VRMA Connect

• 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks
• 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | North Carolina Legislative Issues and Political Update

Presented by: Vincent Chelena, Executive Director, North Carolina Travel Industry Association; Brian Lewis, Managing Partner, New frame Inc.; Kara Weishaar, Executive Director, NC Travel & Tourism Coalition; Greg Holcomb, Government Relations Director, VRMA

• 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Networking Break
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Using Dynamic Pricing and Operational Data to Make Better Business Decisions

This session will highlight current trends to watch in the industry and information you need to know to effectively operate your business. Learn how to utilize and leverage industry data in managing and growing your business.

Presented by: Scott Leggat, CEO, LSI Tools, Lynell Eaddy, President, LSI Tools and Colin Morrison, Senior Account Executive, Beyond Pricing

• 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | North Carolina Real Estate Commission Update

Presented by: Jeff Malarney, Chair, North Carolina Real Estate Commission and Janet B. Thoren, Legal Counsel, North Carolina Real Estate Commission

• 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Why Consumers Use the OTAs and How to Up Your Game to Compete

The average renter is bombarded with television ads, word of mouth, and overall ease-of-use about using OTAs like VRBO, AirBnb, or even Trivago to book their vacations. "Guaranteed lowest price" and "Displays hundreds of properties" are marketing messages these companies use to drive traffic. Coupled with the millions of dollars in marketing research and advertising, how are we to compete as property managers? It's time to pivot our approach. While easier said than done, this presentation will uncover the various ways you CAN compete with the big dogs through marketing tactics, website improvements, and working on your company's "voice" to increase consumer awareness, loyalty, and ultimately--direct bookings.

Presented by: Paul Hanak, Director of Digital Marketing, ICND

• 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Property Management Software: Tools to Grow Your Business

Presented by: Jim Golightly, Escapia; Michael Hill, CEO, Virtual Resort Manager; Brett Parry, Chief Marketing Officer, Streamline and Matt Renner, Partner, TRACK

Moderated by: Scott Leggat, CEO, LSI Tools

• 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. | Networking Break
• 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. |Industry Insights from Vacation Rental Manager Leaders

A panel of VRM leaders in North Carolina will meet to discuss common challenges, issues and best practices affecting the property management business today. Discussion during the session will explore current forces affecting the vacation rental industry in the local market and how to navigate and overcome the constantly changing landscape.

Presented by: Mike Harrington, CEO, Carolina Retreats; Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue and Doug Brindley, President, Brindley Beach Vacations

Moderated by: April Burns, Account Executive, ICND

• 5:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks