Thank You for Attending the 2023 VRMA Executive Summit!
DESIGNED FOR VACATION RENTAL EXECUTIVES, STRATEGIC THINKERS, AND VISIONARY LEADERS
The VRMA Executive Summit (May 15-17, 2023) is designed for executive-level leaders focused on business strategy, organizational excellence, sustained growth, and charting a vision for their company’s future. Join us for engaging, high-level content and intimate networking in beautiful Palm Beach, Florida!
| REGISTRATION INFORMATION |
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change. Refer back to this page for updates on content and speakers.
Monday, May 15
6:00 – 7:30 pm | Welcome Reception | Sponsored by HostGPO
Tuesday, May 16
7:30 – 8:30 am | Breakfast and Registration | Breakfast Sponsored by Better Talent
8:30 – 9:00 am | Opening Session and Welcome
9:00 – 10:30 am | The Macro-Economic Environment for Short Term Rentals
From Left to Right: Simon Lehmann, CEO / Co-Founder, AJL Atelier; Jason Sprenkle, CEO, Key Data; Roopak Pati, Managing Director, Oppenheimer & Co.; Matthew Varabkanich, Sr. Research Associate Travel Industry, Cleveland Research; Rene Benedetto, Managing Director, Certares
Are market forces finally becoming predictable? Or should we be bracing for more unexpected dynamics? Three market experts who spend their days thinking about the future of the short term rental market will join Simon to discuss the current macro-economic environment and where the industry is headed. Walk away with a deeper understanding of what the future looks like so you can plan ahead and build the right strategy for your business.
10:30 – 11:15 am | Networking Break
11:15 am – 12:00 pm | The Intersection of HR and Team Culture
From Left to Right: Steve Trover, CEO, Better Talent, Elaine Stitcher, Co-Owner/Marketing Manager, Seaside Vacations & Sales; Lauren Madewell, Chief Operating Officer, Auntie Belham's Cabin Rentals, Inc. and Amber Hurdle, CEO of Employer Brand Central
You know how important it is to have the right people in the right place within your organization. This session will discuss integrating a community culture into your company. Listen in to hear from our presenters as they share important tips on what you need to think of when recruiting new team members and engaging the ones you already have.
12:00 – 1:30 pm | Networking Lunch |Sponsored by InhabitIQ
1:30 – 2:30 pm | Growth Strategies, Scaling, and Buyer and Seller Side Opportunities
From Left to Right: Steve Milo, CEO, VTrips; Robin Craigen, Co-Founder and CEO, Moving Mountains; Dennis Goedheid, CEO and Founder, Casiola Vacation Homes and Amy Hinote, Founder and Editor, VRM Intel
Industry expert Amy Hinote will lead this panel focused on growth strategies that really work. Hear real-life examples of growth and scaling strategies. The panel will share a view into what's working (and what hasn't) when a business is focused on growth. Attendees will leave with an understanding of organic growth, onboarding, scaling larger and growing multiples.
2:30 – 3:15 pm | Networking Break
3:15 – 4:15 pm | Financial Understanding: Building a Business to Grow
From Left to Right: Mary Kathryn Allen, CPA, Partner, HORNE, Michael Levy, CPA, Transaction Advisory Practice Leader, Aprio and Greg Herr, Consultant, Weatherby Consulting
With a solid financial strategy, your business will be built to grow and to endure. Attendees will review metrics and margins, and learn how making basic decisions can affect your preparedness when heading into a slowdown period. Our presenters will also discuss quality of earnings, taxes, IRAs and the understanding of your booking. After this interactive session you'll feel more confident with your financial bookings and how to help grow your company financially.
4:15 – 4:45 pm | Networking Break
4:45 – 5:45 pm | Find Your Tech Stack Strategy: Panel of Experts Discuss Building vs. Buying, ChatGPT/AI, and What Key Questions to Ask
From Left to Right: Margot Schmorak, CEO & Co-Founder, Hostfully; Nicholas Halverson, MBA, Owner, Osa Property Management and Jim DeVos, President, Best Beach Getaways
A sound technology strategy can make your life a lot easier, but one that's ill fitting could be a disaster. And what's better - building your own or buying off-the-shelf? In this session we will weigh differences between build vs. buy scenarios, and hear from two property managers about their experiences going different routes. Hear what key questions to ask when considering technology purchasing, consider the impact of AI and ChatGPT on vacation rental software, and hear how you can find the right fit for your business.
6:00 – 8:00 pm | Cocktail Reception |Sponsored by Extenteam
Wednesday, May 17
7:30 – 8:30 am | Breakfast and Registration |Breakfast Sponsored by Whimstay
8:30 – 9:30 am | Protecting Our Industry Amid 2023 Regulations
Featuring: Scott Leggat, Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, InhabitIQ; Rolf Blizzard, Managing Director, Atlantic Realty of the Outer Banks; Nick Scarci, Director of Government Affairs, VRMA
2023 is off to a fast start with a myriad of regulatory challenges and opportunities across the country. All of us need to play an active role to ensure we protect our business and allow them to thrive. Join our discussion around this important topic and understand how you can play a part in the effort.
9:30 – 10:15 am | Networking Break
10:15 – 11:15 am | Creating Your Distribution Balance to Drive Demand
From Left to Right: Robin Craigen, Co-Founder and CEO, Moving Mountains; Dennis Goedheid, CEO and Founder, Casiola Vacation Homes and Amy Hinote, Founder, Editor, VRM Intel; Michelle Williams, General Manager, Atlantic Vacation Homes
Listen in as Amy and our panelists discuss the balance between direct bookings and distribution. Hear directly from property managers who have, and still are, fine-tuning their distribution process for their company. They will share what has worked for them and how they made the switch.
11:15 - 11:30 am | Closing Remarks
EVENT FACILITATED BY SIMON LEHMANN
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Simon is one of the world's foremost experts on short-term rentals. He leads AJL Atelier, a specialized vacation rental and business consultancy, and advises 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 short-term rentals 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's also an accomplished operator, having led Interhome as CEO, Hotelplan Group Deputy CEO, and Swissport as EVP. |
REGISTRATION
The Summit is meant to provide a powerful networking and learning opportunity for CEOs and other executives from current VRMA member management companies. Attendance is limited to those who are focused on creating and implementing strategy and vision.
ABOUT THE RESORT
Situated on a private beach with lush tropical gardens, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is where effortless living meets relaxed luxury, as one of only two Forbes Five-Star resorts in Palm Beach. Indulge in the warm Florida sunshine, sumptuous accommodations designed by Jonathan Adler, and the award-winning Eau Spa.
Book Your Stay
VRMA has secured hotel rooms for a discounted rate of $329 per night, single/double occupancy. In order to access this unmatched low price and save hundreds, you must book your stay within the VRMA room block by Monday, April 24.
LOCATION
Welcome to Palm Beach re-imagined: an intimate ocean retreat and a breath of fresh air. Situated on the sweeping backdrop of Florida’s gold coast and with the Atlantic as its playground, Eau Palm Beach invokes the relaxed glamour of America’s first resort destination. See how to get there.
ADDRESS
100 South Ocean Blvd.
Manalapan, FL 33462
561-533-6000 | www.eaupalmbeach.com
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS
CONTACT US
If you have questions, please contact us at vrma@vrma.org or call +1 (202) 367-1179 and a member of our team will be glad to help you.