"VRMA has taught me, while being a member of this great association over the years, how to become more professional while growing my vacation rental business. What you learn from VRMA's vast avenues of education for your and your staff throughout the year is so valuable and beneficial."
"Being part of VRMA means having access to more than just resources—it means being connected to a network of industry leaders who support and inspire each other. The insights and tools VRMA provides have been essential in shaping Timber Rock Village's success."
"VRMA has been such a great tool for me in my career, for all the learning aspects that it provides me personally here in our location. The advocacy efforts are also so important and it’s been such a great way for me to connect with like-minds in our industry."
"The VRMA community allows invaluable networking with colleagues from all over the world who are eager and willing for thought exchange. It’s an ecosystem which opens doors for all facets of your business."
"I’ve been a member for VRMA for more than 5 years and for me, the ROI is in the people. The connections I have made and the immense value I’ve gained from the wealth of knowledge that everyone brings to the table makes re-upping my membership every year an absolute no-brainer."
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
When preparing a vacation rental property for guests, first impressions are everything. A consistent, welcoming appearance is essential for maintaining high guest satisfaction and ensuring your listings stand out. In this session, attendees will review all of the elements required to launch a new property including ideal listing photos, writing compelling property descriptions, and tips and tricks for working with the OTAs. Additionally, we will discuss key elements of Standard Property Appearance Guides—a vital tool to ensure every property is consistently presented at its best, every time, for every guest.
Speakers: Robin Bass - Chief Visionary Officer & Founder, Premier Properties USVI Conrad O'Connell - Founder, BuildUp Bookings
Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Office staff play a key role in shaping the guest experience—and can also be valuable contributors to your property's social media presence. In this session, we’ll explore how front office staff can capture engaging content that resonates with potential guests and boosts the property's online presence. From behind-the-scenes moments and guest interactions to local area highlights and team activities, you’ll learn how to identify and create content that social media teams can use to tell a compelling story. We’ll discuss the types of images and videos that perform best, tips for capturing spontaneous moments, and how to align content with brand messaging. By the end of this session, you’ll feel confident in your ability to contribute creative content that supports your property’s marketing efforts, helping drive engagement and bookings through authentic, shareable social media posts.
This session provides Vacation Rental Managers with a clear roadmap for implementing effective HR strategies. Areas of focus include compliance with employment laws, attracting talent, employee experience (Employee Value Proposition [EVP], leveraging AI and technology, and improving workplace safety. Managers will also learn about creating competitive compensation and benefits packages, preparing for crisis management during natural disasters, and adopting proactive measures to support employees throughout their employment with you. Attend this session and learn from Sue Jones and other panelists how applying these strategies can improve employee retention, mitigate legal risks, and build a more resilient workforce for your business.
Speakers Sue Jones - Founder and Owner, HR4VR Bethany Hobbs Smith - Chief Administrative Officer, Hobbs Realty Jennifer Matthews - Director of Human Resources, Sanders Beach Rentals
Take your learnings from the morning session further and focus on creating robust training and development programs. Learn how to design effective onboarding schedules, implement shadowing and on-the-job training, and provide refresher courses to reinforce foundational skills. Gain practical tips for writing clear standard operating procedures (SOPs), standardizing tasks to ensure consistency, and conducting random inspections to maintain quality. We’ll also highlight success stories, including strategies for crafting career growth plans that motivate and retain top performers.
Speakers Leslie Adcock - Chief Strategy Officer, Finger Lakes Premier Properties Jennifer Matthews - Director of Human Resources, Sanders Beach Rentals
Housekeeping and maintenance teams are the backbone of exceptional guest experiences in vacation rentals. This session is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to excel in your role while driving operational efficiency.
We’ll explore how to:
This session will include two different groups - one for housekeepers and another for maintenance staff. Managers and front-line employees will learn from each other as both share their perspectives about the basics of housekeeping and maintenance. Additional details about this session will be updated soon. Please check back!
Time: 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Every guest inquiry is an opportunity to make a lasting impression and secure a reservation. This session is designed for frontline office staff who handle calls, emails, and social media inquiries, helping you master the skills needed to turn inquiries into confirmed bookings. We’ll focus on how to incorporate storytelling into your conversations to make the property experience come alive for potential guests. You’ll learn how to use your brand's voice consistently across all touchpoints, whether you're communicating over the phone, via email, or on social media. Additionally, we'll cover the importance of providing excellent customer service during the booking process and beyond. By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with the techniques and strategies to not only increase reservations but also provide a seamless, memorable experience for guests from inquiry to checkout.
Speakers: Tyann Marcink Hammond - Queen of Guest Experience | Owner, Missouri Haus and Branson Family Retreats Amber Hurdle - Employer Brand Central Lauren Madewell - Auntie Belham's Cabins
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Creating memorable experiences is key to building lasting relationships with guests and ensuring they return again and again. This session is designed for front office staff who are the first point of contact for guests, offering practical insights on how to elevate each guest’s stay and deliver a truly 5-star experience. You’ll learn how to incorporate concierge services into your daily interactions, from helping guests with dining recommendations to arranging local activities and special requests. We’ll discuss how to personalize each guest’s experience, adding thoughtful touches that make them feel valued and appreciated and leaving them with lasting memories that encourage them to book again.
Speakers: Marco DiDomizio - Licensed Broker, Hospitality Consultant & Coach, InnAdvisors
Creating a thriving team culture requires balancing employee well-being with accountability and engagement. Explore strategies to manage burnout while building a positive and productive environment. Learn how to incentivize staff effectively, foster employee engagement, and create a culture of accountability that drives results. Learn how to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to streamline operations and align team goals. Additionally, address challenges unique to vacation rental management, such as ensuring staff out on calls are meeting expectations and contributing to overall success. This session will equip you with actionable tools to enhance team morale, boost productivity, and cultivate a supportive and effective workplace culture.
End the conference on a high note with this inspiring session focused on celebrating success and fostering a team culture of fun. Discover creative ways to recognize achievements and milestones, ensuring your employees feel valued and motivated. Learn how to incorporate fun and engaging activities into the workplace to build camaraderie and strengthen team bonds. By prioritizing recognition and enjoyment, you’ll create an environment where employees thrive and contribute their best.
Speakers:
April Burns- Senior Account Executive, InterCoastal Net Designs (ICND)
Continuing in two separate groups, the housekeeping professionals will learn more specifics related to laundry processing, selecting the right tools and products for the job, and how to navigate deep cleans while the maintenance professionals learn from experts about pool and hot tub programs and setting up annual cost maintenance programs.
Durk Johnson - General Manager, Northwest Vacations
This closing session will include time to openly discuss your biggest personal challenges and gather insights from both peers and experts in the VRHP community. Additional details about this session will be updated soon. Please check back!
View the conference terms and conditions here.