 2024 Conference Presentation Details & Speaker SpotlightsOpening Keynote: Abandon Boring and be Unforgettable | Monday, April 29 | 9:30a -10:30a Abandon boring and be unforgettable Deliver transformative, experience-based stays that take your biz from bland to brilliant and primed for profitability. Takeaways:
She also the VRMA Excellence Award winner for the inaugural Community Impact Award in recognition of her mission focus to serve my guests and community through hospitality. And her Branson Family Retreats brand has been awarded Best Vacation Rentals, Best Dog-friendly Lodging, and Best Family Lodging in Branson.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Direct Bookings Are Not Just For Past Guests: How To Get New Guests to Book Direct | Monday, April 29 | 10:45a - 11:45a Getting a past guest to book direct when they want to return is a great place to start; however you don’t want to stop there. In this session, I will dive deep into how to get new guests to book direct with you. You will learn how to get them into your community to continue the conversation and how to provide the trust needed for new guests to book with you.
She is also a property manager and owner herself, managing her own award-winning properties since 2013. Finding herself with a property in an OTA over-saturated area was what initially led her down the direct booking path. She is the host of the Direct Booking Success Podcast which is produced weekly with a mix of educational solo episodes and interviews with Hospitality and Accommodation professionals along with fellow property managers and owners. Jenn is also the founder of the annual Direct Booking Success Summit. This event is a FREE marketing and hospitality educational online summit for vacation/short-term rental property managers and owners who want to increase their direct bookings and up level their business. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Unlocking the Secrets: Trust Accounting's Power in Vacation Rentals! | Monday, April 29 | 10:45a - 11:45a In "Unlocking the Secrets: Trust Accounting's Power in Vacation Rentals!" our expert panelist Mark D. Ritter, CPA unveils the transformative impact of trust accounting in the vacation rental industry. Mark sets the stage by defining trust accounting's importance, while sharing experiences from other property managers in the vacation rental industry. He will discuss navigating challenges while providing real-life examples, demonstrating how trust accounting elevates operations and facilitates informed decision-making. This engaging session, enriched with audience discussions and Q&A, empowers property managers to embrace trust accounting for transparency, protection against financial risks, and strategic growth.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Building a Local Advocacy Alliance. Leveraging Community to Save Your Industry and Grow Your Business. | Monday April 29th 10:45 - 11:45 Hear from 2 seasoned Vacation Rental Managers who formed separate local advocacy groups to fight restrictive regulation in their area. Through tactics including public service, political campaigns, and legal action, we worked with other management companies, owners, and local businesses to unite the local STR community. Learn actionable successful methods to connect stakeholders. Discover best practices for community involvement and charitable contributions. Learn about how to avoid mistakes when forming and working within a community alliance. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Balancing Your Job Roles and Your Passion | Monday, April 29 | 1:00p - 1:45p More times than not, leaders are juggling multiple roles in the company when their passion really lies in one area. This is most common as companies start out and they aren’t able to justify two full-time leaders so they put two crucial roles in the hands of one leader who is really best at one of the roles. How do they do it and stay motivated every day?
In 2020, Heidie co-founded ASTRHO (Association for Short-Term Rental HomeOwners), a pivotal initiative aimed at providing essential industry resources, education, and support to individual STR hosts. In her most recent role, Heidie has steered the expansion of California Design Den into the hospitality industry. Her primary focus remains on advancing eco-friendly, top-tier linens tailored for short-term rental hosts of all magnitudes, advocating for sustainability and setting a benchmark for excellence within the industry.
Throughout her career, Sandie has consistently prioritized customer service and community involvement, which have been key drivers in her success. She strongly believes that building relationships and creating memorable experiences for guests is vital in the hospitality industry. Beyond her professional life, Sandie is a proud mother of two boys and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild in June. In her free time, she enjoys indulging in her hobbies of cooking, knitting and spending time with family. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Unlocking Online Success: The Hierarchy of Marketing Needs for Vacation Rental Property Managers | Monday, April 29 | 1:00p - 1:45p In this session, we’ll uncover the essential steps to marketing success in the vacation rental industry. We'll start by laying the foundation with a bookable website and progress through website optimization, digital marketing tactics like PPC and social media advertising, online reputation management, and the path to earning national brand awareness. Property Managers will leave this session with actionable insights and a strategic framework to navigate the hierarchy of marketing needs that will ultimately enhance your company’s online visibility, engage potential guests, and achieve growth and industry recognition.
Meet Brynn Flaherty: Brynn is an experienced marketing professional, having spent the last 14 years dedicated to digital marketing for the vacation rental and hospitality industry. Brynn has led a Digital Marketing team at a leading software provider and marketing agency for professional vacation rental managers, where she was responsible for building and overseeing the account management team. She also has extensive experience driving the marketing strategies for a diverse portfolio of vacation rental managers, with a focus on increasing direct bookings and leads. Brynn is passionate about connecting travelers with her clients’ destinations, and helping property managers of all sizes achieve their growth goals. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Grassroots Owner Acquisition | Monday, April 29 | 1:00 - 1:45pm Session will be focused on owner acquisition with and emphasis on community building and sustainability. In addition, how can we use our tech stack, primarily revenue management data to leverage the marketplace. My special guest presenters are Brian Olson, owner of Beachcomber Vacation Rentals-will be bringing his extensive knowledge of the industry. In addition, Kate Kirschner, Manager of Sales at Inhabit, will bring an incredible amount knowledge from a data perspective. The combination of these two industry powerhouses along with my vast knowledge of the Vacation Rental property management software perspective that will appeal to attendees. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Managing Loss | Monday April 29 | 2:00p - 3:00p Managing/Owning STR/MTR properties is complicated, that is just a fact. Between guest/owner relations, dynamic pricing, and scheduling cleanings/maintenance, the day-to-day is full. The last thing we want to deal with is unforeseen losses/damages to our inventory. During this panel, we will explore how Property Managers and Owners alike can simplify their role as a “risk manager”, use insurance as a tool for growing revenue and reducing capital expenditures, and look at examples of actual losses and how to avoid these from happening to you. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Brand Equity FTW - How to Structure your Resources and Differentiate to Stay Ahead Without Cutting your Marketing Budget | Monday, April 29 | 2:00p - 3:00p
Presented by Tera Lorimer, Luxury Getaways; Shaina Anderegg, Build Up Bookings; Rebecca Lombardo, Rebecca Lombardo Agency Tightening your belt is just survival mode. Do the strategic work so you can thrive in 2024 and beyond! Learn where and how to invest your marketing dollars during a tough year. This session covers the best ways to structure your team, agencies, and resources. HINT: Your unique value proposition might be the key to winning out against your competition and you don’t even know it! Takeaways:
Meet Rebecca Lombardo: As one of NBC’s first “backpack” journalists, and later a travel writer for HuffingtonPost, Rebecca parlayed her bold and creative storytelling into a career as a sought-after branding and marketing expert. Her clients have included JZ Vacation Rentals, Tahoe Moon Properties, Finger Lakes Premier Properties, Pocono Mountain Rentals, and Soar Vacation Rentals. She is also an award-winning writer and author with the ability to speak truth through humor and engage audiences of entrepreneurs, franchise owners and small businesses. As a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Rebecca Lombardo, draws from her 25 years of diverse experiences to offer thoughtful insights into the hospitality industry. She frequently speaks at Information Management Network conferences, moderates the Content Marketing World Summit panels, and hosts the YouTube show "VendorVibes," where she interviews hospitality industry professionals.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Leveraging AI in STR: A Fundamentals Session with Bart Sobies | Monday April 29 | 2:00p - 3:00p
Presented by, Bart Sobies, iBooked.online
This session will teach accommodation owners and managers about AI, what the latest AI tools are, and what they need to pay attention to. The goal is to provide attendees with valuable takeaways to improve their marketing and communication strategy as well as direct bookings. The session is designed to teach business owners in the tourism industry the fundamentals of AI and how to get started with it. I will cover topics such as improving copywriting with AI, Social Media, SEO, reviews and much more. It is fun, interactive and will blow the audience away.
Renowned for his expertise in direct bookings, marketing, branding, and digital products, Bart has guided thousands of hospitality owners to amass millions in additional revenue through iBooked.Online. As the commanding voice of The Accommodation Show and the founder of the Accommodation Managers and Owners Facebook Community, he has cultivated a nexus for over 2,000 professionals to share industry wisdom and insights. The year 2023 saw Bart orchestrate the landmark 5-Day AI Challenge, where he partnered with numerous hosts to enlighten them on cutting-edge AI technologies and tactics for enhancing direct bookings. Bart's international influence is further underscored by his appearances at industry events such as the ASTRA Conference in Queensland, The Book Direct Show in Miami, Vintory Mastermind in Las Vegas, and No Vacancy in Sydney. In 2024, Bart adds another feather to his cap as he hosts STRive to Thrive, Australia's premier gathering for short-term rental owners and managers. Scheduled for the 20th and 21st of March in Melbourne, the event is set to be an unparalleled two-day fiesta specifically tailored for STR professionals. Bart's involvement ensures an unmatched educational and networking experience for all attendees. This year also sees Bart touring Australia, delivering presentations at a series of conferences and offering his wealth of knowledge on industry podcasts. Seize this extraordinary opportunity to learn from an STR guru and propel your direct bookings to unparalleled levels. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Pets are the New Kids: Welcoming Them Drives Leasing Success | Monday, April 29 | 2:00p - 2:30p “Pets are the new kids, and plants are the new pets.” Today’s renters consider their pets vital members of their families, and operators must respond accordingly. Welcoming our furry friends offers opportunities to drive revenue, but we must manage risk as well. This session will offer best practices for implementing pet-inclusive policies and detail their potential financial impact. It will also explore how to address service animal and support animal accommodation requests. You’ll leave this session paw-sitively impressed with the information and ready to optimize your pet policies!
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Timing is Everything: How Providing Guest Information in the Right Way at the Right Time | Monday, April 29 | 2:45p - 3:15p Timing is everything in guest communication. Knowing how and when to communicate effectively with guests can help determine their overall experience with the vacation rental home, how they’ll rate it and whether they’ll use the same property management team next time. But that’s not all that communicating with guests in the right way at the right time can do. Mastering the time-sensitive tools of guest communication can help property managers run their businesses more efficiently, create an agreeable work/life balance for themselves and their teams, and reduce routine guest phone calls by more than 50%. This session will unpack how to make that happen. Meet Nars Krishnamachari: Nars Krishnamachari is the founder and CEO, RueBaRue. RueBaRue Guest Communication Platform helps VRMs optimize operations, increase revenue and provide guests with the best experience using text automation, guest messaging, digital guestbooks and extend gap nights. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Uncover the Latest Trends to Boost Bookings and Profits This Summer | Monday, April 29 | 3:30p - 4:15p After a year full of ups and downs, we will take a deep dive into the data and trends about summer 2024 and beyond. Uncover hidden patterns, decipher the secrets, and gain actionable insights to boost your strategy and drive more bookings and revenue. Key Learnings:
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Using our Safety Program to Attract New Guests & Owners | Monday, April 29 | 3:30p - 4:15p This session underscores the significance of professionals and managers employing a safety program within their agency to allure new guests and property owners. Covering the entire process from recognizing the importance of a safety program to training, constructing, implementing, and promoting it, this session guides managers in revisiting fundamental aspects. By prioritizing safety, managers can enhance revenue opportunities for their agency.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Serenity NOW! | Monday, April 29 | 3:30p - 4:15p You have your own job and then there are all the fires you have to put out which leaves you a warn-out shell. I will give you tangible takeaways and procedures that will help stop the burnout and your feeling like you can't get anything done. Meet Stacy Wesson: I have been in the industry my whole life, grew up in it, and now have been running my family's company for the last 10 years. I also do coaching on the side to help others reach their business and personal goals. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance The Growth Blueprint: Proven Inventory Growth Techniques from Leading VRM | Monday, April 29 | 4:30p - 5:30p Discover the path to success with 'The Growth Blueprint,' a comprehensive exploration of proven inventory growth techniques. This panel of leading Vacation Rental Managers (VRMs) is known for their rapid portfolio expansion and influential presence in the industry. These seasoned professionals will reveal the strategies and experiences that have driven their success. Delve into the real-world tactics and innovative approaches that are essential for scaling inventory effectively. Ideal for both newcomers and those aiming to boost their growth, this session offers a unique chance to learn from the best in the business. Discover the secrets behind expanding your vacation rental portfolio from those who have turned these methods into an art form.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Don't Sell a Vacation - Sell an Experience! Manage your Listings More Effectively to Increase Bookings | Monday, April 29 | 4:30p - 5:15p A steadily trending topic in our industry for the last couple years has been guest fees. This session will cover how to restructure your listing to present the guest with an experience rather than them feeling like they are only paying for a vacation rental. We will also dive into the difference between listing fees as separate line items and when to lump them together. Charging guests fees during their stay is an essential business practice, so let me show you how to make your traveler feel that your charged fees are essential as well!
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance The Hardest Thing: Every Companies' Biggest Challenge... It's People | Monday, April 29 | 4:30p - 5:30p This session will address the most challenging part of business. How to identify, hire, and retain a cohesive team to execute the company vision. It will cover people data, talent attraction, retention, and how to optimize the largest cost structure in your organization. Meet Steve Trover: Steve Trover is a 27-year vacation rental industry veteran, having founded and led a four-location vacation rental management company, designed, developed, and/or built hundreds of vacation homes, designed a proprietary property management software platform and emerged as a technology strategist within the industry. As the former president of the Vacation Rental Manager Association (VRMA) and vice-president over a five-year period, Steve’s volunteer life includes time on the board of several industry associations. He is the founder and CEO of Better Talent. A subscription-based talent acquisition company focused on the rapidly growing vacation rental industry. He firmly believes in his mantra "The Best Teams Win" and is passionate about helping vacation rental companies grow and retain the very best talent. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Spring Break Review & Summer Forecasting | Monday, April 29 | 4:45p - 5:15p Presented by Tabatha Wild, Key Data Dashboard Analyze Spring Break data in key markets throughout the Western US. Looking at KPIs like Adjusted Paid Occupancy, ADR, Booking Windows, and RevPAR to better understand Spring Break results and what best practices to utilize as the STR industry prepares for a successful Summer 2024.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance OPENING KEYNOTE: Evolve or Die: Keys for Success in the Short-Term Rental Industry | Tuesday, April 30 | 9:15a - 10:15a In a world where the OTAs are gaining market share and new technology is released daily, how can vacation rental and short-term rental companies survive and even thrive? This session will dive into specific areas of opportunity with concrete takeaways for the audience. Everything from historical mistakes to leveraging AI in our businesses today (regardless of skill level!) will be covered.
In addition to his EdTech Company, David co-founded a prominent short-term property management company (which was exited) in Gatlinburg and co-founded StaySense (also recently exited). In February of 2020, he bought out the other owner of StaySense and doubled down on company growth and the launch of new brands/products. Successfully navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19, the company experienced exceptional growth. This growth, coupled with new partnerships, prompted David to sell the company to Guesty in 2023. Recently, he was promoted to the Chief Evangelist for Guesty and also leads several US-based Guesty teams. In addition to founding and exiting multiple technology startups, David is an accomplished author, land developer, and a certified Airline Transport Pilot. During his tenure at NetJets, where he was one of the youngest pilots in company history, he piloted flights for numerous household names aboard the fastest passenger jet in the world. When David is not at work, you are likely to find him running trails, boating, traveling, and spending time with his family in Nashville, TN. An accomplished ultra-marathoner, he has completed one of the most challenging 50-mile races in North America and recently finished the renowned 100-Mile Leadville Race Across The Sky. His very first job was feeding his brother dog food… Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Crafting a Compelling Total Compensation Strategy: Engage, Retain, Succeed | Tuesday April 30 | 10:30a - 12:00p In today’s competitive landscape of talent acquisition and retention, companies must prioritize developing comprehensive total compensation packages that not only attract top talent but also foster long-term engagement and loyalty. Join us for an insightful workshop where we delve into the key components of total compensation that resonate with employees. From competitive salaries and bonuses to invaluable benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off, we'll explore what truly matters to today's workforce. Gain actionable insights and strategies to structure a total compensation program that not only attracts but also retains and engages employees effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to optimize your compensation strategy and propel your organization toward sustainable success. Meet Sue Jones: Sue Jones, owner and founder of www.HR4VR.com, is the vacation rental industry’s first and only dedicated human resources support services provider. With 30 years of experience in all facets of human resources, Sue is truly passionate about supporting the unique needs of property managers. The most rewarding part of Sue’s job is both reducing her client’s risk exposure and being their first call when the unavoidable HR catastrophe comes to pass. Meet Catherine Ratcliffe: Catherine Ratcliffe is a highly respected benefits consultant renowned for her expertise in self-funded plans and strategic advisory services. With a distinguished career marked by leadership roles in regional and national benefits brokerage firms, Catherine brings a wealth of experience to her clients. As the founder of STR Benefits Consulting, she has established herself as a trusted advisor known for delivering high-touch solutions tailored to meet each organization's unique needs. Throughout her career, Catherine has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and practices. Her participation in regional and national strategic advisory panels for Fortune 500 industry partners underscores her commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the benefits landscape. In addition to her insurance license, Catherine holds certification as a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) instructor, further solidifying her expertise in employer benefit solutions. She is a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting on topics ranging from financial structure and sustainability to compliance. Her insightful perspectives and actionable insights have earned her accolades from peers and clients alike. In addition to her professional endeavors, Catherine is a multifaceted entrepreneur. She owns and manages Lost Together Stays, a boutique collection of short-term vacation rental homes in the southern United States. Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Catherine recognized the need and focused on a Canadian content conference; Catherine founded and chairs the CanStays rental alliance, which convenes industry stakeholders and government officials to foster dialogue and innovation. Beyond her business pursuits, Catherine is deeply committed to several passion projects, including education, the prevention of human trafficking, and advocating for insurance contract transparency. Her dedication to these causes reflects her values-driven approach to life and business. Based in Florida, Catherine cherishes time spent with her husband, three daughters, and two beloved fur babies. A lifelong learner with a penchant for adventure, she embraces new challenges with enthusiasm, whether in the boardroom or on the running trail. Catherine Ratcliffe exemplifies excellence in benefits consulting, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, making her a dynamic leader and sought-after speaker in her field.
Melinda has been drawn to the OBX since she was a small child. Some of her first memories are visiting The Wright Brothers Monument and ferry rides to Ocracoke. Eastern North Carolina is ingrained in her roots, and she is proud to call OBX home. Whichard, Woolard and Mitchell Wealth Management has been doing business in Eastern North Carolina for over thirty years and takes pride in in caring for our clients by investing, growing and protecting generational wealth. Success in perpetuity is only achieved with a well-defined plan. Melinda received her designation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, April of 2021. She plays an integral role by incorporating investment planning with clients. She does this by understanding each client’s ideal future, health, wealth, and family dynamics. Then the team considers all financial solutions available to customize portfolios based on each individual lifetime and legacy goals. Melinda and her team take pride in being creative, innovative and ever-vigilant in this evolving financial and political environment. Melinda is the secretary and finance committee member for Kitty Hawk Rotary. She enjoys donating her time to Rotary and the good work that is done within the community. Melinda also serves on the board of directors for the OBX Seafood Festival as she is passionate about preserving the OBX and its way of life. In her free time, you will find her walking the beaches, fishing, kayaking, or cooking. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Advocacy Basics | Tuesday April 30 | 10:30a - 12:00p The topics/questions they thought would be helpful to address are:
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance The Owner: Expectations, Challenges, and Opportunities | Tuesday, April 30th | 10:30a - 11:00a Presented by Tommy Ciaccio, Avantio Without owners, the short-term rental industry doesn’t exist! Generally, everyone talks about how to improve the guest experience, and how to distribute properties, but we rarely speak about the owner. Owners are the heart of our industry. How can we keep them happy and satisfied? In this session, we are going to check out some of the best practices on how we can achieve that!
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Top 10 Ways to Enhance your Direct Booking Website | Tuesday, April 30 | 10:30a - 11:00a Take a tour with Lauren Bowling with ICND of the best enhancements you can make to your website to help drive more conversions and keep your brand memorable - everything from copy to pictures to enhanced features and even a sprinkle of SEO.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance From Reactive to Proactive: Turning STR Advocacy into a Winning Strategy Tuesday, April 30th | 11:15a - 12:00p Meet Nick Massey: With more than eight years with Proper Insurance, and more than a decade in the specialty insurance industry, Nick Massey brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Director of Sales. Nick specializes in educating and consulting with short-term rental owners and property managers, demystifying the complexities of insuring vacation rental properties. His extensive background has enabled him to build an exceptional team of agents at Proper Insurance focused on providing clarity and seamless service. Nick loves engaging with clients, listening to their short-term rental business stories, and offering his insider knowledge to help them protect their properties and succeed in the industry.
Meet Dana Lubner: Dana Lubner serves as the Director of Community Development at Rent Responsibly, where her dedication to advocating for short-term rentals shines. With a background in property management, Dana has grown into a key figure in promoting community-building and advocacy among STR operators. As President of Denver’s STR alliance, Mile High Hosts, she is deeply involved in community organization and responsible hosting education, while also offering guidance to new leaders in the field. At the heart of her work is a commitment to fostering fair regulations and strengthening the collective voice of STR supporters. Dana's approach is grounded in collaboration and a sincere desire to positively influence the STR landscape. Dave Murray on Guest Service | Tuesday, April 30 | 1:45p - 2:45p This fast-paced hour will deliver best practices and tips that focus on two main pain points for NWVRP Members – providing a consistent Guest Service and handling Guest Recovery. Whether you have a team, or you are a “one person show”, we have tips for you. Topics will include: Guest Service
Guest Recovery
This session will leave you with know-how and confidence to make Guest Service a competitive advantage for your business!
Dave is a master at helping companies create real change that sticks. In his role at TDG, Dave helps companies across all industries (KeyBank, Johns Hopkins, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celebrity Cruise Lines, just to name a few) focus on their culture, and create standards so that the culture is consistent across even the largest corporations. Dave excels at communication and easily bridges the gap between corporate leaders and front-line team members. His passion for building ideal environments helps lead teams to attain award winning customer satisfaction, best places to work achievements and recordbreaking profits. His 30 plus years in customer service environments, primarily in the sports and entertainment industry, gives him an uncommon understanding of marketplace conditions and high expectations. Dave is co-author of “The Employee Experience Revolution”, a new book that helps organizations develop powerful leaders while purposely creating an internal culture that is their competitive advantage. Unflappable and highly respected, Dave Murray is one of today’s leading customer experience and internal culture strategists. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance The Service Recovery Paradox in STRI Management | Tuesday, April 30 | 3:00p - 4:00p
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Lessons Learned: What I wish I'd Known When Starting my Vacation Rental Business | Tuesday, April 30 | 3:00p - 4:00p Gain valuable insights from seasoned professionals as they reflect on their journey and share the lessons they wish they had known when starting out. This session offers a retrospective look at the experiences of successful individuals in the industry, providing practical advice for new operators navigating the challenges of scaling their businesses. Whether you're embarking on your entrepreneurial journey or standing at a career crossroads, this session caters to everyone. Delve into the inner workings of successful businesses, exploring the pivotal moments and lessons learned along the way.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Destination Branded Design | Tuesday, April 30 | 3:00p - 4:00p Destination Branded Design has the power to evoke guest emotion and connection to a property, defining a competitive edge. Mastering the balance between luxury interior design and operational efficiency, Paula's signature approach ensures a property's identity and story is infused throughout, crafting a curated and immersive property narrative.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Thinking Outside the Box: Add Value by Taking your Hospitality Beyond Four Walls | Tuesday, April 30 | 3:00p - 4:00p If you’re looking for new ways to differentiate your properties and protect your ADR, look no further. This discussion will take you beyond the ordinary to discuss next-level ways to add measurable value to your listings. After a quick dive into the basics (uncovering your unique brand of hospitality and defining your guests' particular needs/wants), Michelle will provide specific tips – backed up with real-world examples – for grabbing traveler attention, winning more bookings, and earning repeat guests. Meet Michelle Loney: As Vice President of Client Success at Xplorie, Michelle drives the company's vision for delivering exceptional client experiences for our vacation rental and activity partners. She leads a dynamic team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation to ensure Xplorie’s partners receive the highest level of support and value. With seven years working in the vacation rental industry, Michelle excels in developing customized client success strategies that address individual partner needs and ensure mutual success. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Doing a Safety & Risk Review of a Rental Property | Tuesday, April 30 | 4:00p - 5:30p *Off-site Bringing back this popular session from 2022 in Seaside, Oregon, Safety Expert Justin Ford will take a limited group of people to a nearby vacation rental and walk everyone through a full safety inspection and risk review of the property. This session filled to capacity quickly before and is limited to 12 people, so participants will want to commit early.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance Bad Stays & Bourbon Chasers: Your Worst Guest Stories | Tuesday, April 30 | 4:30p - 5:30p Like bourbon, your guest stays can be smooth or on the rocks. We know you've seen it all! Join the Safely team for cocktails as we trade guest horror stories we have all experienced, from the bizarre to the scary and sometimes comical. We’ll also share tips and tricks to prepare you for future shenanigans.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance AI - First World: Preparing VRMs for What's Next | Tuesday, April 30 | 4:30p - 5:30p You will learn actionable strategies to implement AI today and prepare your Vacation Rental Business for the future. Industry expert, Braeden Flaherty, will share proven strategies on how to leverage guest and property data with AI to maximize property discovery and direct bookings. Braeden will cover topics such as the value of predictive analytics, how vacation rental businesses can act on those insights, and how AI can drive personalized experiences, as third-party cookies will no longer be available in 2024.
Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance
Housekeeping Olympics | Tuesday, April 30 | 4:30p - 5:30p Get ready to clean up your competition at the inaugural Housekeeping Olympics, where champions are made and prizes are won! Join us at the NWVRP Conference on April 29-30, 2024, in Boise, ID, for a thrilling event like no other. Step into the spotlight and showcase your skills in three exciting categories:
And the best part? The first-place winner will walk away with the ultimate prize: a 55" smart TV to enjoy their victory in style! Register your team today for a chance to be crowned the NWVRP Housekeeping Olympics champions and take home fantastic prizes! Whether you're a seasoned housekeeping pro or just love a good challenge, don't miss your chance to shine at the Housekeeping Olympics. Return to Top | Return to Schedule at a Glance How to Apply What You Have Learned | Tuesday, April, 30 | 4:45p - 5:15p |
Meet Tyann Marcink:
Meet Jenn Boyles: Jenn Boyles is the founder and CEO of Direct Booking Success – the podcast | the summit | the program. Her mission is to help vacation/short-term rental property managers and owners increase their direct bookings with organic marketing.
Meet Mark Ritter:
Meet Ali Cammelletti:
Meet Sandie Dodson:
Met Lauren Widmaier:
Meet Nick Massey: 
Meet Shaina Anderegg:
Meet Bart 
Meet Victoria Cowart:
Meet Justin Ford:
Meet Dana Moraru: 
Meet Brooke Pfautz
Meet Juston Clarkston: 
Meet Katrina Montgomery:
Meet Tabatha Wild
Meet David Angotti:
Meet Melinda Van Buren:
Meet Tommy Ciaccio
Meet Lauren Bowling
Meet David 
Meet Rhiannon Chavez:
Meet Brian Olson
Meet Tera Lorimer
Meet Matt Tesdall
Meet Paula Oblen: With 20+ years of experience and a philosophy deeply rooted in boutique hospitality, Paula is an accomplished Designer known for her "Destination Branded Design" approach in the luxury vacation rental space. Collaborating and coaching investors, owners, interior designers and property management companies, Paula is able to elevate memorable guest experiences, resulting in increased profit and return bookings.
Meet Amanda Martins:
Meet Braeden Flaherty: