21st Annual Self Storage Owners Summit
Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast HighwayNewport Beach, CA 92663-5092
United States
21st Annual Self Storage Owners Summit
BIG MOVES!
July 16, 2026
11:00AM - 6:30PM
Includes Lunch & Closing Reception
Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Founding Partner & Title Sponsor
Thank you to our Sponsors
Registration Options
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Registration Options
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Price |
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Owner/Operator Member
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$449.00 |
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Owner/Operator Non-Member
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$849.00 |
Rick Caruso, Founder and Executive Chairman, Caruso
Rick Caruso is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Caruso, one of the nation's most respected real estate companies, known for creating premier mixed-use, retail, hospitality, and residential destinations. Over the past three decades, he has developed landmark properties including The Grove, Americana at Brand, Palisades Village, and The Commons at Calabasas, which have redefined the retail and lifestyle experience. Under his leadership, Caruso has become recognized for its commitment to innovation, exceptional guest experiences, and long-term community investment. In addition to his business accomplishments, Rick is a dedicated civic leader and philanthropist, serving on numerous educational, charitable, and public service boards. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.
Tom Boyle, Chief Executive Officer, Public Storage
Industry Keynote Fireside Chat With Dean Keller
Tom Boyle is Chief Executive Officer of Public Storage, the world's largest owner, operator, and developer of self-storage facilities. Since joining the company in 2016, he has held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer, where he helped secure more than $11 billion in capital and led a significant expansion of the company's real estate portfolio. As CEO, Tom oversees a platform of more than 3,500 self-storage facilities serving more than two million customers across the United States, with a focus on growth, innovation, customer experience, and long-term value creation. Prior to Public Storage, he spent more than a decade at Morgan Stanley, ultimately serving as Executive Director in Equity and Debt Capital Markets, advising leading real estate companies on financing and strategic transactions. Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Notre Dame.
Andrew Aiken, Managing Partner, Baranof Holdings
Mr. Aiken is a co-founder of Baranof and focuses on all operational elements to ensure the process of sourcing, transaction execution, construction, and asset management is efficient. Mr. Aiken has extensive experience managing the investment life cycle for a variety of private investments.
Cris Burnam, Chief Executive Officer, StorageMart
Cris Burnam has worked in the self-storage industry since 1987. Under his leadership, StorageMart has grown into the largest privately owned self-storage company in the industry, operating more than 370 locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom with over $10 billion in assets under management. Over nearly 40 years, Cris has led more than $10 billion in acquisitions, mergers, and financing transactions, including the record-breaking $3.2 billion acquisition of Manhattan Mini Storage in 2021. Earlier in his career, Cris helped launch Storage Trust (NYSE: SEA), which merged with Public Storage in 1999 for approximately $650 million, and later led StorageMart’s acquisition of InStorage REIT in 2009. In 2023, he also launched StorageMart’s third-party management platform, expanding the company’s management services across North America.
Ken Nitzberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Devon Self Storage
Mr. Nitzberg is a highly respected entrepreneur and executive in the self-storage and insurance industries, best known for co-founding Devon Self Storage in 1988. Under his leadership, Devon grew into a major national operator, and in 2024, 80% of the company was acquired by Inland Capital, making Devon the self-storage platform for a $16 billion real estate organization. He has also founded and led several successful insurance-related companies, including Self-Storage Insurance Associates (SSIA), Xercor Insurance Services, and Langara RE SPC, which together manage more than $75 million in annual premium and significant capital reserves. A recognized industry leader, Mr. Nitzberg served as Chair of the Self Storage Association, was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2015, and received the prestigious Michael T. Scanlon Award in 2022. Prior to Devon, he helped build Equitec Financial Group into a $4.5 billion asset management company and remains an influential figure in real estate, insurance, and self-storage today.
Keith Wetzel, Partner, Head of Investments, Self Storage, Ares Management
Keith Wetzel is a Partner in Ares Management, where he leads self-storage investments. Prior to joining Ares through its 2025 acquisition of InSite Property Group / SecureSpace, he co-founded the company. Previously, Keith was a Managing Director and Head of West Coast Real Estate Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs, where he advised clients on M&A and capital markets transactions. He also serves on the External Advisory Board of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. Keith holds a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Agenda
| July 16 | |
| 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM | Session Begins Announcements, sponsors commercials |
| 12:45 PM - 1:40 PM | Keynote Fireside Chat - Rick Caruso Fireside Chat with moderator Lewis Horne, CBRE |
| 1:40 PM - 2:35 PM | Keynote Fireside Chat - Tom Boyle Fireside Chat with Dean Keller, Bancap Self Storage Group |
| 2:35 PM - 2:55 PM | Break |
| 2:55 PM - 3:45 PM |
CEO Super Session
Andrew Aiken – Baranof Holdings Chris Burnam – StorageMart Ken Nitzberg – Inland Devon Self Storage Keith Wetzel – Ares SecureSpace Moderator – Eric Snyder, Talonvest Capital |
| 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM |
Legislative Update
Darrius Anderson, Allison Barnett, Martha Miller (Platinum Advisors) Steve Mirabito, John LaRaia (CSSA Legislative Co-Chairs) Moderator – Ross Hutchings, CSSA |
| 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
Closing Reception
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Hotel Rooms at the Balboa Bay Resort are SOLD OUT!
Please use the list of available properties within a 5 mi radius of the event to secure a hotel
Pendry Newport Beach
Distance from BBR: ~2.3 miles
Upscale, modern luxury resort with spa, dining, and private club. One of the most comparable properties to BBR in terms of positioning and clientele.
Website: https://www.pendry.com/newport-beach/
Vea Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
Distance from BBR: ~2 miles
Contemporary resort with ocean views, spa, and meeting space. Strong alternative for group overflow and corporate events.
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxnb-vea-newport-beach-a-marriott-resort-and-spa/overview/?cid=NAT_google_hotel_url
Lido House, Autograph Collection
Distance from BBR: ~2 miles
Boutique luxury hotel with coastal design and rooftop bar. Popular for executive groups and upscale leisure stays.
Website: https://www.lidohousehotel.com/
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
Distance from BBR: ~3.7 miles
All-suite waterfront hotel overlooking Upper Newport Bay. Good mix of upscale comfort and value for attendees.
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/npbst-newport-beach-marriott-bayview/overview/?cid=NAT_google_hotel_url
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Distance from BBR: ~2–3 miles
Large resort-style property with pools, golf, and meeting facilities. Strong capacity for overflow room blocks.
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/newpo-hyatt-regency-newport-beach
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Distance from BBR: ~4–4.5 miles
Five-star luxury resort with villas, golf, and spa. Ideal for VIP attendees seeking a higher-end experience.
Website: https://www.pelicanhill.com/
Marriott's Newport Coast Villas
Distance from BBR: ~4.5 miles
Upscale villa-style accommodations, ideal for longer stays or attendees traveling with family.
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxnc-marriotts-newport-coast-villas/overview/
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West
Distance from BBR: ~4.5–5 miles
Newly renovated upscale hotel near the airport. Convenient and slightly more business-oriented option.
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-regency-newport-beach-west/snawn
Economic Update & Networking Breakfast.
Sponsorships and Tickets Now Available!
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The CSSA Young Leaders Group (YLG) is a community for self-storage professionals age 40 and under, focused on building the next generation of industry leaders through networking, mentorship, education, and professional development. Whether you're new to the industry or advancing your career, YLG provides opportunities to connect with peers, learn from experienced leaders, and grow your network within California's self-storage community.
Join us before the Summit for coffee, networking, and conversation at the CSSA Young Leaders Group Breakfast.
Program:
KEYNOTE PRESENTERS
Rick Caruso
Fireside Chat with moderator Lewis Horne, CBRE
Tom Boyle
Fireside Chat with Dean Keller, Bancap Self Storage Group
CEO Super Session
Andrew Aiken – Baranof Holdings
Cris Burnam – StorageMart
Ken Nitzberg – Inland Devon Self Storage
Keith Wetzel – Ares SecureSpace
Moderator – Eric Snyder, Talonvest Capital
Legislative Update
Darrius Anderson, Allison Barnett, Martha Miller (Platinum Advisors)
Steve Mirabito, John LaRaia (CSSA Legislative Co-Chairs)
Moderator – Ross Hutchings, CSSA