5 Must-See Sessions at the 2025 SSA Fall Expo

The 2025 Fall SSA Expo is one of the most significant and memorable events in recent years, especially as the SSA marks 50 years of self-storage advocacy. For anyone who owns, operates, or works in self-storage, the Expo is more than just an annual gathering; it’s a place to learn from industry leaders, discover new technologies, and make connections that can impact your business for years to come.

Storage Commander is proud to be back again this year, both as an exhibitor and as a presenter. And with so much happening over just three short days, we thought we’d help you navigate the packed schedule by highlighting a few sessions we think are too good to miss.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Family Business Master Class – 2:00–5:00 PM



In self-storage, many operators, particularly those outside the REIT space, are family-owned businesses. That brings unique opportunities and challenges, from succession planning and conflict resolution to balancing business decisions with family dynamics. This interactive (therapy?) session takes a candid look at how to keep both the family and the business healthy. Expect real-world advice, best practices, and maybe even a few lighthearted stories from industry veterans who’ve “been there.”

Wednesday, Sept. 3



Future-Proofing Self Storage: Smarter Tech for the Next 50 Years – 8:15–9:00 AM

Technology is no longer just a “nice-to-have” in self-storage; it’s a competitive advantage. This session explores the emerging tech stack shaping the next era of storage operations. From AI-powered automation that streamlines day-to-day tasks to advanced access control systems, smart locks, sensors, mesh networks, and predictive analytics, you’ll see how operators are making data-driven decisions and improving customer experiences. Whether you’re considering your first upgrade or evaluating your next investment, this is a roadmap for staying ahead.

Thursday, Sept. 4

SSA Women’s Council Panel Session & Breakfast – 9:00–10:30 AM

Start your morning with an inspiring panel focused on leadership, diversity, and empowerment in self-storage. The Women’s Council brings together leaders from across the industry to share experiences, insights, and strategies for building inclusive workplaces and fostering professional growth. Beyond the panel, this is also a fantastic networking opportunity, connect with peers who share your values and your drive for excellence.

“5 Signs Your Customers Are About to Flee” Roundtable – 10:30–11:30 AM

Hosted by Storage Commander, this session gets right to the heart of a challenge every operator faces: customer retention. We’ll explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) indicators that a customer is about to leave, and more importantly, what you can do to keep them. This is a highly practical discussion you can take back to your facility and apply immediately.

Living in the Age of AI – SSA Foundation Hall of Fame Inductions & Forum – 3:15–4:15 PM

Led by Rich Karlgaard, this forum takes a big-picture look at how AI is reshaping the way we think about services, operations, and growth strategies. Whether you’re intrigued by the possibilities or cautious about the hype, this discussion will help you see where AI fits in your business roadmap.

Friday, Sept. 5



Closing Session – Five Decades of Self Storage Legal Stewardship – 10:00–11:15 AM

The legal framework surrounding self-storage has evolved dramatically over the last 50 years, and the SSA has been at the forefront of that change. This session is both a look back at the SSA’s legal advocacy and a forward-looking discussion about the issues operators need to be aware of today. It’s a valuable reminder that compliance and foresight go hand-in-hand.