The 2024 Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) conference in Phoenix was a resounding success, drawing over 2,000 attendees from around the world and marking significant moments for the vacation rental industry. This year’s event showcased not only the latest innovations in property management but also underscored the industry’s commitment to community, resilience, and progress.
One of the most memorable moments of the event was the transition of leadership. Michelle Williams, the outgoing chair of VRMA, passed the baton to Jodi Refosco, who is set to steer the association into its next chapter. During her remarks, Refosco outlined her vision for the future of VRMA, focusing on creating a more hands-on, workshop-centered experience for attendees. “We want to provide value-driven learning opportunities,” said Refosco, “to ensure that every attendee leaves with actionable insights and practical skills.”
This year’s conference was packed with highlights, including a donation of $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support hurricane relief efforts, showcasing VRMA’s commitment to giving back to the community. The generous donation set the tone for the conference, reinforcing the association’s focus on community impact alongside industry innovation.
A Global Gathering of Innovation
With over 170 exhibitors from various sectors—ranging from OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) to PMS (Property Management Software) and emerging tech companies—the exhibition hall was a hive of activity. Attendees had the chance to explore new technologies and services aimed at improving property management and guest experiences. Exhibitors came from all corners of the globe, reflecting the truly international nature of this year’s event.
Several gold-level sponsors, including Beyond, Generali Global Assistance, Expedia Group, CapitalOne Travel, KeyData, Lynbrook, and Streamline, played key roles in the event’s success. Generali, in particular, continued to dominate the vacation rental insurance space, solidifying its position as the largest player in the industry.
Celebrating Excellence in the Industry
The VRMA Excellence Awards were another highlight, celebrating the standout contributions of individuals and companies in the vacation rental sector:
- Best Marketing Campaign Award went to Moose Management Vacation Rentals and Sawgrass Marketing, recognized for their innovative positioning of rental properties, especially with a focus on appealing to Gen Z and millennial travelers.
- Community Impact Award was awarded to Seaside Vacation Rentals, which partnered with the Eastern Shore Coalition to reduce domestic violence, showcasing how vacation rental companies can make a difference in their communities.
- President’s Award honored Sue Jones, founder of HR4VR, who worked with 75 vacation rental property managers to create custom HR departments, streamlining operations and enhancing staff engagement across the board.
- Vacation Rental Management Company of the Year went to Hallson Hospitality, praised for its 50 thoughtfully designed homes in Nashville, which offer guests a unique and elevated vacation experience.
- Supplier of the Year was shared by Guesty and Inhaven, both lauded for their contributions to making property management more efficient and guest-friendly.
- VRHP Housekeeping Team of the Year was awarded to Calcow Cleaning, recognized for delivering top-tier service to vacation rentals and helping elevate the guest experience through meticulous cleanliness and attention to detail.
Looking Ahead
Attendees left the conference buzzing about the future of the industry. The announcement that the next VRMA International will be held in Las Vegas added an extra layer of excitement to the event, with many looking forward to the dynamic workshops and networking opportunities the new venue promises.
As the vacation rental market continues to grow—despite regulatory challenges and increasing competition—the VRMA is positioning itself as a hub for education, innovation, and community support. With new leadership, fresh ideas, and a strong commitment to advancing the industry, VRMA 2024 set the stage for an exciting year ahead in vacation rental management.
