The VRMA Conference Recap...

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Hi, hello everyone 👋

I am writing this newsletter from the Phoenix airport while I’m on my way home from the conference and I have so many thoughts, feelings and knowledge I want to share with you all from this past week.

I have always been a huge fan of in person events and conferences because it can put you in rooms with likeminded people, people doing better than you and just bring the spark back within business and this conference, VRMA (vacation rental management association) did just that for me (and so many others).

It was a 4 day event filled with a bunch of learning opportunities, keynote speeches from top industry leaders, networking opportunities unlike any other, some after parties here and there, and new friendships/business opportunities!

I got to listen in to speakers from Booking.com, Airbnb, and the Expedia Group. They discussed how they balance guest and host experience, Which I thought was interesting because I know a lot of host (myself included) do feel like these platforms highly favor the guest over the host which is a major concern for many.

Nancy from Airbnb talked a lot about regulations that have been put in place over the years and the banning of short term rentals. She talked about how the STR ban in New York has NOT helped the housing concerns at all and “the only people who have benefited are the hotels”. She goes on to mention that putting an end to blunt force bans is something she would love to change.

Tim from the Expedia Group mentioned he wish he could reduce last minute host cancelations and goes on to say that this is one of the biggest issues that give this industry a really bad reputation.

Not only did I get to listen in to top industry leader conversations, I also got to meet the founders of some of my favorite companies.

This is Andy (pictured to the right of me) and Loren (pictured to the left of me). Andy is the founder of TouchStay a virtual guidebook software that I have been using the last 2+ years and something that both my guest (and I ) absolutely LOVE 💗 

Being able to talk to the founders and employees of both the companies you know and love, and new companies you have yet to discover is one of my favorite things about attending these events!

I also had the chance to meet with the co-founder of PriceLabs, another one of my favorite softwares! 😅 I met with so many other companies (not pictured) and truly had the best time getting to know the people behind the brands.

There was also quite a bit of fun mixed into all of the learning that was happening! There was a ton of companies such as American Express, PriceLabs, Inhabit and others in the industry who hosted amazing after parties throughout the week.

The one pictured above was the VRMA closing party that was sponsored by American Express. Food, drinks, selfie booths (pictured above), DJ, and good times with even better people.

I think one of my favorite parts of this whole week was meeting new friends, and meeting friends in person for the first time! Being in this industry, I’ve made a lot of friends… but all over the world! So many of them I have never met in person until this week, which was so full circle.

The craziest part about looking back on this past week is that, I almost DIDN’T go 🤯 I’ve let the fear of doing big things like this alone stop me for many years, but this time I decided to not let that fear control me - and to say I had the best time ever, is an understatement!

I’ve done a lot of “brave” things in my life, but there is times where fear creeps in and I can admit sometimes It wins. Sometimes I don’t always do what I want because I’m scared. But let this be your sign (and mine) that confidence is built by doing the things that scare you… seriously!!!

Last week I was scared of attending events alone, and now I’m already looking for the next one for me to attend 😉

Anyways, If you didn’t get the chance to attend VRMA this year It is happening in Vegas next year and I hope to see you there!

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Chat soon,

Hailie ❤️