Soul-Filling Conversations and Takeaways: My Experience at the NCVRMA 2025 Summit
After years without an in-person gathering, the North Carolina Vacation Rental Managers Association (NCVRMA) 2025 Summit brought an undeniable energy to the room. It wasn’t just another industry event. It felt like a long-overdue reunion of professionals eager to connect, share, and learn. There was a positive, awakened energy that made this conference stand out, and I left feeling more inspired than ever!
A Conference That Felt Like a Community
One of the things that impressed me most was how well the state collaborated with local communities to empower branding and growth. Unlike many industry events that either focus entirely on hyper-local issues or zoom out too much, this conference struck a balance. The relationship between the state and short-term rentals (STR) was refreshingly collaborative, highlighting advocacy efforts and a shared appreciation for the industry’s role in North Carolina’s growth.
I was particularly fascinated by my conversation with Angela Burgess, the NC Realtors Member Programs Manager, who shared how much effort the state puts into attracting international and national investors to build businesses here. Their holistic approach to economic growth, considering the impact on STR and tourism, was truly eye-opening.
Valuable Takeaways and Unexpected Insights
No conference is complete without standout sessions, and for me, Justin Ford (Breezeway) and Caleb Hannon’s (Stay Lake Norman) safety session hit the mark. They didn’t just discuss statistics; they provided a tangible, actionable game plan for integrating safety into vacation rental businesses. I loved how they weaved humor into an otherwise serious topic, making it both engaging and practical.
While engaging with other professional vacation rental managers and even vendors, a recurring theme appeared to me – the challenge of building and retaining strong teams, something every company can relate to. Finding reliable staff, training them effectively, and helping them navigate the fast-paced chaos of our industry remains a pressing issue. It’s a reminder that while technology and operations are evolving, our people remain the most important part of the business.
Speaking at the Conference: A Fun, Interactive Shift
I had the incredible opportunity to present a crash course on effective communication, and let’s just say – I may have startled a few attendees with my interactive activities! At first, I could see the skepticism in their faces, but once they realized how low-pressure and fun these exercises could be, they dove in. Seeing people genuinely engage and lean into their own growth was the highlight of my experience.
While I received fantastic feedback (5 stars, woohoo! 🎉), I did learn something valuable for next time. During my talk, I paused for questions and was met with silence. Next time, I’ll shift my approach, asking a more direct, engaging question to spark conversation rather than leaving it open-ended. It’s always fun to give people something to think outside the box about and have them interact!
One of my favorite pieces of feedback? Someone told me they hoped I’d be invited back because they appreciated the fresh, interactive approach to professional development. Knowing I brought something unique to the conference that typical industry events overlook, was incredibly rewarding.
Unexpected but Meaningful Conversations
Not all takeaways come from the sessions. Some of my favorite moments happened in casual conversations:
📣 A sales rep excitedly gearing up to become a cheer-dad for his daughter’s competitive cheer team.
🪴 Another proudly locked in a competition with his 80-year-old neighbor over who can grow the best yard.
💔 Property managers who don’t have the luxury of attending bigger events and finally felt seen and included at this conference.
It’s these small, personal stories that make conferences like this so valuable. Beyond the industry insights, we’re all just people – building businesses, chasing goals, and finding joy in the everyday moments.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Attend Next Year
This conference was a reminder of why gathering in person still matters. The shared knowledge, the networking, and the energy of being in the room with like-minded professionals is something you just can’t replicate online.
If you’re considering attending in the future, bring your entire team. Give them the opportunity to step outside of their daily grind, learn, connect, and be part of the conversation. Investing in your team is one of the best moves you can make for your business, and this conference is a perfect place to do it.
For me, this event was soul-filling. It was the kind of experience that reminds you why you do what you do and why the people in this industry matter so much.
What’s a recent professional event that left you feeling inspired?
Together, we can discover freedom – with a little help from your friendly vacation rental shrink.
Coach B
