Milwaukee Airbnb hosts expected to cash in on DNC 2020

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The Democrat National Convention is expected to bring 50,000 people to Milwaukee and Airbnb is expecting their hosts to make millions off of it.

The DNC is more than a year away, but with thousands of people expected to pour into Milwaukee hotels, Airbnbs are already filling up.

The owners of HOSTpitality run 11 Airbnb’s in Milwaukee and see the DNC as an opportunity.

 “It's going to boost not only revenue for us in the event we can book more places for other people,” Co-owner of HOSTpitality Alexia Haidemanos said.

Milwaukee has more than 700 people sharing their homes on Airbnb but expects more people to sign by because of the DNC.

“Certainly when a wonderful opportunity and event like this drop in the laps of a community like Milwaukee I think we'll anticipate even further growth,” Midwest Public Affairs Director of Airbnb Ben Breit said.

During the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia, Airbnb hosts collectively made about $2M. For the Superbowl in the Twin Cities, hosts made about $4M.  

Airbnb is for everyone, the company says you can rent your entire place, a room or even just your couch. They say many of their hosts are parents who have a spare room after their kids moved out.

“It presents economic opportunities to everyday residents,” Breit said.

If you’re interested in becoming an Airbnb host, head here.

HOSTpitality says it takes work for a host to schedule bookings, cleaning, checking-in and answering questions for your guests, which is why they’ll take care of everything for you, with the cut of the pay.

“We help manage other people's Airbnb because a lot of people have the real estate they just don't have the time,” Co-owner of HOSTpitality Jake Dehne said. If you’re interested in them renting out your place for you, contact: [email protected].