The Vacation Rental
Managers Association (VRMA) announced that the
association will change its name to the
International Association of Vacation Rental Professionals
(IAVRP) as part of a large rebranding initiative. The change will be
effective in early 2013.
“The
VRMA’s decision to review its branding strategy was about more than
a new
name or
logo; it was about our core brand essence and making sure we still
resonate as the vacation rental industry continues to
evolve,” explains Steve Trover, association President. “As the
IAVRP, we are pledging to be a catalyst that defines and directs the
future of our industry, highlighting our professional distinction
from others in the vacation rental space.”
IAVRP
will continue to be dedicated to initiatives that help members
strengthen their businesses and
elevate the industry, such as providing in-person networking and
education, free monthly geo-analytics reports, group purchasing
discounts, opportunities for publicity through the association’s
Discover Vacation Homes public
awareness campaign, the PBS reality television series Getting Away
Together, the soon-to-launch Vacation Rental Switch powered
by Pegasus Solutions and more.
The
name IAVRP came from extensive feedback from hundreds of members
worldwide. Member surveys, focus
groups and interviews found that professionalism
is the critical differentiator in what VRMA members offer, and it has
become the cornerstone of the new brand.
“It
became clear that
to accurately
communicate our purpose, and that of the companies we represent, we
should have a name that better highlights our professionals,” adds
Trover. “The VRMA name has served us well for 27 years and will
always be a part of our rich history. We are excited for this change,
which solidifies the strength and momentum our industry continues to
gain.”
The
will begin to roll out IAVRP’s identity at its Annual Conference,
to be held Oct. 21-24 in Phoenix, Ariz. Vacationrental
professionals are invited to start the conversation early on Twitter
using #VRMAnowIAVRP.
For more
information about the
association and for updates on the IAVRP branding process,
visit www.vrma.com
