Fall Retreat

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General Information
Agenda
Speakers
Sponsors

General Information

Save the Date for the 2025 Fall Retreat!

September, 24, 2025
Publick House Historic Inn
277 Main St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566

Our sponsorships SOLD OUT the last two years, so be sure to claim yours once registration opens this summer!

Sponsorships

Event Sponsor ($350)
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.

Session Sponsor ($200)
Your company logo will be included on the opening slide of your speaker's presentation and on a thank you sign at your dedicated session, you will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and receive verbal recognition including a statement about your company prior to your dedicated session.

Lunch Sponsor ($125) Two Left
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.

Lanyard Sponsor ($100)
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

Wednesday, September 24
8:30 AM	Attendee Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM	Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 -10:00 AM	Market Panel Lou Barnholdt of Universal Storage Group, Connie Neville of National Storage Partners
10:00 - 11:30 AM	Focus Groups A spinoff of your traditional roundtables - focus groups will zero in on one particular topic and offer multiple experts to both educate and converse with attendees regarding them. And the best part? You'll have time to participate in every single table. No more picking and choosing! Revenue Management Construction and Upkeep Operations Virtual Marketing Traditional Marketing Insurance
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM	Lunch & Networking
1:00 - 2:00 PM	Making the Adjustment from Manager to Leader: Taking Control and Inspiring Growth at Your Facility Chris Mader, MTA Consultancy This presentation will equip managers with practical strategies to lead confidently, regardless of ownership status, and to actively contribute to the improvement and future success of their facilities and the industry. This session aims to inspire attendees to see themselves as integral to their facility’s success, encouraging ownership, accountability, and leadership — regardless of their position or the owner's direct oversight. Attendees will learn: Taking control of your outcomes: How to own your results both at work and in life by embracing an 'Internal Locus of Control' — a mindset that empowers individuals to see themselves as the drivers of their success. The art of managing up: Effective techniques for influencing and collaborating with owners and supervisors to foster a positive, proactive work environment. Enhancing customer experience: Simple yet powerful ways managers can create memorable interactions that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty. Relationship-based vs. transactional sales techniques: Understanding the difference and how to build genuine relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals. Our speaker will also share insights from his book, Make the Adjustment, including lessons on welcoming change and thinking creatively — which are essential traits for managers to become leaders within their facilities.
2:00 PM	Adjourn

Speakers

Lou Barnholdt

Universal Storage Group

Lou Barnholdt serves as the Vice President of Sales and Development at Universal Storage Group (USG), bringing over 24 years of dedicated experience to the company. After spending the majority of her career excelling in operations, Lou transitioned to her current leadership role, where she plays a pivotal part in both the Sales and Leadership teams. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Northeast Self Storage Association (NeSSA), contributing her expertise to the advancement of the self storage industry.

Specializing in feasibility studies, operational consulting, budgeting, forecasting, marketing, and sales strategies, Lou is instrumental in driving success for USG and its clients. A regular contributor to industry publications, she is a respected thought leader who empowers self storage managers and owners through educational initiatives and speaking engagements at state and industry events.

Lou holds a BA from Syracuse University and has earned the prestigious CSSM™ designation from the National Self Storage Association. Her passion for innovation and commitment to excellence continue to inspire growth within USG and the broader self storage industry.

When not working, Lou enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as indulging her love for boating and cooking. A proud Syracuse University sports fan, she rarely misses a chance to cheer on the Orange football and basketball teams, whether from the stands or at home. She currently resides in Northern New York.

Chris Mader

MTA Consultancy

Chris Mader is the Founder & CEO of MTA Consultancy and resides on the south coast of Massachusetts. He has three decades of experience in leadership & business development, corporate training, consulting, and keynote speaking.

Previously a professional athlete, Chris has been fortunate to spend time and compete with elite athletes and business professionals, which gives him a unique perspective on what drives performance, motivation, and excellence in diverse and dynamic environments.

Chris has been a guest lecturer and published author on topics such as managing across multiple generations, change management, emotional intelligence, customer success, and growth strategy.

In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, kettlebell workouts, watching Boston sports teams, enjoying time at the beach, the golf links, or playing acoustic guitar.

Connie Neville

National Storage Partners

Connie Neville, J.D., is a Self Storage Specialist and National Director of National Storage Partners, specializing in the purchase and sale of self storage facilities across New England. With extensive expertise in brokerage, development, and management, she is a trusted advisor to owners, investors, and operators in the self storage
sector.

Before joining National Storage Partners, Connie founded and led SVN | C.M. Neville & Associates, a nationally recognized and award-winning full-service brokerage firm. As Co-Chair of the Self Storage Product Council at SVN, she facilitated the sale of over 2.5 million square feet of self storage properties valued at more than $256 million across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. She also represented regional banks and lenders in the disposition of troubled loans and foreclosed properties as part of the SVN Asset Recovery Team.

A recognized leader in the industry, Connie is an active member of the National Self Storage Association (SSA), the Northeast Self Storage Association (NeSSA), the Maine Self Storage Association (MESSA), and the New Hampshire Self Storage Association (NHSSA).

Connie holds a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law, a master’s degree from George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College. Her experience as a litigator and negotiator gives her a distinct advantage in effectively navigating and closing deals.