In this no-holds-barred conversation, Heather is joined by longtime friend of the show, Mark Simpson, to unpack the buzz - and backlash - surrounding Airbnb’s newly launched "Services" offering. From liability concerns to insurance gaps, Mark breaks down why this move is raising eyebrows in the host community and what you can do right now to protect your business.

Then, we switch gears and dive headfirst into the world of AI in vacation rentals. Mark shares how he’s been helping hosts build custom GPTs, boost productivity, and take back control of their marketing strategies.

If you're curious about how to harness AI without feeling overwhelmed, this episode delivers a masterclass in cutting through the fluff and getting to what works.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS615

In this insightful conversation, I welcome back digital marketing expert Conrad O’Connell, founder of BuildUp Bookings, to talk about the dramatic shifts in how people are finding, booking, and experiencing vacation rentals.

It’s been nearly a decade since our first conversation, and we’ve both been on quite the journey -personally and professionally. Conrad shares what’s changed (including growing his family and his business) and what’s stayed consistent in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

We talk about how Google’s AI-powered search is impacting SEO, how paid ads are gaining traction again, and what content strategies still work in 2025. If you’ve ever felt confused about where to put your marketing dollars - or how to write content that still gets found - this episode is packed with clarity.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS614

In this episode of the Vacation Rental Success Podcast, host Heather Bayer sits down with her son and business partner, Mike Bayer, to discuss the essential role of an "AI Ambassador" in vacation rental businesses. Together, they explore why nominating a dedicated AI advocate can unlock efficiencies, reduce burnout, and help teams fully embrace the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

In this conversation Heather and Mike talk about why companies must move from passive awareness to active implementation. The best way to do this is to empower someone within their business to lead the AI charge and they explain the steps to get this underway.

Revolutionize Your Employee Onboarding with THRIVE Essentials: Faster Training, Stronger Teams, Better Results! Discover how THRIVE Essentials accelerates onboarding for new property management staff, boosting performance and reducing turnover.
>> THRIVE Essentials

Are you listening to this podcast on the move? Get to the show notes here:
https://www.vacationrentalformula.com/VRS613