The annual FEDESSA European Self Storage Conference, sponsored by Janus International, returned to full strength this year after a reduced programme during the pandemic.

The event, held on 28-29 September at the Tivoli Marina on Portugal’s Algarve coast, was attended by 700 delegates who experienced a totally revamped format that engaged and challenged them to improve their business in these changing times. 

The conference featured an innovative circular stage surrounded by an eclectic mix of furniture, including lounge suites and bean bags. The novel design immersed speakers in the audience, creating greater levels of interaction and allowed everyone to be up close to the presenters.  The entire event was designed to encourage networking and learning with state-of-the-art AV being used throughout the event. From the large Madison Square Garden-style screens capturing all the action, to the VR experience used by suppliers in the trade show. 

This was the biggest self storage trade show ever held outside the USA, featuring many first-time exhibitors. The trade show itself got an upgrade with branded stands, interactive AV, QR coded name tags for storing delegates’ information and a fully functional event app to tie it all together.

There was a range of speakers from both within the industry and externally, all delivering tailored presentations designed to stimulate debate and change within the delegates and the industry as a whole.  David Meade was particularly popular as he explained how to tailor sales pitches to convert more customers while performing mind-bending tricks on the audience.

John Hulsman’s insight into the geopolitical landscape, including the war in Ukraine and current state of the UK political system, had the room captivated.  Industry veterans like Jefferson Shreve, Carl Touhey and Gavin Lucas shared the stories of their success, including the mistakes they made on the way.  Many delegates rated this as the best conference they had ever been to and over 50% of people rated it as excellent in the post-event feedback.

Before the event officially started there was a golf day at the world-renowned Dom Pedro Old Course in Vilamoura, as well as a tour of one of the local Portuguese self storage centres along with wine tasting at a local vineyard.

The Kuboid networking dinner on the first night was the largest self storage dinner held and culminated with a silent disco that had everyone on the floor dancing.  The event concluded with the annual industry awards sponsored by Janus, recognising excellence in the industry. 

A special presentation detailed the efforts many self storage operators had made to assist with the Ukraine refugee aid effort.  Almost €20,000 of additional funds was raised on the night for charities providing aid to the crisis.

Next year the FEDESSA conference will be held in Rotterdam on October 24-26. 

Photos (top to bottom):
The central stage immersed speakers in the audience.
The biggest self storage trade show held outside the USA featured many first-time exhibitors.
Delegates networking during a break for lunch.