2024 Agenda

Thriving Amidst Challenges:

Unveil the invincible spirit of the short-term rental realm as it conquers global challenges. Join us for a captivating fireside chat where resilience takes centre stage whether dealing with pandemics or mastering the art of adaptation to ever-evolving regulations.

Host: Isabel Oakeshott, Political journalist, broadcaster, and International Editor at Talk TV. Political Editor of the Sunday Times

Speakers: Shomik Panda - Director General STAA CEO Inline Policy

Investor Interest & Capital Influx:

In recent years, the short-term rental industry has garnered significant attention from investors, particularly from the private equity and venture capital sectors. This influx of capital is fuelling various forms of growth such as innovation, consolidations, and a stronger focus on improving the overall ecosystem.

Host: Simon Lehmann, CEO, AJL Atelier

Speakers: Marcus Rader - CEO and Co-Founder, Hostaway, Graham Donoghue - CEO, Sykes Cottages, Henrik Kjellberg - CEO, Awaze, Bodo Thielmann - Chief Investment Director, HomeToGo, Daniel Williamson - MD, CVC Capital

Evolution of Travel Shifts and Behaviour

Travellers are ever-changing, and their evolution is a game-changer for the industry. The rise of remote work has led to a demand for longer stays, with guests now seeking unique and personalized experiences. Keeping up with and adapting to these changes is crucial for success.

Host: James Cassidy, Sr. Director, Partner Success, Vrbo, Expedia Group and Ayleen Lehmann, Teenage Trailblazer

Five business benefits from sustainability marketing and communication:

Travellers today prioritize eco-friendly accommodations, and hosts are expected to adopt sustainable practices. Meeting this demand is a necessity for the future of the industry.
Learn how to design sustainable experiences in your STR to reduce operating costs, increase satisfaction, reduce seasonality, increase repeat visitation, and get first time sales. Without jargon and save the planet messages.

Host: Dr. Xavier Font, Professor at University of Surrey, Editor in Chief, Journal of Sustainable Tourism

Hospitality at Scale: Balancing Growth and Personalization

As short-term rental businesses expand, long-term viability is dependent on maintaining a foundation of hospitality. This session brings together leading experts to discuss how to deliver personalized and exceptional experiences – ensuring guest satisfaction and fostering repeat bookings – while doing business at scale.

Host: Julia Lane Willis Napolski, Principal, Parlay Vous

Speakers: Matthew Loney - President CEO, Xplorie, Alexander Limpert - CEO, RentalReady & GuestReady, Francesco Zorgno - CEO & Co-founder, CleanBnB

Hype or reality: will much vaunted tech revolutionize STR anytime soon?

Do any of the latest hyped quantum leaps in technology really have any immediate or medium-term application for the STR sector? Everyone’s got a view on the umpteenth edition of ChatGTP, the Apple Vision Pro launch, driverless taxis (and heli-taxis!)…until you ask them of a use case (or even if they’ve tested these themselves)! Our panel of experts will explain what the latest white-hot tech trends debated in the news really mean for our sector, filtering the hype from reality to help you prepare.

Host: Roman Townsend, Managing Director, Belvera Partners

Speakers: Jeremy Gall - Founder and CEO, Breezeway, Steve Davis - CEO, Operto, Vered Raviv-Schwarz - President & COO, Guesty

The STR's evolving business models

Uncover the intricacies of diverse business structures and unit economics that define the landscape, ranging from short stays and mid-term accommodations to innovative concepts like coliving, micro-living, student housing, and coworking.
The panel will delve into the dynamic intersection of hospitality, multifamily living, and coworking spaces, showcasing the versatility and adaptability required in today's real estate market. The panel of industry experts will share their insights on managing real estate assets across various spectrums, encompassing property management, property development, and construction.

Host: Kulin Strimbu, Global Director, Phocuswright

Speakers: Sylvia Epaillard - Co-CEO & Chief Commercial & Digital Officer, Interhome Group, Francesco Morgante - Head of Sales & Distribution, Joivy, Brendan Geraghty - CEO UKAA, Merilee Karr - Founder and CEO, UnderTheDoormat Group

The Strategic Value of OTAs:

A Discussion with Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia

Host: Merilee Karr, CEO, UnderTheDoormat

Speakers: Tim Rosolio - VP of Partner Success Vacation Rentals, Expedia Group, Amanda Cupples - GM for Northern Europe, Airbnb, Flavio Leoni - Regional Director - Global Accounts EMEA Booking.com