USC at AESS 17: strengthening connections in self-storage
The perspective of a first-time exhibitor
For me, this was a new, interesting and exciting first experience as an exhibitor at a conference. My name is Javier and I am from Mexico. I joined USC two years ago, initially to collaborate on my master’s thesis as part of the Industrial Design Engineering program at the University of Twente. After I finished my thesis, I joined the team full-time and this was the first time I attended an event like this. Being at the booth and interacting with potential customers allowed me to better understand their interests and needs. The networking events were both enriching and fun, and I was pleasantly surprised by the strong sense of community in the industry. It was great to see companies supporting each other, sharing ideas and working together. People were incredibly friendly and open to new opportunities, which made this experience even more rewarding.
USC’s presence at the Supplier Fair
At our booth, we presented our versatile and innovative storage solutions, designed to meet the needs of different operators. We highlighted our six different models, all built with insulation and ventilation for optimal storage conditions. A key focus was the Z Box, which can be packed flat, allowing up to 12 units to fit into a 40ft shipping container, making transport and assembly quick and cost-effective. We also shared our ongoing developments in solar panels, electronic locks and enhanced transportation support to improve storage operations.
Customer interactions and key conversations
During the event, we had meaningful conversations with self-storage operators, each with different requirements. Many saw great potential in our solutions and recognized how they could help optimize space, improve efficiency and support expansion plans. A personal highlight was being able to communicate in Spanish with local clients, which made conversations smoother and allowed us to better understand their specific needs.
Strengthening relationships with industry partners
In addition to customer interactions, AESS 17 has allowed us to strengthen relationships with industrial partners. We have had valuable discussions with other vendors, such as HT Box, Sedisto, Kinnovis, Stora and Janus, with whom we are also working on ongoing projects. These collaborations are essential as we continue to develop and refine our solutions for the self-storage market. It was very nice to see that this market enables such vendor collaborations. We were even able to participate in an impromptu supplier-driven evening on the closing night filled with drinks, food and good conversation. I am very happy to have been introduced to this great group of people!
Outlook
Following our time at AESS 17, we are already working on layouts for new customers and continue to keep in touch with those who have expressed interest in our products. Join us to shape the future of self-storage We are excited to expand in Spain and work with industry leaders to bring efficient, customizable and high-quality storage solutions to market. Want to learn more about our products or discuss a possible partnership? Contact us today to find out how we can support your business. Visit our website or contact us. We look forward to continuing the conversation and shaping the future of self-storage together!
Javier Huerta Peña