Fall Retreat

General Information

Registration for the 2024 Fall Retreat is OPEN!

Register now to join us on September 24th for this fan-favorite event at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, MA. This year's featured speakers include storage attorney Scott Zucker, Universal Storage Group's Lou Barnholdt, and SSA President and CEO, Tim Dietz. Navigate this year's event using the tabs above to read about the day's agenda, speakers, and to connect with our sponsors.

Register Now

September, 24, 2024
Publick House Historic Inn
277 Main St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566

Our sponsorships SOLD OUT at last year's event, so be sure to register for your spot as soon as you can!

Sponsorships

Event Sponsor ($350) ONE LEFT
Includes one company representative, a small table to showcase materials, your company listing in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, verbal recognition, and two complimentary Client Tickets.

Production Sponsor ($250) SOLD OUT
Only one is available! Your company logo will be included on all speaker PowerPoint presentations, you will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and receive verbal recognition.

Lunch Sponsor ($125) SOLD OUT
Your company logo will be included on signage at the lunch buffet, you will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and receive verbal recognition.

Breakfast Sponsor ($125) NEWLY ADDED - ONLY 3 AVAILABLE
Your company logo will be included on signage at the breakfast buffet, you will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and receive verbal recognition.

Lanyard Sponsor ($100) SOLD OUT
Only one is available! Your company supplies the lanyards with your logo. You will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and receive verbal recognition.

Agenda

Tuesday, September 24
8:30 AM Attendee Registration
9:00 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 -10:00 AM

2024 Legal Update: Maintaining the Legality of Your Self Storage Operations with Scott Zucker, Weissmann/Zucker

Join self storage attorney Scott Zucker as he reviews the legalities of the following topics:

  • Managing virtual and unmanned properties
  • Handling tenant insurance or protection plans
  • Updating your facility rental agreements
  • Addressing facility accessibility under the ADA
  • Avoiding deceptive pricing claims
  • Understanding tenant communications under Federal and State privacy laws
  • Disclosing properties that in are in a flood plain or have experienced past flooding
10:00 - 11:30 AM

It's Time to Thrive: The Fundamentals for Success with Lou Barnholdt, Universal Storage Group

This session will explore key strategies for self storage owners to optimize revenue, enhance operational efficiency, retain customers, and manage costs effectively. By focusing on dynamic pricing, ancillary revenue streams, technology integration, exceptional customer service, and strategic cost management, you can significantly boost profitability and secure long-term success in the competitive self storage industry. Join us as we delve into actionable insights and metrics that matter, helping you thrive and grow your business.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch & Networking
1:00 - 2:00 PM

2024 Industry Challenges with Timothy Dietz, the Self Storage Association

SSA's President and CEO Tim Dietz will discuss what we’ve experienced in self storage this year. The business of self storage has been tested, from political and economic uncertainty to lawsuits and legislation. Learn what we've done to face these challenges, how they will shape the future of our industry, and what we can expect in the coming year.
2:00 PM Adjourn

Speakers

Lou Barnholdt

Lou Barnholdt

Universal Storage Group

Universal Storage Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Lou Barnholdt to the position of Vice President of Sales and Development. This elevation reflects Barnholdt's exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and outstanding contributions to the company's growth. With a proven track record of driving results and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Barnholdt brings 24 years of experience to this leadership position. In her new role, Lou Barnholdt is poised to lead Universal Storage Group to new heights, building on a legacy of success and innovation.

Beginning her journey as a Store Manager, Lou Barnholdt demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to excellence, earning her way to an Area Manager role. She further contributed to the company's success by serving on the Marketing and Training team, showcasing her versatility and strategic mindset. Her ability to navigate various facets of the business led to her recent inclusion on the Leadership Team.

Lou's role encompasses a range of responsibilities aimed at promoting and expanding the company. This includes actively participating in trade shows, sharing expertise at state and national conferences to educate owners and managers, conducting feasibility studies, and providing consulting services. Through these initiatives, Lou is dedicated to contributing to the company's growth and enhancing its presence in the industry.

Lou Barnholdt holds a BFA from Syracuse University, a testament to her commitment to education and continuous growth.

Tim Dietz

Tim Dietz

Self Storage Association

Tim Dietz is the President & Chief Executive Officer for the national Self Storage Association. 2024 is his 20th year with the SSA and is his 9th as chief executive. Under his leadership the SSA has grown to more than 5,000 members, which includes 23 state associations managed by the national SSA. Dietz and his team of 20 association professionals administer 30 events each year, and act as the primary advocates defending the industry in the public arena. Over the past two decades the SSA advocacy department has also supervised the passage of more than 400 laws to help improve the regulations that govern the lien process, insurance programs, and other legislation that influences the industry. Dietz previously lobbied in the environmental remediation and telecommunications sectors.

Scott I. Zucker

Scott I. Zucker

Weissmann/Zucker

Scott Zucker is a founding partner in the Atlanta law firm of Weissmann/Zucker and has been practicing law since 1987. Scott represents self storage owners and managers throughout the country on legal matters including property development, facility construction, lease preparation, employment policies, and tenant claims defense. He also provides, on a consulting basis, advice to self storage companies in the areas of foreclosure and lien sales, premises liability, and loss control safeguards.

Scott is legal counsel to a number of state self storage associations, a frequent lecturer at national self storage conventions, and is a contributing legal writer for trade magazines such as the Mini-Storage Messenger, Inside Self Storage, and The Globe. Scott is the author of Legal Topics in Self Storage: A Sourcebook for Owners and Managers (First Edition 2000, Second Edition 2018), which is the primary reference guide for self storage owners and managers in the self storage industry. Scott is a partner in the Self Storage Legal Network, a subscription based legal information service for self storage owners and managers and former Deputy General Counsel to the national Self Storage Association.

Events

Five-Star Sponsors view all sponsors