STRz Summit 2026

Agenda

• 8:45 am - 9:45 am

  Breakfast and networking

  A great opportunity to widen business contacts over a light breakfast.

• 9:45 am - 10:00 am

  Opening remarks

  An introduction to the day's themes, setting the tone for insights, challenges, and opportunities ahead.

• 10:00 am - 10:30 am

  The State of the Short-Term Rental Market: Data, Demand and Direction

  A data-led opening setting the tone for the day, with an industry leading analyst unpacking the current state of the global STR market. This provides a clear, evidence-based view of where the sector stands today and where it is heading next.

• 10:30 am - 11:00 am

  The Bigger Picture: How Geopolitics Is Reshaping Global STR Investment

  Global uncertainty is redefining travel behaviour, capital flows and investment strategy. This session brings together investors, economists and operators to explore how geopolitical shifts, from regional conflict to economic policy and currency volatility, are influencing where and how people travel, and where capital is being deployed. Expect insight into changing traveller sentiment, emerging markets and the risks and opportunities shaping STR investment over the next 12 to 24 months. Speakers: · Dave Goodger, managing director EMEA, Tourism Economics · Cecile Babcock, principal advisor, global investment, Sustainable Real Estate Forum · Scott Leggat, director of government affairs and advocacy, Supercontrol Inhabit

• 11:00 am - 11:30 am

  Morning networking break

  A chance to refuel, network with industry experts and make new connections.

• 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

  Are Experiences a Revenue Driver or a Differentiator?

  As experiences become a bigger part of the short-term rental offering, property managers are weighing their potential to generate additional income against the time and resources needed to deliver them. Airbnb’s renewed focus on experiences has brought fresh attention to the opportunity, but how much do they contribute to the bottom line? This panel will explore how property managers and travel brands are incorporating experiences into their offerings, what guests are willing to pay for, and where the commercial case is strongest. Speakers will also discuss the challenges of scaling experiences and whether their greatest value lies in direct revenue, stronger guest relationships or standing out from competitors. Speakers: · Max Slaght, founder, Domus Stays · Jessica Scott, head of commercial, Plum Guide · Ed Pyke, CEO, Simpson Travel

• 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

  The Mid-Term Rental Reset: From Stopgap to Strategic Growth

  Once seen as a temporary solution, mid-term rentals are emerging as a core growth strategy. With an influx of regulation on the short stay market some markets are seeing sustained demand for flexible, longer-term accommodation this session explores how property managers can successfully pivot or expand into the 30 plus day sector. Hear from leading platforms and operators on supply strategy, target audiences, operational challenges and revenue potential. Speakers: · Vassilis Vasmatzis, director, partner network, Blueground · Richard Dawes, director, EMEA hotel capital markets, Savills · Guy Westlake, CEO, Lavanda

• 12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

  Keynote speech

  A keynote address from a senior industry or policy leader. Speaker to be announced.

• 12:50 am - 1:50 pm

  Lunchtime networking break

  Refuel, relax and meet with fellow attendees over lunch.

• 1:50 pm - 2:20 pm

  CEO Question Time

  Audience-driven insights from some of the sector's most influential leaders. From profitability and scaling challenges to regulation, consolidation and innovation, this session will tackle the biggest questions facing the STR industry today, with honest and practical perspectives from those right at the top. Moderator: Janet Uttley, CEO, STAA Speakers: · Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO, Stasher · John Lyotier, CEO, TravelAI · Ashley Horsley, President, Avari

• 2:20 pm - 2:50 pm

  The Resurgence of the Staycation: Holiday Parks as a Strategic Growth Play

  As urban regulation tightens and domestic travel demand remains resilient, holiday parks and alternative accommodation formats are seeing renewed investor interest. This session explores the rise of the staycation economy, focusing on holiday parks, caravans and lodge-based models as scalable, high-performing assets. Bringing together holiday park operators, investors and technology providers, the discussion will examine where the strongest opportunities lie for the sector. Moderator: Nam Quach, managing director, DC Advisory Speakers: · Jeremy Hipkiss, managing director UK, Landal · Raoul Fraser, founder, Lovat Parks · Dave McRobbie, founder, Holidaymaker · Simon Numphud, managing director, AA Media Services

• 2:50 pm - 3:10 pm

  Afternoon networking break

  A chance to refuel, network with industry experts and make new connections.

• 3:10 pm - 3:40 pm

  AI Masterclass: The rise of agentic AI - what really works and what comes next?

  AI is moving beyond content generation and automation towards systems capable of making decisions, taking actions and driving outcomes. But as the industry races to adopt agentic AI, questions remain around data quality, governance, trust and real-world performance. In this roundtable, explore how hospitality and short-term rental businesses are preparing for the next phase of AI adoption. Panellists will examine where agentic AI is already delivering measurable value, what foundations are required to deploy it successfully at scale, and where human intervention remains essential. Drawing on operator experiences and emerging industry developments, the discussion will separate practical reality from hype and explore what AI leadership will look like over the coming years. Speakers: · Felix Welckenbach, director of product, HomeToGo · Kevin Shaw, managing director, Guest365

• 3:40 pm - 4:25 pm

  Start-up X-Ray

  A dynamic 'Dragons Den' style pitch dedicated to showcasing emerging companies in the STR space. Start-ups will pitch live to a panel of investors and industry experts, with audience participation and real-time feedback. Discover what investors are looking for and which ideas are set to shape the next phase of the industry. Dragons: · Rajdeep Gahir, venture partner, Concrete Ventures · Susie Stanford, non-executive director, Mapp / partner, Growth Partners Pitchers: · Daniel Bell, founder, Host&Guest · Oliver Wronski, founder, Holiday PA · Tom Fisher, founder, Bloqq · Bart Cant, founder, msg2ai · Ben Painter, founder, Nomad Student

• 4:25 pm - 4:35 pm

  Closing remarks

  A brief wrap-up to close the day before heading into the evening.

• 4:35 pm - 5:35 pm

  Drinks reception

  Final opportunity to connect with attendees over a drink or two.