Most of you who follow this blog and my social media channels know that I have been a delegate of the annual STAY WYSE Conference since it began in Amsterdam almost three years ago. So it should come as no surprise that I’m also planning to attend the 2018 STAY WYSE Conference in just a couple of months!
Each year, I give you guys a summary of what went on at the conference (click here to read the 2017 recap!). A cheeky backstage look at what we get up to in Amsterdam.
But this year, I decided that I should discuss the 2018 STAY WYSE Conference before it begins so that more of you have a chance to register.
Quick note: I am a huge fan of the annual STAY WYSE Conference. But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. A big focus of the conference is on group bookings for medium to large size hostels. So while I think that smaller hostels might still benefit from the educational and networking sessions, I will leave this up to you guys.
5 Reasons You Should Represent Your Hostel at the
2018 STAY WYSE Conference
1. To gain more group bookings
We all know that filling a hostel can be tough, especially in low season. But if you’re a medium to large size hostel then creating friendly, and practical, relationships with group tour companies is one way to help keep your occupancy high and profitable!
2. To gain exclusive industry insight
The WYSE Travel Confederation produces some of the best research on international youth travel out there. And if they haven’t produced research on a particular topic of youth travel, then they know the people who have.
Gaining this insider knowledge into the youth travel industry is a great way of knowing how to focus your marketing strategies for the rest of the year, and it also gives you greater insight into the demographics you should be looking to appeal to via partnerships with group tour companies and travel agencies.
3. To be inspired by others
The 2018 STAY WYSE Conference promises an exciting session of presentations they call BEDx. These presentations can be given by anyone attending the conference who has submitted their presentation idea and been selected by the WYSE Travel Confederation.
Which means that you have the opportunity to be inspired and learn new methods of running your hostel from a whole range of leading experts in the youth travel accommodation industry.
Want to be a BEDx Speaker at the 2018 STAY WYSE Conference? Click here to submit an application form!
4. To expand your network
After two years of attending the STAY WYSE Conference in Amsterdam, I know that the third year won’t disappoint when it comes to the evening events. If you’re someone who does more networking in the evening than during the day (like me…) then the opening night and closing nights are a must.
And in-between there are always plenty of activities to get to know the other delegates in a more informal setting.
5. To meet future partners face-to-face
Without a doubt, the business appointments on the second day of the conference are the best I’ve seen at any hostel business conference. If you’re paying for anything, it’s the opportunity to sit down with up to 30 senior management staff and make a great first impression face-to-face.
Useful Information About The 2018 STAY WYSE Conference
Official Website: www.staywyse.org
Dates: 25th – 26th January, 2018
Location: Beurs van Berlage, Damrak 243, 1012 ZJ Amsterdam (Google Maps)
Registration Fees: www.staywyse.org/fees
Ready to register?
Just click here to register your place for the 2018 STAY WYSE Conference.
So there you have it… My top 5 reasons why you should represent your hostel at the 2018 STAY WYSE Conference!
If you’ve got any more questions, then feel free to leave them in the comments section below or message me on Facebook.