacing population growth by more than three times. Because of this, certain areas are overbuilt and developers must be more selective in their growth strategies. A copy of the this presentation is available here.
Edward Mazria provided an eye-opening view into the value and expenses related to the "green" movement. Mazria, the proponent of Architecture 2030, encourages the use of efficient and clean, renewable energy. He points to the abundance of roofing available to self storage operators as an untapped revenue source when solar panels are installed, making it possible for storage operators to upload energy back to the "grid," which in many states will result in energy rebates. More on the SSA's green initiatives will be released in coming months.
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