An unexpected dream come true: My journey to Airbnb HQ

[Keshav7]

  

 

You know that feeling when a long-held dream finally comes true? Of course, you do. But what about when a dream you never even imagined suddenly becomes reality? The latter was my case when I received an invitation from Airbnb about six months ago—to attend Airbnb’s host week to be held at the Airbnb HQ on 9th-10th September,2024. 

Visa applications, interviews, flights, accommodations, and a whirlwind of activity followed—all leading up to the day I found myself in San Francisco standing outside the headquarters of a company I never imagined being part of—as a host, a Community Leader, and a Host Advisory Board member on. 

The year is coming to an end, and 2024 will be remembered for my first visit to the US, where I met fellow Host Advisory Board Members from 16 countries over two days with the Airbnb teams. The Airbnb team truly exemplified why they are leaders in the hospitality industry—we felt right at home the moment we walked into the big office. Every member involved in planning the gathering went above and beyond in organizing two days of workshops, activities, engagements, and one big company-wide dialogue with Brian Chesky.

We had the chance to meet the people who build Airbnb—managers, executives, engineers, and product leaders. But the absolute highlights were discussing hospitality, providing feedback, and meeting CEO Brian Chesky. This gathering not only strengthened my relationship with the other Host Advisory Board members, but also made me realize what a truly bold, thriving, and modern company Airbnb is. I drew so much inspiration from everyone I saw, met, and spent time with—both at the office and outdoors in San Francisco.

I returned home with many ideas and creative energy for my future hosting years.

[Sarah5000]

It was lovely to meet you in person @Keshav7 , you are always full of surprises and ideas and enthusiasm for what you do. Looking forward to visiting your country in 2025. 

[Keshav7]

Thanks @Sarah5000 ! It was an absolute joy to meet you too! Loving the lip balm you brought with me & eating the ramen with you and SF day tour was my absolutely highlight of the day! 

 

[Jue0]

@Keshav7 Was an absolute joy to finally meet with you K. Thank for all you do and your great contribution to the Hosting community. Kudos, Jue 🇰🇪🤩

[Elisa]

Hi @Keshav7 😊, 

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and inspiring reflection!

It’s incredible to hear about your journey as a host and community leader. 😍

How has this experience shaped your goals or vision for hosting in the future? Do you have any new ideas you'd like to try?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Keshav7]

Thankyou Elisa! 

Ideas, goals & vision? I have but not just one!

I had a notebook which got gilled with ideas - little things that make impact. Whenever I travel, I attend a lot of experiences to see how hosts around the world host. I booked several airbnbs to see what top 1% of the area are doing - what is about them I like - what as a guest do I feel when I'm in a different city/country. 

All of these little things eventuality subconsciously enter our minds and impact our hosting journey in great ways! To top it all - the way Air-fam treated us, the way they put together the two day gathering, attention to details from selection of meals to the table arrangements - deck presentations to ice breakers , free hours to happy hours - all of that leaves inspiration for us as hosts - how to make others feel seen, how to bring value in conversations & how to truly make an impact. 

Above all, I think I was pretty influenced by meeting Brian himself - pretty chill guy, says it straight, heart to heart! It did not feel like I was meeting him for the first time & he showed genuine care, interest and passion while speaking with his people & us hosts!

What a joy! Have a look at this picture! 

[Elisa]

Hi @Keshav7 😊, 

Thank you for your reply!

It's amazing to see how passionate you are and how you're sharing such good energy here in the community. 😍

Your approach to understanding how hosts work is interesting. 

Warm regards 🌻,

[Claudia331]

How beautiful this testimony of yours, @Keshav7 

Your enthusiasm, positivity and resourcefulness are special values for Host Advisors group and for our San Francisco meeting ❤️

Like you, I won't forget those days, so intense, with close contact with Brian, much of the HQ team and everyone Hosts Advisors colleagues 

Your engagement and passion in experiences is fundamental in this phase.
I wish you good continuation in the group and in your work! 🙌

[Enoch10]

You missed pics with me Keshav! 

[Keshav7]

I wanted to write a separate post with you perhaps 😉 

[Dolly36]

Well done Keshav! I love how you beautifully articulate your experience as you get the sense of it being a once in a lifetime opportunity. 👏

[Daniel1651]

It has been such a pleasure to meet you in person, dear @Keshav7 !

It has been a pleasure to enjoy your company, your thoughts, and all the energy you bring—24 hours a day!

Your enthusiasm, positivity, and enriching ideas are truly inspiring.

Wishing you many more amazing journeys like this one! ✨✈️

Big hugs!

[Till-and-Jutta0]

It’s so great to see, that – above all the workload you had during the meetup and still have – you had a great time to exchange experiences, feelings and emotions. Airbnb is more than just an accommodation brokerage platform but a community of members who share the same values!