2025 Agenda

KEYNOTE Opening kick-off: Building winning teams

Richard Hartis is a renowned goalkeeping coach and coach educator with decades of experience, who has played a key role in building winning sides with the English FA National Teams and Manchester United. At United, he contributed to multiple successful eras, mentoring world-class goalkeepers, working under iconic managers. Richard is currently employed as Assistant Head Coach, Head of Goalkeeping and “the second set of eyes“, for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who is Head Coach at Turkish Giants Besiktas in Istanbul.
We invite you to come join him as he shares some insights into developing consistently high performing winning teams. He’ll share his experiences on authentic leadership, core cultural values and developing high performing people.
He now turns his attention and insight on to the short stay sector. A session worth ‘saving’ in your schedule.

Host: Richard Hartis - Manchester United Goalkeeping Coach

Small world: Big market. Focus on China

The increasing number of Chinese travellers choosing short-stay accommodations over traditional hotels presents a wealth of opportunities for the UK’s short-stay market. This preference for home-stays and boutique rentals aligns with their growing demand for personalised, immersive experiences that allow them to connect more deeply with local culture. With social media influence driving much of Chinese travel planning, providing photogenic, unique properties and curated, shareable experiences are key to showcasing what the UK has to offer. Join our expert panel as they explore how to calibrate communications, culture and marketing to this largely un-tapped market.

Host: Roman Townsend - Managing Director, Belvera Partners

Speakers: Helena Beard - Founder and Managing Director, Guanxi, Andy Washington - General Manager, Europe, Trip.com Group, Bo xian Ye - VP, Alternative Accommodation, Trip.comGroup, Gary Bowerman - Director of Check-in and Travel Analyst, Asia, Phocuswright

Evolving STR landscape: How institutional real estate and short term rental companies are partnering for success

Globally, consumer demand for short term and flexible living options is at an all time high. As the residential real estate landscape evolves, the role of OTAs and short-term accommodation managers is transforming. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities posed by new regulations and the increasing trend of partnering between institutional real estate, OTA’s, STR technology companies and property managers. With a focus on how short-term accommodation managers can adapt and thrive across different markets, we’ll dive into strategies for managing large-scale properties, aligning with government policies, and delivering value to landlords and renters alike to future-proof sector growth across the globe.

Tapping into military talent: How reservists, veterans and the blue light community can drive your business forward

Looking to supercharge your business with unparalleled expertise and dedication? Join the Forces Employment Charity (FEC) and a panel of bluelight and military specialists for insight into how veterans, reservists, and ex-service personnel can elevate your organisation’s success—as part of the team or a specialist market. With years of specialised experience in leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, these individuals are some of the most highly trained professionals available.

From building resilience in fast-paced startups to enhancing customer service in travel operations, reservists and veterans bring a wealth of expertise that can transform your business. Don’t miss this chance to discover new ways of boosting productivity, innovation, and growth—by harnessing the unmatched skills of those who have served.

Host: Alistair Halliday - Chief Executive, Forces Employment Charity - the Short Stay Summit Charity Partner

Speakers: Jonathan McNulty - Founder & CEO of Blue Light Escapes, Rob Dickson - Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland, formerly of The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment), Bayo Alaba MP - Ex Parachute Regiment, Member of the Parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport select committee

Fireside Chat - Visit Britain / Visit England - Rolling out the welcome mat: Insights on trends, travel and tourism

One to one interview exploring how Visit Britain promotes us internationally and what this means for the sector; what their response is to reports of over-tourism; why promoting England doesn’t just mean talking about London; and how they think tourism and short stay can better align as sectors.

Host: Patricia Yates - Chief Executive, Visit Britain / Visit England and Graham Donoghue, Group Chief Executive Officer, Forge Holiday Group and CEO, Sykes Cottages

The role of female leadership in the short-stay sector - and the importance of developing allyship and building collective intelligence

Abu Bakarr Bundu Kamara, Senior Director of Global Inclusion and Diversity, Expedia Group talks to key female leaders in the sector about their experiences of navigating the sector as women; the importance of allyship to progress and in recognising the challenges other demographics face; why female leadership is important both in broad societal terms and specifically in response to the demographic drivers of short stay bookings; what the panel as leaders in the industry are doing to promote diversity and inclusion and how they are in turn allies to other under represented or excluded populations.

Host: Abu Bakarr Bundu Kamara - Senior Director of Global Inclusion and Diversity, Expedia Group.

Speakers: Louise Birritteri - CEO and Founder, Pikl, Vered Raviv-Schwarz - President & COO, Guesty

Focus on capital investment: How investors spot future winners in the short stay sector... and how to become one

This session explores the strategies that drive successful funding and deliver maximised returns in the dynamic world of capital investment in the short-stay accommodation sector. The panel will discuss how emerging trends, such as sustainability and technological innovation, shape valuations and influence investment decisions and share their approach to identifying high-potential opportunities, managing risks, and backing the future winners in this ever-evolving market.

Host: Simon Lehmann - CEO / Co-Founder, AJL Atelier

Speakers: Graham Donoghue - Group Chief Executive Officer, Forge Holiday Group and CEO, Sykes Cottages, Steve Schwab - CEO, Casago, Vered Raviv-Schwarz - President & COO, Guesty, Daniel Williamson - MD, CVC Capital