5 Key Takeaways from Escapia User Day at Explore Connect VR 2025

One of the most actionable themes from the day was the power of automation to eliminate repetitive work. Escapia users explored how to create triggers and workflows that manage everything from rental agreements to guest communications — all without human touchpoints.

Key takeaways:

• Automate your paperwork: Rental agreements, signatures, and payment requests can be automatically sent once a booking is confirmed — ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
• Set it and forget it: Scheduled automations can handle pre-arrival communications, reminders, guest welcome guides so teams can focus on service instead of follow-up.
• Save hours every week: Property managers who implement Escapia automations are freeing up time to focus on marketing, growth, and owner relationships rather than admin tasks.

Today’s travelers want personalized, seamless experiences — and Escapia’s tools make it easy to deliver them. From digital Guest Guides to automated notifications, property managers are using Escapia to ensure every guest receives clear, consistent communication before, during, and after their stay.

Key takeaways:

• Digital Guest Guides are game changes: Managers can now create customized, property-specific guides for every reservation, giving guests local recommendations, check-in details, and important instructions — all in one digital hub.
• Automate the personal touch: By setting up automated messages for arrival, mid-stay check-ins, or post-stay thank-yous, property managers can stay engaged without being on call 24/7.
• Boost satisfaction and reviews: Consistent, proactive communication helps reduce guest questions, prevent issues, and turn one-time visitors into repeat guests.

Escapia users learned how to take advantage of their data — not just to report on past performance, but to guide smarter decisions moving forward. From listing optimization to dynamic pricing, data is becoming a key driver of competitive advantage.

Key takeaways:

• Identify what works — and replicate it. Escapia’s reporting tools let users see which listings perform best, which amenities drive bookings, and where pricing adjustments can make an impact.
• Optimize for discovery. Updating descriptions, photos, and amenities in Escapia ensures listings stay competitive and aligned with guest search behavior.
• Activate new demand levers. With Vrbo Promotions launching in Escapia this November, property managers can easily test strategies like Early Booking or Last-Minute Discounts to fill gaps and maintain strong occupancy.

Marketing is about creating experiences that drive bookings, guest satisfaction, and repeat visits — not just adjusting rates.

• Automate guest communications to boost loyalty: Pre-arrival messages, check-in instructions, and post-stay follow-ups enhance guest satisfaction and encourage repeat bookings.
• Apply promotion strategically: Early Booking, Last-Minute, or seasonal campaigns can fill low-demand periods while maintaining occupancy, focusing on timing and audience.
• Coordinate marketing with operations: Aligning guest communications, promotions, and service delivery ensures every interaction supports bookings and strengthens the overall guest experience.

Exciting news for Escapia users: Vrbo Promotions are coming to Escapia this November, giving you more control over pricing and demand. With these tools, you can attract the right guests at the right time—and fill your calendar faster.

The first of the four promotions launching in November include:

• Early Booking Discounts: Encourage guests to plan ahead and secure your units sooner.
• Last-Minute Discounts: Capture spontaneous travelers and reduce empty nights.

These promotions boost your visibility on Vrbo. Listings using them display a special badge, and travelers can filter these discounts—making it easier than ever to stand out in a crowded marketplace. With Escapia, you can drive occupancy, optimize revenue, and get noticed by more of the right guests.

While product innovation was center stage, ECVR 2025 reminded everyone why community matters. Property managers connected with Escapia support experts, participated in interactive roundtables on topics like industry regulations and owner relations, and walked away with strategies they could implement immediately.

The broader program included inspiring keynotes, practical workshops, and industry insights that sparked new ideas about the future of vacation rental management. And, of course, Austin delivered its signature energy — from live music along Rainey Street to an unforgettable night of line dancing at Stubb’s BBQ.

Explore Connect VR 2025 proved how powerful it can be when technology and partnership come together. Escapia remains committed to helping vacation rental businesses run smarter today and scale confidently tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Austin — and to the Escapia community whose collaboration and feedback continue to shape the future of professional property management.

Discover more highlights from Expedia Group’s Explore Connect Vacation Rentals conference here.