Live From The VRMA Conference: The Biggest Takeaways About The STR Industry (Episode 415)

STR Lessons & Takeaways From The VRMA Conference

We’re coming to you live from the Vacation Rental Managers Association Conference! We partnered with Hostfully to host a party at the conference, and we took the opportunity to chat with leaders in the STR space and get their tips for you. 

In this episode, we share our biggest takeaways from VRMA. Plus, we interview 8 major players in the STR industry — from CEOs to co-hosts to leading property managers. They offer insights and advice on leveraging AI in your business, working with influencers, and optimizing your maintenance strategies. We also talk about the biggest pain points hosts face, and how to solve for them. 

These conversations will give you a look into today’s STR landscape and inspire ideas for the future. 

(00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @hipandhistoricfrederick

(00:02:26) Key Takeaways From Where We Stayed 

  • Staying with Mostess Host 
  • Unique and thoughtful touches from our stay 

(00:07:30) Major Learnings From VRMA 

  • Getting your maintenance team in sync 
  • Setting boundaries with home owners
  • The importance of having backup plans for guest issues 
  • Having adequate insurance coverage 

(00:20:25) Meghan Ketterman with Oconee Hospitality

  • How she got her start in the STR space 
  • The gold nugget zinger she learned at VRMA
  • Rapid fire questions 

(00:26:21) Madison Rifkin, CEO and Founder of Mount 

  • Working on the experience side of the STR space 
  • Biggest mistakes hosts make working with influencers 
  • How to market your STR on social media 
  • Linkedin 
  • Instagram: @rentmount
  • TikTok: @rentmount 

(00:33:48) Casey Hohman, CEO of Scottsdale Bachelorette 

(00:39:24) Wendy Doris, CEO at Mostess Host

(00:43:48) Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder at Hostfully 

  • AI opportunities in the STR space
  • How Hostfully first dipped their toes into AI
  • What’s coming next for Hostfully 

(00:52:20) Arthur Colker, CEO at StayFi 

  • Recurring problems hosts are trying to solve 
  • Is it worth it to take on direct booking? 
  • Tips for marketing to your email list 

(01:01:15) Steve Davis, CEO at Operto

  • The #1 problem hosts are trying to solve for
  • How hosts can start tackling their pain points 
  • His forecast for STRs in 2025 

(01:05:32) Chris Hawkins with Tidy.com

  • How Tidy.com serves STR hosts 
  • The best tools to manage maintenance 
  • What he wishes every host knew about maintenance and cleaning

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

#STRShareSunday

@hipandhistoricfrederick

This week’s STR Share Sunday takes us to the Red Brick Retreat on Market in the heart of historic Frederick, Maryland! Hosts Jennifer and Matthijs have created a warm, inviting escape in their bright red brick home, which has become an icon in the area. With backgrounds in IT and customer service, they bring a unique touch to hospitality, blending technical skills with genuine, friendly service. What we love most is how they treat each guest as a valued friend, rather than just a “head in a bed,” and have even launched a loyalty program, Friends of RBR, offering exclusive perks. With help from their local co-hosts, they make each stay memorable, inviting guests to experience Frederick’s charm while supporting local artists and businesses.

We would love to feature YOU! Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com.

Together, Annette & Sarah are the dynamic duo behind the wildly popular podcast Thanks For Visiting, co-creators of the Hosting Business Mastery Method, & seasoned short-term-rental hosts.

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