[Celebration] An unforgettable journey: My experience on the Host Advisory Board

[Daniel1651]

This week is a special one as I conclude my time on the host advisory board, and I want to share my journey as a membe—an incredible experience that has shaped the past three years of my life and coincides with my 12th anniversary as a host on Airbnb.

It all started with an email. One ordinary morning, I received an email from an unknown sender. I almost deleted it, thinking it wasn’t real. But something made me open it.

The invitation was clear: They were requesting a conversation as a part of the selection process for the Host Advisory Board. Could this be real? Before getting too excited, I did something simple but crucial: I verified the sender’s email address to ensure it was legitimate. And that’s how it all began.

I started hosting in December 2012, I’ve witnessed its evolution—from the early days of air mattresses to major milestones like going public (IPO) and creating the Host Advisory Board.  I secretly admired the members of the first Host Advisory Board, and I still remember a newsletter featuring Omar Covarrubias from Mexico posing in a colorful space with a vibrant sofa. Back then, I never imagined that one day I would be part of that same group!

My first official meeting took place … in an airport! I was traveling between Argentina and Spain, and due to the time, I had to join the meeting from Madrid-Barajas Airport. There I was, full of excitement, meeting my future travel companions: 22 hosts from all over the world, each bringing unique experiences and an incredible cultural background to represent the global community. At first, I must admit it was hard to speak up. But I was fortunate to have the guidance and support of the more experienced members, along with the courage and enthusiasm of those who, like me, were just starting this journey.

Time flies. One day you’re the newcomer, and the next, you’re the veteran. In 2023, we said goodbye to several members of the Board and welcomed new faces. I found myself in the role of a mentor, just as others had been for me. Helping the new members find their voice was one of the most rewarding experiences of this journey.  My experience on the Host Advisory Board  has given me the opportunity to express my feelings directly to Airbnb about being a  host in a real-world situation. It has shown how Airbnb is committed to directly listening to the sentiments of our host community. This journey has also taught me to see things from a global perspective, considering the many factors that impact the operations of a global platform such as Airbnb.  I learned that Airbnb is firmly committed to listening to real hosts. That’s why in 2020, it announced the creation of the Host Advisory Board, which is now a working group of 23 Hosts from 17 countries, each bringing unique expertise with the main goal of providing candid, clear, and constructive recommendations to the company.

 
Over the past 3 years we have met regularly to provide feedback and 2024 has been a truly special year for many reasons, one being that our relationship with Airbnb teams became stronger. We reunited in San Francisco, where we saw once again how our suggestions and feedback were being heard at all levels. The highlight was the CEO Q&A, which put the Board on center stage!

Now, the time has come to say goodbye. It’s time to make room for new voices, fresh ideas, and different perspectives. I leave with a heart full of gratitude because this journey has not only transformed me as a host but also as a person. I’ve learned so much from colleagues worldwide—their unique ways of understanding hospitality, their dedication to their communities, and their inspiring perspectives. I also grew alongside an incredible professional team that helped the Host Advisory Board participate in countless meetings with internal teams, bringing our voice to many projects that are now part of current or upcoming launches. Beyond professionalism, this team provided us with constant support and taught us how to share our opinions clearly, honestly, and constructively. 

As a child, I dreamed of racing in Formula 1. Although I achieved some success on a national level, I never made it to the big leagues. However, life has a way of reshaping dreams, and for me, these years on the Host Advisory Board have been the Formula 1 of Hospitality.

What an incredible journey it’s been!

[Daniel1651]

During these days of celebration and gratitude, I want to take a moment to mention @Shinya0 from Japan, who was the very first Advisory Board member I had the chance to speak with and my buddy-guide during my first year.

Along with @Omar202 , they were true colleagues, offering their guidance and valuable advice ❤️

And mentioning Japan and México, big hugs also to @Rie9 and @Mauricio467 who followed in the footsteps of the first ones!

🇯🇵🇲🇽👏👏

[Rie9]

Daniel,
I truly appreciate you!
Right after I joined, feeling uncertain and overwhelmed, you reached out to me with a message, inviting me for a fun 1-on-1 chat. You always encouraged me, and I can't express how much your kindness lit up my path.

Your hospitality is incredible—it embodies the very essence of being a host.

Of course, decorating listings beautifully, improving occupancy rates, and maximizing profits are important aspects of hosting, but they’re not the core.
.

What I’ve learned from you is that true hospitality lies in breaking down barriers— different language, culture, or environment—and creating a sense of belonging through warm words and genuine care. That is "Belong Anywhere”

Thank you for being my sunshine🌞

Please continue to guide and inspire countless Airbnb hosts to make the world a more welcoming place!

[Daniel1651]

I find myself constantly reflecting on the passion @Merrydith0  from Australia brought to every discussion, or @Till-and-Jutta0 , who always found the perfect words to express his thoughts from Germany.

I had the pleasure of sharing new moments with another Aussie, @Felicity11 , a true champion of sustainability, alongside @Jennifer3225 from Canada and @Claudia331  from Italy, who always inspired us to strive for greener goals 🍀

🇦🇺🇩🇪🇨🇦🇮🇹

[Merrydith0]

@Daniel1651 thank you for the mention and I can only reiterate your words about passion. I think Airbnb is clever at choosing Host Advisors with passion. My passion has always been the host community and helping them navigate the Airbnb platform, Customer Support, hosting in general. 

As members of the Host Advisory Board we were privileged to have a hand in creating a platform that is more host focused, which was incredible. We also got to associate with a group of our most passionate hosts, who in turn became like a family. My term on the Board came to an end two years ago, but my connection to those wonderful advisors from every corner of the world has continued, and I cherish that connection. 

At this time of celebration I would like to say I am grateful for the turn my life took when I started hosting on Airbnb, I am grateful to be able to work with passionate people, and I am grateful to be able to continue to work with our host community in my capacity as a community leader and a Superhost Ambassador. 

I wish all fellow hosts and Airbnb staff a safe and happy holiday season and I send special wishes to all Host Advisors past and present. I look forward to continuing our connection and I can't wait to see you in our Alumni meetings, or in person - who knows where will see each other again. 
❤️❤️❤️

[Carlos-Miguel2]

Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring experience!

It’s impressive to read about your journey and how you’ve grown during these three years on the Host Advisory Board.  Your story reflects dedication, passion, and a genuine commitment to the Airbnb host community.

Without a doubt, you’ve left a significant mark,  not only on the platform but also on those around you and specially in Spain where I look forward to continue working with you Daniel.

Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved and everything you will surely continue to inspire!

[Felicity11]

Thank you, @Daniel1651, for your excellent recap of our time on the Airbnb Host Advisory Board. 

It has been an incredible experience to be a host like you for 12 years to see the company evolve, and then to have the opportunity to be a board member and work directly with the teams that shape the company. 

Thank you for all your support over the years.  I can't wait to see what you do next!

[Shinya0]

Buddy Daniel⭐
@Daniel1651 

I am thrilled to celebrate your incredible contributions during your three years with the Host Advisory Board. Your dedication, insights, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our community, and your passion for excellence has inspired everyone around you.👏💫

Throughout your tenure, you have not only been a driving force behind many successful initiatives but have also fostered a spirit of collaboration and innovation that will continue to shape HAB work for years to come!!

I am filled with gratitude for your remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment. On a personal note, it has been an absolute joy to be your Buddy and to share this journey with you. Your positivity, kindness, have made a lasting impact on me, and I will always treasure the memories we created together.

While every advisors and hosts will deeply miss your presence on the Advisory Board, I am excited to see the amazing things you will accomplish in the next chapter of your journey.

Thank you for your exceptional service, for being such an integral part of the Host Advisory Board, and for being an incredible Buddy.

Wishing you all the best for the future!

Shinya 🇯🇵❤️🇪🇸