for an unforgettable Summit at the
IMPERIAL PALACE in ANNECY, FRANCE
Certain expectations come when you have an event called the āVacation Rental World Summit.ā Even more so when the summit is hosted at the āImpĆ©rial Palaceā in Annecy, France. And when you take 4 flights and a taxi over three separate days to get there, you can imagine how easy it would be for the entire experience to not live up to the billing.
Easy that is, if you have never met the force that is Antonio Bortolotti, and the incredible community he has built over the past eight years. Far from failing to live up to the hype, Antonio, Annecy, the attendees, and VRWS as a whole, more than delivered.
Old World Style
Ā Unlike many conferences and events, Antonio deliberately goes out of his way to host the VRWS in less obvious locations. While this does lead to more travel depending upon where you are coming from, it also delivers an event that is a true experience, and one you often would not have had otherwise. As Jennifer Hsieh of Homes & Villas by Marriott International said in her presentation, āI had never heard of Annecy before, but what a hidden gem! I am definitely coming back.ā
That was the sentiment expressed by everyone I spoke with. In fact, it was difficult to walk around without looking up and just being astounded by the jaw dropping beauty at every turn. Well done, Annecy.
But it wasnāt just the location that was spectacular. As many of you in this community know, the experience is one-part place. The other, and at least as important part is the people. The gracious hosting by Tim Andrews and the OVO Network team at their offices the first night was a beautiful way to be welcomed to Annecy and welcomed back to in person events.
Not to be outdone, Moriya Rockman and Smiling House did some hosting of their own. That is until the hotel came up to the Presidential Suite and asked them to stop at 4am the second night!
And then there was the joy of being able to connect with the people I follow and learn from online, but who I have not had the opportunity to see in person in nearly two years. People like my mentor, friend, and the Godfather of vacation rentals, Simon Lehmann; like my values and culture doppelgƤnger, SƩbastien Grosjean; like my fellow reformed consultant, Alex Nigg; like my partner in Stoicism, Thibault Masson; like my former colleagues (and , Michael Goldin and Stewart White; and like my annual commuting partner (and savior), Michele Diamantini. These, and so many others, made this a truly special occasion for me personally, and from what I could tell by the conversations throughout the week, for others as well.
The point being that the conference, and the people at it, do and did a great job of pulling the best of what our industry offers together.
Incredible Destinations + Amazing People = Unforgettable Experiences
VRWS As A Microcosm for the Industry
The event, and how Antonio runs it, is emblematic of the best of our industry in another striking way. As its name implies, it is global in nature. Like our guests, people traveled from all over the world to attend. From conversation to conversation, you could float between hearing French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, English and more, sometimes all in the same group!
But as large as it was, as far reaching as it was, just like our industry, the magic happened in person, on the ground, and thanks to an admirable attention to detail. Just like all of you and how you think of your guests, when I asked Antonio how things were going the first day he said: āI just am working to make it better. So many people travelled so far, and put their trust in me, I do not want to let them down.ā He certainly didnāt let any of us down.
Many people ask for feedback. The majority want to hear how well things are going. Very few truly listen for how to improve. Even fewer immediately act on that suggestion. Antonio is in this elite group. Based on feedback the first day, he entirely reworked the agenda for the second, just as thanks to feedback from Vanessa de Souza Lage two years ago about the lack of women on stage led Antonio to ensuring atĀ leastĀ 50% of the people on stage this year were women.
This is Antonio presenting changes to Day 2 based on feedback he received Day 1
The Looming Shadow
COVID was still ever-present. This was not only because I got to the first dayās lunch late because I needed a COVID test prior to departure. It also came up in literally every single presentation, and most likely every off-stage conversation as well.
But the shadow was not an eclipse. As Robin Bass expressed to me: āI made it through 9/11 in New York. Iāve made it through hurricanes in St. Croix. COVID has been hard, but it is another thing I will make it through and come out even stronger on the other side.ā
This is what is so extraordinary about the vacation rental industry and the people in it. When everything is against us, we seem to elevate to even higher levels. It is an inspiration to see, and to be a part of. Everyone acknowledged we were not out of COVID yet, and there was no telling if and when we might ever be.
But rather than lament how things have changed, and how hard they have become, people were in Annecy to discuss, learn, and problem solveĀ howĀ they would adapt and evolve to come out even stronger than before. The best days for all of us are ahead thanks to this mindset (perhaps in spite of some of the warnings for small and midsized managers from Richard Vaughton in his highly acclaimed presentation on the second day).
Conclusion
They say good things come to those who wait. If waiting two years was necessary to pull off this amazing event, so be it.
That being said, I really hope we donāt have to wait another two to do all of this again! Perhaps in an attempt to ensure this does not happen, Antonio closed the summit with a very exciting announcement: the launch of VR PODS after a successful pilot this past year. If you are interested in working in a sort of āmastermindā group with your vacation rental peers, I am sure he would love for you to reach out.
Always be learning. Always be growing. That is how we as an industry continue to innovate and improve.
Host
Property Manager
Professional
While keeping our reputation for Top-Notch On-Stage Sessions, based on VRWS most appreciated quality, that is High-Value Networking, and fostering a strong desire for in-person interaction after a year of pandemic confinement, we’re introducing ROUNDTABLES.
ROUNDTABLES are 50 minute Help & Support Networking Sessions, facilitated by one Professional following guided formats provided by us. You will interact with your colleagues at a far greater level than ever before at any industry event, share your struggles and receive help from your peers; you’ll get to know how others do what you do/don’t do, so you can improve where needed.
HEREāS A SAMPLE OF YOUR VRWS ROUNDTABLES LAYOUT
HEREāS THE AGENDA
(subject to minor changes)
Schedule:
Time | Main activity |
08.30-09.55 | On-site Registration |
10.00-10.15 | Opening Welcome & Program – Antonio Bortolotti |
10.15-10.45 | Session 1: Are You a Property Management Guru? Let the Data Decide! (Tom Caton, Co-Founder AirDNA & Sophie Barton, Senior Account Manager AirDNA)
Summary: Sophie Barton and Tom Caton from AirDNA will break down what makes a winning property listing – and what makes a loser(!) – according to the data. Why do similar properties deliver such different revenue numbers? Is it pricing? Is it the photos? They will deliver the secrets to the top performers across properties and across markets. You will either leave the session knowing you are doing everything you can, or start changing your listings on your phone during the talk because you are making some serious mis-steps! |
10.45-11.45 | Session 2: 1st Roundtable Session: Breaking the Ice with Your PeersĀ (Facilitated by VRWS Speakers & Facilitators) |
11.45-12.15 | Session 3: Ā Simon Lehmann Uncensored.Ā (Simon Lehmann, CEO of AJL Atelier interviewed by Sarah DuPre, Senior Sales Director at AirDNA)
Summary: Find out what Simon Lehmann really thinks about the future of vacation rentals in Europe, mergers and acquisitions in the industry and much, much more in this no-holds-barred discussion. |
12.15-13.15 | Session 4: 2nd Roundtable Session: Addressing Focus Area #1Ā (Facilitated by VRWS Speakers & Facilitators) |
13.15-15.00 | Lunch & Networking |
15.00-15.30 | Session 5: The 3 Counter-Intuitive Keys to Thriving Used by Leading Property Managers and Hosts in Any Economic Situation (Sebastien Grosjean, CEO of BookingSync and Smily)
Summary: Our industry is built on our individual uniqueness and Sebastien Grosjean knows that very well. Itās these differences that make our guests’ experiences so meaningful and memorable. In this thought-provoking and insightful talk, Grosjean will take us on a journey of unique individuals and companies to encourage us to think differently about how we operate so we can improve our business structure, operate more effectively, and ultimately live our dreams long term. |
15.30-16.30 | Session 6: 3rd Roundtable Session: Addressing Focus Area #2Ā (Facilitated by VRWS Speakers & Facilitators) |
16.30-17.00 | Session 7: VR Tech Competition: 3 Start-Ups on stage to Innovate our industry (led by Vanessa de Souza Lage, Founder of VRTech and CMO and Co-Founder of RentalsUnited)
Summary: As every year, the 3 shortlisted finalists from the VRTech competition will present what they do on stage in a competition to win the title of Best Start-Up of The Year. You will vote for your favorite Start-Up Company and The Winner will be announced on stage on Friday. This year’s Finalists are:
|
17.00-17.45 | Coffee Break – Networking in the Exhibitor Area |
17.45-18.15 | Session 8: “One PMS is all the industry needsā vs “Another week, another PMS”Ā (Panel Discussion)
Summary: There are so many systems and so very different in their capacities, local requirements, hard and software integrations, distribution, languages, automations, pricing and of course company support!Ā What is really important for owners and agencies as we move toward 2030? |
18.15-19.00 | Time with Exhibitors & Networking in the Exhibitor Area |
19.00- | Networking @Hotel Bar Area |
Tom Caton – Co-Founder AirDNA
Vanessa De Souza Lage
Co-Founder Rentals United
Simon Lehmann – Founder, AJL Atelier
To ensure you have a memorable in-person experience in a safe environment, you’ll be asked to present either one of the following when you enter the Imperial Palace:
- A Digital or Paper Certificate (also known as “Green Pass” in many countries), or
- A Negative RT-PCR or Antigen Test 72 hours prior to accessing the Imperial Palace, or
- Proof of Recovery with an RT-PCR or Antigen test >11 days < 6 months
SPEAKERS
ATTENDEES
COUNTRIES
What Is the Vacation Rental World Summit
VRWS started as a simple idea in 2013: connecting the global VR Community – Hosts, Property Managers & Industry Pros – through an independent conference to help attendees understand what’s coming, how to get more bookings, streamline workflows and maximize rental income.
The first online editions gathered 15,000+ attendees from 5 continents and 50 countries. Many pros improved their business through the advice shared at the event.
This led to the big leap and VRWS landed on physical grounds from the 3rd edition: Barcelona (2016), Florence (2017), Lake Como (2018-2019)Ā a digital-only edition in 2020 due to the Pandemic, Annecy (2021), and… a soon to be disclosed destination for 2022!
If you’re looking for the best place to network and learn from some of the most progressive and helpful minds in our industry look no further!
Top Notch Presentations
Industry Pros, expert managers and successful owners sharing their best practices, in a win-win engaging environment.
High Value Agenda
Two full days of intense training, paired with networking sessions, meet ups, panel discussions, hotseats and more.
Business Insights
What the big companies don’t tell you, the real statistics, what’s coming next, sell or struggle…VRWS gives you these and more business insights.
Same Level Sessions
Sorry, no concurrent sessions at VRWS! This way you view them all and truly get the most of the event and a full ROI on your investment.
Quality Vs Quantity
Learn from the best, hang out with the elite, network with value. Quality never goes with quantity. That’s why attendance is limited too.
Innovation
Be the first to know which companies innovate the VR space and use themĀ before they go mainstream. Pick the one you like most and vote your “Best VRTech Start Up of the Year”.
Invaluable Networking
Meet with fellow motivated peers and industry professionals during breaks, lunch buffets, dinners and exchange tips, tricks, secrets and deals.
WinĀ A Priceless Gift
All attendees are entered into a fabulous prize draw. Grab your chance to win a free stay in a 5 star VR, a free website revamp and a free gift by our sponsors. No one leaves the room empty handed.
Meet Your Providers
Meet with the best service providers in the industry. Learn how to streamline your business. Get your technology to jump one step further.
VRWS Attendees Say…
Download Attendify, our official mobile app and join the event community
See who’s attending. Connect with your peers. Schedule a Meet Up, a drink or a chat!
SEE HOW THE VRWS “ATTENDIFY” APP WORKS
Click This Quick Video Tutorial!
Watch a Sample From The Last In Person Edition
MEET OUR SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & FACILITATORS*
Speakers will also act as Facilitators during the brand new Roundtable Sessions!

Antonio Bortolotti

Vanessa De Souza Lage

Simon Lehmann

Jennifer Hsieh

Alex Nigg

Sophie Barton

Tom Caton

Laura Quack

Richard Vaughton

Andrew McConnell

Sarah DuPre

Bartolomeo Bufi

Brooke Pfautz

Seb Grosjean

Chris Stephenson

Kelly Odor

Thibault Masson

Filipa Leitão de Aguiar

Manuel Martin

Alberto Bernes
MEET OUR FACILITATORS*
Facilitators will guide you and facilitate the new Roundtable Sessions you will be part of during the entire event!

Michael Goldin

Xavier Rouhaud

Linda Tieu

Steve Davis

Vincent Pineau

Veronica Rivas

Fabrizio Scuppa

Vasilije Budimlija

Andy McNulty

Fausto Silva

Carlos Lascorz

Rodolphe HaguƩ

Giacomo Piva

Eric Bordier
Hosts & Property Managers From 53 Countries
Attended Our Training So Far

ā·
Canada, U.S.A., Mexico, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St.Lucia, Dutch Antilles, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brasil, Chile, Portugal, Spain, France, U.K., Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, China, Japan, The Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand
Conferences are great, but often hosted in sterile places.
Pair a great event with a fantastic location and you have the best of both worlds: learning & fun.
LAKE ANNECY
AN AMAZING LOCATION…
IMPERIAL PALACE
AllĆ©e de l’ImpĆ©rial, 74000 Annecy, France
Tel.: +33 4 50 09 30 00
Moments from VRWS Previous Edition
“Hi. My name is Antonio Bortolotti and I am a property owner just like you. I run successful rentals in Sardinia and on Lake Maggiore, Italy and I’ve been helping out fellow rentalpreneurs worldwide getting their properties fully booked for over 14 years. I am hugely rewarded when I see that I can truly impact fellow peers’ lives by solving their #1 problem and that is why I teamed up with some of the smartest minds in our industry to bring you the best, most actionable and often costless solutions to ensure your business thrives.”
Founder of Vacation Rental Secrets and the Fully Booked Formula online training program, Antonio Bortolotti is a successful āRentalpreneurā, speaker, consultant and coach. His award winning properties feature in national and international press, as well asĀ on TV. The British āObserverā named his Casa Teulada āOne of the Best 20 Holiday Villas In The Mediterraneanā and the āSunday Timesā recommended it as āThe Best Deal-For-Twoā in the Italian summer. Ā While managing his rentals remotely with just a laptop and a wi-fi connection, Antonio regularly speaks at major VR industry events sharing his strategies for maximizing rental income. The Vacation Rental World Summit – now at its 9th edition – is his way to bring a wealth of golden nuggets, proven strategies and current best solutions to you.
VRWS was made possible with support of:
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Sapphire Sponsors
in cooperation with:
MEDIA PARTNER
VRWS 2021 is happy to work with our exclusive Media Partner

Absolutely worth the fee! Thank you, Antonio! I already feel like I can gain my freedom with a lot less effort than I thought I would need. I appreciate the pdf downloads too.Ā I learned something from each of the presenters and there’s so much information that I will probably go back and listen again. Quite overwhelming but uplifting too!

I am SO glad to have come across your Vacation Rental World Summit – you have opened my eye to so many things!!! And I have to give you my thanks for introducing me to such valuable learning tools, gurus etc.

Thank you for this, I am beyond inspired! Each year is better!

Love it! Great info. You make it look easy! Biggest takeaway….loose the nervousness! This is not rocket science but doable by anyone with a little motivation.
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