For short-term rental property managers, staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry requires embracing continuous learning and networking opportunities. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by attending short-term rental conferences. These events provide valuable opportunities to gain insights, develop skills, and connect with industry professionals including top OTAs (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.), service providers, and seasoned short-term rental property managers.
This guide covers everything you need to know about short-term rental conferences, including why you should attend, which conferences to consider, and how to make the most of your experience.
Why attend short-term rental conferences?
Attending short-term rental conferences offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact your business. Here’s why these events should be on your radar.
Networking opportunities
Conferences provide a unique environment to network with other property managers, industry experts, and service providers. These interactions can lead to valuable partnerships, collaborations, and friendships that can help you grow your vacation rental business. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, find new clients, or discover innovative solutions, the connections you make at these events can have long-lasting benefits.
STR education and skill development
One of the primary reasons to attend short-term rental conferences is the opportunity to learn. These events feature interactive workshops, seminars, and panel discussions led by industry leaders. You’ll gain practical knowledge and new skills that can be directly applied to your business. Topics often include the latest property management technologies, marketing strategies, legal issues, and customer service best practices, ensuring you stay updated with the latest industry trends and tools.
Vacation rental industry insights and trends
The short-term rental world is dynamic, with new industry trends and challenges emerging regularly. Conferences offer a platform to hear from industry professionals and thought leaders about the latest industry developments. Whether it’s changes in regulations, shifts in consumer behavior, or technological advancements, staying informed through these insights can help you adapt and thrive in the STR industry.
Marketing and business strategies
Short-term rental conferences are also an excellent venue for learning about proven business growth and marketing strategies. You’ll hear case studies and success stories from other property managers and experts, providing you with actionable ideas to implement in your own business. From optimizing your online listings to enhancing guest experiences, the strategies you learn can lead to increased bookings and revenue.
Top short-term rental conferences
With so many conferences to choose from, it’s essential to select the ones that align with your business goals. Here are some of the top short-term rental conferences that should be on your list.
VRMA International Conference
The VRMA International Conference is one of the largest and most prestigious events in the vacation rental industry. Hosted by the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), this late fall/early winter multi-day annual conference attracts property managers, service providers, and industry professionals from across the globe.
The event offers a packed schedule of educational sessions, roundtables, and networking opportunities, making it a valuable experience for anyone looking to stay ahead in the industry. VRMA hosts larger and smaller conferences throughout the year, including the VRMA Spring Forum with tailored education tracks and the VRMA European Conference.
Upcoming: October 14-17, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona
Vacation Rental World Summit
The Vacation Rental World Summit is a two-day conference known for its high-quality speakers and comprehensive agenda. The conference covers a wide range of topics, from marketing and operations to technology and legal considerations. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry and to network with peers from around the world.
Upcoming: October 3-4, 2024 in Porto, Portugal
STR Wealth Conference
The STR Wealth Conference is designed for property managers and investors who want to maximize their profits and grow their portfolios. This conference covers topics such as real estate investment strategies, tax planning, and revenue optimization in the rental sector. With a focus on financial success, the STR Wealth Conference is ideal for those looking to build wealth through short-term rentals.
Upcoming: TBD, 2025
The Shortyz Awards & Conference
The Shortyz Awards & Conference is a unique event that combines industry recognition with educational content. The Shortyz Awards celebrate excellence in the short-term rental sector, while the conference features sessions on best practices, innovation, and market trends. Attending this event not only provides learning opportunities but also allows you to see how industry leaders are shaping the future of short-term rentals.
Upcoming: TBD, 2025
Data & Revenue Management Conference (DARM)
DARM brings together industry experts, data analysts, and revenue managers to discuss the latest tools, techniques, and trends in revenue management. Attendees can expect in-depth educational sessions on topics such as dynamic pricing, demand forecasting, market analysis, distribution and marketing, AI technology, and the use of big data to enhance profitability and competitive positioning.
Upcoming: December 2-4, 2024 in Miramar Beach, Florida
Skift’s Short-Term Rental Summit
The Short-Term Rental Summit seeks to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the short-term rental industry today, with leading industry talks and educational sessions on topics like consumer behavior, data insights, innovation and new tech, regulations, STR investor outlooks, and distribution strategies.
Thanks for Visiting Conference (TFVCon)
Based on the successful “Thanks for Visiting” podcast and Airbnb Superhosts, TFVCon is a multi-day event dedicated to elevating short-term rental businesses, with an eye on growing hosting skills to maximize profits and deliver A+ guest experiences. Inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and excellent networking opportunities bring together hosts, investors, and enthusiasts in the STR world.
Upcoming: TBD
Other short-term rental conferences
In addition to conferences listed above, there’s a slew of other valuable conferences to consider on global, niche, regional, and targeted topics Here’s a quick rundown.
STR Wealth Conference
- Who should attend: STR managers and investors who want to maximize their profits and grow their portfolios
- What to expect: real estate investment strategies, tax planning, and revenue optimization
CanStays Conference
- Who should attend: Canadian managers and those involved short-term rental industry
- What to expect: Canada’s premiere short-term rental industry event with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within the Canadian market
Pocono STR & Home Conference
- Who should attend: Short-term rental managers and property owners in the Pocono Mountains region
- What to expect: Two-day conference with sessions on local regulations, seasonal strategies, and guest experience optimization specific needs and challenges of managing short-term rentals in vacation destinations
VRMA Spring Forum
- Who should attend: Property managers looking to gain actionable insights in a more intimate setting
- What to expect: In-depth workshops, networking events, and sessions that delve into specific aspects of short-term rental management.
Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference
- Who should attend: Property managers who are also real estate investors
- What to expect: Sessions covering real estate investment strategies, best practices, and market analysis
Level Up Your Listing Summit
- Who should attend: Those looking to improve their online presence and drive more traffic to their listings
- What to expect: Practical sessions on photography, copywriting, and digital marketing strategies that can help you create standout listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO
Real Estate Wealth Builders Conference (REWBCON)
- Who should attend: Property managers and real estate investors focused on building wealth through property
- What to expect: Sessions on investment strategies, portfolio management, and financial planning, providing valuable insights for growing your business and maximizing returns.
VRMA Executive Summit
- Who should attend: Senior executives in the vacation rental industry
- What to expect: High-level perspective on industry trends, leadership strategies, and business growth brought to you by VRMA
Vitur Summit
- Who should attend: Industry professionals, service providers, and STR managers specifically in the European market.
- What to expect: Expert-led panel discussions on regulation, technology, sustainability, the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in Europe’s vacation rental market
IMN Summer Conference
- Who should attend: Real estate investors and property managers interested in a deep dive into the financial aspects of the industry
- What to expect: Topics such as financing, investment strategies, and market analysis
STR Summit by The Real Estate Robinsons
- Who should attend: Property managers and investors who focus on short-term rentals within the Real Estate Robinsons community
- What to expect: The STR Summit is a mix of educational sessions and networking opportunities, with a focus on regional market trends, regulatory updates, and strategies to streamline operations
Vacation Rental Design Summit
- Who should attend:Property managers looking to elevate their properties and create unforgettable guest experiences
- What to expect: Sessions on interior design in the short-term rental industry, including the latest design trends, space optimization, and guest experience enhancement through design
SCALE Green
- Who should attend:Property managers committed to reducing their environmental impact and attracting eco-conscious travelers
- What to expect: A forward-looking conference focused on sustainability in the short-term rental industry, including eco-friendly property management practices, green building materials, and sustainable guest experiences
Expo Renta Vacacional
- Who should attend: Those in the short-term rental industry who operate in Latin America
- What to expect: Sessions on marketing, technology, and regulation, tailored to the unique challenges of the Latin American market with industry leaders in the region
Short Stay Summit
- Who should attend: An international conference that brings together property managers, investors, and service providers from around the world
- What to expect: A wide range of topics, including market trends, regulatory challenges, and technological innovations in the short-term rental industry
ITB Berlin
- Who should attend:Property managers looking to expand their knowledge and connect with international industry leaders.
- What to expect: One of the world’s largest travel trade shows, with a significant focus on the short-term rental industry, including global travel trends, marketing strategies, and industry innovations
Desticon
- Who should attend: Property managers interested in the broader context of the travel industry
- What to expect: The event covers topics such as destination marketing, sustainable tourism, and the impact of short-term rental properties on local communities
Fitur
- Who should attend: Property managers looking to expand their reach and connect with international partners (inbound and outbound markets in Latin America)
- What to expect: International tourism trade fair, Fitur features a dedicated section for the short-term rental industry (offering insights into global travel trends, marketing strategies, and technological innovations)
Women Leading Travel & Hospitality Summit
- Who should attend: Female property managers and those seeking a membership community to connect with other female peers and advance their careers
- What to expect: Educational sessions, networking opportunities, and leadership development workshops dedicated to empowering women in the short-term rental and hospitality industries
NorthWest Vacation Rental Professionals (NWVRP)
- Who should attend: Those in the Pacific Northwest’s short-term rental market
- What to expect: Annual conference focused on the unique challenges and opportunities in the Pacific Northwest’s short-term rental market with sessions on local regulations, marketing strategies, and guest experience optimization, making it a valuable resource for property managers in the region
Glamping Show Americas
- Who should attend: STR managers operating in the niche but growing trend of glamping
- What to expect: The event offers insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of managing glamping properties, including design, marketing, and guest experience
The Book Direct Show
- Who should attend:Property managers and owners interested in increasing direct bookings and reducing reliance on third-party platforms
- What to expect: Practical sessions on website optimization, digital marketing, and guest retention strategies with a focus on direct bookings
Australia Short Term Rental Association (ASTRA)
- Who should attend: STR businesses operating in Australia, New Zealand (and beyond)
- What to expect: ASTRA’s Here to Stay conference includes panels with industry experts in Australia and around the globe, awards, and lunch-and-learn sessions
This compilation still just a sampling of vacation rental conferences. Barcelona or Boise, Nashville or New Orleans, Scottsdale or Spain, where your short-term rental business operates will likely dictate which events are most applicable.
How to choose the right STR conference
Selecting the right conference to attend is crucial for maximizing your investment of time and money. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a short-term rental conference.
STR conference theme and STR business goal alignment
The first step in choosing a conference is to ensure its themes and topics align with your business goals. If your focus is on improving operational efficiency, look for conferences that offer sessions on property management systems and automation tools.
If you’re aiming to enhance your marketing strategies, prioritize roundtables and events that cover digital marketing, branding, and guest acquisition. Matching the conference content with your specific needs will ensure you gain the most relevant and actionable insights.
Location and travel logistics
Do you live in Orlando, Florida and are considering a conference in Malaga, Spain? Location is an important factor when selecting a conference. Consider whether the event is held in a location that is convenient for you to travel to and whether the destination offers additional value, such as networking opportunities with local industry players or site visits to prominent short-term rental properties.
Additionally, think about the travel logistics, including costs, travel time, and the availability of nearby accommodations. Choosing a conference that fits your travel preferences can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Budgeting for STR conference attendance and expenses
Attending a STR conference involves more than just the registration fee. You’ll also need to account for travel, accommodations, meals, and possibly even time away from your vacation rental business.
Before committing to a short-term rental conference, create a budget that includes all these expenses. Consider the potential return on investment (ROI) from attending—such as the value of new contacts, knowledge gained, and potential business opportunities—to determine if the cost is justified. Look for early-bird discounts, group rates, or bundled packages that can help reduce costs.
Industry expert lineup and sessions
The quality of the speakers and sessions is a critical aspect of any conference. Review the agenda and speaker lineup to ensure that the topics covered are relevant to your business and that the keynote speakers have the expertise and experience to provide valuable insights.
Conferences that feature industry leaders, successful property management companies, and experts in specific areas are likely to offer more impactful content. Additionally, consider the format of the sessions—whether they include interactive workshops, Q&A sessions, or panel discussions—and choose those that best fit your learning style.
Maximizing your STR conference experience
Attending any conference is a significant investment, so it’s important to make the most of the experience. Here are strategies to help you maximize your time at a short-term rental conference.
Prepare in advance
Before attending any conference within the vacation rental industry, take the time to set clear objectives for what you want to achieve. Whether your goals are to learn about new technologies and service providers, network with peers, or find solutions to specific challenges, having a clear focus will help you navigate the conference more effectively. Review the agenda and select the sessions and events that align with your objectives.
Network effectively
Optimizing your networking opportunities is one of the most valuable aspects of attending a conference. To make the most of it, approach networking with a strategic mindset. Identify the key people, industry leaders, or providers you want to connect with and consider reaching out to them before the event to arrange meetings.
During any vacation rental conference, be proactive in introducing yourself and engaging in conversations. Attend social events where you can build relationships with industry professionals in a more relaxed setting. Remember to exchange contact information and follow up with new connections after the event to maintain and strengthen these relationships.
Focus on learning
With so many roundtables and sessions to choose from, it’s essential to prioritize those that will provide the most value for your business. If you’re attending with colleagues, consider dividing and conquering by attending different interactive workshops and panel discussions and sharing notes afterward.
This approach allows you to cover more ground and gather a wider range of industry insights. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions during sessions—engaging with the speakers can lead to deeper understanding and further opportunities for learning.
Follow up post-conference
Much like the rest of the hospitality industry, following up with the contacts you made is crucial for maximizing the value of your conference experience. Send personalized follow-up emails to the people you met, referencing specific panel discussions and/or your conversation and expressing your interest in staying connected.
Share any relevant information or valuable insights that could be beneficial to them. Identify specific actions you can take based on what you learned. Implementing new strategies or tools in your business shortly will help drive tangible results, and reinforce your network connections at the next annual conference.
Conclusion
Vacation rental conferences are invaluable for property managers looking to stay ahead in a competitive industry. They offer unparalleled educational and networking opportunities to catapult your STR business to the next level. By carefully selecting the right short-term rental events, preparing effectively, and maximizing your experience, you can gain significant industry insights and connections that will benefit your business long after the event is over.
