The 2025 VRMA International Conference in Las Vegas marked a true turning point for the short-term rental industry. Attendance was strong, the atmosphere electric, and the room was full of optimism. Industry professionals, property managers, and technology providers came together with a shared mission: to push the industry forward through innovation, empathy, and trust, all with genuine smiles and a sense of shared purpose.
The show floor buzzed with energy and creativity. Vendors brought flair and fun with espresso bars, Star Wars-themed displays, and even a puppy-petting area that quickly became the event’s most popular attraction!
A highlight for our team was hearing such enthusiastic praise for our Customer Support group, Core. Clients stopped by our booth specifically to share their appreciation for the team’s responsiveness, dedication, and expertise.
From AI Theory to AI Practice
AI dominated discussions, but the tone was refreshingly practical. In a number of sessions, attendees explored real examples of how automation is streamlining pricing, listings, and communication.
What stood out most was the shift from curiosity to commitment. Operators are no longer wondering if AI fits their business; they’re now learning how to implement it efficiently. The consensus was clear: AI isn’t replacing human decision-making; it’s enhancing it, freeing teams to focus on creativity, relationships, and guest experience.
Disruptive Hospitality and Radical Empathy
The keynote speaker set the tone for the entire event with his call for Disruptive Hospitality — a concept grounded in radical empathy. He challenged the audience to know their guests better than the guests know themselves, reminding us that “the best customers are those whose unrecognised needs are met.”
Many guests, he said, don’t know what they want until you show it to them. The true innovators will be those who can anticipate needs before they’re voiced, using data and intuition in equal measure. His message reframed hospitality as both an art and a science, one where empathy drives strategy and technology helps make that empathy scalable.
Back to Basics: Operational Strength
While the excitement around AI was undeniable, VRMA 25 also emphasised that solid operations remain the foundation of growth. Panels on inspections, maintenance, and guest experience reinforced that no technology can compensate for inconsistent standards.
The most successful operators are those who blend dependable systems with a strong service culture. Automation works best when it amplifies what’s already reliable, not when it replaces accountability. Cleanliness, clarity, and care are still the cornerstones of a five-star stay.
Community and Connection
Beyond the sessions and demos, VRMA 25 shone as a reminder of the power of community. The redesigned format encouraged open dialogue through quick-fire sessions, Q&As, and casual meet-ups. Attendees shared lessons honestly discussing in an open forum what worked, what failed, and how they were adapting.
That openness created a sense of shared progress. The industry is moving faster than ever, but it’s doing so together. Collaboration between operators, vendors, and technology partners is no longer optional, it’s what drives innovation forward.
Want to find out more on the latest vacation rental trends? Read our blog on the technology that helps to keep your bookings high after the busy summer season.
