What do we get from our investment of time and money to attend these large industry events, because let's face it, it's not a small investment! Last week, I attended VRWS24 for the first time, in Porto, along with 629 other short-term rental business and hospitality professionals, big thanks to Antonio Bortolotti and Cristina Benincasa for delivering such a seamlessly organised excellent event. The biggest value I have taken away from this event is that we are stronger as a united industry community! During my excellent round table discussions, I immediately saw the value of having a safe space to share business growth challenges, thanks to my table facilitator Guido Foraci who consistently showed up with an impressive level of energy, passion and knowledge for every session over the two days and to the business owners and industry suppliers who shared my table over the four sessions, we all took something positive away from them and made new connections. The industry-led presentations by Sally Henry, Richard Vaughton Thibault Masson Jamie Lane Federico Sbandi and the panel discussions led by Jessica Gillingham were all value-packed with insights into where using AI intelligently, researching and implementing the right Tech, using accurate and appropriate data, staying informed and about impacting regulations and always leading on the guest experience are going to build market resilience into your business. Outside of the presentations and round table discussions, you had access to conversations with a huge cross-section of suppliers of tech and services to the short-term rental sector, what an opportunity to find out how they might be able to support your business growth goals or add value to your guest experience. Then there is the networking and connecting with the people you know but due to geography and busy schedules, you don't get to see them very often, and the connecting with new people you have never met but you have something in common with. My first time to Porto, and despite the fog causing delays to my flights both there and back, my thanks to my drivers from Welcome Pickups who monitored my flights and didn't abandon me, safely and professionally getting me there and back! if you want to add value to your customer relationships, a reliable transfer service to your accommodation will save your guests the stress of looking for their own! Relationships grow the more time you spend getting to know people and I love this about events, It was so wonderful to spend time with my STR community pals and make new friends Nihal Salah Chris Andrews Richard Vaughton Daniela Derin, Vincenzo Scognamiglio Sally Henry Deborah L.Robin Bass Bart Kozdras Thibault Masson Theoharis Mihailidis Guido Foraci Maximos Tzanos Charmian Campbell Vicky WHITEHORN Daniel Santos David Schneuwly Juan Betancor Sofía Aldama Donna Hostler Laurène Gautier Bob Garner ⓥ🌳