Hello everyone! I’m Talia Lockard, the Director of Sales at Hosteeva, and I’ve just returned from an invigorating experience at the VRMA Spring Forum in our very own New Orleans. This year’s forum was not just another conference; it was a dynamic gathering of minds, buzzing with discussions on AI, revenue management, and strategic marketing.
New Orleans: A Local Perspective
Being based in New Orleans, we at Hosteeva had the unique pleasure of hosting many attendees in our properties instead of traditional hotels, adding a personal touch to the conference experience. With around 300 attendees ranging from vendors to property managers, the event was a perfect blend of learning and networking.
The Energy of New Orleans
The conference kicked off with a brass band at 9 AM a spirited start that perfectly encapsulates the New Orleans vibe. For me, this was an exhilarating way to transition from a leisurely Sunday with my kids to a bustling conference setting.
Exploring Beyond the Booth
This year was particularly special as it marked my first VRMA Spring Forum away from the booth. Freed from booth duties, I immersed myself in the full experience, attending sessions and engaging with other professionals more deeply than ever before.
Session Recaps and Insights
AI and Revenue Management: Navigating New Technologies
The first session I attended focused on the possibilities and limitations of AI in revenue management. Moderated by John An from TechTape, the discussion with panelists from Enso Connect, PriceLabs, and Wheelhouse was enlightening. We delved into how machine learning has been foundational in dynamic pricing tools and discussed the evolving role of generative AI in shaping revenue strategies.
It was thrilling to learn that Platform by Hosteeva is one of just two property management softwares leveraging generative AI along with Guesty recognized during this presentation! This technology isn’t just a trend it’s the forefront of innovation in our industry, and we’re proud to be leading the charge.
Marketing Mix: In-House vs. Outsourcing
The second session, led by the insightful Alex Husner from Directly Alex LLC, explored the critical decisions between managing marketing strategies in-house and outsourcing. This session was a treasure trove of strategies for balancing control with efficiency, helping businesses craft a marketing approach that fits their unique needs.
Networking and Building Partnerships
Networking was a highlight of the forum. I had the opportunity to bring along Etta Williams, our general manager in Alabama and Florida, and Genesis Vitug, our client success manager. Seeing the event through their eyes, especially Genesis experiencing his first VRMA, added a layer of depth to the discussions and connections we made.
Takeaways and Future Directions
The sessions and interactions reinforced the importance of integrating AI into our operations not as a replacement for human jobs but as a tool to enhance decision-making and efficiency. The discussions around dynamic pricing and the impact of Airbnb’s new search experiences were particularly impactful, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies in today’s rapidly changing market.
Wrapping Up with Gratitude
A big shout out to all the vendors for the fantastic swag my kids and their cousins were thrilled with their gift bags! As we move forward, I’m excited about the potential for new partnerships and collaborations that will continue to drive innovation in the vacation rental space.
Stay Connected
Please subscribe to the Hosteeva YouTube channel, sign up for our upcoming webinars and check out our new blog. If you have topics you’d like to see covered, or if you’re interested in joining a webinar, feel free to reach out at tlockard@hosteeva.com.
This forum was a reminder of the vibrant community we’re part of and the endless possibilities for learning and growth. Here’s to bringing these insights back to our teams and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together!
