Last evening, members and guests of the Michigan Short-Term Rental Association (MiSTRA) gathered at the picturesque Parkside Farm in Byron Center for a special event that highlighted the burgeoning field of agritourism. The event, co-sponsored by the Kent County Farm Bureau and Airbnb, offered perfect weather and a rich agenda full of learning and networking opportunities.
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Nicole Zaagman, founder of Parkside Farm. Attendees were then treated to an engaging tour across the farm’s grounds, which boast multiple homes and a history as rich as the soil. Highlights of the tour included a tour of the Farm Stay property and the chance to interact with the farm’s adorable pygmy goats.
Following the tour, Nicole presented an overview of the farm’s operations and shared her experiences with the regulatory hurdles involved in setting up short-term rentals on her property. This opened the floor to an informal discussion that covered a wide range of topics critical to the short-term rental industry.
A representative from the Kent County Farm Bureau shared more about their interests in short-term rentals, revealing an interest in supporting farmers’ diversification of income through innovative strategies like Farm Stays. Nicole indicated that the support provided by the Farm Bureau was invaluable in helping her navigate the regulatory hurdles she has faced.
This event not only provided practical insights but also fostered a sense of community among attendees, all drawn together by their interest in integrating traditional hospitality with innovative tourism concepts like agritourism. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to cover a myriad of topics during the networking times, including topics spanned from getting started as a new host and leveraging private lenders to effective strategies for managing large rental operations.
For those interested in the world of short-term rentals and agritourism, attending events like this provides invaluable connections and insights. The Michigan Short-Term Rental Association continues to facilitate these gatherings to support and educate its members, encouraging innovation and collaboration within the industry. Don’t miss the chance to be part of these enlightening meetups!
