In this week’s episode of Pillow Talk Sessions, our founder, Jessica Gillingham, and co-host, Kristian Lupinski, chat with Bart Sasim, CEO & Founder of Spatial Experience, about the evolution of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and what’s next for the sector.

Bart shares insights on:
 🏢 The transition from traditional student housing to modern, service-driven PBSA.
 🔄 Subscription-based living models that offer flexibility and affordability.
 🤖 How data-driven personalization is enhancing student experiences.
 📊 The role of technology in shaping adaptable, community-focused student housing.

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Begum Agca Okutgen, Head of Partner Network at Blueground, to explore the ongoing transformation of the rental market driven by remote work, technology, and evolving guests needs.

💡 Tune in to discover:
 🏠 How remote work is reshaping demand for flexible, furnished rentals across 35 cities worldwide.
 🤖 The role of technology in streamlining operations and enhancing client experience.
 🛋️ Why quality standards and curated design are key to maintaining premium rental experiences.
 🌍 The shift toward individual renters—digital nomads, expatriates, and remote professionals—and how instant booking is changing the game.
 ♻️ How sustainability is becoming a core focus for rental operators and their clients.

This episode dives deep into tech-driven efficiencies, market trends, and what’s next for flexible rentals.

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Mitch Hammond, Build-to-Rent Manager at OnTheMarket, for a candid discussion on defining and differentiating Build to Rent (BTR) in the UK and beyond.

💡 Tune in to explore:

🏗️ Why a unified understanding of BTR terminology is crucial for market growth.

🤖 Balancing technology with human connection in resident services.

📊 Evolving resident expectations for security, amenities, and community spaces.

🏘️ OnTheMarket’s strategy following its acquisition by CoStar Group and the upcoming launch of homes.com in Europe.

This episode offers fresh perspectives on how to create meaningful, community-driven living experiences.

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Philippa Wagner, founder of PeoplePlacesSpaces, to unpack the shifting landscape of hospitality and how it influences sectors like Build-to-Rent.

💡 Tune in to explore:

🔹 How guest expectations have evolved – prioritizing wellness, social engagement, and authentic connections.

🌍 The balance between global brand identity and local storytelling.

🏡 Hospitality principles inspiring multifamily living and intergenerational developments.

🔄 Emerging trends like co-working, sustainability, and the blending of hospitality with living spaces.

This episode is packed with insights on how to create guest-centric experiences that resonate in today’s world.

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

Jessica Gillingham and special co-host Iain Murray, Head of Operational Living at Bidwells, sit down with Benjamin Hall, Founder of LOFT, for an insightful conversation on how design and sustainability are shaping the future of multifamily and co-living spaces.

🎧 In this episode, we dive into:

🔹 The power of design in fostering resident retention and satisfaction.

♻️ Sustainability in multifamily interiors, featuring the circular economy approach.

📈 The rise of flexible living spaces that blend work, leisure, and community.

✨ Striking the perfect balance between luxury, sustainability, and budget.

If you’re passionate about creating vibrant, sustainable living environments, this is a must-listen! 🎧

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

This week on Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski welcome Katherine Rose, Managing Director of VervLife, for an in-depth conversation about reshaping the future of mixed-asset management.

Key highlights from the episode:

🏘️ Strategic Asset Management – Overcoming the challenges of managing diverse property types.

📊 Flex Rentals – Strategies for meeting the demands of short-term and long-term tenants.

🌍 Building Diverse Teams – Why team diversity is a game-changer in property management.

💡 Customer-Centric Approach – How customer service is redefining success in real estate.

🤝 Co-Living Opportunities – Educating the market on the hidden benefits of co-living spaces.

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

Join Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski in this latest episode of Pillow Talk Sessions as they explore how multifamily living is being transformed by the hospitality industry’s best practices. Featuring Konrad Koczwara, Founder & CEO of ElevateOS, this episode is packed with insights into creating a 5-star resident experience.

Highlights include:

🔹 Hotelization Explained – How multifamily operators are adopting hospitality principles to exceed resident expectations.

🔹 Resident Retention – The role of events, interest groups, and community-building in keeping residents engaged and happy.

🔹 Innovations on the Horizon – Predictions for the future of multifamily living, from service models to tech integrations.

🔹 Cost vs. Quality – Strategies for maintaining high standards without breaking the bank.

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

Join Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski on this week’s episode of Pillow Talk Sessions as they welcome Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living, to discuss how hospitality is reshaping the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector.

Key takeaways include:

🔹 The Hospitality-BTR Connection – Insights into how BTR is adopting hotel-inspired practices to enhance the resident experience.

🔹 #BrandbeforeBuilding – Understanding the focus on brand experience over physical infrastructure.

🔹 Service-Oriented Talent – Exploring the new workforce shaping the BTR sector.

🔹 UK vs. US Perspectives – Contrasting the strengths and lessons of these two key rental markets.

🔹 What’s Next for BTR – Trends and innovations redefining rental living.

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski are joined by Freya Richard, Director of Operations & Leasing at Vertus, for an engaging conversation about how hospitality and Build-to-Rent (BTR) are learning from each other.

Key highlights include:

🏘️ Lessons in Community – How Vertus is applying BTR community-building strategies to their upcoming aparthotel brand, Vertus Edit.

⚙️ Operational Insights – Anticipating the challenges and opportunities of managing aparthotels versus residential buildings.

📲 Tech-Enhanced Living – Specific technologies Vertus uses to elevate resident and guest experiences.

♻️ Sustainability in Focus – Vertus’ commitment to green practices and how they’re integrated into their aparthotel strategy.

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.

In our latest episode, Jessica Gillingham and Krstian Lupinski sit down with Yianni Tsitouras, Founder & CEO of POHA House, to explore how POHA is redefining co-living with a focus on community, sustainability, and well-being. This conversation is filled with insights on the future of co-living and the ways it can foster connection and purpose in everyday spaces.

Tune in to hear about: 

🔹 The Co-Living, Co-Working, and Co-Spaces Concept – Yianni shares how these spaces combine flexibility with community for a unique living experience. 

🔹 Commitment to Sustainability – From cradle-to-cradle building design to zero-carbon goals, Yianni talks about the challenges and triumphs in eco-friendly development. 

🔹 Building a Trusted Brand – Discover how POHA House builds trust and engagement, setting new standards in the co-living sector. 

🔹 A Diverse Community for All Ages – Learn how POHA House creates inclusive spaces that meet residents’ unique needs at every life stage.

If you’re passionate about community-centric and sustainable living, don’t miss this episode! 🎧

Meet the host of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and rental living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-Enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.