SCALE SHOW - DAY 1 SCHEDULE
Tuesday 14 May 2024
10.00 – 10.30
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
In Data We Trust: How to Use Data to Drive Success
In this session we’ll be diving into the latest market trends to learn what is happening in the various markets across the short term rental landscape. We’ll be sharing the most important data metrics you should be using to guide your business to success and will be highlighting tips on how to use data to optimise the performance of your own portfolio.
SPEAKER
Sally Henry (Key Data)
10.30 – 11.00
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Leading Through Service: Your Guidebook to Doubling Your Sales
We’ll explore how service excellence can double your sales by attracting and retaining the right clientele. We discuss the psychology behind service-based sales strategies and how to apply them to your business. Key takeaways include personalized service frameworks, leveraging videos and client testimonials, and perfecting the discovery call. By embodying service as the core of your business philosophy, you can create a ripple effect that not only enhances client satisfaction but also drives referrals and repeat business, setting a gold standard in the competitive space of vacation home management.
SPEAKER
Steve Calascione (Success with Class)
11.00 – 11.30
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
As Inventory Increases, Reviews Score Decreases. We Can Easily Change That!
As companies inventory scales, reviews scores decrease. And why is that? In this session you will understand why, the use of certain methods for personalisation and how it wins over your guests. Not only will they leave you great reviews, but they will become your mouthpiece for word of mouth new business. No matter how many properties you manage!
SPEAKER
Deborah Labi (Have You Got Network)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Turn the Lights On: Make Your Business Path Clear
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to clearly define and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for every team member in your vacation rental business. We’ll show you how to use these KPIs to provide direction, increase efficiency, and drive success. Join us to light up your business path and navigate your operations with confidence.
SPEAKER
Shahar Goldboim (Boom)
12.00 – 12.30
SCALE STAGE
PANEL SESSION
Women in Leadership: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leading an STR business
Four CEOs will join Jessica Gillingham to discuss key topics such as leadership, entrepreneurship, company culture, and the intricacies of building a successful business in the short-term rental industry today. This panel aims to provide insights and strategies from top industry leaders to inspire and guide attendees in their professional journeys.
HOST
Jessica Gillingham (Abode Worldwide)
SPEAKERS
Noelia Novella (Doinn), Rebecca Cribbin (Holiday Rental Specialists), Cynthia Huang (Dtravel), Vanessa de Souza Lage (Sustonica)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Airbnb, Booking, and Vrbo: Changes You Can’t Ignore
This session is your guide to mastering the new features of the big three – Airbnb, Booking, and Vrbo – essential updates that you simply can’t ignore! We’ll delve into Airbnb’s Summer 2024 Release, Vrbo’s upcoming platform enhancements, and what Booking.com has planned for the year ahead. Learn how to use these developments to outperform your competition.
SPEAKERS
Thibault Masson (Rental Scale Up), Bart-Jan Leyts (Otamiser)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Redefining Guest Loyalty: Essential Tactics for Direct Bookings
This session explores the transformative strategies that empower vacation rental operators to bypass traditional booking channels and connect directly with guests. Learn from StayFi CEO Arthur Colker as he shares actionable insights on crafting personalized guest experiences, leveraging marketing tools, and utilizing data-driven approaches to foster loyalty and increase bookings.
SPEAKER
Arthur Colker (StayFi)
12.30 – 13.00
SCALE STAGE
PANEL SESSION
Revenue Management and AI: What is (and is not) possible?
Dynamic pricing software tools have made a tremendous positive impact on the revenue performance of the short-term rental industry. Much of the inner workings behind the revenue management software tools have been driven by machine learning and AI. And yet today, there is still the hope that a software tool will be able to know exactly the right price to maximize revenue and profits. With the democratization of AI within the last year, there are hopes that AI will may be able to enable the ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ mode of generating revenue. In this panel, industry experts on dynamic pricing and revenue management will discuss the current state of AI in the revenue management area, and where artificial intelligence may take revenue management in the near-term future.
HOST
John An (TechTape)
SPEAKERS
Oliver Hejny (Wheelhouse), Oriol Plana (Mr Alfred), Maria Flores (Beyond)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Cool to Be Kind: Building Lasting Partnerships in Property Management
Join Robin Bass, the visionary behind Premier Properties USVI, to learn actionable strategies to overcome one of the industry’s biggest challenges: forging and maintaining robust relationships with high-quality contractors—from cleaning and pool maintenance to plumbing and electrical services—and selecting the right tech tools that align with your business needs. Robin will share her proven methods for vetting and keeping top-tier service providers, illuminating how kindness and strong relational foundations have been key in St. Croix’s collaborative work culture.
SPEAKER
Robin Bass (Premier Properties USVI)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Tech to Take You to the Next Level: Using Technology to Support Growth
Technology can unlock productivity gains, operational efficiencies and economies of scale – but only if you use it wisely. Hostaway CEO Marcus Rader will share how technology can and should be your main lever for growth in 2024 and beyond.
SPEAKER
Marcus Rader (Hostaway)
13.00 – 13.30
SCALE STAGE
PANEL SESSION
Next-Gen Marketing: Leveraging AI to Maximize Revenue
AI technology is rapidly becoming mainstream in the vacation rental industry, and soon property managers who aren’t using it will see gaps in productivity – and in profits. In this practical session, our expert panelists will dive into their tried and tested tips and tools for creating a dynamic marketing strategy, harnessing the power of AI. We’ll cover all the technology that we’ve used to drive tangible outcomes: greater efficiency, increased bookings and revenue, and enhanced guest satisfaction. Attendees will learn how to leverage AI to effectively communicate their unique brand narrative to their ideal audience, optimize their online presence, and maximize channel diversification to drive bookings and streamline guest communication
HOST
Robin Clifford (Guesty)
SPEAKERS
Dale Smith (Host & Stay), Sally Henry (Key Data), Shahar Goldboim (Boom)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Growth Unlocked: Scaling Outstanding Hospitality Team Culture
Have you hit a barrier in growing your hospitality business? Do you find that adding more staff complicates rather than simplifies your operations? Are you under the impression that your current team cannot be improved? Are these challenges impacting your guest satisfaction scores?
You’ve probably reached a stage that a fancy new PMS won’t solve. To scale outstanding hospitality, you need to build the foundation of a strong team culture that gives everyone on your team a sense of belonging, purpose and satisfaction from making others feel great.
Join this session to gain actionable insights and hear first-hand experiences from the founder of an award-winning team that puts its members first to deliver memorable experiences to every guest at scale.
SPEAKER
Adam Nedved (Prague Days & Blahobyty)
14.30 – 15.00
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Direct Booking is a waste of time unless you're a supermanager or superbrand
Let’s face it: 95% of all those who attend “Book Direct” shows, online forums and podcasts, eschewing these independent virtues, are still using OTAs….
OTAs offer huge choices, consumer trust, and less friction in booking and payment systems. They also have brand and marketing muscle and guests who know nothing about our world. It’s an Airbnb, after all!
Why not play to their strengths, put your feet up, de-staff, stop overthinking thinking the competitive marketing world and fighting against thousands of other small websites. Make your life easier and make more money!
Tomatoes supplied.
SPEAKER
Richard Vaughton (Yes Consulting)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Investing in a $10m Real Estate Portfolio over 10 Years
Husband and wife team: Simon & Laura from House of SNAPS share their growth journey from the 9 to 5 corporate jobs with small savings, into their business focusing on a combined strategy of property development and short-term rental. This session will inspire you to start investing in property whilst utilising your STR management skills.
SPEAKER
Simon & Laura Napper (House of SNAPS)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Upselling, the untapped revenue generator!
What your business should have in common with online retailers and fast food chains.
SPEAKER
Flo Stich (Charge Automation)
15.00 – 15.30
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Owner Relations: The Cornerstone of Revenue Success
Jane will be sharing her 5 step framework for managing owners, to ensure strong relationships are built and maintained. From the onboarding process to dealing with difficult owners, she’ll share strategies to help overcome any hurdles to allow continued growth.
SPEAKER
Jane Mack (Jane Mack Consulting)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Strategies For Recruiting Premium Properties And High Value Owners
Simon Tolson has owned and managed full service holiday agencies for the last 20 years, growing the businesses from scratch to exit twice. He now runs Special Agent Consulting helping agencies grow their portfolio, maximise revenue per booking and prepare for acquisition. In this session, he’ll be sharing with us how he attracted properties worth hundreds of millions to the business by adopting a digital mindset in the real world and achieved exceptional retention rates by understanding the mindset of the affluent owner. Finally he’ll reveal his favourite simple change which added £100k a year to his bottom line.
SPEAKER
Simon Tolson
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Are Your Processes and Tech Aligned for Scaling?
This workshop will equip you with the knowledge to unify your processes and technology for scale. Led by industry innovator Lino Maldonado, President of BeHome247, you’ll gain insights on streamlining your operations and the latest trends to enhance the guest experience. Through assessments of your current tools and processes, you’ll identify areas for improvement, ultimately freeing up valuable time and resources to focus on what truly matters – growing your business and exceeding guest expectations.
SPEAKER
Lino Maldonado (BeHome247)
15.30 – 16.00
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Endangered Species: The Commercial
Have you ever wondered why certain companies grow by 1,000, 2,000 units+ (plus turnover!) per year without crazy investments? Cristiana Carpini will explain the crucial role of the commercial network that she has adopted in her previous roles including Novasol, Belvilla, Happy Rentals, etc.
SPEAKER
Cristiana Carpini (Tara Home Consulting)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Unlocking New Revenue with NFTs: A No-Nonsense Guide for Short-Term Rental Managers
If you’ve heard about NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) but struggle to see how they fit into the short-term rental world, you’re not alone. This session is designed to bridge that gap, turning the seemingly complex world of NFTs into a practical toolkit for enhancing your property management business. Join Dean as he cuts through the NFT hype to show real-world applications boosting his short-term rental business. From creating an exclusive travel club offering massive rebates, to fostering a community that keeps guests coming back, Dean will share Concrete examples from his own experience, showcasing how NFTs have opened up new avenues for generating income and adding unparalleled value to his properties.
SPEAKER
Dean McLuckie (Euphoric Leisure & Pangolin Collection)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Bad Stays and Beer Chasers: Your Worst Guest Stories
Like beer, your guest stays can be sweet or bitter. We know you’ve seen it all! Join the Safely team for libations as we trade guest horror stories, we have all experienced, from the bizarre to the scary and sometimes comical. We’ll also share tips and tricks to prepare you for future shenanigans.
SPEAKER
Heather Lewitt (Safely)
16.00 – 16.30
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Roots & Reset: A Fundamental Reawakening in the Vacation Rental Industry
Simon will end day one bridging ancient hospitality traditions with today’s challenges to highlight the industry’s core values. This talk focuses on uniting owners, guests, and staff, emphasizing the shared journey towards value and mutual respect. Join us to rediscover the foundational principles that promise a more professional and revered future for vacation rentals.
SPEAKER
Simon Lehmann (AJL Atelier)
16.30 – 17.30
BAR
NETWORKING
Post-Show Drinks & Networking
Join the SCALE team, speakers, show sponsors and partners for some networking drinks.
SCALE SHOW - DAY 2 SCHEDULE
Wednesday 15 May 2024
10.00 – 10.30
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
The Social Media Marketing Mix
Daniela will explore the key differences between social media (IG, FB and WA) and search engines (YouTube, Pinterest, Google Business Profile) and to how use them together.
SPEAKER
Daniela Derin (Skol Apartments Marbella)
10.30 – 11.00
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Turning 'Lookers' into 'Bookers': Strategies to Increase Your STR Website’s Conversion
Congratulations! You’ve managed to get visitors to your website.
However, are those visits meaningful? Are you guiding your visitors the right way in your booking funnel, or have they reached a dead end? How can you compete in this short-term rental landscape against the OTA giants?
Join in on this session to learn about techniques on how you can increase conversion rates on your website.
SPEAKER
Andrew Díaz (Avantio)
11.00 – 11.30
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
EU VAT Proposal For Short-Term Rentals: Implications and Update
During the session you will learn about the new VAT rules the EU proposed for short-term rental accommodation platforms and what implications it brings to short term rental accommodation providers. You will also get the latest update on where this proposal stands.
SPEAKER
Viktorija Molnar (EHHA)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Unveiling What Travelers Want: Five Key Travel Trends For Summer 2024
Join us as HomeToGo reveals exclusive insights from our latest traveler survey! Discover the top trends shaping bookings, shifts in guest preferences, and common pet peeves when it comes to vacation rentals, with a special focus on German travelers.
SPEAKER
Natalia Rojas (HomeToGo)
12.00 – 12.30
SCALE STAGE
PANEL SESSION
The Fight for Short-Term Rentals: Advocacy Stories From Around Europe
Gain first-hand insights from four prominent associations in the short-term rental industry as they fearlessly combat ongoing challenges and regulatory changes across England, Italy, Scotland, and Europe.
HOST
Jessica Gillingham (Abode Worldwide)
SPEAKERS
Andy Fenner (STAA), Fiona Campbell (ASSC), Marco Celani (AIGAB) & Viktorija Molnar (EHHA)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Thriving Through Acquisitions
Discover how Le Collectionist, Europe’s premier luxury property rental with concierge services, fueled its growth to operate in 30 destinations, offer over 3000 properties, and employ nearly 500 people annually, using strategic acquisitions as key. Le Collectionist has integrated five companies since 2017—two in Spain (Ibiza), two in the Alps, and one in Greece—contributing to 50% of its revenue.
This session unveils Le Collectionist’s acquisition strategy from A to Z, designed for those looking to expand or exit.
SPEAKER
Max Aniort (Le Collectionist)
12.30 – 13.00
SCALE STAGE
PANEL SESSION
The Future of OTAs
SCALE UK Host Steve Taggert interviews Vrbo, HomeToGo, Holidu and AirDNA about the future position of online travel agencies (OTAs) in the short-term rental industry. The discussion will focus on their relationships with property managers, regulatory change and shifting supply and demand in the next five years.
HOST
Steve Taggert (My Getaways)
SPEAKERS
Jurriaan Klink (Expedia), Sonia Chennoufi (HomeToGo), Javier Cedeño-Barreiro (Holidu), James Kinnersly (AirDNA)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Diversity Is The Key: How to Go from 25 to 2500 Units
Having spent a decade scaling the short-term rental business in a supply-driven economy like Dubai, from a handful of homes to hundreds, Mahwushh learned a thing or two. At the top of her learning list is: “Different variants within the short-term rental industry” as the answer everyone is searching for. Implementing different STR models depending on the geography one intends to penetrate is crucial. Each city has its unique rental dynamics that a STR company must capture if it intends to establish a presence in that particular city. Choosing between rental arbitrage, a master lease, or a revenue-sharing model… what might be the ideal way forward and why? But in any case, this is a business based on economies of scale, and that’s the only way forward.
SPEAKER
Mahwushh Alam (One Perfect Stay)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Data Academy on The Road
Have questions about market dynamics, competitor analysis, or how to nail your pricing strategy? Join us for this interactive session, where you’ll learn how to turn data into actionable insights and propel your short-term rental business forward.
SPEAKER
Tom Williams (AirDNA)
13.00 – 13.30
SCALE STAGE
GROUP SESSION
Keeping Up With Google
Discover the current Google insights from our four experts as they delve into the latest SEO trends for 2024, offering invaluable strategies for your website position success.
SPEAKERS
Alan Egan (HiChee), Craig Webb (Webb Marketing), Maeva Cifuentes (Flying Cat) & Romain Giacalone (Dr Folimage)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Guest Experience And Revenue: Connecting the Dots through Guest Engagement and Upselling
We’ll explore effective strategies for enhancing guest engagement, optimizing upselling, and refining pricing methods, all of which have proven to generate significant revenue for professional vacation rental managers.
SPEAKERS
François Gouelo (Enso Connect) & William Parry (Joivy)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Using Technology Wisely to Achieve Your Business Goals
In today’s short-stay rental industry, technology is ever-present. But there are many common mistakes that all too often result in its poor utilisation and under performance, which in turn translate to lost opportunity. This session examines strategies for choosing the right technologies for your needs and how to put them to optimal use for your short and long-term business success.
SPEAKER
Dave Payette (365Villas)
14.30 – 15.00
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
AI: The Greatest Disruption to Humankind — How It Will Reshape Vacation Rental Management
This presentation delves into how artificial intelligence (AI), as the most significant disruptor to human activity, is poised to revolutionize the vacation rental industry. We will demonstrate live how AI can change the way property managers operate, offering a glimpse into the future of streamlined operations and enhanced guest experiences. Gain insights on adapting to these changes and harnessing AI for operational success.
SPEAKER
Shahar Goldboim & Alon Goldboim (Boom)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
The Heart of Hospitality: Elevating the Guest Experience in Vacation Rentals
A seasoned property manager with years of experience dives into the practical skills of transforming guest interactions in vacation rentals, sharing not just strategies but the specific techniques she has mastered to evoke the exact emotions we aim for in our guests. Learn how her company goes beyond the standard amenities to create journeys enriched with local flavor and personal touches that resonate deeply. Leave equipped with actionable insights to help you transform a guests’ experience from mundane to unforgettable.
SPEAKER
Sabrina Mulligan (Zzzing)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Driving Your Revenue Performance
Utilizing dynamic pricing tools and data are critical to the success of any short-term rental company. At the same time, there are many nuanced factors and decisions based on individual and business preferences that may not be captured by the algorithm. Simply ’trusting the algorithm’ often may not produce the optimal results for your business, and taking control of your revenue performance can frequently result in jaw-dropping outcomes. This session discusses the factors to consider to align your revenue performance with your unique business goals, and shares case studies of real-world results.
SPEAKER
John An (TechTape)
15.00 – 15.30
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Scaling Your STR Business Through Successful Strategic Partnerships
Lisa Roads will be sharing her unique experience of building a successful partnership ecosystem in her short-term rental business in Cyprus. Discover the value and impact of local relationships when growing your business and why technology cannot replace a network of strong personal strategic partnerships
SPEAKER
Lisa Roads (The Holiday Property Coach)
KNOWLEDGE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
From Green to Gold: Achieving 90% Direct Bookings Through Sustainability
Join Bob Garner as he shares his journey to achieving an impressive 90% direct bookings and over 65% return rate through referrals at his eco-friendly property, Casal dei Fichi. Discover how strategic green initiatives not only enhance guest experiences but also drive substantial business outcomes. Learn which sustainable practices yield quick dividends and attract guests the most, alongside a frank discussion with Uvika Wahi on which efforts don’t necessarily lead to business benefits. Get practical insights into the specific steps and the order to implement them, ensuring you can apply these lessons to your own operations.
SPEAKERS
Uvika Wahi (Rental Scale Up), Bob Garner (Envirorental)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
#IAmRemarkable
Join us at the SCALE Show for an inspiring workshop on the #IAmRemarkable movement, a global initiative empowering individuals to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. This session is designed to encourage participants to speak openly about their accomplishments, breaking modesty norms and cultural and gender-related barriers. Through interactive discussions and activities, we will explore the importance of self-promotion in your personal and professional life and provide you with the tools to start practicing it effectively. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how acknowledging your own success can boost your career and personal growth. Let’s empower each other to be remarkable!
SPEAKER
Noelia Novella (Doinn)
15.30 – 16.00
SCALE STAGE
FOCUS SESSION
Toward a Self-Aware Future: Elevate The Value You Both Provide and Receive
Where do we want to be heading as a community of short-term rental property managers?
Join Louis Andrews, director of chalet rental platform OVO Network, as he proposes a shift, looking inwards, to define our value across internal, local, national and international levels. Presenting an alternative narrative to the oft-negative depiction of the “Airbnb industry” in the media. Louis will delve into the importance of having a strong identity whilst addressing some of the pressing challenges and opportunities facing our industry – ranging from tightening regulations to growing challenges around sustainability. In an era dominated by OTAs, it’s crucial to differentiate ourselves.
This talk will ask you to rethink your value proposition beyond the conventional and prioritise your identity within your strategy, urging a qualitative approach to stand out in a growingly saturated yet poorly represented sector. This presentation aims to empower you to refine your company’s strategy, brand identity, and envision a future where we lead the industry’s evolution with integrity and innovation.
SPEAKER
Louis Andrews (OVO Network)
WORKSHOP AREA
FOCUS SESSION
Make Your Rental Apartments Sustainable Using Smart Devices
How smart devices can help make rental apartments more sustainable.
SPEAKER
Tomas Kancyper (Controla)