t’s SSA spring conference and trade show time again, bringing attendees to our nation’s capital for a week of exceptional education and networking. Our education team has worked overtime to gather the best presenters to share their expertise on topics affecting our industry.

If you are joining us at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, be sure to download the conference app from the App Store or Google Play before you arrive. The app gets you the most up-to-the-minute information and allows you to connect with attendees during the conference. It’s a valuable tool to have in your hand.

Too busy to attend the 2024 Spring Conference but want to make connections and educate yourself or your staff? SSA has you covered with numerous state association and other educational events throughout the year.

Managers seeking education on topics to assist with their everyday tasks should take the SSA’s Certified Self Storage Management Course (CSSM). The program features 15 sessions designed to give self-storage managers an understanding of the most important aspects of their job. It’s a standardized, inexpensive, and convenient way to make you a more valued employee. And renewal of the designation every two years with four continuing education credits is a simple way to keep your skills honed. Visit our website at selfstorage.org to register.

Opportunities also include advanced level educational events like the Valuation & Acquisition Course (V&A). This unique, graduate-level real estate investment and facility management course is held over three days in the spring and fall each year. Students are shown different methods to apply decision-making financial modeling techniques for potential acquisitions, request for financing, property tax assessment review, and dispositions. The V&A course is headed to Salt Lake City from May 6 to 8.

Looking for something a little closer to home? SSA’s state-managed associations are planning conferences, seminars, and other events such as lunch and learns and webinars with a more local spin. Plenty of opportunities exist to network with colleagues and make new acquaintances. New in 2024 are regional conferences bringing together adjacent state associations for a robust educational experience. Check your state association’s website for more information on upcoming events happening in your neck of the woods.

SSA is providing so many ways for you to learn and network at the local and national level this year, so make sure to mark your calendars to participate.