The 2023 VRMA International Conference: A Homecoming for the Vacation Rental Industry

In years past, I've affectionately referred to the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) International Conference as the "Super Bowl" and "family reunion" of our industry. This year, however, it felt more like a Homecoming—replete with the nostalgia, camaraderie, and anticipation that accompanies a high school Friday Night Lights event.

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Soren Kierkegaard once said, "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." This sentiment encapsulated the atmosphere at the conference. We all sensed that dramatic change was on the horizon, yet when pressed, no one could articulate precisely what that change would be. It was as if we were standing at the cusp of a new era, aware of its imminence but uncertain of its form.

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The Unspoken Future

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What innovations will we be discussing a decade from now? Who will be the household names that we haven't yet heard of? These questions loomed large, and while there was a collective belief that these unknowns exist, pinning down specifics proved elusive. The air was thick with both excitement and consternation; we knew we were on the brink of something big, but what that "something" is remains a mystery.

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A Walk Down Memory Lane

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My lunch with Vacasa co-founder Eric Breon on was a nostalgic journey through the industry's evolution. Similarly, my walk-and-talks with industry veterans like VTrips founder Steve Milo and Grand Welcome founder Brandon Ezra offered valuable perspectives on our collective journey. The annual meeting of the VRAA: Vacation Rental Andrews Association, with Safely founder Andrew Bate and Wheelhouse founder Andrew Kitchell , was another highlight.

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Seeing the vacation homeowner/vacation rental property manager matching problem I initially tried to solve with VacationFutures take on a new form in D. Brooke Pfautz newly launched Comparent.com was, as Yogi Berra said, “like déjà vu all over again." I will be watching that one closely!

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These interactions served as a poignant reminder of how far we've come, how different (and similar) things can look several years down the road, and the foundations upon which we all continue to build.

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A Panel of Thought Leaders

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Kicking off the conference, I had the privilege of moderating a panel on the future of the industry with some of the brightest minds in the space: Dennis Schaal of Skift , Amber Carpenter , Vanessa de Souza Lage of Sustonica , and Matthew Varabkanich of Cleveland Research Company . With minds like those, I knew I’d leave with more questions than answers – and I did.

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What constitutes “brand” in vacation rentals, and how can we redefine it?

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What marketing superpowers can AI grant us?

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How do we tackle sustainability challenges, environmental and economic, in our communities?

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These are not easy questions, but they are the kind that can only be tackled when the best of the best come together, as they do at this homecoming of sorts.

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The Road Ahead

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At homecoming, you don’t just reminisce about the past - you start writing the next chapter. Yes, where we go from here remains unclear, but our shared faith remains that the future looks bright. Heading into it, we hold close the simple values this community was built on: service, ingenuity, connectedness. No matter how much changes, those foundations remain.

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The 2023 VRMA International Conference was a melting pot of ideas, a crucible in which the future of the vacation rental industry began to take shape—even if that shape is still somewhat nebulous. Now, the onus is on us to act on these insights and questions for the rest of the year. We've set the stage; it's time to deliver the performance.

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There’s power in coming home again – feeling known, understood, part of something bigger. The people I’ve been privileged to grow up with in this industry have challenged me, collaborated with me, celebrated with me. At this homecoming, our community felt as strong as ever. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the team at TravelNet and Rented as we work together to help create this future we are all striving for.

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As we look forward to the 2024 edition, one thing is clear: the industry is on the cusp of transformative change. Whether that change is technological, environmental, or something entirely unforeseen, it's a future we'll navigate together. And just like any homecoming, it's an opportunity for both reflection and forward-thinking, a chance to honor our roots while eagerly anticipating what comes next.

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In the end, the 2023 VRMA International Conference lived up to its reputation as the gathering point for the industry's best and brightest. It was a homecoming in the truest sense, and I, for one, can't wait to see what the future holds.