Convention Speakers from 2012 Convention

Savanth is responsible for analysis of economic trends in the Australian and global economy, as well as the likely impact on equity markets. His reports and commentary are provided to staff, clients and the broader community through a variety of media commitments. He joined Commonwealth Bank in 2003. His previous role at the bank focused on trading international equities and derivatives.

Mike Scanlon has more than forty years of executive experience in politics, government and corporations in the USA. For the last 8 years he has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Self Storage Association of the USA representing the $20+ billion storage industry that has grown to some 46,500 primary facilities across the nation in the last 36 years. Since taking the helm, he has re-invented the SSA from its brand identification to its vision and mission statement to each of its program and service offerings, doubled the budget of the Association and over doubled its membership. He has a unique and comprehensive perspective on the self storage industry, dealing with all operators from the large REIT based operations to the small owner operated sites. He has seen first-hand how the industry has coped with the Recession in the USA, what it has taken for operators to excel and the effect that oversupply has had in some regions. 

Greg Gillies is someone who lives and breathes ‘digital’. Since joining ReachLocal in 2009, he has been integral in spearheading development of national brands, agencies and associations division throughout NSW. At ReachLocal, Greg is responsible for design and delivery of digital strategies to a number of well-recognised brands throughout Australia. Greg specialises in developing digital strategies for immediate lead generation (search engine advertising), brand awareness and promotional strategies (online banner advertisements) and online reputation management – encompassing social media management, content creation, and reputation monitoring strategies. 

Matt Church is the author of several books including “Adrenalin Junkies”, “Seretonin Seekers” and the best seller, “Highlife 24/7”. Matt explains how to ‘Fix How You Feel’ to conference and corporate groups around the world. Matt’s science background means he is always relevant, cutting edge and sharply pragmatic. He is well known for his informative, entertaining and energetic sessions and provides intelligent solutions to increase personal productivity, avoid burnout and increase energy and passion. His clients have described Matt as a “true professional”, “the best ever seen”, “gifted and down to earth” and possessing the rare ability to “leave his audiences buzzing”. 

Former Young Businesswoman of the Year and Young Australian of the Year, Amanda Stevens is a highly successful entrepreneur and widely recognised as a global authority on marketing. Her international marketing firm Splash Consulting Group works with businesses large and small to assist them with harnessing the growing influence of the female consumer dollar. Amanda has spoken at over 200 conferences globally and in 2008 was part of the speaker line-up for the Donald Trump tour of Australia. 

It would not be a self storage convention without Simone, so she has taken leave from France to do some much needed shopping in Melbourne and speak at the Convention on all things legal in self storage. Not only is she the expert in this area but she is also a fantastic speaker, having been a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and delivered training for the Self Storage Association for over 5 years. Simone remains one of the most requested speakers at all SSAA events for good reason.

Trisha Silvers survived the Tsunami that devastated Phi Phi Island in Phuket on Boxing Day 2004. Trisha has gone on to continue life after suffering her own injuries and the death of her husband Troy who died on their honeymoon. Trisha now works at the Reach Foundation, a non-profit organisation co-founded by Jim Stynes and Paul Currie to promote essential self-belief and confidence in young people. Reach helps over 40,000 disadvantaged teenagers every year. Trisha is also a published author, writing “Beyond the Wave” in 2005, which chronicles her life prior to, during and after the tsunami. She was the 2006 recipient of the Young Australian of the Year Award, and in 2007 she was the official ambassador for Melbourne’s Moomba festival. 

Paul is particularly well-regarded for his work assisting family businesses of various sizes with issues that can arise around succession planning and business structuring. He adopts a holistic approach to business succession and has worked extensively with family businesses to identify practical options and work with their other advisers to determine the most appropriate solutions to their needs. He also holds an internationally-recognised certificate in Family Business Advising from the Family First Institute, a global organisation for advisers to family businesses. Paul is a member of the Australian Institute of Management, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an accredited adviser with Family Business Australia with whom he has had a long association. 

Karen Schmidt is on a mission to turn managers into engaging leaders. Karen’s practical experience comes from hiring, firing, managing, coaching and training thousands of people across Australia in just about every industry. She has experienced the workplace from the point of view of a staff member, manager, recruiter, contractor and consultant working in organisations of all shapes and sizes. No matter what type of people you have in your business, Karen can help you understand what it takes to engage them. To add to her 20 plus years of practical experience she has a degree in Adult Education from the University of Technology, Sydney and formal qualifications in Human Resource Management and Facilitation. Today she works with current and future leaders across Australia, New Zealand and Asia in a diverse range of industries to help them create more engaging workplaces. 

Nigel Collin will act as the MC to guide you through the event with his trademark wit and professionalism. He has the natural ability of bringing together experiences, themes and key messages to ensure audiences have the best possible experience. Working throughout Australia and across the globe, Nigel is best known for his engaging and energetic style and is the best choice to ensure you enjoy the maximum benefit from the event.