NAVIS sponsors record-breaking fundraiser to support Vacation Rental industry government relations efforts nationwide
BEND, OR (NOV 8, 2016) – The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), an international trade association representing professional property managers of traditional short-term vacation rentals, raised nearly $34,000 at the 2016 VRMA National Conference via live and silent auctions. The events, which featured entertainment sponsored by NAVIS, far exceeded the goal to raise more than previous years, with funds going to support the association's government relations and advocacy efforts.
Over 50 companies donated items for the auctions including vacation home stays in over twenty different destinations, services that help professional vacation rental managers improve their businesses, gift baskets filled with items representing popular vacation areas, plus items such as electronics and bottles of alcohol.
VRMA has been focused on increased advocacy efforts as part of its strategic plan, to assist members in fighting restrictive regulations at the state and local level. The VRMA advocacy program includes government affairs and advocacy staff, local and state issue tracking and online advocacy tools. The funds raised by these auctions will allow VRMA to invest in more engagement tools and public relations efforts to support and protect the vacation rental management industry.
“We are extremely pleased with the turnout at this year’s National Conference,” said Mike Copps, VRMA’s executive director. “The enthusiasm of our speakers, exhibitors, and attendees significantly contributed to our success. That energy also carried over to the auction; we were very pleased with the participation and proceeds that will support our government relations efforts nationwide. Heather Weiermann and NAVIS really helped push this auction to the next level; Heather's fundraising efforts and NAVIS' sponsorship of the evening's entertainment helped everything come to fruition.We look forward to continued growth and innovation in the years to come.”
NAVIS, the most trusted reservation sales and marketing platform for vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts, partnered with VRMA to support, plan and execute the two auctions and provided on-site assistance throughout the event to help increase the event's success.
“The fight to protect our communities from restrictive regulations is not an issue that relates directly to the ways NAVIS supports our clients, but it is easily one of the most important matters facing our industry today,” explains Heather Weiermann, NAVIS system consultant, and auction committee chairperson. “I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the donors and response we received when soliciting for contributions. We work with amazing people and when we come together, great things happen. I am proud to say that the money raised from these auctions will continue to strengthen our association's voice and be used to help us work together to protect our industry.”
Kyle Buehner, CEO of NAVIS adds, “We are thrilled by the extraordinary success of the event and can’t thank VRMA enough for all they do on behalf of members and the industry. It’s a great partnership, and we look forward to working with them on future initiatives.”
This 2016 annual conference was held from October 16th- 19th, at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona and featured over 50 educational sessions as well as an impressive Vendor Showcase hosting more than 70 industry-leading companies.
To learn why more lodging companies choose NAVIS to help them increase performance, profit, and ROI, please visit www.TheNavisWay.com or call 1.866.712.3439. For additional information on VRMA’s Advocacy and Government Affairs efforts, please visit www.vrma.com/advocacy or call 202.367.1179.
