Updated Oct 19, 2023
I think this will be a watershed year for vacation rental conferences, so I'm encouraging any member who wants to up their game with some advice around the most common questions I get!
Drop your fav conference into comments for other members...as well as what kind of attendee would be a good fit!
Note: We've also begun hosting a series of private events ourselves called "Keystone Retreats" -- DM for more info.
The single biggest tip I like to share with people entering conferences is to SLOW DOWN. It’s easy to go a million miles per hr and try to voraciously consume everything at the buffet. But in doing so you miss the subtler, more meaningful moments that make our industry and people pure magic.
Slowing down can look like fewer interactions/networking but deeper/more meaningful connections. Slowing down can mean fewer sessions, but more focused subject matter / problem solving. And slowing down can mean fewer parties/carousing in favor of sleep/rest/feeling great the next day!
Over the last decade I have attended most major vacation rental conferences, a number of them multiple times. Here are some of the most common questions I receive:
I think this will be a watershed year for vacation rental conferences, so I'm encouraging any member who wants to up their game with some advice around the most common questions I get!
Drop your fav conference into comments for other members...as well as what kind of attendee would be a good fit!
Note: We've also begun hosting a series of private events ourselves called "Keystone Retreats" -- DM for more info.
The single biggest tip I like to share with people entering conferences is to SLOW DOWN. It’s easy to go a million miles per hr and try to voraciously consume everything at the buffet. But in doing so you miss the subtler, more meaningful moments that make our industry and people pure magic.
Slowing down can look like fewer interactions/networking but deeper/more meaningful connections. Slowing down can mean fewer sessions, but more focused subject matter / problem solving. And slowing down can mean fewer parties/carousing in favor of sleep/rest/feeling great the next day!
Over the last decade I have attended most major vacation rental conferences, a number of them multiple times. Here are some of the most common questions I receive:
- What are the conferences like? The conferences are like big support groups. You meet people you know from online (and plenty you don’t) and forge these unique relationships because they are going through the same thing. Morning coffee, group lunches, jaunts for dinner and drinks There is a kind of feeling of fulfillment that comes when a group of people are all facing challenges, together.
- How do I get the most out of conferences? I recommend you identify (beforehand) one or two big yet specific goals (settling on a software choice, strategic direction, or next big leap) whose answers (when you get them) will make you more money, save you significant time, or make your life easier. Within a few days after the conference, you should have made significant progress on (if not completed) your goals — that improvement has a value.
- I am trying to justify the cost. First of all, if you follow the advice above, your mission to achieve your big-yet-specific goal has a reward. Estimate how much that new future is worth to you — put a $ amount on it. Second, it’s a business expense. Third, payoff comes in the form of renewed focus and motivation, which is priceless.
- I can’t step away from my business. Turn that challenge into an opportunity. Yes, easier said than done. But removing yourself from your business is a goal in and of itself! Explore our 'Forced Vacation' thread for ideas on how to make it happen. It’s also good to know that most people who attend one event end up attending events regularly — the first event is often the hardest, once you do it, you’ll hold a different perspective. (Good side reading from
Bruce How can I go on vacation?)
- I’ve heard it’s like drinking from a firehouse. Yes, this can be true. But you can pick and choose what sessions you attend, nothing is obligatory, and it's the seeds you plant -- the nuggets you glean -- that end up sticking and flourishing over time. Nothing can prepare you for the amount of positive energy however. You will need to catch up on some sleep afterwards.
- Do I attend a conference in my region or travel abroad? Typically, your own region means attendee’s more similar to you, which is important for many reasons. But international events have the bonus of experiential travel (after all, it’s our craft!) and meeting attendee’s NOT exactly like you: a fun reward (I mean business expense) for the curious-at-heart.
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