SSA UK Level Up Conference 2026

A warm, practical exploration of what really makes work meaningful: connection, trust and purpose. Culture isn’t your values statement; it’s how people act in meetings, make decisions and treat one another under pressure. In a fast, digital world, human connection has become the most undervalued driver of success. Bruce shows how everyday behaviours shape culture and why organisations that focus on the human experience outperform those chasing perks or buzzwords.

A look at this year’s annual industry report offers a comprehensive view of industry performance and emerging trends. Drawing on the latest data and analysis, it explores market size and growth, occupancy and pricing dynamics, regional variations, customer demand, and investment activity. The session also highlights key challenges and opportunities shaping the industry, alongside insights into the future outlook and strategic considerations for operators, investors, and stakeholders across the market.

Twelve months in the Association is a long time, and with a new CEO and many new plans in progress, change is inevitable, so there is plenty to update members on this year. Simon and Helen will be covering the revised MAP and new contracts for Scotland and Northern Ireland, an update on the success of Storer Check, additional or enhanced member benefits, launching new initiatives such as the Member AI Assistant and Store with Confidence project, outlining the Association's push on technology to support members and providing the results of the annual member surveys. It’s a lot, but someone’s gotta do it!

Our favourite economist is back! In a period of ongoing economic uncertainty, understanding where the UK economy is heading has never been more important for decision makers in self storage. Trevor will provide a clear, independent assessment of the current state of the UK economy and the key forces shaping growth, inflation, interest rates, employment, and consumer confidence. He will explore what these trends are likely to mean over the next 12 months and how they may influence business conditions, equipping you with the economic context you need to make informed strategic, operational, and investment decisions in the year ahead.

In an increasingly competitive market, delivering a seamless, consistent, and memorable customer experience is essential for driving growth, retention, and long-term profitability. In this session, a leading customer experience specialist will guide delegates through how to elevate the customer journey at every stage, from first enquiry and online search to move-in, ongoing engagement, and long-term retention. Drawing on deep industry expertise, the speaker will share practical, actionable strategies to improve conversion rates, reduce friction, enhance satisfaction and loyalty, and build stronger, more enduring customer relationships by delivering an outstanding experience every time.

Five years ago, we were talking about online bookings, unstaffed sites, and the first wave of self storage automation. But the next wave is far bigger: AI and automation will change how customers discover storage, how sales occur, and how sites are operated day to day. In this session, Gavin Shields maps the next 3–5 years and what it means for operators who want to scale without margin leakage or complexity spiralling out of control. We’ll cover the emerging “scale stack” operators need to build: AI-assisted (and eventually AI-led) sales, pricing and revenue management, automated communications and collections, and autonomous site operations (monitoring, issue detection, and maintenance workflows). This is not a talk about online move-ins or unstaffed sites; it’s about what comes after and how to prepare now.

Too many talented people hold back, softening their voices, downplaying achievements or waiting to be noticed. In this empowering and highly relatable keynote, Stephanie challenges the idea that confidence is arrogance and explores why “staying small” helps no one. Blending personal storytelling with cultural insight, she shows how individuals can own their value and how organisations can create environments where people feel confident to speak up, be seen and thrive.

Understanding how buyers and investors evaluate self storage facilities is essential for operators looking to grow, refinance, or plan a future exit. In this session, our industry panel will share how they assess the true value of a self storage site from different perspectives. The discussion will explore the key factors that influence pricing and demand, providing insight into what drives investor confidence, what raises red flags during due diligence, and how operators can position their businesses to achieve premium valuations. The session will also examine how financial reporting, technology systems, branding, and customer experience impact perceived value.

Business rates remain one of the highest and most complex operating costs for self storage operators, with ongoing reforms and valuation changes continuing to impact profitability across the sector. Brian, an industry specialist, will provide a clear, practical overview of the latest developments in business rates and their implications for your business. The session will cover recent policy changes, valuation methods, revaluations, relief schemes, and appeal processes, helping operators understand how their assessments are calculated and where potential savings may exist. Attendees will gain insight into how to review their current liabilities, challenge incorrect valuations, and plan effectively for future changes. The presentation will also highlight common pitfalls, emerging risks, and best practice for managing business rates strategically.

Generation Z grew up with iPhones in their hands and AI in their classrooms. So, how are they using AI to turn self storage facilities into automated cashflow machines? AI has the potential for 24/7 customer support chatbots, instant market-wide price analysis, predictive maintenance, sleepless security and more. Find out how to use AI so you can confidently future-proof your facility.

PANEL: What will AI in Self Storage look like in 10 years
Hunter Webb, Landlord + Fred de Ryckman de Betz, H*LD Self Storage
Our panel will share their vision of where AI is heading and what that means for the self storage sector. They’ll explore the rise of agentic AI and the new opportunities it creates for automation, decision-making, and customer experience. Expect some fervent debate as old school and new school clash, and expect to leave having levelled up your insight on what the future holds for the world of self storage.

Self storage design is undergoing a major transformation. Once dominated by basic, utilitarian buildings, the sector is now creating sophisticated, people-centred facilities that integrate seamlessly into urban and mixed-use environments. This forward-looking panel will explore how self storage architecture is evolving and what this means for operators, developers, and investors. Drawing on best-in-class examples, panellists will discuss the shift from purely functional structures to experience-led spaces that strengthen brand perception and customer loyalty. The session will examine urban integration, adaptive reuse, premium materials, and innovative solutions for compact sites, as well as how design is shaping the customer journey through intuitive layouts, welcoming interiors, and hospitality-inspired spaces. Rising consumer expectations, technology integration, and smart security systems will also be key themes. Looking ahead, the panel will consider the impact of regeneration, automation, and AI on future facilities. It will conclude with practical guidance on why standardised designs are no longer sufficient and how context-led architecture can improve planning success, community acceptance, and long-term performance.