Workshop Talks

Neuroinclusion: Unleashing the power of diverse minds in your business

Leaders set the tone for culture, and when they truly ‘walk the talk’ on neuroinclusion, teams become stronger, more creative, and more cohesive. In this concise yet impactful panel, experts will explore how to empower managers, equip HR professionals, and influence leadership to embed neuroinclusion in broader EDI efforts—across both your workforce and guest experiences.

Far from a dry lecture, this session focuses on real-world applications and practical solutions for helping neurodivergent talent flourish at work and ensuring neurodiverse guests feel supported and included. You’ll walk away knowing exactly which resources to tap, who to contact, and the immediate steps you can take to make neuroinclusion a transformative force in your tourism business.

Host: Mark Brown - Researcher, Leiden University

Speakers: Janet Uttley - Head of Industry Development, VisitEngland, Ryan Cooke - Partner, Oxford Practice, Mackie Myers, Jayne McClure - CEO, Travel Chapter

Stylishly Safe!

In the ever-evolving world of short-term rentals, balancing guest safety with beautiful, functional design is more critical than ever. This engaging session will delve into the intersection of safety and design, highlighting innovative solutions and best practices that enhance guest experiences without compromising aesthetics.

International Short-Term Rental Safety Expert Justin Ford of Breezeway will provide insights into recent safety challenges and industry trends, offering practical guidance for ensuring properties meet the highest safety standards.

Terri-Leigh Huleis, founder of Found Home Co., will spotlight the growing impact of design in the short-term rental market. Through real-world examples, she will showcase how thoughtful, stylish design can elevate a property’s appeal while integrating guest safety features in a way that enhances—rather than detracts —from the guest experience.

Speakers: Justin Ford - Director of Short-Term Rental Safety & Certification Programs, Breezeway, Terri-Leigh Huleis - Founder, Found Home

Balancing growth and accountability: Navigating regulation and advocacy in the UK & Europe short stay sector

This session looks at what new regulations are shaping the industry, what they mean for us all and how we can work within them. The panel will also explore how we as a sector can advocate for the short stay community: who speaks up for us?

Host: Viktorija Molnar - Secretary General, European Holiday Home Association

Speakers: Charlie Reith - UK & Ireland Gov't Affairs, Expedia Group, Carl Thomson - Public Policy Manager, Airbnb, Ben Spier - Head of Regulation and Policy for Sykes Holiday Cottages and its 18 brands, Forest Holidays and UK Caravans 4 Hire, Fiona MacConnacher - Public Affairs Manager, Booking.com

Would you like fries with that? Upselling stays, services and shopping…

This session will explore strategies to boost revenue by upselling premium stays, services, and experiences, while fostering partnerships with local businesses to drive secondary spend. Attendees will learn how to create tailored packages, integrate community connections, and optimise margin management to enhance guest satisfaction and profitability in the vacation rental market.

Host: Madison Rifkin - CEO, Mount

Speakers: Laura Muse - Founder, Muse Escapes, Mike O’Connell - Founder, Happy Guest, Siddhi Mittal - Co-Founder, YHangry

The future of technology hosted by Richard Vaughton of Yes Consulting

The panel looks at what the future of technology means for PMS, owners and tech companies in the short stay sector. They’ll consider:
- how to get the best out of advanced tools such as smart home systems and IoT devices to enhance guest experiences while reducing operational costs;
- what the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technology means and how it will create new avenues for innovation;
- whether dynamic pricing actually works, attitudes and assumptions around what algorithms can deliver, and how revenue management can grow as operations do.

Our panel of industry commentators will consider how future technologies will reshape industry standards, foster more efficient operations and increased profitability, and the impact it might have on both guests and the sector’s workforce.

Host: Richard Vaughton - Yes Consulting

Speakers: Oliver Stern - Head of Sales, Wheelhouse, Axel Persson - Director of Solutions Engineering, Operto, Christopher Dillion - Head of Business Development, Avantio, Alberto Fernández - Regional Marketing Director, Lodgify

Revitalising coastal communities: Harnessing the power of short-term rentals

Coastal tourism can be a lifeline for seaside towns—creating jobs, attracting investment, and breathing new life into local economies. Yet short-term rentals often face backlash despite their potential to drive positive change. In this panel, discover how SMEs can collaborate with MPs, VisitBritain, and community stakeholders to position STRs as the future of seaside tourism. Learn strategies to balance community interests, share ideas and champion initiatives that help businesses in coastal communities thrive and flourish.

Host: Richard Toomer, Executive Director, Tourism Alliance

Speakers: Justine Ireland - Managing Director, Just for You Holiday Homes, Steve Taggert - Founder and Managing Director, My Getaways, Nadia Macer-Wright - Founder, Cornish Gems, Janet Uttley - Head of Industry Development, VisitEngland

Reign of the robots – is AI going to replace human connection?

With the rise of AI agents, are we at risk of losing the essence of hospitality - being truly hospitable? Join our panel of industry experts for an in-depth discussion on leveraging AI without sacrificing the heart of hospitality.

Host: Mark Simpson - Founder, Boostly

Speakers: Toivo Halvorsen - CEO, Dharma, Bart-Jan Leyts - CEO, Autorank, Shiven Vinod Khera - Co-Founder, Linkbase Technologies Inc

Living your brand: how creating and sustaining your brand and identity can help you grow your business with authenticity

A brand is far more than a logo—it's the essence of your organisation's identity and values. This session explores how to craft marketing and storytelling that align authentically with your brand and fosters deeper connections between your team and your customers. The expert panel will help you understand how adapting your brand or identity to different locations and cultural contexts can unlock new opportunities, and how a well-developed brand can provide a solid foundation for expanding into new markets with confidence and authenticity.

Host: Jessica Gillingham - Founder and CEO, Abode Worldwide

Speakers: Steffan Maagefelt - International Business Development Senior Manager, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Humphrey Bowles - CEO and Founder, Truvi, Rose Tipka - Founder and CEO, Your Family’s Place

Owner acquisition and retention - Are owners the forgotten community we need to look after?

As the lifeblood of the industry, what should we be doing to look after the owner community: what do they need from the sector and who should deliver this?
This expert panel considers the recruitment and retention of owners – the vital role they play in the sector, and the drivers that keep them there.

Host: James Varley - Founder and CEO, Holiday Cottage Handbook

Speakers: Jamie Miles - Founder and Managing Director, Anglesey Holiday Lettings, Lisa Roads - Founder, The Property Management Coach, Charlotte Owen - Group CFO, Forge Holiday Group

One session. Zero spend. A year’s worth of content…

Join Mark Simpson from Boostly as he shares 10 AI-powered marketing strategies with ready-to-use prompts to boost your direct bookings. He’ll explore how to optimise channels, craft social media posts, engage influencers, analyse competitors, and track metrics to drive results and boost bookings for your business in 2025. End the day strong with actionable tips you can use to save time, reduce costs and build content.

Host: Mark Simpson - Founder, Boostly