Nov 3rd, 2023
8:30-9:45 AM
Registration & Networking at the Booths
9:45-10:00 AM
(Not to miss!!!) VRWS Special 10 Year Anniversary Surprise Opening
A little Surprise for all VRWS attendees who make it on time (please be seated at your table by 9:40!), followed by a brief intro on this year’s edition, to do’s, format, fringe events and a few practicalities to make the most of your next two days.
Introduced by
ANTONIO BORTOLOTTI
Host - Vacation Rental World Summit
2023VRWS
10:00-10:30 AM
Elevate Your Vacation Rental Business:
Exclusive Insights, Tactics, and the 2024 Outlook with AirDNA
Session description:
Join Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, as he kicks off VRWSā 10th edition with a bang, unveiling key factors behind Europeās blockbuster summer. Get an exclusive look into the trends for the year ahead and discover the driving force behind soaring demand, from guest influx to top-performing property criteria.
Gain inspiration from the triumphs of top property managers as you peek behind the curtains of their achievements through a comprehensive analysis of AirDNAās data. We will explore the āwhyā behind their success to shape actionable takeaways for your own business.
Navigate the vacation rental landscape confidently as Jamie guides you through industry performance and destinations poised for continued growth. Learn how to adapt your strategies to meet the changing preferences of travelers and stay ahead, understanding the impact of regulations and the power of data to be part of the regulatory conversation in your destination.
Donāt miss the chance to equip yourself with knowledge and tactics essential for thriving in the European vacation rental market in 2024.
Presented by
JAMIE LANE
Chief Economist and SVP of Analytics - AirDNA
2023VRWSJamie Lane is the Chief Economist and SVP of Research at AirDNA, the go-to source for short-term rental data and insights. With 10+ years of experience as an economist in the hospitality industry, Jamieās research leadership has helped the whole STR industry understand the drivers of success. Jamie is a leading voice of authority on the health and outlook for the STR industry: on top of co-hosting AirDNAās own podcast, the STR Data Lab, he is a regular contributor to international media outlets such as Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Bloomberg, providing exclusive analysis and forecasts of the industry to global audiences.
His groundbreaking contributions to the STR space and dedication to promoting data-driven decision-making to the forefront of the industry were recognized in 2023 with the Innovator/Disruptor award at the highly regarded Shortyz Awards. At the forefront of AirDNAās research, Jamie continuously provides accurate data insights to guide hosts through each decision point in their journey. Before joining AirDNA, Jamie spent 10 years at CBRE, leading research, forecasting, and data intelligence teams to support client analysis. Jamie holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Business Economics from Georgia State University.
10:30-11:20 AM
Round Table #1
The Ice-Breaking Session
Session description:
The first Roundtable on Friday will be an icebreaking session, where the aim is to get to know your table peers using a format thatās going be quite surprising and pleasant.
With the aid of a trained Facilitator, you’ll be guided into a series of questions that will help you get acquainted with your table peers.
Be prepared to share the struggles you have related to your business and seek advice, as the roundtables work as your special peer group of colleagues whoāve been there and have done that, or whoāre on the same boat and tried some solutions they can share with you.
11:20 AM – 12:10 PM
Travellers increasingly want sustainable stays, what does that mean for short term rentals?
Session description:
Repeated surveys show that travellers want to stay sustainably and might even be prepared to pay more for an eco-friendly stay. But they often can’t find enough choices in some destinations and are sometimes confused about what actually is a sustainable stay. Likewise many hosts havenāt yet taken action in this area, what do they need to get started or progress on their sustainability journey?Part one
We take a dive into the recent survey data from Booking and Expedia to learn about traveller preferences around sustainability. We also discuss what the OTAs are doing to better educate the traveller and the accommodation provider in what sustainability looks like in short term rentals.Part two
Hear from the boots on the ground. Three property managers share their experiences, statistics, challenges, and successes on their path toward sustainability.During the speed dating, attendees will also have the opportunity to get specific advice for their business at a round table with Vanessa, Marc and Bob.
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BOB GARNER
Founder - Envirorental
Details
Bob Garner a passionate environmental advocate. He is co owner of Casal dei Fichi, luxurious eco-friendly vacation rentals in Le Marche, Italy.
He is also the founder of Green VR Events - helping make conferences in the short term rental sector be more sustainable.
Bob is the founder and CEO of EnviroRental - Signposting Sustainability for Vacation Rentals. EnviroRental offers a free one-stop shop for anyone in our industry who wants to start or progress on their sustainability journey.
Presented by
VANESSA DE SOUZA LAGE
Founder - Sustonica
Details
Vanessa has spent her entire career in the vacation rental industry, first as a vacation rental owner, later as a software founder (Rentals United), and now as a mission-driven CEO (Sustonica). The Sustonica certification aims to help owners and managers reduce the impact of their rentals while influencing millions of travelers to make similar lifestyle changes on their return home.
Interviewing
ERIC BERGAGLIA
Senior Director - Global Head of Accommodations Segments at Booking.com
Details
As the Global Head of Booking.comās Alternative Accommodations business, Eric Bergaglia leads one of the fastest growing segments for the company. Focused on tailoring the Booking.com experience for partners that offer these types of unique, local stays and customers who want to book and enjoy them, Eric Bergaglia and his team support properties in 228 countries and territories around the globe. In addition to Homes, he is also looking after other growth verticals in accommodations for Booking.com, such as Families segment and Extended Stays segment.
Bergaglia is a native of France. He now lives in Amsterdam with his family.
CHRIS STEPHENSON
Vice President - Global Development & Account Management Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
Details
Chris joined Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy in 2019, as one of the original team members to found this new venture for Marriott International. In his current role, Chris is accountable for managing the supply side of the marketplace globally. Prior to this, he led innovation, design and development initiatives across Marriottās portfolio of 31 hotel brands. Before joining Marriott, Chris held brand, product and service development roles at Marks & Spencer, British Airways and John Lewis.
JAMES CASSIDY
Senior Director, Partner Success Vacation Rentals, EMEA, Expedia Group
Details
As Senior Director of Expedia Group Partner Success Vacation Rentals, EMEA, James leads the partner success team that helps Vacation Rental owners and managers improve their performance on the EG platform. James joined Expedia Group in 2011, and has held a variety of roles including Director and General Manager of Vacation Rentals in APAC. Prior to joining Expedia, James was also General Manager of Stayz, the Australian vacation rental site, and was in Product Management and Sales roles for Telstra, a leading Telecommunications company. James holds a masterās degree in Business Administration from the University of Melbourne.
SOPHIE DESNOULEZ
Founder & CEO LLA Selections by Location Lac Annecy
Details
As an entrepreneur in the upmarket seasonal rental sector for over 15 years, Sophie has been able to develop a growing international clientele on the shores of Lake Annecy. 20 years of experience as a logistics manager for major sporting and musical events in France and especially abroad has enabled her to hone her organizational skills and her passion for details.
MARC RIBAIL
Founder & CEO | QALIA (Ethical & Responsible Tourism)
Details
With 20 years in operations and distribution of luxury rental brands in Asia and Europe, Marc and his team were focused on delivering high-value service to owners and their guests using the four pillars of luxury hospitality: innovation, know-how, excellence and tradition.
Marc is the founder of QALIA, the responsible tourism standard aimed at luxury rentals. QALIA bridges the four pillars of conscious luxury through a bespoke and rigorous framework of 88 criteria based on the GSTC Industry standard.
Marc is also the Co-founder and Head of Sustainability of a management company in Thailand with the mission to demonstrate that luxury villas can be a force for good.
MORVAN LE BOULANGER
Head of Sustainability @ Olalahomes
Details
Morvan is a seasoned project manager in the hospitality industry with a passion for sustainability. With 15 years of international experience, he has successfully led and executed numerous projects that integrate sustainable practices into hospitality operations.
Morvan is committed to reducing Olala Homes environmental impact while enhancing guest experiences, making them a valuable asset in the pursuit of sustainable hospitality solutions. He is also working on the social aspect of sustainability, helping Olala Homes to be a key player in the community.
12:10 PM-1:10 PM
1st Speed Dating Session
Pick your Companies to meet with them at their booth and ask your #1 question
Session description:
SPEED-DATING are 2 ā60 minuteā Sessions (one per day), where:
- Ā you pick a company representative at one of the booths of your preference,Ā hear the solution they offer in 60ā³,
- then you ask your question, to find out more.
you have the opportunity to really find out what most companies exhibiting have to offer and how can they help you out.See more about SPEED-DATING SESSIONS and the Companies available HERE.
1:10 PM-2:30 PM
LUNCH
Standing Lunch at the Booths for everyone
A Standing Tapas Lunch by the booths will be exceptionally offered to all VRWS attendees as a further opportunity to keep networking with your peers.
2:30 PM-3:00 PM
Regulatory Dynamics in the VR Industry: Unveiling the Impact with Beyond
Session description:
- Join Beyond EMEA Managing Director Maria Flores Portillo, as we delve into the intricate relationship between regulations and the vacation rental (VR) market. Explore the European VR landscape transformed by governmental oversight and answer the critical question: Do regulations shatter or elevate VR markets? Gain unique insights into this evolving realm, as we analyze case studies from key European markets, compare growth strategies of tech-savvy property managers, and uncover expert tips for sustaining profitability amidst shifting government frameworks.
- Session Highlights:
- Navigating VR Regulation: Embark on a journey through case studies spotlighting pivotal European markets that underwent seismic shifts following VR regulatory implementations in recent years.
- Tech-Savvy Brilliance: Distinguish the trajectories of property managers who embraced technology from those adhering to the status quo. Unlock valuable insights into successful adaptation strategies.
- Profitability Amidst Flux: Acquire practical tips and ingenious tricks to navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape while maintaining profitability.
- Revealing Economic Catalysts: Challenge misconceptions surrounding VR industry impact by exploring concrete examples of regions that experienced economic growth post-regulations.
- Strategies for Success: For those operating in or anticipating STR regulations, discover indispensable guidance on achieving prosperity within a regulated market. Learn best practices to ensure discoverability and use data to remain in sync with regional trends.
Presented by
MARIA FLORES PORTILLO
Managind Director EMEA @ Beyond
2023VRWSAs Beyondās Managing Director in EMEA, Maria Flores Portillo oversees the growth of Beyond solutions for Property Managers and Owners across the region. Maria joined Beyond in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the technology sector, and is truly enjoying the unparalleled hospitality of the Short Term Rental industry.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Adapt or Perish: Future-Proofing Your Short-Term Rental Business
Session description:
In this session we will discuss how navigating new legislation,Ā with shifting travel-work trends, adaptability and diversification, plus technologyĀ is vital to business stability.Ā Key elements include extending distribution across rental verticals and strategically broadening property portfolios to embrace mid-term stays, catering to new demands from corporate relocations and extended remote workers. Covid has exposed the fragility of single focus rental businesses and the need to diversify and adapt.
Presented by
ROBIN CLIFFORD
EMEA Sales Director @ Guesty
Details
Robin spent the last 5 years heading up Airbnbās supply network across 80 countries and believes in a world where people can belong anywhere. He is mission-oriented and wants to ensure that people can book amazing homes across the globe and have magical travel experiences powered by local people. Now as the Sales Director for EMEA at Guesty, he is working at ensuring that property owners maximize their yield from the short-term rentals. With over 20 years of experience in online accommodation, Robin has worked for some of the worldās largest travel brands from Hostelworld to Booking.com. Passionate about the vacation rental market and sustainable tourism, Robin is a regular speaker at travel events across Europe.
Interviewing
WILL PARRY
CEO and Co-Founder at ALTIDO
Details
As CEO and co-founder of ALTIDO, Will sets the strategy of the business and leads the management team. He began his career in short term rentals after co-founding the London Residents Club (LRC) with Tom Archer. LRC was an independent luxury short term rental business focussing on the prime London market. In 2019, he co-founded ALTIDO through a merger of four European companies (including LRC) and has held the CEO role since 2021. In 2022, ALTIDO was acquired by DoveVivo enabling ALTIDO to grow faster with external capital and to open new markets. Will continues to manage the business with the support of his new colleagues. Will holds a masterās degree from the University of Oxford.
URSKA BLAGOJEVIC
Marketing Director - Altovita
2023VRWS
RICHARD VAUGHTON
CEO @ Rentivo
Details
Richard in his consultancy role works alongside a number of well known companies, focussed on growth and technology, also with experience of positioning and executing an exit.
Ten years of management experience as a founder with successful exits and acquisitions and a similar period founding a rental tech company means Richard has a wealth of industry knowledge.
Over the last few years, Richard has also represented companies such as Stay Alfred in the multifamily sector & consults on parallel and merging accommodation sectors. He is also a Board member of a couple of successful businesses.
3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Round Table #2
What do you need most help with?
Session description:
The second Roundtable will be focused on helping you out with what you struggle most or with what you need most help with.
With the aid of a trained Facilitator, you’ll be guided into a series of questions that will help you share your struggles and seek advice, support and solutions from your peers.
Be prepared to share the struggles you have related to your business and seek advice, as the roundtables work as your special peer group of colleagues whoāve been there and have done that, or whoāre on the same boat and tried some solutions they can share with you.
4:30 PM-5:00 PM
Precision or Perish: The New Playbook of Accommodation
Introducing an untapped (to most) market and how to go for it
Session description:
The “spray and pray” approach is a sinking ship in the cutthroat property management and marketing world. While many lazily cast their nets far and wide, hoping for a catch, successful managers know the value of precision targeting, especially with rising legislation.
Take a moment and ask: Why do specialist OTAs have āAirbnb for Workā or āBooking.com for Businessā as platform models? Why is Marriott, a major hotel chain venturing into the private accommodation sector? The answers point towards a paradigm shift.
Our world is changing rapidly. Relocation is rising as job changers, fueled by promises of better compensation, cross borders, even if their overseas ventures donāt always pan out. Corporations scramble to accommodate a flood of temporary workers scattered across continents. And then there’s the digital nomad phenomenon: a whopping 35 million strong and growing.
But here’s the kicker: a staggering 90% of the industry is still playing darts with a blindfold, hoping to hit the mark. This is not a game of chance, it’s a game of strategy. In this age, generic listings are a risk factor. With a few tweaks, enhanced distribution strategies, and intelligent messaging, you can tap into a vast and often more lucrative mid-term sector, drastically minimise risks, and multiply opportunities.
The question is: Will you fine-tune your approach with laser-like precision or continue blasting aimlessly with a blunderbuss?
Presented by
RICHARD VAUGHTON
CEO @ Rentivo
2023VRWSRichard in his consultancy role works alongside a number of well known companies, focussed on growth and technology, also with experience of positioningĀ andĀ executingĀ an exit.
Ten years of management experience as a founder with successful exits and acquisitions and a similar period founding a rental tech company means Richard has a wealth of industry knowledge.
Over the last few years, Richard has also represented companies such as Stay Alfred in the multifamily sector & consults on parallel and merging accommodation sectors. He is also a Board member of a couple of successful businesses.
5:00 PM-5:30 PM
HACK your guests
skyrocket revenue, reviews & repeat bookings
Session description:
Tyann Marcink Hammond, Touch Stayās Queen of Guest Experience, and Chief Marketing Officer Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies, bring you data that will drive you wild, boost your bookings, and multiply your gains.
From the mouths of babes guests, discover why they love it when you communicate and how to go about it in a way that SAVES you time and EARNS you more. In this session youāll learn how to:
remove the noise from your guest communications
create a process around, and for, your guests
give guests what they want, when they want it (while staying sane and in the black)
have guests eating out of your hand and spending more
What do guests want? Information!
Whoās going to give it to them? You!
How are you going to do it? Methodically!
Why are you going to do it? So they love you even more (and so does your bottom line)!
Presented by
TYANN MARCINK
Queen of Guest Experience - Touch Stay
Details
Tyann is the Queen of Guest Experience for Touch Stay digital guidebooks, industry leader and consultant, author, speaker, co-host of The Guest Cast podcast and owner/manager of two vacation rental brands: Branson Family Retreats and Missouri Haus.
Her favorite properties include her 1902 bank building with original vaults where guests may legally launder during their stay in the Ozarks and her purpose-built lake home with custom thrones inspired by those at Stirling Castle.
She is also the VRMA Excellence Award winner for the inaugural Community Impact Award, in recognition of her mission focus to serve her guests and community through hospitality.
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KATE STINCHCOMBE-GILLIES
Chief Marketing Officer - Touch Stay
Details
Kate has had a foot in the holiday rental industry since 2006 managing public relations activity for listing sites and property managers, including TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals and Original Cottages. Sheās also been a travel pundit for BBC Business, and is now Chief Marketing Officer at Touch Stay.
She has recently emigrated to New Zealand where sheās establishing a premium lodge and experiences business to put her many years of industry theory into practice.
Her passion for hospitality and the guest experience stems from years in the restaurant industry prior to switching to travel, and she especially loves talking shop over great food and wine.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Coffe Break in the Exhibitors Area, Networking & Time with Exhibitors
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
After VRWS Fringe Events (See VRWS App for more info)
Nov 4th, 2023
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Unlocking the Future of Vacation Rentals: Insights and Innovations by Google Travel
Session description:
Join us for an enlightening presentation featuring David Robles Fosg, Google’s Director of Business Development EMEA – Google Travel.In collaboration with KANTAR, Google has conducted a comprehensive survey of recent vacation rental bookers, unveiling transformative insights that are reshaping the travel landscape.Discover how travelers are increasingly embracing vacation rentals as a dynamic lodging category, opening up new horizons for the industry. Dive into the world of travel planning and explore how rich search experiences are becoming the essential pathways for travelers to discover providers and properties that match their preferences.But that’s not all. In the third segment of David’s presentation, we’ll turn the spotlight onto Google’s vacation rental search experience, unveiling unique provider and property choices that travel planners can access. Get an exclusive look at Google’s latest product developments and updates that are set to redefine the future of travel.Join us for a journey into the future of vacation rentals, where data-driven insights and cutting-edge technology converge to create a world of possibilities for travelers and industry professionals alike.
Presented by
DAVID ROBLES FOSG
Director of Business Development EMEA - Google Travel
2023VRWSDavid is a senior executive at Google with over 18 years of experience in business development. He leads a cross-functional team and is responsible for the incubation and development of Lodging and Tours & Activities products and initiatives for Googleās travel vertical. Under his leadership, Google has launched several products and services in EMEA, such as Hotel free booking links and Google Hotel Ads.
David has held several positions at Google over the past 15 years, and has led the launch of many products, such as Google Flights and several products and services within Google Maps. Before joining Google, David was General Manager at Cirtec, a Spanish financial services start-up, and Project Director at Repsol. He has also held Board and Advisory positions in several companies.
David studied Engineering at ETSIM in Madrid, has an MBA from IESE Business School, and is an INSEAD Certificated Coach.
9:30 AM-10:00 AM
Mastering Digital Marketing: Unlocking a Stream of Direct Bookings
Session description:
What is your digital marketing strategy to increase direct bookings ? Do you have one in place ?In a world where online presence is paramount, the key to success lies in harnessing the power of effective strategies.Ā Ā In this engaging session, Avantio will unveil the essential components of a robust digital marketing strategy and also shed light on the often overlooked ‘super ingredient’ that can exponentially amplify your results. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or just stepping into the hospitality landscape, this session is tailored to provide actionable insights for all.
Presented by
CHRISTOPHER DILLON
Head of Business Development UK and Ireland @ Avantio
2023VRWSChristopher is passionate about forming lasting business relationships and helping property managers all over the world save time, increase revenue and bring their business to the next level by choosing the right tech. Since joining Avantio in 2019 Christopher has helped Avantio expand avantioās services deep into multiple markets including the UK, the UAE, Scandinavia and mainland Europe
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Round Table #3
What Do You Need Most Help With?
Session description:
The third Roundtable will Ā focus on helping you out with what you struggle most or with what you need most help with.
With the aid of a trained Facilitator, you’ll be guided into a series of questions that will help you share your struggles and seek advice, support and solutions from your peers.
Be prepared to share the struggles you have related to your business and seek advice, as the roundtables work as your special peer group of colleagues whoāve been there and have done that, or whoāre on the same boat and tried some solutions they can share with you.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Advocacy and Regulations:
A Roadmap to Save and Preserve Your Short Term Rental Business
Session description:
In the current climate, the Short-Term Rental (STR) industry faces unprecedented challenges. A wave of stringent regulations, bans, negative publicity, and a distorted narrative threaten to undermine our collective efforts. It’s a pivotal moment, and complacency is not an option.Unlike any conventional panel discussion, we’ve assembled a team of seasoned experts to provide an in-depth, actionable exploration of Advocacy and Regulations within the STR industry. The aim is to equip you with a clear roadmap for action. Consider this session your rallying point and your network of allies in these critical times.1.Ā Advocacy Strategy UnveiledALEP and EHHA president Eduardo Miranda, a seasoned advocate, will kick-start the session by providing valuable insights on building a robust STR advocacy plan even when success may not be around the corner. He will explore the intricate layers of advocacy, including lobbying, Public Affairs, and Public Perception. Drawing from his practical experience and real-world examples of the Portuguese situation, Eduardo will guide you through the strategic intricacies, even in challenging situations. Expect to see tangible strategies, illustrated with images and videos, that can serve as a blueprint for any advocacy plan.2.Ā European STR Regulations and VATGet ready for a rapid-fire update on impending new European STR regulations, the STR initiative and the challenge of the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) in STRs. Viktorija Molnar, our second presenter will shed light on the imminent changes that will significantly impact the STR landscape across Europe.3.Ā Practical Case Study 1: Barcelona and CatalunyaEnrique AlcĆ”ntara will share valuable insights into the regulatory landscape in Barcelona and Catalunya. Discover how regional laws can take a drastic turn, and gain practical knowledge on navigating these changes to protect your interests.4.Ā Practical Case Study 2: ItalyMarco Celani will dive into the current regulatory situation in Italy, another critical market for STRs. Learn from his experiences and insights on how to navigate Italy’s regulatory challenges effectively.5.Ā Interactive Q&A SessionTo cap off this immersive session, we invite you to participate in a dynamic Q&A session, that will continue during the Speed Dating time and lunch in Agenda. This is your opportunity to engage directly with our presenters, seeking personalized advice and solutions. Learn how you can actively contribute to preserving and protecting the STR industry at all levels.In these turbulent times, your STR business is at stake, whether you realize it or not. This session is your call to action. Join us to fortify your understanding, empower your advocacy, and stand united in the face of adversity. The time to act is now, and together, we can navigate these stormy waters and secure a resilient future for you, for your business and for the STR industry overall.
EDUARDO MIRANDA
President ALEP-AssociaĆ§Ć£o do Alojamento Local em Portugal, chairman of EHHA-European Holiday Home Association
Details
Eduardo Miranda is the founder and president of ALEP, Portugalās local lodging (short-term rental) association.
Founded in 2015, ALEP is the only national association exclusively dedicated to short-term rentals.
As president of ALEP he had an important role in the negotiation of short-term rental law and also the development of balanced and sustainable regulation in major Portuguese cities.
In 2018, ALEP was awarded the MĆ©rito TurĆstico Grau de Prata medal by the Ministry of the Economy for services to Portuguese Tourism industry.
In 2022, Eduardo has been nominated as a non-executive Chairman of the European Holiday Home Association.
He has been in Short-Term Rental as owner and manager since 2009. Prior to STR, he was involved with entrepreneurship activities and was responsible for the introduction and growth of franchising concept in Portugal.
VIKTORIJA MOLNAR
Acting Secretary General - European Holiday Home Association (EHHA)
2023VRWS
ENRIQUE ALCĆNTARA
President at Apartur and CEO and Founder at Stay U-nique
Details
Founder of Stay U-nique, property manager in Spain and President of the Barcelona Vacation Rental Association (Apartur) for the last 9 years.
MARCO CELANI
President AIGAB - CEO Italianway
Details
Marco Celani is the CEO of Italianway since 2016, the leading operator on the Italian short-term rental market for the number of destinations and contracted properties. Since 2020 he is President of the Italian Association of Short Rentals Managers, AIGAB, founded by the big players in the sector in order to provide institutional representation to property managers, analyze data and encourage the creation of a solid network of entrepreneurs that can help grow the market. He is often invited as a lecturer in post-graduate Masters in Tourism Economics and Management and as a speaker at major national and international events dedicated to the vacation rental industry.
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
2nd Speed Dating Session
Pick your Companies to meet with them at their booth and ask your #1 question
Session description:
SPEED-DATING are 2 ā60 minuteā Sessions (one per day), where:
- Ā you pick a company representative at one of the booths of your preference,Ā hear the solution they offer in 60ā³,
- then you ask your question, to find out more.
you have the opportunity to really find out what most companies exhibiting have to offer and how can they help you out.See more about SPEED-DATING SESSIONS and the Companies available HERE.
1:00 PM-2:30 PM
LUNCH
Standing Lunch at the Booths for everyone
A Standing Tapas Lunch by the booths will be exceptionally offered to all VRWS attendees as a further opportunity to keep networking with your peers.
2:30 PM-3:00 PM
FIRESIDE CHATFind out whatās new, what’s in and what’s out as Airbnb continues to innovate to meet travellerās needs while navigating global uncertainties.
Session description:
“People want to travel because they are craving connection. Despite global economic concerns, people want to travel.
We believe travel creates meaningful connections between people and places – and weāve seen new trends since the pandemic that suggest people are using travel as a way to connect and reconnect.”In this fireside chat, Richard Au, Airbnb’s Global Head of Business Development will share whatās new, whatās in and whatās out as Airbnb continues to innovate to meet travellerās needs while navigating global uncertainties.
Presented by
SIMON LEHMANN
Co-Founder & CEO - AJL Atelier
Details
Simon is one of the worldās foremost experts on short-term rental and vacation rental. He leads AJL Atelier, a specialized vacation rental, and business consultancy while also advising multiple companies as Board Member and Executive Chairman.
A sought-after speaker, panelist, and moderator, Simon loves to broach high-level and technical topics alike, from the future trends of the short- term rental to the specifics of online distribution in the top 5 OTAs. Previously, Simon was the Co-Founder & Chairman of Vacasa Europe, former President of PhocusWright, and ex-Board member of HomeAway, to name but a few. He is also an accomplished operator, having led Interhome as CEP, Hotelplan Group Deputy CEO, and Swissport as EVP.
Interviewing
RICHARD AU
Head of Global Business Development at Airbnb
2023VRWS3:00 PM – 3:40 PM
TechTalk: Decoding Tomorrow’s Vacation Rental Revolution
Session description:
Embark on a tech-savvy journey with our esteemed panel as they navigate through the intricate maze of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technological innovations in the vacation rental industry.
Explore deep dives into the tangible impacts of AI on guest personalization and experiences, insights into the strategic application of fintech solutions, and the evolving landscape of API standardization.
Engage in a vibrant discussion around blending mobile, contactless experiences and home automation while catering to the burgeoning digital nomad segment.
The session promises a collaborative exploration, complete with an interactive Q&A, enabling you to tap into the collective wisdom of industry frontrunners. Join us to decode the future, grasping actionable strategies and insights for the next wave in vacation rentals!
Presented by
SIMON LEHMANN
Co-Founder & CEO - AJL Atelier
Details
Simon is one of the worldās foremost experts on short-term rental and vacation rental. He leads AJL Atelier, a specialized vacation rental, and business consultancy while also advising multiple companies as Board Member and Executive Chairman.
A sought-after speaker, panelist, and moderator, Simon loves to broach high-level and technical topics alike, from the future trends of the short- term rental to the specifics of online distribution in the top 5 OTAs. Previously, Simon was the Co-Founder & Chairman of Vacasa Europe, former President of PhocusWright, and ex-Board member of HomeAway, to name but a few. He is also an accomplished operator, having led Interhome as CEP, Hotelplan Group Deputy CEO, and Swissport as EVP.
Interviewing
TIM ROSOLIO
Vice President of Vacation Rental Partner Success at Expedia Group
Details
Tim Rosolio, VP of Partner Success, Vacation Rentals, has a comprehensive end-to-end view of the short-term rental business. He is a subject matter expert in vacation rentals (VR) and his leadership and involvement include working on a number of key projects and initiatives at Vrbo such as our monetization strategy, VR competitiveness, acquisition, readiness and the Fast Start program. In addition to his eight years of experience in the VR line of business, Tim understands what our Vrbo hosts need because he is one! Prior to being VP of Partner Success, he worked on the Expedia for Business Strategy & Transformation team.
VERED RAVIV SCHWARZ
President & COO at Guesty
Details
Vered Raviv Schwarz is President & COO of property management platform Guesty, where she brings over 21 years of experience in global operations and overseeing teams including Customer Experience, Finance, Operations, Legal, HR, Customer Success, Data & Analytics and Strategic Partnerships.
Prior to Guesty, Vered was COO of Fiverr, where she grew the company from 40 employees to over 400 in her six-year tenure. Before Fiverr, Vered held senior executive positions in private and public global tech companies, including Kenshoo, MediaMind (now Sizmek), and Radware. In her free time, she serves on the advisory boards of several startups and participates in mentorship programs focused on female entrepreneurship.
YOAV ROTH
CRO at Duve
Details
Yoav is a business management executive, with broad experience of initiating, managing and expanding new businesses, teams, and strategic partnerships, across multiple industries and countries. Prior to serving as Duveās Chief Revenue Office, Yoav was part of the founding team and VP BuzDev in Moovit (Acquired by Intel), and held leadership positions in various startups and large Enterprises.
ENRIQUE PLANAS
Head of Business Development Southern Europe at Holidu
Details
Enrique Planas is the Head of Business Development at Holidu Gmbh, a trailblazing German vacation rental online travel platform. With over 18 years in sales and marketing, Enriqueās strategic leadership has consistently propelled digital startups, boasting a remarkable achievement of driving more than 100x revenue growth in Holiduās main markets in just five years. Recognized for his expertise in business development, Enriqueās swift ascent through the ranks at Holidu, marked by multiple promotions in a short timeframe, stands testament to his dedication and proficiency. As he spearheads Holiduās business expansion, Enrique epitomizes in-depth market analysis and innovative business solutions. Before his remarkable stint at Holidu, Enrique led digital marketing initiatives at Viajes Falabella and kickstarted operations at his own Digital Marketing consulting firm, Tree Digital in Chile. On the academic front, Enrique holds an MBA from the esteemed ESMT Berlin and both a Bachelorās and MSc in Business Administration from Chilean University "Universidad Diego Portales"
3:40 PM-4:30 PM
Round Table #4
Wrapping Up Your Key Takeaways
(and an action plan to achieve your goals)
Session description:
The 4th VRWS and last Roundtable will be focused on wrapping up your Key Takeaways from these 2 days and will require you to write them down together with an implementation strategy, following the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals setting framework that you’ve been sent via email prior to VRWS and that you can also find within the VRWS App.
With the aid of a trained Facilitator, you’ll be guided into the process and will do the exercise laid out in the “Goal Setting Framework“
4:30 PM-5:00 PM
TBA
Session description:
TBA
Presented by
MATT LANDAU
Founder - VRMB
Details
Matt Landau is a short-term rental industry advocate, storyteller, and facilitator. Mattās homerunning career began in 2006 with a fleet of self-catering holiday rentals in the historic of Casco Antiguo, PanamĆ”. His community platform VRMB.com serves as a hub for collaboration, education, and various media initiatives that promote and protect the best of what our industry has to offer.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Coffe Break in the Exhibitors Area, Networking & Time with Exhibitors
6:00PM – 6:15 PM
VRWS closing