In an industry built on hospitality, standing out isn’t just about amenities or automation, it’s about the heart behind the stay. In this session, Karen Piscitelli, founder and CEO of Explorabout, shares her journey of building a mission-driven vacation rental brand rooted in authenticity, persistence, and purpose. From early setbacks to breakthrough moments, she’ll speak candidly about what it takes to follow a vision when the path isn’t clear, how to lead with belief when results lag behind, and why creating unforgettable guest experiences is more than good business—it’s transformative work.

Attendees will walk away with:

A renewed sense of purpose around the guest journey, tools for aligning their brand with personal values, insight into building resilience through uncertainty, and practical strategies for creating meaningful, memorable stays.