Updated on August 22, 2024
“As an alliance leader, the leadership side can often be lonely, and it can be tough to pull and guide people. It’s great to come to a group of people just as passionate, involved, and committed to getting people involved in advocacy,” said Jonathan Wicks, President of Arizonans for Responsible Tourism.
Short-term rental (STR) alliance and association leaders juggle many responsibilities while trying to manage their businesses and personal lives. They often volunteer their time and energy to lead these organizations. Recognizing their dedication and need for support, Rent Responsibly organized the second annual Spark Retreat in Table Rock Lake, Missouri.
A Gathering of STR Leaders
The Spark Retreat brought together STR leaders from across the nation, including Vermont, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arizona, New York, Oregon, Idaho, and Missouri. Over three days, these leaders engaged in workshops designed to capture their insights and develop practical solutions to shared challenges, such as fostering member engagement or delegating tasks to members. After the workshops, attendees known as “Sparklers” could unwind during teambuilding activities that highlighted the best of the Table Rock Lake region. They cruised the lake in a catamaran boat and took in stunning views of nature and historical sites during a Top of the Rock tour.
Workshops Highlights
Alliance Growth & Financial Sustainability
- SPACES Model Breakout from the Business of Belonging
- Member Journey Breakout from Elevating Engagement
Advocacy Show & Tell
- Presentation on hosting alliance conferences
- Presentation on an Advocacy Playbook
- Testimonial storytelling workshop with Tyann
Leadership Success
- Delegation strategies and accountability for leaders and volunteers
- Hotseat Problem-Solving
- Forward-Looking Session
Connecting Leaders: The Core Goal
The primary goal of the retreat was to foster connections among STR alliance leaders. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, they strengthened their bonds and generated resources that will benefit the STR community for years to come.
Creating Valuable Resources
Among the key resources developed were:
- Fundraising and Sponsorship Strategies for STR Alliances
- Using the Inverted Pyramid in Advocacy Messaging
- Data and Proof Points for Selling Alliance Memberships
- 10 Member Engagement Strategies for STR Alliances
- Board Strategy Meeting Guide
- 6 Must-Read Books for STR Alliance Leaders
These resources are now available within the Rent Responsibly (RR) Network inside the private STR Community Builders Group, providing ongoing support and guidance to STR leaders worldwide.
How to Join the Leader Community
To access these resources and join a supportive community of STR leaders, interested individuals should first join the RR Network and complete a brief questionnaire. Upon review, new members will be added to the private STR Community Builders Group.
Until Next Year
Rent Responsibly’s Spark Retreat was a resounding success, providing STR alliance leaders with the tools, connections, and inspiration they need to continue their invaluable work. By balancing workshops with leisure activities, the retreat fostered a supportive and enriching environment that will benefit the STR community for years to come.
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