SmartStop CEO to Speak at September 30 Storage Symposium
The leader of the self-storage REIT will share insights on the state of the industry during a national summit.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Commercial
SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc. CEO H. Michael Schwartz is scheduled to join the Public REIT CEO Panel at the 12th Annual Evercore ISI Storage Symposium on September 30, 2026. This gathering will bring together leaders to discuss the current landscape of the self-storage market.
Why it matters
As one of the largest operators in the industry with hundreds of thousands of units across North America, company leadership strategy often reflects broader trends in real estate occupancy and storage demand. Understanding these industry shifts can provide homeowners with perspective on local storage availability and pricing.
SmartStop oversees a massive portfolio of 36.8 million rentable square feet across the United States and Canada. This footprint includes 68 properties in Canada alone, which represent 59,000 units and 6 million square feet of space.
The players
H. Michael Schwartz
As the CEO of SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc., he manages a large-scale real estate firm specializing in self-storage facilities.
SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc.
An internally managed real estate investment trust with headquarters in Ladera Ranch, California, and an extensive portfolio across North America.
The details
The Evercore ISI Storage Symposium facilitates dialogue among industry executives to examine operational challenges and growth strategies. H. Michael Schwartz will participate alongside peers from other publicly traded self-storage REITs to analyze current market conditions. The symposium serves as a platform for professionals to evaluate the trajectory of rentable storage space demand.
Timeline
September 30, 2026
4:05 p.m. EDT, September 30, 2026
The Home Front
This symposium tracks with broader national trends in commercial real estate as operators adjust to changing vacancy and demand metrics. These institutional shifts often mirror how local storage facilities determine rental rates for residential customers.
Homeowners who use off-site storage to manage household decluttering may want to review their current rental agreements and market rates. If your storage facility has been acquired or recently shifted its management structure, confirm your billing contact and auto-pay settings.
The takeaway
Large-scale storage operators are closely monitoring national real estate demand as they shape their future portfolio growth. For your own household, verify that your storage unit lease is up to date and check if your facility offers any loyalty discounts for long-term storage users.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in property management in the Commercial section.
