Fall Retreat

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General Information
Agenda
Speakers
Sponsors

General Information

Save the Date for the 2026 Fall Retreat!

September, 24, 2026
Publick House Historic Inn
277 Main St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566

Our sponsorships SOLD OUT the last two years, so be sure to claim yours once registration opens summer of 2026!

Sponsorships

Event Sponsor ($350)
Includes one company representative, a small table to showcase materials, your company listing in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and verbal recognition.

Production Sponsor ($250)
Only one is available! Your company logo will be included on all speaker PowerPoint presentations, you will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and verbal recognition.

Session Sponsor ($200)
Your company logo will be included on the opening slide of your speaker's presentation and on a thank you sign at your dedicated session, you will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and verbal recognition including a statement about your company prior to your dedicated session.

Lunch Sponsor ($150)
Your company logo will be included on signage at the lunch buffet, you will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and verbal recognition.

Breakfast Sponsor ($150)
Your company logo will be included on signage at the breakfast buffet, you will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and verbal recognition.

Lanyard Sponsor ($100)
Only one is available! Your company supplies the lanyards with your logo. You will be listed in the program and online, mentioned across our social media platforms, and verbal recognition.

Agenda

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
8:30 AM	Attendee Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM	Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 -10:00 AM	What Really Drives Value in Self Storage? Lou Barnholdt of Universal Storage Group, Scott Chase of U-Haul Company of Eastern MA, and Connie Neville of National Storage Partners, with moderator Jamie Lee of Elevate Structures Hear an update on the state of our market that includes the traditional views of market rates, plus adds in a discussion on what everyone can do to increase the value of your facility. Our panelists will cover the current market landscape and investor activity with an added focus on how strong local management drives performance - from improving economic occupancy and pricing strategies to customer retention, expense control, and overall facility operations. This session will provide information and education on all levels while connecting operations to asset value.
10:00 - 11:30 AM	Focus Groups A spinoff of your traditional roundtables - focus groups will zero in on one particular topic and offer multiple experts to both educate and converse with attendees regarding them. And the best part? You'll have time to participate in every single table. No more picking and choosing! Revenue Management Construction Operations Building Upgrades/Upkeep Marketing Insurance
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM	Lunch & Networking
1:00 - 2:00 PM	Making the Adjustment from Manager to Leader: Taking Control and Inspiring Growth at Your Facility Chris Mader, MTA Consultancy This presentation will equip managers with practical strategies to lead confidently, regardless of ownership status, and to actively contribute to the improvement and future success of their facilities and the industry. This session aims to inspire attendees to see themselves as integral to their facility’s success, encouraging ownership, accountability, and leadership — regardless of their position or the owner's direct oversight. Attendees will learn: Taking control of your outcomes: How to own your results both at work and in life by embracing an 'Internal Locus of Control' — a mindset that empowers individuals to see themselves as the drivers of their success. The art of managing up: Effective techniques for influencing and collaborating with owners and supervisors to foster a positive, proactive work environment. Enhancing customer experience: Simple yet powerful ways managers can create memorable interactions that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty. Relationship-based vs. transactional sales techniques: Understanding the difference and how to build genuine relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals. Our speaker will also share insights from his book, Make the Adjustment, including lessons on welcoming change and thinking creatively — which are essential traits for managers to become leaders within their facilities.
2:00 PM	Adjourn

Speakers

Scott Chase

U-Haul Company of Eastern MA

Scott Chase is the President of U-Haul Company of Eastern Massachusetts, with over 25 years of experience in the self storage industry. He has managed single facilities and served as Area Field Manager and District Certifier where he worked directly with over 35 independent businesses, many offering self storage. In his current position, Scott has purchased and developed properties in Methuen, MA, Lawrence, MA, Framingham, MA, and Nashua, NH. This growth led to the creation of new U-Haul companies in both western and southern Massachusetts.

Scott's core competencies are customer service, branding and identity, logistics, and employee relations. He oversees the daily operations of all U-Haul company-owned stores in eastern Massachusetts and supports a network of over 40 independent U-Haul dealers. Scott also ensures that U-Haul's sustainability program is implemented and followed in his region, as they strive to serve the needs of the present without compromising the future. His mission is to help people move their lives forward while upholding the values and vision of U-Haul.