Vacation Rentals are not just for vacations!  We’ve written about this before but it’s worth bringing up again.  If you are looking for new sources of visitors trade shows, events and seminars may be the ticket?  In my latest “internet surfing” adventures I found something that caught my eye.  It was a banner ad somewhere, on some site, that advertised “Welcome to Coffee Fest Seattle” September 12-14, 2008.

At first, I was interested in the coffee and the cool new gadgets to brew the perfect cup a Joe!  The event will include the Millrock Latte Free Pour Latte Art Championships!  40 Baristas will square off to create the best looking latte with the prettiest crema.  More importantly, what a great market for vacation homeowners and managers to tap into “The Trade Shows and Events Market”.

So you may be asking how will I know what trade shows, seminars and events will be in my area anyway?  I’m glad you asked that question!  In addition, to your local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Bureau….check out this site - The Ultimate Trade Show Directory(tsnn.com).  The search and data provided by this site is great.  Search by date, location, trade, seminar and more.  You will see all kinds of events like Gem and Mineral shows, Custom Electronic designs, Dental and Doctors conventions and just too many to list!  If it is trade show related or seminar in your city, state or country it’s probably listed here.

Now as to the LIST.  You need to subscribe to get all the contact info and it’s not cheap!  But that’s not the point anyway.  This is to get you thinking beyond just the vacationer.  Hotels and resorts are always looking to conventions and events to boost occupancy - vacation rental owners may want to consider this too?  If you are a member of your local visitors bureau you may be entitled to “The List” for conventions, events and more.  Often these lists will include contact info for key people who are looking for accommodations.  It may require a little digging on your part, but you may find a new niche to cater to?

Find Furnished Homes for Coffee Fest Seattle Sept 12-14, 2008, Hong Kong Nov 07-09, 2008, Chicago Feb 20-22, 2009 or Las Vegas June 12-14, 2009