Unlocking Potential at Industry Events

There is no better way to learn new skills and discover innovative ideas that will transform life as you know it than to travel.

Some of the best elements of a career in vacation rentals are the various industry events worldwide that connect people and businesses to advance our sector and communities. I have attended events throughout Europe and the United States and noticed several key differences that impact the trajectory of hospitality. To keep vacation rental leaders on the same page toward sustainable prosperity, we must understand where we deviate and work together to reap collective benefits. Some of the differences I’ve found include:?

Advocacy Focus. There are varying levels of organization and focus surrounding advocacy, one of the most critical aspects of our industry’s longevity. In America, industry events often emphasize advocacy and offer sessions and discussions to address regulatory challenges, lobbying efforts, and legislative updates.

This is also because our industry is under attack in many regions and facing unfair restrictions that threaten our livelihoods. As a result, we have developed a strong sense of collective action in fighting for fair regulations and protecting the interests of vacation rental professionals.

On the other hand, Europe has a more fragmented approach with less cohesion among stakeholders – possibly due to a lack of need for it. Advocacy efforts tend to sway from the same level of organization and unity. However, I do want to applaud the efforts of Antonio Bortolotti and Vacation Rental World, Mike Ortegon and Short Stay Summit , Paul Stevens , and Piers Brown with their upcoming STR Summit event in #London, where they are emphasizing the importance of global advocacy.?

Regulatory Environment. The regulatory environment surrounding vacation rentals differs among countries. For example, the US has a significant regional and state variation in vacation rental regulations, with some states having more pro-property rights statutes and others imposing stricter restrictions. Europe has a more prevalent trend of national or pan-European laws impacting vacation rentals.

The difference in regulatory landscape influences the content and focus of industry events, which is a large reason why the direction of events varies depending on their location. European events address broader policy issues because of complexities rooted in different cultural and economic issues that fuel policy.?

?Market Maturity. The maturity of the vacation rental market is another distinguishing factor, with the European industry being far more mature. Markets in Europe have experienced significant growth and consolidation for decades, with established players and well-developed infrastructure.

However, the American market is more fragmented and features a diverse mix of established players and emerging businesses. This is reflected in the broader range of perspectives and a higher degree of entrepreneurial spirit displayed at industry events.

While these observations are generalizations based on my experiences – and there are always exceptions to the rule and outliers – recognizing these distinctions can foster cross-cultural learning and partnerships, leading to a more impactful international advocacy effort and cohesive mission. No matter the location, I always gain valuable insights and inspiration from global colleagues that promote adaptability, technological innovation, and cultural understanding.