Different storage tradeshows cater to very different, unrelated facets of the storage industry. In recent years, information storage has become a multi-billion dollar, high-tech industry. These storage trade shows cater to IT professionals looking for the most efficient way to store, protect and retrieve information on company networks.
But a storage trade show directory will also include events for self storage owners, managers, developers and investors. Self storage is a booming industry, and a number of large storage trade shows have popped up to meet new demand. With this in mind, it's important to read storage trade show information before choosing an event.
1. Get involved in industry groups that put on storage tradeshows. This way you'll know the cost of admission is worthwhile.
2. Read publications that deliver news about storage trade show services.
3. Book a spot early for a storage tradeshow to attract the most visitors.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Attend self storage trade shows organized by fellow owners and operators
If you belong to an industry association for self storage professionals, you already know the advantages such groups have to offer. Together, you and your peers can exchange tips on finding the right suppliers to build your facilities; the challenges involved in staffing and training; marketing to your customers and much more. Self storage trade shows offer the chance to meet up in person and hear industry experts discuss the hot topics of the day.
I recommend: The
Self Storage Association is the industry's non-profit representative, and its group puts on an annual trade show event for managers and investors. It claims that its registration fees are rather high, and therefore indicative of its quality offerings.
Cushman & Wakefield offers a series of appraisal seminars throughout they year, in addition to a few storage tradeshows. The
Inside Self-Storage World Expo is a huge annual event held in Las Vegas.
Register for storage trade shows that cater to the IT professional
If you're an IT professional responsible for managing or buying information storage technology, it's essential that you attend trade shows to speak with vendors and find out about their latest offerings. In addition, storage trade shows may offer seminars and workshops on data retrieval, backup, networking and capacity management.
I recommend: Storage Networking World is the semi-annual event put on by the
Storage Networking Industry Association. It offers a number of conference tracks that cover the business aspects of storage, as well as issues in security and networking.
TechTarget puts on
Storage Decisions; its storage trade show guide offers comprehensive seminars free of charge for a limited number of storage managers.
Network at storage trade shows that specialize in end-user technology
Though some storage trade shows bring together networking professionals and vendors, others specialize in storage trade show advice for providers of cutting-edge consumer products. These events showcase new consumer electronics, and run workshops and seminars that project where this market is going.
I recommend: Denali MemCon is an event for product developers and chip designers, system architects and engineers.
The Future of Packaged Media is a champion of physical optical disks; this tradeshow advocates for their continued use in a market increasingly dominated by digital downloads.
Storage Visions is a tradeshow for distributors of digital media.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Since computer professionals are the primary targets at an information storage trade show, make sure you only use the most up-to-date audio-visual equipment to maintain your credibility as a cutting-edge supplier.
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