Can you believe we are already halfway through the year? And what a busy first half of the year it has been for VRTECH! 

We’ve started a video series, brought VRTECH events online and created a bunch of content. So much time and care went into all of this, and we’re proud of what our team of seven has been able to accomplish.

Now, let’s take a look at what we have been up to. Thank you to everyone who took the time to join our online events and the tech companies that we interviewed.  

We hope you enjoy it and if you haven’t already, make sure to join the VRTECH community today.

1. We brought VRTECH events online

Face-to-face networking may not be an option right now, but that’s not stopping the VRTECH team from bringing together the vacation rental industry. 

We know that networking is essential to building valuable, long-lasting relationships that can help you get ahead in business. So, we decided to create an online version of our famous VRTECH meetups: VRTECH Connect. 

We kept the core structure of the original VRETCH events – startup pitches followed by discussions and networking – while connecting property managers, technology companies, OTAs, and other vacation rental professionals from all over the world. 

The first two editions of VRTECH Connect have received some great feedback – so you can rest assured, there will be more in the future.

“Attended my first VRTECH event hosted by Vanessa de Souza Lage and loved the format. Round table discussion with a few start-up elevator pitches sprinkled in. The one-hour time frame is just long enough to be substantive while not hijacking your entire day. Definitely worth joining if you have not already.” – Matthew Loney, Xplorie 

2. We created 12 VRTECH Spotlight videos

As part of our efforts to give visibility to up-and-coming tech companies in the vacation rental space, we’ve started a new series on YouTube called VRTECH Spotlight. 

These videos offer a short introduction to startups whose solutions we find unique and intriguing. We provide a brief explanation of their products, who they’re for and what are their benefits.

Our aim with this series is to help property managers discover tools that could make their life easier. And, in turn, help startups get their products discovered. 

So far, we have featured 12 startups, including Komodore, Check-In Scan, Revyoos, Wheelhouse, DemandIQ, Minut, Hausmart, Mendbnb, StayFi, Operto, Vintory and Hostify. 

3. We received 20 applications for the VRTECH Award

VRTECH is the proud organiser of the annual VRTECH Award. Each year, this award gives young innovative companies the opportunity to showcase their products and gain international visibility.

For the fifth consecutive year, we will be announcing the winner at an awards ceremony during the Vacation Rental World Summit, and with the vote already underway.

This year was a particularly difficult year for the vacation rental industry, but we have been extremely lucky to receive 20 applications, the most we have ever received to compete in this competition.

The twenty contenders are: Rented, Ok Home, Turbosuite, Mendbnb, Buoy, Autohost, ICONN, Vintory, Ekeynow, SABA Host, Spinmor, Booker Tools, Enso Connect, Airbtics, Washbnb, Hostify, GuestView Guide, StayFi, Klevio, and Angel Host.  

Voting is closing soon, so make sure you vote for your favourite startup. And check out the illustrious panel of judges who will pick one of the finalists. 

4. 1,000+ new members joined the VRTECH community

At VRTECH, we welcome anyone who wants to become a member of the world’s largest vacation rental tech community.

This first half of the year alone we have had over 1,000 new individuals sign up to become a member of the VRTECH community. 

Some of the profiles that have joined our community include:

  • Tech startups
  • Property managers
  • Online travel agencies 
  • Niche listing sites
  • Software companies
  • Software developers
  • Investors
  • Consultants
  • Service providers 
  • Vacation rental associations
  • Policymakers

VRTECH is completely free and members of our community will be invited to our global events and startup competitions. They will also receive lots of content that we’ve created especially for our network of engaged members who share our technology-forward and human-centric approach.

Don’t want to get left out? Join now.

5. We grew our social media following

Since VRTECH is all about community, our social media accounts are really important to us. 

They help us keep in touch with our community members, spread the word about new vacation rental startups on the horizon and engage in exciting discussions about technology.

That’s why we’re so thrilled that all of our social media accounts – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn – have been growing steadily.

The biggest jump was in our LinkedIn followers, growing by over 30% since January. 

If you want to expand your network and join our community of extraordinary professionals, changemakers and industry leaders, become a VRTECH member now and don’t hesitate to follow us on social media too.