This year, yet again, I ventured to the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) International Conference, this time being held in one of the most over stimulating places in the country- Las Vegas…
VRMA 25 wrapped up this week after three days of learning, connection, and inspiration. From October 12-14, more than 2,000 vacation rental professionals came together in the entertainment capital of the world to exchange ideas and explore what’s next for short-term rentals and how we, as Vacation Rental Managers, could raise the bar for the owners, the guests and the communities we serve!
The event kicked off with an energizing keynote from Chip Conley that set the tone for a packed agenda. His focus was on the way that current travelers seek to not only check out places and experiences, but also to check in with themselves and to connect to others. He emphasized the importance of Hosts going beyond meeting expectations – and the need to take hospitality to the next level of fulfilling unrecognized desires, mindfully crafting a sense of belonging and connection in every touchpoint.
Attendees dug into today’s most talked-about topics—AI and automation, revenue optimization, direct booking growth, and guest experience—leaving with practical takeaways they could use right away. Meanwhile, in the Expo Hall, more than 170 exhibitors showcased the technology, tools, and services driving the next generation of vacation rental management.
The concurrent sessions (over 50 educational opportunities) were packed with fun topics such as… “Social Media that Scales” “AI OR DIE” “To Catch a Fraudster” “Eco Friendly Practices” and so much more!
I was asked to facilitate one of the roundtable topics for the “Knowledge Collective” on Alliances and Partnerships and to attend a brainstorming session with other leaders of Alliances, throughout the United States, to discuss ways that VRMA can support the work we do locally. Beyond financial support for our Alliances, we discussed tools and data that VRMA can provide to help make us better informed about the regulatory environment and stronger together.
The vibe and camaraderie were palpable, it was an opportunity to meet old and new friends, learn from their experiences, and partner to bring information and resources to our growing STR community in Puerto Rico.
Viva PR Short-Term Rental Alliance Co-President
Alma Bair