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.