MILWAUKEE — People have been brainstorming ways to cash in on the 2020 Democratic National Convention since Monday's announcement.
"I just wanted to get ahead of the game more than anything," said Ashley Glembin, an Airbnb host in Brookfield.
Glembin and her husband have been hosts for two years. They usually keep their booking calendar open three months out, but when Milwaukee became the official host for the 2020 DNC they opened booking for that week right away.
Their rooms can go as low as $39/night. For the week of the convention you can book them for $72/night.
"I kind of took my base price and figured if I were to go to a hotel or something for an event what’s the price that I would pay what’s the max price I would pay," said Glembin.
"The city of Milwaukee really we don’t see this many opportunities of this magnitude which is awesome for us as Airbnb hosts," said Christopher Orr, an Airbnb host in Milwaukee.
Orr has been a host for five years. His one bedroom home can be rented for $63/night. During the DNC week visitors can stay there for $98/night.
As with any special events, prices could fluctuate.
"We'll probably be tracking the hotels in terms of what their pricing will be like and again we like to stay under the hotel pricing but yet offer more amenities," said Orr.
For those considering putting their homes on Airbnb in time for the DNC both Orr and Glembin said small details like offering snacks, a local's expertise and good communication is key.
"Start now," said Glembin. "Kind of get practice underneath your belt. If you can only do it on weekends, you can do that."
"Try to provide as much information as you can upfront regarding their stay in Milwaukee," said Orr.
Airbnb said it was too early to talk about any recent spikes in host requests. A spokesperson warned that hosts who charge an unreasonably high rate will have trouble with bookings.
