I recently returned from an Airbnb conference in Paris. This event was held the day before the terrible attacks. Thankfully I was out of harms way when the attacks happened and made it home safely to tell you what I learned...

     The conference was a great networking and learning experience.  Hearing the stories of the founders struggles of getting the business off the ground was truly inspirational.  They had all gone through other business failures before starting this one and really had some moments of self doubt in continuing the adventure. They began by reaching out to the hosts in NYC (their biggest market) and suggested they take professional photos of the listing. Then they continually kept in touch with the hosts and the guests to see what they could do to improve the experience. Constructive criticism is the best way to learn sometimes. Once the better pictures went live traffic doubled and things began to take off. 

     The entire management team and the founders were all very accessible during the event. They were always asking us what our story was.... how did we as hosts get started in Airbnb?.. What can they do to improve.?  They even went as far as organizing dinners throughout Paris that allowed hosts and Airbnb people to connect. My dinner was with the head of community organization of the whole company. He enlightened me with many business facts and details, one in particular is that every employee is under 30 and super enthusiastic about working for this growing dynamic company.  Also, all of the hosts I encountered had the mutual feeling that they really wanted to provide so much more than just a stay, we all want to help our guest enjoy the city they are in with more local experiences not just typical tourist fluff. 

Here are some interesting facts I learned:

5000 hosts from 110 countries attended 

65% of users chose the mobile app 

There are currently 2 million properties throughout the world that hosted 60 million visitors and are growing at a rate of 5000 new hosts every 48 hours. 

They also announced several upgrades and one of the changes I am most enthusiastic about is the business traveler program.  Airbnb is trying to enlist companies to allow their business traveler employees to consider using Airbnb.  This can really change the way business people experience a city. A soulless sterile chain hotel that is the same in any city you visit however staying in a separate home in a neighborhood that allows someone a real feel of where they are visiting--in keeping with their creed "Live Anywhere"! It's about living in a town not staying in a room until the next city, once business is over. 

 

On another note, I stayed a week after the tragic attacks and went out every night. Every where I went the Parisians were very welcoming to me and were determined not to let the terrorists win by staying home afraid of life. They appreciated my being out at their cafes and joining them In the spirit of defiance. I hope to return soon to my local cafes to raise a glass of red wine and stand with them against fear and terrorism. 

     I hope they have another fun location next year as I am ready for more of what I experienced at this gathering.