Attending a Self Storage Tradeshow or Executive Retreat? Learn how to get the most out of your experience.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 16, 2010 -- Tradeshows, conventions and executive retreats are a great way to share successful practices, meet industry leaders and vendors, gather promotional material, and learn how to be successful in your industry. However, if you are not careful, even a seasoned attendee can get lost in the overwhelming schedule of seminars, workshops and receptions. One day events and retreats are a great segway into the convention scene for newcomers, and also for owners and particpants who don't have a lot of time. The following strategies can be used for any of these events.

To be successful and to use your time wisely, start by establishing a plan of what you want to accomplish before you leave for the convention, tradeshow or retreat. Get an itinerary of the meetings, receptions, and discussions, as well as a list of vendors who will be attending. Be sure to include at the top of your list any "must attend" seminars and vendor displays. Making a list of your priorities will save you time and keep you on schedule during the event. If there is someone you particularly want to meet, make a note of that as well.

Decide on a budget and time line. If you are traveling with someone else, such as a co-worker, share a room to save money. At registration study the exhibit floor layout. If there are a lot of vendors that you want to meet, consider making an appointment with them so they will put aside time to spend with you alone - when you are available. Also, to save time when traveling with a partner, plan on "tag teaming." In this way you can gather information from all of the meetings, and still have time to take a break from the convention. In order for this to be successful, though, you both will need to take very good notes about what goes on in the meetings, and set aside time to share what you've learned - preferrably on the same day, while it is still fresh in your mind. Don't forget to attend the round table discussions. They are a great source of information, and an opportunity to hear what is working - and not working - for your competitors.

Make time to socialize. Don't skip the receptions, luncheons, and dinners. Sitting with and talking to others, in a relaxed atmosphere, is a great way to network, share ideas, and make new friends. Plus, these events are usually included in your registration fee, so why not take advantage of every opportunity to gather as much information as possible.

The wrap up. Take some time to organize all of the information that you've gathered. Then sit down with a pen and paper and write out out two or three things you plan to change or implement when you get back. Remember to reach out to all the new contacts you've made once you get back, and make a point to provide feedback to the host of the event so they'll know what worked or didn't work for you. This will also ensure that you continue to have a positive experience at your next convention, tradeshow or executive retreat.

Here are a couple of noteworthy conventions and executive retreats that will be coming up:

FSSA's one day Executive Retreat being held at Disney's Yacht Club Resort on October 8th, 2010. Prices start at $49 and include key note speakers and lunch. The retreat is open to all storage facility owners. In attendance will be board member Travis Lawhorne from Accountable Management Realty & Consulting, and guest speakers including leaders from inside and outside of the storage industry. For more information or to register for this event, contact : Robert Bret 877.222.9441 or email : rbret@floridassa.org

SSA's Fall Tradeshow being held in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace from September 1-3. Educatonal events, expos, round table discussions, and forums featuring board member Brenda Scarborough of Accountable Management Realty & Consulting. For more information or to register for this event go to: www.SELFSTORAGE.ORG

Inside Self Storage World Expo being held on September 29th through October 1st at the New Orleans Marriott. For more information go to the ISS's website at : www.insideselfstorageworldexpo.com

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