BEYOND BOOKED | 311 N Hamilton St 3rd floor
Arts
Literary Arts
Beyond Booked
is a fast-paced, half-day educational event bringing together nationally recognized experts in vacation rental design, branding, and marketing. Designed for short-term rental hosts, investors, and property managers, the program offers actionable insights to help create more compelling, guest-focused, and profitable stays.
With High Point designated as a Certified Autism Destination,
Beyond Booked
also shines a spotlight on the importance—and opportunity—of inclusive travel. Attendees will learn how accessible design not only supports guests with physical and cognitive disabilities but also provides a competitive edge in today’s evolving hospitality market.
Conceived by the team behind the award-winning
Vacation Rental Design Summit
, the afternoon is rooted in strengthening High Point’s year-round short-term rental landscape—though the takeaways apply far beyond the local market. Attendees will walk away with inspiration, tools, and proven strategies to design smarter, market with clarity, and ultimately earn more.
The educational portion will go from 1:00-4:30pm, followed by a reception at Feizy Rugs just next door. Doors open at 12:30.
Featured Speakers
Lorraine Woodward
, founder of
Becoming RentABLE
Jessica Duce
, principal of
JDuce Design
and cofounder of
Vacation Rental Designers
Ericka Saurit
, founder of
Saurit Creative
and
Marketing School for Creatives
Chelsea Hannon
, owner of
Hannon Creative
Jill Harrill
, Engagement Manager,
Valdese Weavers
Session Highlights
The Undeniable Relationship between Design and Short-term Rental Success
Interior designer
Jessica Duce
reveals how intentional interiors can elevate the guest experience, drive positive reviews, and ultimately increase revenue. Drawing from data and her professional experiences, Jessica offers practical strategies for enhancing your space—regardless of budget or aesthetic—proving that smart, guest-focused design is a most powerful tool for your rental business.
Where Design Meets Demand: Unlocking the Accessible Vacation Rental Market
There is a rising and underserved demand for accessible vacation rentals — properties thoughtfully designed to welcome travelers with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Where Design Meets Demand
is a focused seminar that will explore how inclusive design isn’t just good hospitality — it’s smart business. Led by keynote
Lorraine Woodward
, founder of
Becoming RentABLE
, this session will unpack the real market potential of accessible rentals, the design considerations that matter, and how to position your property to meet the needs of this growing segment.
Designed to Stand Out Online
Your property isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a carefully crafted brand. In this session, designer and brand strategist
Ericka Saurit
shares practical tips for creating a clear, compelling online presence that sets your property apart and drives higher-value bookings. Discover why the words and images you use to market your listing matter just as much as the space itself.
Social Media Success for STRs
Drawing from her experience in original content creation, property video production, and successful influencer collaborations,
Chelsea Hannon
—content marketer and co-owner of luxury vacation rental management company Stay Lake Norman—will guide attendees through effective social media strategies, practical how-tos, and community-building techniques and tips to help you confidently take control of your online presence.
Community Voices & Local Insights
In addition to our featured speakers,
Beyond Booked
will include insights and welcome remarks from community leaders and partners who are shaping the future of hospitality, tourism, and design in High Point:
Jane Dagmi
, Managing Director,
High Point by Design
(HPxD)
Melody Burnett
, President,
Visit High Point
Christina Payne
, Director of Business Development,
Visit High Point
Alexa Nota
, Cofounder + COO,
Rent Responsibly
Rebekah McGee
, Executive Director,
Downtown High Point
Lyndsey Ayers
, Assistant Vice President for University Relations,
High Point University
Special thanks to Visit High Point and Downtown High Point:
The first 25 registrants will receive a
$50
Downtown High Point gift card
, redeemable at participating local businesses—an added incentive to invest in your education and explore the heart of High Point.
Bonus Opportunity: Shop the HPxD Sizzle Sale
Extend your stay in High Point! From August 13-16, attendees are encouraged to explore the
HPxD Sizzle Sale
—a unique opportunity to shop an exceptional selection of high-quality home furnishings at significantly reduced prices. Whether you're looking to refresh a room or fully outfit a short-term rental, this is the perfect chance to source stylish, durable pieces that elevate your property and enhance the guest experience.
Information Source: High Point x Design | eventbrite