This year’s conference, held for four intense days in Phoenix, Arizona, was stimulating and productive. More than 2000 participants, from local operators to professionals from Japan, Dubai, and Australia, gathered at the convention center!
The pre-conference held boot camps on a variety of topics, and we chose to attend the one on Advocacy 2.0. The highlight for me was the message that it is important for us to be advocates for the COMMUNITIES that we serve. Some examples included offering emergency housing for folks displaced by climate events or emergency situations, helping with food pantries, working with local farms to offer welcome gifts, and promoting local businesses and eateries. The more we, as owners and property managers, can be good neighbors and encourage our guests to be good neighbors, the more likely we will be taken as a positive force in our communities.
The welcome party was held in the Exhibit Hall, which was packed with over 100 vendors showcasing their innovative products and services for STRs, including property management systems, Distribution Channels, Insurance companies, Soft goods, Smart locks, Web designers, Consultants, and so many more.
My goals in attending this year were twofold: one, to learn from my peers through the educational sessions and all the spontaneous networking offered; two, to seek out potential exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers for the upcoming STR conference on February 1st, 2025, which will be presented by our Alliance.
I am happy to report that these goals were met, and I left the conference with more than 30 leads for exhibitors and lots of contacts who are eager to share their knowledge and experience with us. From hot topics like implementing AI to streamline our operations to strategies to expand direct bookings, I am confident that we will have an incredible lineup of speakers that will leave participants inspired and equipped to implement new tools to elevate their STR practices.
Alma Bair
Co-President
Viva PR STR Alliance
Show above: Viva PR co-president Alma Bair in the center with team Rent Responsibly at the VRMA Advocacy Fund Reception.