Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more,
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
Access
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
stay longer, and bring the whole family.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Promotions help you stand out, inspire urgency, and stay competitive; while keeping full control of your pricing strategy.
Promotions help you stand out, inspire urgency, and stay competitive; while keeping full control of your pricing strategy.
• Tap into demand across Expedia Group brands and our wider traveler network
• Tap into demand across Expedia Group brands and our wider traveler network
• Tap into demand across Expedia Group brands and our wider traveler network
• Tap into demand across Expedia Group brands and our wider traveler network
• Tap into demand across Expedia Group brands and our wider traveler network
• Tap into demand across Expedia Group brands and our wider traveler network
• Tap into demand across Expedia Group brands and our wider traveler network
Promotions help you stand out, inspire urgency, and stay competitive; while keeping full control of your pricing strategy.
Promotions help you stand out, inspire urgency, and stay competitive; while keeping full control of your pricing strategy.
Promotions help you stand out, inspire urgency, and stay competitive; while keeping full control of your pricing strategy.
Promotions help you stand out, inspire urgency, and stay competitive; while keeping full control of your pricing strategy.
Promotions help you stand out, inspire urgency, and stay competitive; while keeping full control of your pricing strategy.
With Promotions, you can:
With Promotions, you can:
• Seamlessly connect your existing booking software to simplify operations
• Seamlessly connect your existing booking software to simplify operations
• Seamlessly connect your existing booking software to simplify operations
• Seamlessly connect your existing booking software to simplify operations
• Seamlessly connect your existing booking software to simplify operations
• Unlock Premier Host status to build trust and stand out
• Seamlessly connect your existing booking software to simplify operations
• Unlock Premier Host status to build trust and stand out
• Seamlessly connect your existing booking software to simplify operations
• Unlock Premier Host status to build trust and stand out
• Unlock Premier Host status to build trust and stand out
• Unlock Premier Host status to build trust and stand out
• Unlock Premier Host status to build trust and stand out
• Unlock Premier Host status to build trust and stand out
With Promotions, you can:
With Promotions, you can:
With Promotions, you can:
With Promotions, you can:
• Boost visibility in search results
• Boost visibility in search results
With Promotions, you can:
• Unlock eye-catching badging
• Unlock eye-catching badging
• Boost visibility in search results
• Boost visibility in search results
• Boost visibility in search results
• Unlock eye-catching badging
• Unlock eye-catching badging
• Boost visibility in search results
• Boost visibility in search results
• Gain additional marketing exposure
• Gain additional marketing exposure
• Unlock eye-catching badging
• Unlock eye-catching badging
• Create and adjust offers in real time
• Gain additional marketing exposure
• Gain additional marketing exposure
• Unlock eye-catching badging
• Create and adjust offers in real time
• Gain additional marketing exposure
• Gain additional marketing exposure
• Gain additional marketing exposure
• Strategically balance base rates and discounts
• Create and adjust offers in real time
• Create and adjust offers in real time
• Create and adjust offers in real time
• Strategically balance base rates and discounts
• Strategically balance base rates and discounts
• Strategically balance base rates and discounts
• Create and adjust offers in real time
• Strategically balance base rates and discounts
• Strategically balance base rates and discounts
• Create and adjust offers in real time
• Strategically balance base rates and discounts
Find the right guests for you with Vrbo!
Find the right guests for you with Vrbo!
Find the right guests for you with Vrbo!
Find the right guests for you with Vrbo!
Find the right guests for you with Vrbo!
Find the right guests for you with Vrbo!
Find the right guests for you with Vrbo!
Thank
Silver Sponsors
Ruby Sponsors
The Short Stay Summit is an accredited sustainable event
Event Supporters
The conversations today will be as much about the people and places at the heart of this industry as they are about the economics.
On behalf of the Short-Term Accommodation Association, welcome to our conference, the 2026 Short Stay Summit.
Our theme this year is “Tourism Reimagined: A People-Led, Future-Focused Industry”. This reflects something we genuinely believe: that it’s the hosts, guests, communities, and partners who shape where this sector goes. Today’s programme is built around that idea, with keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions designed to spark real thinking and useful connections.
Community impact, technology, and building to last run through everything we’ve put together. The conversations today will be as much about the people and places at the heart of this industry as about the economics.
We’re delighted to welcome attendees from across Europe, the United States, and beyond. That breadth of perspective is genuinely valuable, so make the most of every conversation, including the ones between sessions.
There are easier years to be gathering as an industry than this one. Conflict in the Gulf is unsettling travel patterns across the globe, costs remain elevated, and regulatory pressure on short-term rental operators, our businesses, continues in most major markets. That makes the fact you’re here more meaningful, not less.
Thank you for being part of this. The Summit is a not-for-profit event; every penny made is used by the STAA to support our sector. The STAA team are all on site, meet them, join the STAA if you aren’t a member already and finally, thank you for being here. I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the day.
Graham Donoghue, Chair, STAA
Wayfinder Ground Floor
Wayfinder Mezzanine Floor
Main Stage Agenda (Ground Floor)
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE
09:00 - 09:45 Arrival and Networking
09:45 - 10:05 Welcome and keynote opening address
10:05 - 10:45 Looking beyond the headlines - defending the value of the short stay sector in Britain’s tourism economy. How strategic distribution protects communities, preserves heritage, and powers regional prosperity
As our sector faces unprecedented regulatory scrutiny, it’s time to shift the narrative from problem to solution. While Edinburgh grapples with 1.2 million guest nights in short-term lets in just one quarter and London absorbs 70% of international visitors, rural tourism accounts for 70-80% of all domestic UK tourism and contributes £14.56 billion to England and Wales’ economy. Drawing on evidence from across Europe and the UK’s emerging policy frameworks - from Scotland’s licensing regime to England’s forthcoming registration reforms - this session explores how professionally managed short-stay accommodation, properly distributed and thoughtfully regulated, represents one of the most powerful tools for inclusive, sustainable economic growth. The panel will discuss how to position our sector as essential partners in solving over-tourism through geographical and seasonal dispersal, while articulating our irreplaceable contribution to the regional economies, job creation, and preservation of rural and coastal communities that depend on tourism for survival.
10:45 - 11:00 Global Pulse 2026: The Short-Stay Accommodation Economy
A fast, data-first briefing from AirDNA on the macro and inventory forces shaping short-stay performance worldwide, giving context to UK performance.
SPEAKERS
Host: Andy Fenner, CEO, STAA
Speaker: Chris Webb, MP, Blackpool South and Chair, APPG for Hospitality and Tourism
Host: Joss Croft OBE, CEO, UKInbound Speakers: Andy Fenner, CEO, STAA Chris Webb, MP, Blackpool South and Chair, APPG for Hospitality and Tourism
Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair, UKHospitality
Luke Impett, Head of Public Affairs and Partnerships, Northern Europe, Airbnb
11:00 - 11:15
UK State of Play: Benchmarking Performance and Data Insight
• A dive into the latest UK market trends with Key Data.
• What shifts are we seeing in traveller behaviour? From channels to cancellations, length of stay and booking windows, Key Data will share the latest trends, as we examine the lessons from 2025 and look ahead to 2026.
11:15 - 11:45
Making sense of data and decoding the guest: pricing, operational and strategic responses to evolving trends
The panel will respond to the key questions posed by the global and uk-overview given by AirDNA and Key Data, looking at the implications for the sector, optimal responses and maximising revenue and cost-saving given the data insights. Contributors will consider what’s missing from our data picture and how to fill in the gaps, the implications of trends like shorter booking times and how to hold our nerve and hold prices in volatile markets.
11:45 – 12:00 Refreshment break
12:00 – 12:20 Open for Business: A pro-growth vision for UK tourism and the short stay sector
The short stay sector is one of Britain’s great economic assets — a driver of local jobs, community investment and inbound growth. But punishing tax rises, regulatory overreach and a government that treats hospitality as a cash cow rather than a growth engine are putting that at risk. Andrew Griffith sets out an alternative vision: a policy framework that backs short stay operators, unlocks the sector’s potential, and puts tourism at the heart of a serious plan for British prosperity.
12:20 – 13:00 Beyond borders – global opportunities for short term rental businesses
Growth in short-term rentals is no longer just about adding supply. It is about knowing where demand is heading, how guest expectations are changing, and which business models are best positioned to win across markets.
Bringing together perspectives from Trip.com, Airbnb, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, and UnderTheDoormat, this panel will explore where the biggest global opportunities now lie, how companies are adapting to shifting travel patterns, and what innovation, resilience, and local insight will matter most in the years ahead.
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
Host: Rohit Bezewada, CEO, AirDNA
Speaker: Martha Wilson, New Business Manager, AirDNA
Host: Sally Henry, VP of Business Development, Key Data
Host: Sally Henry, VP of Business Development, Key Data
Speakers: Maria Flores Portillo, CRO Beyond Pricing
Rohit Bezewada, CEO, AirDNA Vered Raviv-Schwarz, President and COO, Guesty Thibault Masson, Head of Product Marketing, PriceLabs
Host: Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Host: Emily Goldfischer, Editor in Chief and Founder, hertelier Speakers: Chris Stephenson, VP, Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy Merilee Karr, Founder and CEO, Under The Doormat Group
Lisa Marçais, General Manager for Northern Europe and MEA, Airbnb Bo Xian Ye, VP Alternative Accommodation, Trip.com
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE
14:00 – 14:35 Beyond booking: Reimagining the future of flexible living
Mixed-use developments, co-living, Branded Residences and the evolution of how we define our sector
As flex lets, co-living spaces, and hotels with Branded Residences all grow in popularity and hybrid models blur traditional boundaries, the short-term rental sector faces fundamental questions about its identity – are we hospitality, real estate, or something entirely new? This session explores the forces reshaping our industry’s edges and expanding its possibilities, examining emerging models, new asset classes, and investment opportunities. We’ll trace how far the sector has come—from holiday cottages to a sophisticated ecosystem, and look ahead to what will define its future, exploring how developers are designing for flexibility, what this means for short term rental businesses, and how we ensure we’re positioned to shape the next chapter rather than simply react to it.
14:35 - 15:10 Inside the platforms: Exclusive insights from OTA leadership Product roadmaps, strategic priorities, and what’s coming from Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo
15:10 – 15:45 Fireside chat and LIVE podcast recording Hospitality, Elevated: Where technology and Human Connection Work Together
With 82% of short-term rental guests now comparing hotels with short stay accommodation rentals when planning trips, the pressure is on to evolve whilst maintaining authenticity. This session seeks to map the future of hospitality across four essential pillars: standardisation, technology and AI, operational excellence, and human connection. Our panellists will explore how these pillars work in concert to elevate the entire guest journey, using innovation not as an end in itself but as a means to empower hosts to deliver the memorable, personal experiences that define exceptional hospitality.
15:45 - 16:20 The Next Frontier: A deep dive on AI strategy for short-stay accommodation innovation AI is becoming one of the most critical drivers of operational efficiency and revenue growth in the short-stay accommodation industry today. This session brings together the pioneers in the business who are implementing cutting-edge AI strategies for an unfiltered discussion on how they are moving beyond theory to deliver measurable results. The panel will unpack the fascinating strategy, execution, and ROI of groundbreaking AI initiatives; from out-of-the-box experimentation and team buy-in, to optimisation and hyper-personalised guest experiences. This session is essential for executives, property managers, and owners looking to drive success by embracing the technological innovation that is reshaping the future of short-term accommodation.
16:20 - 16:55 To sell or not to sell, that is the question...
Strategic choices for property managers: business model evolution, M&A dynamics, and pathways to sustainable growth
Every property management business eventually confronts the growth question: do we scale beyond where we are now, and if so, how? This session brings together founders and leaders who’ve successfully navigated these strategic crossroads to examine the business models actually working today, from positioning as operator versus platform, pursuing mergers or acquisitions, balancing direct booking ambitions with OTA realities, to exploring adjacent segments like corporate housing.
Whether you’re a single-property owner contemplating expansion or a mid-sized operator planning your next phase, you’ll gain frameworks, cautionary tales, and success principles from those who’ve made the difficult decisions and invested in growth infrastructure – or the insight to recognise when staying focused and thriving at your current scale is the smartest move of all.
16:55 - 17:00 STAA Closing Remarks
SPEAKERS
Host: Jessica Gillingham, Founder and CEO, Abode Worldwide
Speakers: Maxime Leufroy-Murat, Founder and CEO City Relay / Opago / Leufroy Rebekah Tobias, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Propela Ventures
Host: Graham Donoghue, Group Chief Executive Officer, Forge Holiday Group
Speakers: James Cassidy, Senior Director, Partner Success Vacation Rentals, EMEA at Expedia Group
Jordi Suarez Cambra, Director, Homes Supply, EMEA, Airbnb
Matina Keramida, Head of Product Marketing, Vacation Rentals and Families, Booking.com
Hosts: Annie Holcombe, Founder, Chief STRategist, The Real Women of Vacation Rentals
Alex Husner, VP of Marketing, The Real Women of Vacation Rentals
Speaker: Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rentals Partnerships, Expedia Group
Host: Kate Cox, CMO, Guesty Speakers: Graham Donoghue, Group Chief Executive Officer, Forge Holiday Group Steve Schwab, CEO, Casago/Vacasa
Host: Simon Lehmann, CEO and Co-Founder, AJL Atelier
Speakers: Alexander Limpert, Founder and CEO, GuestReady
Jennifer Day, Chief Growth Officer, Awaze
Constantin Schroeder, Co-Founder and CEO, Arbio
Christian Schwarz Lausten, CEO, Landfolk
Learning Labs Stage Agenda (Ground Floor)
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE
08:30 - 09:45 Power Up: Women in STR Roundtable
Join us for an empowering networking and mentoring session designed to connect women leaders and allies in the short-term rental industry. This interactive roundtable will provide a space to share challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from peers who are driving change in travel and hospitality. Whether you’re looking to build your network, gain fresh perspectives, or explore strategies for leadership growth, this is your opportunity to power up and be part of a supportive community shaping the future of STR.
09:45 - 10:10 Welcome and keynote opening address (Main Stage)
10:00 - 10:45 Getting your business on the GDS – a practical guide to Global Distribution Systems – Unlock worldwide travel agency access and transform your booking potential
10:45 - 11:30 If your property was inspected today, would you still host tonight?
A hands-on working session to identify real safety gaps in short-stay properties - and fix the ones that matter most. Safety failures in short-term rentals are rarely hidden — they’re overlooked. In this interactive Learning Lab, participants will work through real short-stay property scenarios to identify the safety issues that most often lead to guest injuries, incidents, and legal exposure. Attendees will leave with a practical, inspection-driven framework they can immediately apply to improve safety across their own portfolios. The session begins with a short scene-setting presentation highlighting real incidents, inspection findings, and recurring safety failures seen across thousands of short-term rentals. Participants will then work in small table groups using provided laptops to review safety scenarios, compare approaches, and discuss how they would identify, prioritise, and address risks in their own operations. The session closes with shared takeaways and practical next steps.
What you’ll learn in this session:
• The most common safety failures found in short-term rentals — and why they’re so often missed.
• How to think like a safety inspector, not just a host or operator
• Which safety issues should trigger immediate action, not “fix it later”
• How to create a repeatable, defensible safety process that teams can follow consistently
RECOMMENDED FOR DELIVERED BY
Invite only. Delivered by: WELL (Women at Expedia Lead and Learn), in collaboration with Women in Short Term Rentals, Women in Travel THRIVE and Yhangry
Property owners and managers.
• Property owners and managers.
• Short-stay hosts and property managers
• Operations and portfolio managers.
• Trust, safety, and compliance leads
• Anyone responsible for guest safety, inspections, or incident prevention.
Host: Robin Clifford, Director of Sales EMEA, Guesty Speaker: James Brown, Head of Commercials and Partnerships, Trusted Stays
Host: Justin Ford, Director of Safety & Certification Programs at Breezeway, International Vacation Rental Safety Expert
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE RECOMMENDED FOR DELIVERED BY
11:30 - 12:15 Watch this space… extra session to be announced today!
12:15 - 13:00 Proven Playbook to grow inventory: Learn an actionable method to find and win new clients
You will walk out of the workshop with 10 high-quality leads for you to go win a signed contract; we will walk through the tactical step-by-step approach to get there:
• Learn how to find high-quality property leads
• Learn how to accurately forecast their revenue
• Learn how to win homeowners using data
13:00 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 14:00 Turning flexibility into revenue: How cancellations can drive growth
Guests now expect hotel-style flexible cancellation, yet many operators still see it as a costly risk. This session shows how flexibility can be re-engineered as a paid addon that boosts conversion, generates revenue, and builds owner confidence. Drawing on work with leading shortterm rental operators, Louise Birritteri, CEO of Pikl, explains how to price and package cancellation options, identify the real revenue risk, and use insurance-enabled models to protect income. The focus is practical and commercial: replacing refunds and goodwill gestures with a clearly priced, profitable flexibility model.
Key takeaways
• How to measure the real P&L impact of cancellations
• Proven paid-flexibility models guests will accept
• Using protection and guarantees to safeguard income
• Positioning flexible cancellation to owners as a growth driver
• Real examples of increased booking value and loyalty
Agenda continued overleaf...
• Announced today
Property managers looking to grow their portfolio.
Host: Martha Wilson, New Business Manager, AirDNA
Property managers, OTAs and PMS providers. Host: Louise Birritteri, CEO, Pikl
Learning Labs Stage Agenda (Ground Floor)
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE
14:00 - 15:00 How I Run 70+ holiday rentals at 95% Occupancy and 100% remote using tech & teams
Build or optimize a scalable, hands off short-stay rental business using the exact systems, software, and remote teams that power a 70+ property portfolio.
Running a growing short-stay rental portfolio doesn’t have to mean being on call 24/7 or tied to one location. In this highly interactive Learning Lab, you’ll get a behind the scenes breakdown of the complete tech stack and remote team structure used to operate 70+ properties entirely remotely. From property management systems and pricing tools to CRMs and AI employee training softwares, you’ll see how the right technology paired with the right people creates scale, consistency, and freedom.
This session goes beyond theory. After walking through each component of my tech stack, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with the partners themselves. Attendees will rotate into focused discussions with the vendors they’re most interested in, making this a hands-on, collaborative session designed to help you leave with clarity, confidence, and a roadmap you can implement immediately.
What you’ll learn:
• The full tech stack required to manage and scale a shortterm rental portfolio remotely. Including PMS, pricing tools, CRMs, AI training platforms and how they all work together.
• How to hire, train, and retain a high-performing remote team that runs 100% of operations without constant owner involvement.
• Practical workflows and systems that reduce owner workload while improving guest experience and operational efficiency.
• How to evaluate, select, and implement the right technology partners for your business with direct access to vendors for real-time questions and insights.
RECOMMENDED FOR DELIVERED BY
This session is designed for short-stay rental property owners, operators, and managers who want to scale their businesses without scaling their stress. It’s ideal for hosts managing multiple properties, operators looking to systemise and go remote, and anyone serious about leveraging technology and teams to build a sustainable, hands-off short-stay rental business.
15:00 – 16:00
Scaling your STR business to 150 units by becoming the go-to expert in your market - Learn how to position yourself as the leading operator in your local market so homeowners reach out to you directly In this session, Patryk will share the strategies he used on his journey to scaling to 150 units, including how he established himself as the go-to expert that homeowners actively seek out. He’ll lead interactive workshop activities where you’ll practise applying thought leadership principles and demonstrating expertise within your own local markets. You’ll leave with actionable tactics you can implement immediately to start attracting inbound enquiries.
You’ll gain:
• Battle-tested strategies for growing your management company’s inventory through inbound leads.
• Practical methods for establishing yourself as the go-to expert in your market.
• Hands-on techniques to position yourself as a local market authority and attract homeowners proactively.
• Real-world examples of how to demonstrate thought leadership that converts into new business.
Property managers and hosts looking to grow their portfolios through inbound lead generation rather than outbound prospecting.
Host: Hailie Maarie, Founder and CEO, CMH BNB
Host: Patryk Swietek, Owner, The Cohost Company
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE
16:00 – 17:00 Build Your AI Operating System
Build a system that generates bookings and saves hours every week
Most people use AI in short bursts. They ask questions, copy answers, and move on. The result is generic output, more noise, and no real impact on the business. In this Learning Lab, Mark Simpson will break down his actual AI tech stack and show you how to turn it into a single, working system that supports bookings, guest communication, and day-to-day operations.
This is not a tools overview or a prompt dump. You’ll learn how to connect prompts, projects, and workflows so AI understands your business, works in your voice, and produces consistent outputs you can reuse every day.
You’ll build this system live during the session. By the end, you’ll have a practical setup you can immediately use to reduce admin, improve consistency, and save hours every week while supporting more bookings. This lab is designed for operators who want AI to do real work inside the business, not become another experiment or distraction.
What you’ll learn:
• How to create a Master Prompt and System Prompt so AI understands your business and responds in your voice
• How to organise ChatGPT Projects so you stop repeating yourself and can run ongoing work streams (pricing, comms, marketing, ops) in one place
• How to use Canvas to refine outputs properly (emails, SOPs, guest comms) and then turn the final version into a reusable System Prompt
• How to set Custom Instructions and build Custom GPTs so repeatable tasks become one click outputs
16:55 - 17:00 STAA Closing Remarks (Main Stage)
RECOMMENDED FOR DELIVERED BY
• Hosts and operators who are busy and want AI to remove admin, not add another tool to learn.
• Property managers who want to increase output without adding headcount.
• Anyone responsible for guest comms, ops, or marketing who wants a repeatable setup, not random prompting.
• People who have tried ChatGPT and felt the results were generic, inconsistent, or unreliable.
Host: Mark Simpson, Founder, Boostly
Workshop Talks Stage Agenda (Mezzanine Floor)
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE
09:45 - 10:10
10:10 - 10:45
Welcome and keynote opening address (Main Stage)
How to build a brand and identity that unites your team and wins guest loyalty Identity and brand are more than logos; they are the foundation that aligns your internal team and tells guests who you are. This practical session explores how to establish a clear brand identity and communicate it consistently across every channel to drive bookings, build guest loyalty, and create a cohesive organisation.
Discover how leading property managers and hosts have developed distinctive brand positioning, visual identity, and messaging that resonates with their target market, and learn how they’ve adapted that brand across OTAs, direct booking channels, and partnerships with local DMOs. Our panellists will consider establishing your brand identity, communicating consistently across channels,choosing your channel strategy and converting brand recognition into revenue.
Whether you’re a solo host building from scratch, a growing property manager scaling up, or an established operator refining your position, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to stand out in a crowded market and build a brand that works as hard as you do
10:45 - 11:20 How to survive the realities of hosting Property management uncensored: Join seasoned short-stay business-owners as they share their uncensored view on the state of hosting in 2026
The session will explore some of the tough questions owners have to askand how they have arrived at a solution. The panel will look at everything from balancing channel strategies and discovering practical strategies for offsetting rising operating costs to building reliable, long-term cleaning and maintenance teams in today’s competitive labour market. This is your reality check: unfiltered challenges, proven solutions, and the actionable strategies you need to stop playing host and start running a scalable and profitable business. If you want to survive and scale in 2026, you need to hear this.
11:20 - 11:45 How to supercharge your productivity and elevate your customer service using AI - without losing the personal touch
Most of us only really know about ChatGPT, but there are numerous applications available that can be easily implemented into your daily workflow to maximise efficiency. The panel will look at their pick of AI- tools - ones that are straightforward to bring into your business yet have a big impact. They’ll also consider how to implement AI-powered customer service systems that respond instantly to common queries, escalate complex issues appropriately, and free up ‘human teams’ to focus on creating memorable guest experiences.
11:45 - 12:20 How to sleep better at night by optimising property operations and management
What are the fundamentals of operations that mean you’ll have happy customers - and smooth sailing? What is a customers’ definition of good service, and how do you deliver on it? The panel will examine how to use customer insights to drive planning for your operations and management systems, ensuring you can protect - and grow- your reputation and bookings with systematic approaches to quality control and problem resolution.
12:20 - 12:55 How to elevate guest experiences while building secondary revenue streams
This panel looks at how property managers and owners can transform their properties from accommodation providers into memorable experience destinations that command premium rates and generate additional income. Delegates will learn how to design value-added services, implement technology that enhances satisfaction, and create touchpoints that turn satisfied customers into enthusiastic advocates.
SPEAKERS
Host: Steve Taggert, Founder and Managing Director, My Getaways
Speakers: Nick Taylor, Managing Director, Nox Cape Town
Amber Erickson-Hurdle, Brand Strategist & Professional Keynote Speaker, Amber Hurdle Consulting, Anna Calder Urquhart Morris, Co-Founder and MD, Adore Scotland
Host: James Varley, Founder and CEO, Host Planet
Speakers: Jamie Miles, Owner and Managing Director, Anglesey Holiday Lettings
Margaret Murphy, Director, Boss Places and Airbnb community ambassador
Germaine Mason, Franchisee and Host Success Lead, Pass the Keys
Speakers: Aga Sudek, Director of International Sales, Breezeway
Chris Rule, VP Customer Experience, Turno
Stephanie Flint, Director and Business Owner, Rural Stays and Rural Cleans
Yorkshire
Host: Laura Muse, The Upsell Queen and Director, Muse Escapes
Speakers: Rose Tipka, Founder and CEO, Your Family’s Place
Charlotte Maxwell, Director and Co-Founder, Glo Pamper Ltd
Nicholas Bozorg, Co-Founder, Replenico (formerly Airlinen)
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE SPEAKERS
13:00 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 14:00 Tax to the max!
Proven strategies for maximising tax efficiency and retaining more of your profits during a period of significant regulatory change.
The panel will share essential insights into the full implementation of Budget 2025’s property income tax increases, which will see rental income taxed at separate, higher rates from April 2027, a fundamental shift affecting how short-term let owners calculate and manage their tax obligations. Attendees will also learn about the critical window remaining to claim Capital Allowances and benefit from any unclaimed historical allowances on property purchases, refurbishments, and embedded fixtures. Whether you’re looking to optimise your current tax position or recover missed allowances before time runs out, this session will equip you with practical, actionable knowledge to mitigate tax impacts and strengthen your business’s financial resilience.
14:00 - 15:00 How to navigate the UK regulatory landscape in 2026... Panel session followed by Ask the Expert open questions
The regulatory environment for short-stay accommodation in the UK has undergone significant transformation, and property managers and owners must now navigate a complex web of requirements to remain compliant and competitive. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the critical regulatory frameworks affecting your business in 2026, including:
• the proposed and existing registration and licensing schemes across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland;
• the evolving tourism tax landscape;
• how to comply with new consumer protection regulations around fake and misleading reviews
• the emerging sustainability standards that will reshape guest expectations and legal requirements.
Whether you’re managing a single property or a portfolio, this session will equip you with the practical knowledge to stay ahead of regulations and properly comply to emerging standards.
15:00 - 15:35 How to protect your revenue from fraud and financial loss Identity verification, guest screening, and chargeback defence strategies
This session will help delegates learn to implement robust identity verification and guest screening systems that catch fraudulent bookings before they cost them money. The session will cover recognising suspicious booking patterns, selecting the right screening technology, managing chargeback disputes effectively, and ensuring businesses have proper insurance coverage. The aim of the session is for you as delegates to learn practical protocols that protect your revenue while maintaining a smooth booking experience for legitimate guests.
Host: Matt Jeffery, MD & Tax Partner, Zeal Tax
15:35 - 16:10
How to thrive in suppressed market conditions and extend your booking window - Smart strategies for pricing, growth, and sustainable success
When occupancy alone no longer tells the full story of your property’s success, it’s time to look deeper. This panel brings together industry experts to explore the sophisticated revenue management approaches that separate thriving properties from those merely surviving. Whether you’re managing a single property or a growing portfolio, this session will equip you with practical frameworks for making smarter pricing decisions, understanding your true profitability, and strategically expanding your business.
16:10 - 16:45 How to build a connected property management tech stack
Eliminate data silos and manual work by integrating the right systems for your operation- a session examining the essential technology decisions that create operational efficiency such as evaluating and selecting a PMS that matches property count and growth trajectory, understanding feature trade-offs and pricing structures, and configuring channel managers to distribute inventory across OTAs without overselling. The panel will also advise on how to audit current technology investments to identify redundant functionality, find critical gaps, and rationalize your tech stack for maximum efficiency at minimum cost.
Host: Mitch Price, Executive Director, Short Term Rentals Asia
Speakers: Carl Thomson, Public Policy Manager, Airbnb
Charlie Reith, Government Affairs at Expedia Group, UK, Ireland and the Nordics
Rick Wild, Corporate Strategy Consultant, Travel Chapter
Fiona MacConnacher, Head of Public Affairs, UK and Ireland, Booking.com
Host: Priya Khaira, Editor, Short Term Rentalz
Speakers: Humphrey Bowles, CEO and Founder, Truvi
Derek Jones, VP Sales and Partnerships, Hospitable
Thomas Tewolde, CEO / Founder, Charge Automation
Host: Jessica Gillingham, Founder and CEO, Abode Worldwide
Speakers: Oliver Stern, Head of EMEA, Wheelhouse
James Fothergill, Director of Revenue Management, Forge Holiday Group
Sally Henry, VP of Business Development, Key Data
Host: Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder, Hostfully
Speakers: Adam Buckmaster, Director, Product Marketing and Strategic Solutions, Eviivo
Oreste Fischetti, Area Sales Director, South Mediterranean Countries, Avantio
Maria Lopez, Vice President of Product, Hostaway
16:55 - 17:00
STAA Closing Remarks (Main Stage)
CEO Round Table Sessions
TIME SESSION TITLE AND TOPIC OUTLINE HOSTS
09:00 – 10:30 Abode Worldwide’s leadership breakfast Invite Only
09:45 – 10:10 Welcome and keynote opening address (Main Stage)
10:30 – 11:30 Booking.com Invite Only
12:00 – 13:45 Vrbo working lunch Invite Only
14:00 – 15:00 Mergers and Acquisitions
Whether you’re thinking about scaling, selling, or simply building a stronger business join this round table session to ask your questions.
16:55 - 17:00 STAA Closing Remarks (Main Stage)
Host: Abode Worldwide
Host: Booking.com
Host: Vrbo
Host: Simon Lehmann, Founder & CEO, AJL. www.ajlatelier.com
EVENT NOTICE BOARD
Hydration Stations
Tables with water and snacks available around the venue.
Sponsored by
Sign-up for a LiBi Collection account onsite and win a prize. Special discount codes for owners on their first orders.
Breezeway was built to make it easier and smarter.
We’ve powered over 75M tasks— streamlining departure cleans, inspections, maintenance, and guest communication. With smart scheduling, real-time updates, and detailed checklists, teams get the job done right.
vip@breezeway.io 857.600.2799
The industry standard for performance visibility.
Key Data gives professional property managers a clear view of how they’re really performing.
Built on verified, first-party PMS data. Not scraped estimates. Not guesses.
See true revenue, real occupancy, and defensible benchmarks so you can price with confidence, retain owners, and stay ahead of your market.
Short Stay Summit attendees
For a limited time, receive a free performance report of the UK market. See exactly how your portfolio compares to the competition.
When others estimate, we verify.
Claim your UK market report. keydatadashboard.com
The STAA is the UK wide trade body for the short-term rental industry. We are working for your business at the highest levels of government to ensure your business is heard. We are helping to shape fair, communityfriendly legislation that opens new markets and supports growth.
Advocacy: We champion your interests with policymakers and regulators.
Industry Advice: Stay informed on the latest regulations, trends, and best practices.
Leading Industry Events: Our flagship Short Stay Summit brings the community together to learn, network, and innovate.
Leading the STR Sector: We drive initiatives that expand opportunities and promote responsible short-term rentals.
Join STAA to stay connected, informed, and help shape the future of the UK’s short-term rental industry.
event
www.ukstaa.org | enquiries@ukstaa.org
visitenglandassessmentservices.com/join
Visit Tees Valley/Michael Lazenby
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more,
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
Access
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
Access a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
a world of valuable guests and grow your vacation rental business by welcoming guests who spend more, stay longer, and bring the whole family.
stay longer, and bring the whole family.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
When you list your property on Vrbo, you can attract whole families or groups that care about who they’re with as much as where they go. They get quality time; you get quality guests.
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Turn real-time demand into more bookings with Vrbo Promotions
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
Vrbo sets a higher standard for partnership by combining high-quality guests, global distribution, and meaningful support to help you grow with confidence.
