Program Outline

Monday, January 31

Welcome Reception

Plenty of networking, food, and beverages.  Pick up your registration packet and discounted lift tickets.

Tuesday, February 1

Yoga and Stress Reduction

Relax, release stress, and energize yourself in this popular Ski Workshop activity.  Registered guests are also welcome.

Hot Breakfast Buffet

If you arrived too late for the reception, you may pick up your workshop materials this morning at breakfast.

Attendee Introductions and SSA News

“The State of the Industry: Where Are We Today... And Why?”

Jeff Anderson, Stor-All; Chris Marr, U-Store-It; and Jim Stevens, Extra Space Storage.  Patrick Reilly, Urban Self Storage Inc., Moderator
This annual update has become a very popular workshop session; hear what these industry "gurus" have to say about your business, the financial outlook, and what’s on the horizon for self storage. Time for Q&A is built into the session.

Leisure Activities

Ski or snowboard with your SSA friends. Check with the hotel concierge for suggestions on other activities, or spend some time networking with non-skiers, or relaxing in the spa!

“Social Media's Potential - One Owner's Perspective”

Tim Hobin, The William Warren Group
An overview of the various social media websites, and the marketing tools being used by other owners. What’s successful for the self storage industry? Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube: What should you be using?

5:20p

“Roundtable Discussions”

Always a popular segment of our Ski Workshop, industry experts will lead the discussions. We'll have several "turns" to allow you to table-hop to different topics.

Après Ski Reception and Informal Networking

Celebrate 25 years of this great event!  Spend some time with other attendees before heading out to dinner.  Check with the concierge for restaurant suggestions.

Wednesday, February 2

Yoga and Stress Reduction

Another great session to start your day on a positive note!

Hot Breakfast Buffet

"A Frank and Open Discussion on Hiring and Firing"

Carlos Kaslow, Esq., and Scott Zucker, Esq. Self Storage Legal Network.
Staffing your facilities with the right people can mean the difference between success and failure. How do you weed out the problems before you hire them? Contracts, training, job descriptions. Learn the rules for hiring and firing, and avoid some major headaches…and possible lawsuits.

Skiing and Leisure Activities. 

By popular demand:  The rest of the day is open for attendees to hit the slopes, practice for the big race, go snowmobiling, shop, or just relax in the Spa.  No doubt you'll find several other workshop participants enjoying the popular "Bathrobes and Beverages" après ski session (begun in 2003 at the SSA Ski Workshop) before heading out to dinner.

The Yelland Challenge Dual Slalom Race 

All registered guests and workshop attendees are welcome!  Boarders and skiers alike will vie for medals in this annual event (subject to conditions on the race course).

Thursday, February 3

Yoga and Stress Reduction

Another great session to start your day on a positive note!

Hot Breakfast Buffet

"Does Local Branding Really Matter?"

Tron Jordheim, StorageMart Partners
Brand awareness. Does the internet change the rules? How important is name recognition?  Choosing the right brand(s). Making your brand significant. Creating value in your brand.

Skiing and Leisure Activities

Closing Session

Always a popular segment of the Ski Workshop for registrants and their guests, this session will be an inspirational “armchair adventure” through the eyes of someone who has been living life to the fullest. Continue to watch the SSA website for further details; and rest assured, this will be an innovative, motivating, and unique presentation!

Closing Reception, Dinner, and Awards Presentation

Lots of fun and many surprises here! Held at the Sheraton Steamboat, this special event is included in your registration fee. Medals will be awarded for the ski race, but there are also awards for non-skiers!