STRive to Thrive: STR Connected; The Room Where It Happens!

“The STR community gathers here - don't miss out"

🎟️ Get Your Tickets Now - Last Year Sold Out 🎟️

We are excited to welcome you to the fourth edition of STRive to Thrive, the ultimate event for short-term rental hosts, owners, and managers in Australia.

Join us on March 11th & 12th, 2026, in Melbourne for two days of immersive learning, bold conversations, and community connection.

This year, we’re revealing all, pulling back the curtain on the real strategies, struggles, and wins in STR. Expect unfiltered insights, practical takeaways, and connections that will change your business.

Don't miss out! #illseeyouatSTRive

What STRIVE Is Really About

Across two days, you’ll hear from some of the most respected voices in the short-term rental industry, sharing real stories, proven strategies, and practical tools you can put into action immediately. Whether you’re looking to grow, optimise, or prepare for your next big move, every session is designed to give you tangible value.

The Topics That Matter Most (Because You Told Us)

Guest Demands & Review Culture understanding modern travellers, managing expectations, and building a rock-solid reputation.
Tech & AI the latest tools, automation strategies, and innovations shaping the STR landscape.
Profit & Revenue practical tactics to increase margins, optimise pricing, and boost profitability.
Exit Strategies building long-term value and preparing for a profitable sale or succession.
Scaling how to grow your STR business without losing quality or control.
Staffing & Labour attracting, retaining, and leading the right people for your operations.
Multi-Channel Strategy (beyond Airbnb) diversifying platforms to build resilience and reach more guests.
And much, much more!

But STRive is more than what happens on stage. It’s about the people you meet, the conversations you have, and the opportunities that come from being in the room. From structured networking to spontaneous meetups, you’ll connect with operators, managers, and suppliers who understand your world and can help you take your business further.

When the learning wraps up for the day, we turn up the atmosphere. Our evening events, including the celebration dinner and afterparty, are legendary for bringing the STR community together in style.

TICKET OPTIONS (MASTERCLASS, MAIN EVENT, OR BOTH DAYS):

MASTERCLASS TICKET | Day 1: Masterclass Day – Action & Implementation - 11th March 2026

Kick off STRIVE with an intensive, high-energy day designed for operators who want to roll up their sleeves and get things done. The Masterclass is all about practical, results-driven learning. You’ll take part in targeted workshops, tackle real business challenges, and develop strategies you can put into play the moment you get home. With direct access to industry experts and the chance to collaborate in small groups, this is where ideas turn into action.

Session 1 – The strategies behind high-converting listings: Winning the OTA Game (Sean Rakidzich)

This session breaks down what actually drives OTA performance today.

Sean dives into visibility, conversion, and revenue, showing how high-performing operators win without racing to the bottom on price. You’ll leave with clear, practical strategies to optimise listings and compete more effectively in crowded markets.

Session 2 – What’s working inside real STR businesses right now: STRIVE Applied – Knowledge-Sharing Workshops

This is where insight turns into action.

STRIVE APPLIED is a series of collaborative, expert-facilitated workshops designed to surface what’s actually working inside real STR businesses today. You’ll take part in three 30-minute workshops, each focused on open discussion, shared experience, and practical problem-solving. No presentations. No sales pitches.

Workshop themes:

Technology – What’s delivering value and what’s been abandoned (Tim Mortimer)
Revenue Management – Practical pricing moves that have moved the needle (Steve Schwab)
Marketing & Sales – What’s converting today and what’s stopped working (Julie George)

You’ll leave with ideas you can pressure-test immediately and clarity on where to focus next.

Session 3 – Turning a good STR business into a scalable, valuable asset: Build to Sell (Billy Crock, Hometime)

This session is for operators thinking beyond day-to-day operations.

Billy takes you inside the structure of a scalable STR business, covering roles, responsibilities, margins, P&Ls, risk, and how value is assessed as businesses grow or prepare for sale.

It’s a practical, numbers-driven look at what separates a business that simply operates from one that’s intentionally built to scale or exit.

MAIN EVENT TICKET | Day 2: The Main Event Day – Connection & Insight 12th March 2026 (optional dinner & entertainment)

Day 2 is where the full STRIVE community comes together.

This is a high-impact day focused on insight, perspective, and real-world decision-making. You’ll hear from leading operators, founders, and strategists sharing what’s working now, what’s changing fast, and how they’re thinking about growth, margins, technology, and long-term value.

Expect honest conversations, practical takeaways, and connections that extend well beyond the event.

Session 1 – Turning insights into income: Pricing for Success (Roman Solyanyk)

A practical look at pricing strategies that directly impact revenue, profitability, and long-term performance.

Session 2 – Structuring a 25%+ margin STR business: Behind the Scenes (Lisa Peterson, Georgia McAleer)

A real-world breakdown of how high-margin STR businesses are structured, from operations and teams to systems and decision-making.

Session 3 – What the best operators do differently: The Guest Experience Blueprint (Mark Hodge, Sarah Clark, Georgia Smith, moderated by Antoinette Guerrerra)

Guest experience as a revenue strategy, not a feel-good concept.

Session 4 – Tools, frameworks, and the future: The AI-Powered STR Business (Chavdar Marinov, Sam Steel, moderated by Dan de Witte)

A grounded discussion on how AI and automation are actually being used in live STR businesses today.

Session 5 – How to build and scale an STR portfolio: Winning Owners (Tom Ormerod, Pete Smith, Sean Rakidzich, Chris de Closey, Craig McIntosh)

How leading operators are winning owners, scaling portfolios, and building long-term value.

Session 6 – Why understanding your guest is a revenue strategy: The Game Changer (Daniel Rouquette)

A fresh perspective on guest insight as a driver of performance and profitability.

Session 7 – Lessons from building to 40,000 properties: The 5 Breakpoints of Scale (Steve Schwab)

What breaks, what changes, and what matters as STR businesses scale.

Session 8 – Scale, structure & where the industry is heading: The Titans Panel (Billy Crock, Quirin Schwaighofer, Will Creedon, Steve Schwab)

A big-picture conversation on the future of the STR industry.

Session 9 – What were your biggest mistakes and what can we learn: The Confession Wall (Lauren Heys, Chris de Closey)

A STRIVE favourite. Honest lessons, hard truths, and practical takeaways.

STRIVE STR Awards | Celebration Dinner & Afterparty (optional depending on ticket)

Day 2 concludes with the STRIVE celebration dinner and afterparty, where the community comes together to recognise excellence, connect outside the sessions, and celebrate the people and businesses pushing the industry forward.

VIP TICKET | The Full STRIVE Experience - Day 1 & 2; 11 & 12 March 2026

The VIP Ticket gives you everything. You’ll kick off with Day 1’s high-energy Masterclass, where you’ll roll up your sleeves, join targeted workshops, and work directly with experts to tackle the challenges in your business. Then, on Day 2, you’ll step into Australia’s largest gathering of STR professionals for the Main Event, packed with bold conversations, leading suppliers, and the insights shaping our industry. (Optional) Your VIP experience can include your seat at the STRIVE Awards Celebration Dinner and Afterparty, where the community comes together to connect, celebrate, and raise a glass to success. It’s the complete STRIVE journey from start to finish.

Join us for one day or both, but whichever you choose, make sure you are in the room.

What to Expect:

Engaging Sessions covering the latest in industry trends, marketing, guest experience, technology, and more.
Expert Speakers sharing real-world insights and strategies from across the STR landscape.
Sponsor Showcase featuring leading tech providers, service partners, and suppliers driving innovation in the industry.
Networking Opportunities to connect with hosts and managers from across Australia, from single-property owners to large operators.
Delicious Lunch crafted by top culinary talent to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
Coffee and Afternoon Tea to recharge and keep the conversations flowing.
The STRIVE STR Awards celebrate the people, businesses, and innovations making a difference in our industry. (optional)

Book both days - or pick the one that you want to go to. You choose

Join us for the full STRive experience, the VIP Masterclass ACTION Day and the Main Event, for two days packed with learning, connection, and celebration. Dive into every corner of the STR industry, gain insights from leading experts, build valuable relationships, and enjoy the moments that make this event unforgettable.

Location: Melbourne, Australia (Welcome to Thornbury)

Tickets: Choose to attend either day or secure both for the ultimate STRIVE experience. Space is limited and last year’s event sold out, so book early to avoid missing out.

Tickets & Pricing

STRIVE 2026 tickets are released in stages. The earlier you book, the more you save:

Pre-Release Tickets: Exclusive early-access pricing, strictly limited in number. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Early Bird Tickets: Available from 29 September 2025, discounted rates for those who lock in early (also limited).
General Release Tickets: Standard pricing kicks in from 1 December 2025.
Last Minute Tickets: For late bookers from 2 March 2026 - subject to availability at premium pricing.

(*Ticket prices are listed in AUD and apply at the time of purchase. Prices may increase or decrease at STRIVE’s discretion. Availability is limited at each stage, and once sold out the next pricing tier will automatically apply. Programme, prices, inclusions, venue, and dates are subject to change without notice.)

Full details and registration: https://striveconference.com

FAQs

When and where is the event taking place?
Date: March 11-12th 2026

Where is STRIVE Melbourne 2026 being held?

STRIVE Melbourne 2026 will be held at Welcome to Thornbury, one of Melbourne’s most iconic live event venues.

Address:
859 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071, Australia

The venue is easily accessible by tram, train, ride-share, and car, and is well known for hosting large-scale conferences, live events, and community gatherings.

Is there an official accommodation partner for STRIVE Melbourne 2026?

Yes. STRIVE has an official accommodation partner, Novotel Melbourne Preston, offering exclusive discounted rates for STRIVE attendees.

Novotel Melbourne Preston is located in Melbourne’s inner north, a short drive or tram ride from Welcome to Thornbury. The hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, a fitness centre, and convenient access to both the venue and Melbourne’s CBD.

Exclusive STRIVE rates (Early Bird – book prior to 11 March 2026):

Standard Double Room
$185.00 per room, per night (room only)
Maximum 2 people – 1 double bed
Deluxe Queen Room
$205.00 per room, per night (room only)
Maximum 2 people – 1 queen bed

All rates are in AUD, per room, per night, and include GST.

BOOK YOUR STAY HERE!

What is the purpose of STRive to Thrive - Melbourne Edition?

STRive to Thrive is an event designed to empower short-term rental owners and property managers with valuable insights, tools, and strategies to thrive in the competitive market.

Who should attend this event?

This event is perfect for short-term rental proprietors, owners, and managers of all sizes who want to enhance their business and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

I haven't started yet, should I attend?

Although the event is not a masterclass on how to get started, there will be a huge amount of information provided which will get you going. You will also be networking with some of Australia's leaders in the field.

Will there be expert speakers at the event?

Yes! We have renowned industry experts lined up to share their knowledge and experiences with attendees. Stay tuned for updates on our speaker lineup.

What topics will be covered during the sessions?

The sessions will cover a range of topics including industry trends, marketing strategies, guest experience, property management, and technology advancements.

Is there an opportunity for networking?

Absolutely! STRive to Thrive provides ample networking opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow professionals, build relationships, and share insights.

Will there be a celebration dinner?

Yes, there will be a celebration dinner where attendees can enjoy delicious food and raise a toast to their achievements in the industry.

How can I register for the event?

Registration can be done online through our registration link. Secure your spot early as space is limited.

What is the refund policy if I can’t attend?

Full refund: Up to 30 days before the event (minus processing fees)
50% refund: 8–30 days before (minus fees)
No refund: Within 7 days of the event

Can I split my ticket?
If you have bought a 2-day ticket, you cannot split this across multiple people. Tickets are issued to a single attendee and cannot be shared, transferred, or used by multiple people across different parts of the event (including sessions, networking events, or dinner).

Will the event cover platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia?
Yes! STRIVE to Thrive dives into strategies for succeeding across all major OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) including Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia, Agoda, and Trip.com. Sessions will explore how to optimise listings, manage multi-channel distribution, and boost direct bookings alongside your OTA strategy.

Is STRIVE only for Australian hosts?
No. While STRIVE Melbourne 2026 focuses on Australia, the strategies and speakers provide global relevance. We also welcome international attendees.

Contact the host of STRIVE to Thrive Australia 2026: The Short-Term Rental Summit (Melbourne)