Preparations are well underway for the NPSA-MSSA joint Annual Conference & Trade Show, November 7-9, 2010. It’s amazing how quickly the time goes by, as this will already be NPSA 8th Annual Conference and second conference co-hosted with the Mobile Self Storage Association (MSSA). It’s been three years since our event was held in Orlando and the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel is eagerly awaiting our return. With more than 600 industry members expected to attend, you might as well go ahead and register early.
Some of the early buzz about the conference is due to the scheduled attendance of world famous architect Adam Kalkin. Mr. Kalkin is quite possibly the leading architect in the development of container housing and he will be sharing his experiences and expertise with us. We are very excited about his presentation and know that you will be keyed up as well to view the amazing things he has done with a container.
We are also looking forward to another joint venture with our sister companies in the mobile storage field. The MSSA will be conducting educational sessions dealing with mobile storage and will have several exhibitors displaying new and innovative products on the trade show floor.
Of course, we will maintain our series on the keynote State of the Industry address whose insights are universally lauded by all attendees. And there will be numerous additional educational opportunities to include Search Engine Optimization; DOT Issues; Public Relations; Collection Assistance from a Reputable Firm and others. And don’t forget that networking opportunities are the forte of all our events and they will be available in abundance. The full agenda will be published before the end of May, so make your plans and we look forward to your participation and support. To assist in your early plans, we offer a few suggestions that may help you achieve the most while attending the show:
- Everyone’s time is important. Plan in advance. Make appointments with people you wish to see. NPSA provides an option to have all attendees list their cell phone numbers to assist you in finding the people you need to see.
- Make a list of what specifically you want to learn. Attend the seminars that are being offered.
- Take charge! Attend the meetings NPSA has set up for owners to ask what they are doing in their companies and what they see for the future. Use it as an idea exchange.
- Take the time to walk the show thoroughly and completely. Each booth is an opportunity for you. And as an exhibitor, each attendee is someone who may need your service.
- Carry a small note pad and take as many notes as possible.
- Knowledge is power. Gather as much information as you can. Find out what new products, techniques and services are available to you that can help you expand your business and increase productivity and profitability.
- Talk to association executives, seminar leaders and other industry experts while at the show to obtain their perspective on the future.
- Talk to finance companies. Of course, they'll try to get your business, but they also can tell you what their clients are doing to help them through the economy.
- Enjoy yourself, you will have earned it! After a tough year, NPSA events are always a great way let off some steam and have fun with your peers. Enjoy the tradeshow, the breakfasts, lunches, receptions, tennis, golfing, etc. that are held during the show.
Once the show is over, ask yourself these questions:
- Is there a way we can diversify our business? How? Can I do both portable storage and mobile storage?
- What is the competition doing? How do we compare? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can we be better, different and outshine them?
- Should I rethink my entire business strategy? How can we get new business? What "idea of ideas" can help us move forward?
Those operations that arm themselves with industry knowledge and are willing to take action toward positive change will have the ability to carry their organization into a successful future. If you want to increase your ability to remain competitive, you need to attend your industry trade show. It is the vehicle to obtain the knowledge that you need to help you strategize, improve operations and make smart decisions to help you compete and win. We hope to see you there.
To register for the 2010 NPSA-MSSA Conference and Tradeshow, please click here.
