Meeting fellow Host Advisory Board members and Airbnb team

Felicity11
Host Advisory Board Member
Manly, Australia

Meeting fellow Host Advisory Board members and Airbnb team

I started my Airbnb listing 12 years ago as a mother who wanted to start a business that would work around the needs of my family and earn an income. Today, through hosting, I run a business that has not only met my financial needs, but has led me to meet guests from all over the world, and given me the opportunity to share my learnings with other hosts. I now share what I have learned in running my business with the teams at Airbnb—and I feel heard.

 

When I was asked to join the Host Advisory Board in 2021, I really did not know what to expect. I knew that I would be responsible for bringing the voice of the community to the Airbnb team but how would we do this, and would it make a difference? I find it fascinating that there are 23 hosts from around the world, who did not know each other, and yet we all share similar values and partner well together to bring a broad range of views to represent the wider host community.  

 

Together we have met many people from the Airbnb team and have the opportunity to share insights from our communities via Zoom. Although Zoom is a wonderful tool to meet virtually, there is nothing like meeting fellow hosts in real life, having a laugh, or perhaps a cup of tea and getting to know more about that person. 

 

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For me, it was therefore quite surreal to walk into the Airbnb office in San Francisco on 9th September,2024 for the host week event. Although the city felt foreign and unfamiliar to us, the moment we walked in that door and saw the familiar faces of other Host Advisory Board members and the people we’ve worked with over the years, all thoughts of a foreign and unfamiliar city just melted away. I felt at home.   

 

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One of the things I loved about our time at the Airbnb office was not only getting to meet the Airbnb teams but also having the opportunity to pick up the conversations and discuss them in person. It is an incredible feeling to stand face-to-face with people who design or build the products I use on a daily basis. We talked about what I love most about the products and suggestions for improvements, along with some of  the challenges of working on such a huge platform. Our virtual meetings now feel quite different since meeting in person. 

 

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Overall, I left San Francisco feeling that Airbnb is not just a platform that matches guests and listings. It is a huge global community of hosts around the world that share a genuine desire to welcome guests. And there is a team behind the hosts that makes us feel heard.   

 

Thank you, Airbnb for welcoming and looking after us!

12 Replies 12
Penny47
Level 5
Sydney, Australia

Such an awesome experience @Felicity11 😃

Felicity11
Host Advisory Board Member
Manly, Australia

It was an incredible experience all round! 

It means all the participants are the lucky ones! Kudos!

Sarah5000
Host Advisory Board Member
Adelaide, Australia

Absolutely love it and agree with you @Felicity11 , Airbnb my property is not just about earning but also meeting new people and bring many joyful experiences into my life. 

Sarah
Emma-Jane-And-Matt0
Level 3
Mornington, Australia

What an amazing experience Felicity and so deserved.

Keep spreading your awesomeness!

Agung19
Level 3
Jakarta, Indonesia

What an amazing experiences.Luckyly

Jue0
Host Advisory Board Member
Nairobi, Kenya

@Felicity11  A great rendition of your journey as a Host, Community Leader, Ambassador and an Advisor at the Host Advisory Board. I’m greatful and elated that our paths crossed and we met in person at 888 Brennan. Thank you Flick for all you do for the hosting community and for the Sustainability push. Bravo. 👏  Jue 🇰🇪😇

JMM
Elisa
Community Manager
Community Manager

Hi @Felicity11 😊

Thank you for sharing your incredible journey as both a host and a member of the Host Advisory Board. It's truly inspiring! 🌟

 

How do you feel the Host Advisory Board has influenced the way you host on Airbnb?

 

Warm regards, 🌻

 

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Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center
Claudia331
Host Advisory Board Member
Lecco, Italy

Thank you @Felicity11 for this post! 

 

It makes me live again our times together and the luck of being on this platform, attentive to the people within it and the hosts feedback

 

Your expertise brings so much value, both on the product side and the issue we hold dear of sustainability


Thank you for sharing this three-year journey together 💚

Shinya0
Host Advisory Board Alumni
Osaka, Japan

What a lovely story @Felicity11 ❤️
And 100% agree with you.

Every moments I spent at HAB is very precious and meaningful to me as well.


I'm sure the connection of the global host community is a motivation for all hosts to continue hosting!

Thanks for sharing!

This whole environment gives us a sense of positivity and wholesomeness. Keep rocking!

Daniel1651
Host Advisory Board Member
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

What wise words and such a beautiful story @Felicity11 !

 

Flick, it has truly been a pleasure to share this part of the journey with you and to witness the place we Hosts hold within the company.

 

Sending you a big hug! 💫