LIVE from Nashville: Key Takeaways from Track NEXT 25 – Innovation, Insights, and Industry Shifts

The vacation rental industry is evolving rapidly, and Track NEXT25, TravelNet Solutions’ premier annual conference, provided a platform for industry leaders, property managers, and technology innovators to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities shaping the space. The event offered a mix of expert-led discussions, hands-on learning, and key product announcements designed to help vacation rental professionals stay ahead.

In this special episode, we take you inside Track NEXT25, delivering exclusive interviews and insights from industry experts at the forefront of vacation rental technology and operations.

What is Track NEXT25 Conference?

Track NEXT25 is an annual user conference hosted by TravelNet Solutions, designed to help vacation rental professionals maximize the capabilities of Track software while providing a forum for industry collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

This year’s conference featured:

✅ Keynote presentationsfrom industry thought leaders

✅ Interactive workshopsfor practical skill-building

✅ Peer-led discussionson market trends and challenges

✅ Major product announcementsfrom Track

✅ Networking opportunities with executives, property managers, and technology providers

For those who could not attend, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the key takeaways and strategic insights shared during the event.

What Made This Year’s Event Stand Out?

Alex is joined by Justin Panzer to discuss about the biggest highlights from Track NEXT25, including how technology, data, and collaboration are driving the future of vacation rental management.

This year, the focus was on practical solutions that property managers can implement immediately, including AI-driven revenue management, mobile-first PMS solutions, and the role of automation in guest communications. The event also fostered collaboration between property managers and technology providers, ensuring that attendees left with real-world strategies to improve their business operations.

Smarter Revenue Strategies with Track’s Distribution Manager

Revenue optimization remains a top priority for property managers, and having an efficient distribution strategy can significantly impact profitability. Michael Ohanian shares how Track’s in-house Distribution Manager is helping businesses optimize their pricing, improve channel connectivity, and increase direct bookings.

Many property managers struggle with managing rates across multiple booking platforms. The Track Distribution Manager simplifies this process by providing a centralized platform to adjust pricing, availability, and channel settings in real time. This not only saves time but also ensures that properties remain competitive in dynamic market conditions.

Using Market Data to Make Smarter Business Decisions

One of the biggest advantages property managers have today is access to real-time market data, but many operators still aren’t using it effectively. Daniel Leifeld from Key Data explains how property managers can use industry insights to track demand, monitor competitor pricing, and make data-driven decisions to stay ahead.

With fluctuating demand and seasonality playing a major role in revenue performance, leveraging real-time analytics and benchmarking tools allows property managers to adjust their strategies based on market conditions rather than guesswork.

Streamlining Payments for Property Managers

Financial management is a critical aspect of running a vacation rental business, yet payment processing remains a common pain point for many operators. Kelly McNeil discusses how Track’s integrated payment system is reducing costs, streamlining transactions, and eliminating the need for third-party gateways.

Many property managers have traditionally relied on external payment processors, which often results in high fees and complex reconciliation processes. With Track’s new built-in payment system, managers can process payments directly within the PMS, improving cash flow and reducing administrative burden.

A New Approach to Protecting Vacation Rentals

Property managers are constantly looking for ways to protect their assets from guest-related damages, but traditional security deposits and damage waivers often fall short. Lui King and Ashley Ching introduce an innovative linen insurance program, helping managers minimize losses and maintain high property standards.

Linen and bedding replacements are among the most frequent expenses in vacation rentals, often due to stains, wear and tear, or accidental damage. By integrating insurance solutions tailored to these challenges, property managers can reduce unexpected costs and maintain a consistent guest experience.

Enhancing Owner & Guest Communication

Effective communication between property managers, owners, and guests is crucial for smooth operations. Rosita Hernandez shares details on Track’s redesigned Owner Portal, which enhances transparency, accessibility, and real-time updates for property owners.

Owners want visibility into their property’s performance, revenue, and maintenance requests, and the new mobile-first Owner Portal provides exactly that. With improved reporting and self-service capabilities, property managers can reduce inquiries while keeping owners well-informed.

The Growing Connection Between Hotels & Vacation Rentals

The hospitality landscape is shifting, and the line between hotels and vacation rentals is becoming increasingly blurred. Tim Schutts discusses how Track is supporting hybrid hospitality models, catering to operators managing a mix of vacation rentals, resorts, and hotels.

Many large-scale property managers operate more like boutique hotels, requiring automated workflows, dynamic pricing models, and scalable solutions. Track’s PMS updates now cater to these hybrid operators, helping them optimize guest experience while maintaining efficiency.

Final Thoughts:

One of the biggest takeaways from Track NEXT25 is that the industry thrives on collaboration and innovation. Whether it’s through new technology, data-driven decision-making, or operational efficiencies, the businesses that adapt and innovate will lead the way.

For property managers looking to improve efficiency, profitability, and guest experience, the insights shared at Track NEXT25 offer a blueprint for success.

Watch the episode here: