Saša Bosanac, VRM Days: “The balance between technology and hospitality is no longer a choice, but a necessity.”
The short-term rental industry in the region is facing challenges that didn't exist ten years ago – from increasing competition and more demanding guests, to rapid technological changes. This is precisely why the conference VRM Days 2025, which is being held on October 21st and 22nd in Zagreb's Mozaik Event Centre, becomes a key meeting point for anyone wanting to stay one step ahead.
The third edition offers a rich programme dedicated to direct booking, branding, marketing, sales, and new technological solutions. The conference has already ranked among Top 5 events in Europe in the short-term rentals industry, a in the region it leads as a central hub for education and networking.
To give participants an idea of what to expect, we spoke with Sasha Bosanac, to the conference organisers.
When we look at the programme, what would you highlight as a ‘must-see’ for attendees – which panel or lecture should they absolutely not miss?
„A rather difficult question, as the programme is something we work on a great deal and it is in fact the result of a collaboration between past participants and us, what we would like to see and hear. I would say everything, but if I have to pick one thing – it is certainly Beyond Beds panel i Smart Panel Scaling, because names like are involved Jessica Gillingham, Antonia Lavenziana, Tomislav Cimerman and Barbara Vincenzi – people who truly ‘live’ technology, operations, and growth in the industry. Keynotes are of course ‘must see’ for everyone. This year we've given a lot of space to topics related to direct booking, branding, marketing, and sales itself, and technology is always indispensable because everything is changing at great speed.“
It seems the conference is combining practical solutions and trend discussions – where is the emphasis this year?
„The season is relatively complicated and difficult, and it is necessary to find a balance between technology and hospitality. One cannot do without the other, and anyone who thinks differently is mistaken. It is becoming increasingly difficult to attract guests, and technology and various marketing strategies help us with this. This year, the focus is on sales, branding, and marketing, but also on technological solutions that can assist us in all of this.“
What would you like participants to take home after three days – new knowledge, contacts, or perhaps inspiration for new projects?
„All of it. The aim of VRM Days is to become a platform that signifies knowledge, networking, and all the good things that result from that. Every participant should leave with at least one piece of information that will help them, an idea, or a statement that will be translated into new value. This has been the case so far, and I don't see any reason to stop there. When that's no longer the case, it means we are doing something wrong.“
How does this year's VRM Days stand out from previous ones and how can past success be surpassed?
„It's always a challenge to make something better than the previous edition. This year's VRM Days event will be even stronger in terms of production than last year. The speaker lineup is phenomenal, the panels and keynotes are truly excellent and should be inspiring. We've managed to become one of the top 5 events in this industry in Europe, and in terms of production, we are certainly number one. In Croatia and the region, we are undoubtedly the leading event in the short-term rentals industry, and we must live up to that. All in all – you have to come and feel the atmosphere, and then it will be clear to you why VRM Days is what it is.“
For property managers, agencies, and tourism professionals from the region This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into global trends, meet industry leaders, and connect with colleagues all in one place. For those few days, Zagreb will once again be a true centre of ideas and inspiration for the future of short-term rentals.
