ELEVATE

Elevate 2023 at a Glance

Day 1

9:30

9:55

Welcome to ELEVATE 2023 Day 1

10:00

1025

Miles Apart: Operating A Business in Different Markets

Managing one office and market is hard enough, but add on differences in consumer behavior, regulations, and field teams, and you have your hands full. Industry experts Laik LePera (Village Realty Holdings), Stan Januska (VTrips), Stephanie Samels (Stoic Lane), and Simon Lehmann (AJL) discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with growth.

10:30

10:55

Setting the Gold Standard for Running a Top-Tier Business

In a competitive market, being 10% better can make all the difference. Join established industry professionals Robin Craigen (Moving Mountains), Jeanne Dailey (Newman-Dailey Resort Properties), and Hunter & Ginger Harrelson (Beachball Properties) in a conversation with Matt Landau. Discover how they have differentiated themselves and where they focus on being 10% better.

11:00

11:25

Owner Retention in 2023: How to Set and Manage Owner Expectations

Many industry experts predict a more challenging year in 2023. Communication with your owners will be critical in helping to set the right expectations. Learn how these industry pros leverage data and proactively drive the conversation with their owners. In this panel discussion, Mike Perkins (360 Blue), Kerrie Racicot Baitx (Tahoe Truckee Vacation Properties), Dru Brown (Island Time Hilton Head), and moderator Jessica Gillingham (Abode Worldwide PR) will chat about best practices for both owner acquisition and retention.

11:30

11:55

How to Train and Support your Teams to Ensure your Brand Shines

Whether you have an in-house cleaning team or partner with local professionals, empowering your team to be an extension of your brand will elevate quality and increase guest satisfaction. Join a lively discussion with Jonathan Wicks (Well & Good Property Services), Durk Johnson (Housekeeping Solutions Team), Eddie Grey (Newman-Dailey Resort Properties), and moderator Michelle Williams (VRHP), to see how these companies motivate teams and use technology to empower them.

12:00

12:25

Deliver More Value by Optimizing Maintenance Programs

Advanced planning and standardized processes can make a big impact on your bottom line. Learn how these leading companies optimize their maintenance programs throughout the entire year. Tune in as Breezeway's VP of Client Experience, Koryn Okey, discusses these obstacles and strategies with industry pros Kris Ramsey (Pretty Picky Properties), Greg Petrillo (Pocono Mountain Rentals), and Jonathan Fonvielle (Atlantic Vacation Homes).

12:30

12:55

How to Determine The Right Technology Stack for your Business

With more tools available than ever, selecting the right software tools that align with your business goals is critical. Crack the code on optimizing your tech stack and understanding the systems and integrations your business truly needs. Brandy Canaley (Sextant Stays) sits down with Jed Stevens (Koloa Kai), Adam Norko (TAN), and Luca Zambello (Jurny).

1:00

1:25

People and Process: Motivating and Retaining Teams

Teams perform best when they are empowered and motivated. How are some of the best in the industry keeping their teams happy and efficient? Join Natalie Palmer (Host with Natalie) and leading managers Leslie Adcock (Cabins For You), Ron Bruner (Royal Destinations), and Natalia Holshouser (Coastal Carolina Vacations). They'll share best practices around hiring and building teams.

1:30

2:00

Interactive Breakout Room: Guesty & Huswell - Tech Stack Masterclass with Huswell.

Building the right tech stack is fundamental, especially as the hospitality industry continues to undergo seismic shifts. A thoughtful approach to mixing, matching and building your tech stack every step of the way is how leading PMCs elevate from the competition. Learn how Huswell has structured their tech stack by curating each tool and developing brand-new solutions to fit the evolving needs of their business and team – and how the right tech stack is the key component of how teams operate and scale.

1:30

2:00

Interactive Breakout Room: Point Central & Newman-Dailey Resort Properties - Working Smarter Not Harder

Sit down with PointCentral and NDRP to hear how they connected internal messaging tools to enable cleaning crews to work more efficiently.

1:30

2:00

Interactive Breakout Room: Breaking into the STR Business and Becoming a Property Manager with Stacey St. John

Join Stacey St. John for an interactive workshop where you'll discover the key fundamentals of building a successful short-term rental property management business that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Stacey will guide you through her proven 3-step framework, designed to help you create the business of your dreams while still maintaining balance in your personal life. This session is perfect for anyone who wants to break into the short-term rental property management industry, whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced real estate professional. You'll leave with a clear roadmap for building a successful business that delivers on your personal and financial goals. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert and start building the short-term rental property management business you've always dreamed of!

Day 2

9:30

9:55

Sneak Peek at the Innovation at Breezeway

Breezeway CEO Jeremy Gall, VP of Product Andrew Lee, and VP of Client Experience, Koryn Okey, share Breezeway’s vision for the future of operational excellence and a sneak peek into new products and services coming soon.

10:00

10:25

Secrets to Growing and Scaling at any Size

In this session, Sarah Bradford (Sarah and T Podcast) chats with Brittany Blackman (Breathe Easy Rentals), Brian Harris (Harris Vacation Rentals), and Lance & Elaine Stitcher (Seaside Vacations) who will share actionable tips on how to differentiate your brand and win owners. Plus, they discuss how to select the right owners during different stages of your growth.

10:30

10:55

The Top Safety Initiatives That Should Be on Your Radar

Join Breezeway's Director of Safety, Justin Ford as he shares his top three most impactful safety tips with former VRMA President and Booe Realty Owner, Miller Hawkins. They’ll discuss why safety and compliance is at the top of the VRMA's priority list.

11:00

11:25

The Delicate Balance of Personalization and Optimization

A personalized touch can go a long way with guests, but how can you maintain operational efficiency? In this session, Max Farley (sojo) sits down with industry leaders Kelsey Adams (Benchmark Management), Mike Short (Daugherty Management), Morvan Boulanger (Olala Homes) to uncover some of the ways they balance personal touches with operational efficiency.

11:30

11:55

The Competitive Edge: Turn Operations into a Money Maker

Think outside the box to turn your operations into a revenue generator. Filling gap nights, proactive guest communication, and surprising and delighting guests are just some of the ways these companies are leveling up their operations. We look at the data around offerings and services that guests want (and will pay for). Join Melanie Brown (Key Data), as she sits down with Bob Foster (Aunt Bugs Cabin Rentals), Adam Whitt (Lilmar Properties), and Jacqueline Wilson (Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals) as they dissect the ways professionals and hosts can maintain a competitive edge.

12:00

12:25

Empowering Your Business Through Advocacy

The sustainability of the vacation rental industry is dependent on the communities’ commitment to advocacy, education, and collaboration. With regulatory spotlights constantly cast, managers must understand how their involvement and voice can create a big impact. Join David Krauss (Rent Responsibly) and Tiffany Edwards (Coletta Consulting) to discuss how one can actually empower their business through advocacy and establish themselves as leaders in their market.

12:30

12:55

Beyond the Property: How to Elevate the Guest Experience

Top operators are constantly innovating around the guest stay. From guest amenities and experiences to communication and staffing, we dig into unique ways brands are engaging and supporting their guests. Join guest experts Ashley Kubiszyn (River Ridge Rentals), Sarah and Annette (Stay Awhile Hosting Co & Thanks for Visiting), and Meaghan Moylan (Outpost), as they sit down with moderator, Andrew Kitchell (Wheelhouse).

1:00

1:30

Interactive Breakout Room: Track & Village Realty - Managing Quality Experiences at Scale

Hear from Village Realty and Track on the systems and processes they have put in place in order to enable growth and quality.

1:00

1:30

Interactive Breakout Rooms: Look better, book better with Vrbo and Escapia

Connect with Vrbo and Escapia for 5 easy ways you can get more eyeballs on your listings and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

1:00

1:30

Interactive Breakout Room: Deep Dive Into Breezeway Guide

1:00

1:30

Interactive Breakout Room: Its All About Check-In with sojo

A guest’s vacation doesn’t really start the moment they walk through the door. It’s only after they scope out the house, make a grocery run and then come back to settle in, drink in hand, that they can begin to relax. In this session, we’ll share 5 ways you can upgrade your current check-in process to ensure every guest’s stay starts the best way.