STRIVE 2025

Learn. STRive. Thrive!

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STRIVE TO THRIVE!

STR HOSTS, JOIN US FOR TWO INCREDIBLE DAYS, ACROSS 2 INCREDIBLE COUNTRIES!

Join us for the most anticipated gathering of short-term rental proprietors, owners, and managers in Australasia. STRive to Thrive returns, bigger and better, spanning two sets of dates: 19th-20th March 2025 in Melbourne and 25th-26th March 2025 in Auckland.

Embark on an Extraordinary Industry Journey
Prepare for a transformative experience that extends across two dynamic cities—Melbourne and Auckland. STRive to Thrive isn’t just a business conference; it’s a pulsating fiesta of knowledge, innovation, and celebration, providing the perfect platform to elevate your rental business to new heights. Experience two days of intensive learning and excitement in each location.

Connect, Learn, and Celebrate
Beyond the intensive learning sessions, STRive to Thrive serves as a vibrant hub for industry professionals to connect, build lasting relationships, and celebrate shared achievements. Each day concludes with a celebratory dinner and afterparty where gourmet dining meets lively entertainment and endless networking opportunities.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Engaging Sessions

Learn about industry trends, marketing strategies, guest experience, property management, and technology advancements. Learn how to scale and THRIVE!

Networking Opportunities

Connect with professionals, build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate to enhance your business and achieve goals.

Expert & International Speakers

Gain knowledge from influential STR industry figures, engaging with pioneers to stay ahead through innovative insights and strategies.

Drinks & Entertainment

Kick back and relax with a sumptuous food, refreshing drinks, and an exhilarating afterparty after the main event that keeps the networking going late into the night.

WHAT TO EXPECT

MELBOURNE SCHEDULE

Schedule details INFORMATION OF EVENT SCHEDULES

Get ready for an electrifying two-day experience! Click the tabs below to explore session times, topics, and speakers. Dive into powerful insights, game-changing strategies, and cutting-edge tools designed to elevate your success in the STR industry. Connect, learn, and be inspired in an action-packed atmosphere buzzing with innovation and opportunity!

9:30 - 10:15 AM

Registration

10:15 - 10:30 AM

Opening Remarks

10:30 - 12:00 PM

Think Big, Scale Smart: Mastering Scaling and Learning from Mistakes

Scaling a rental business isn’t just about adding properties—it’s about doing it smartly. Lauren Heys, Founder of Moxxi Property, shares her journey, revealing wins, missteps, and strategies for growth. Learn how to scale sustainably, manage teams, and maintain quality in this session packed with real-world insights and practical advice.

Lauren Heys

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch

01:00 - 02:30 PM

Win More Guests, Win More Owners: What are your peers doing?

Success in short-term rentals goes beyond listing properties—it’s about mastering direct bookings and fostering strong owner relationships. Join this peer-led workshop with Bart Sobies to share proven strategies for increasing direct bookings and acquiring new owners, helping your business thrive in a competitive market.

Bart Sobies

02:30 - 03:00 PM

Afternoon Canapes

03:00 - 04:30 PM

Become a Market Leading Brand: The Smart Path to Marketing Success in 2025

Join Alexandra Ormerod, Co-Founder of Luxico, in this STRIVE 2025 session as she shares insights on building a market-leading brand. Learn key strategies for balancing brand identity with growth, forming impactful partnerships, and adapting to market changes. Gain practical tips to create a brand that inspires trust and loyalty.

Alexandra Ormerod

04:30 - 04:40 PM

Closing Remarks

04:40 - 05:30 PM

Drinks

9:30 - 10:00 AM

Registration

10:00 - 10:15 AM

Opening Remarks

10:15 - 10:50 AM

Experience Design in the Social Era: Turning Spaces into Shareable Moments

Kristie Wolfe

10:50 - 11:25 AM

The Road to Growth: Building and Scaling a Profitable STR Portfolio (Panel)

Julie George

Will Creedon

Daniel White

Alexandra Ormerod

11:25 - 12:00 PM

Optimising Your STR Rates: How to Stay Competitive and Profitable (Panel)

Matthias Dybing

Roman Solyanyk

Paul Waldschmidt

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 - 1:35 PM

Global Travel Trends: International Market Update and Distribution Strategies

Kristy Malapa

1:35 - 2:10 PM

Tech of the Future: Experts Discuss the Tools Reshaping Short Term Rentals (Panel)

Michael Snyman

Jay Ullrich

Ethan Brown

Sam Steel

Yoav Tourel

2:10 - 2:45 PM

I Couldn’t Do It Without Them: VA's, The Hidden Heroes Behind Successful STRs (Panel)

Bart Sobies

Daniel White

Kim Steel

2:45 - 3:15 PM

Afternoon Canapes

3:15 - 3:50 PM

Contagious Content: How to Tap into Viral Trends and Make Them Work for You

Taylor Craig

3:50 - 4:25 PM

Styling That Sells: Creating Spaces That Drive Bookings and Reviews (Panel)

Amanda Hall

Sharon Burnell

Deanne Bulstrode

Kristie Wolfe

Tiffany Murray

4:25 - 5:00 PM

Your Top STR Problems, Solved: Overcoming Key Challenges (Panel)

Daniel White

Alexandra Ormerod

Julie George

5:00 - 5:15 PM

Closing Remarks

5:15 - 6:00 PM

Networking Drinks

6:00 - 10:00 PM

Celebration/Awards/Networking

AUCKLAND SCHEDULE

Schedule details INFORMATION OF EVENT SCHEDULES

Gear up for two unforgettable days of innovation, strategy, and inspiration! Click the tabs below to explore session times, topics, and speakers. Immerse yourself in expert insights, breakthrough strategies, and the latest tools to stay ahead in the STR industry. Network, learn, and elevate your game in an energy-packed atmosphere designed for success!

9:30 - 10:15 AM

Registration

10:15 - 10:30 AM

Opening Remarks

10:30 - 12:00 PM

Think Big, Scale Smart: Mastering Scaling and Learning from Mistakes

Scaling a rental business isn’t just about adding properties—it’s about doing it smartly. Lauren Heys, Founder of Moxxi Property, shares her journey, revealing wins, missteps, and strategies for growth. Learn how to scale sustainably, manage teams, and maintain quality in this session packed with real-world insights and practical advice.

Lauren Heys

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch

01:00 - 02:30 PM

Leveraging AI: Practical Tools & Future Insights for Your STR Business

Join Bart Sobies, founder of iBooked.Online, for a hands-on session on leveraging AI in your STR business. Learn how to use ChatGPT and other AI tools to enhance operations, marketing, and guest experience. Bart will also explore upcoming AI innovations to help you streamline processes and stay ahead in 2025.

Bart Sobies

02:30 - 03:00 PM

Afternoon Canapes

03:00 - 03:40 PM

The Road Ahead: NZ STRA Regulations and Taxation Explained

Join Yoav Tourel and industry experts in this session on navigating NZ STRA regulations and taxation. Learn how property managers can adapt to evolving rules while fostering growth. Insights from PwC, Expedia, The Stay Hub, and government reps will address challenges, compliance, advocacy efforts, and future trends.

Yoav Tourel

Nick Peirce

Catherine Francis

James Rock

03:40 - 04:20 PM

The Path Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for NZ PMCs

Join moderator Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies and industry leaders Jennifer Mattlin (HiAtlas) and Rochelle King (Urban Rest) as they discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities for NZ PMCs. Gain insights on scaling operations, bridging knowledge gaps, and adapting to guest expectations to succeed in a competitive market.

Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies

Jennifer Mattlin

Rochelle King

Tracey Foxall

04:20 - 04:30 PM

Closing Remarks

04:30 - 05:30 PM

Drinks

9:30 - 10:00 AM

Registration

10:00 - 10:15 AM

Opening Remarks

10:15 - 10:50 AM

Become a Market Leading Brand: The Smart Path to Marketing Success in 2025

Join Alexandra Ormerod, Co-Founder of Luxico, in this STRIVE 2025 session as she shares insights on building a market-leading brand. Learn key strategies for balancing brand identity with growth, forming impactful partnerships, and adapting to market changes. Gain practical tips to create a brand that inspires trust and loyalty.

Alexandra Ormerod

10:50 - 11:25 AM

Breaking Through the Noise: NZ Marketing Strategies That Actually Work

Mandy Clarke

Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies

Savannah Jackson

11:25 - 12:00 PM

Optimising Your STR Rates: How to Stay Competitive and Profitable (Panel)

Chris de Closey

Deepanshu Nihalani

Sam Steel

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 - 1:35 PM

Marketing & Tourism - Tourism NZ

Bjoern Spreitzer

1:35 - 2:10 PM

Leadership Insights: Strategic Moves for Accommodation Providers in 2025 (Fireside Chat)

Bart Sobies

Mandy Clarke

Les Morgan

2:10 - 2:45 PM

Tech of the Future: Experts Discuss the Tools Reshaping STR (Panel)

Yoav Tourel

Paul Waldschmidt

Daniel Bridges

Kim Richardson

2:45 - 3:00 PM

Investing in Kindness: The Unexpected ROI of Doing Good

Ronda Amende

3:00 - 3:30 PM

Afternoon Canapes

3:30 - 4:05 PM

Would You Like Fries with That? Driving Revenue with Add-Ons

Jacqui Spice

4:05 - 4:40 PM

The Road to Growth: Building and Scaling a Profitable STR Portfolio (Panel)

Daniel White

Will Creedon

Lisa Peterson

Tracey Foxall

4:40 - 5:25 PM

The Road to Growth: Building and Scaling a Profitable STR Portfolio (Panel)

Mandy Clarke

Daniel White

Lauren Heys

Lisa Peterson

Paul Waldschmidt

Alexandra Ormerod

Jacqui Spice

5:20 - 5:35 PM

Closing Remarks

5:35 - 6:00 PM

Networking Drinks

6:00 - 10:00 PM

Celebration/Awards/Networking

CONFIRMED 2025 SPEAKERS

Alexandra Ormerod

Managing Director, Luxico

Bart Sobies

CEO & Founder, ibooked.online & The Accommodation Show

Julie George

CEO, Million Dollar Host

Daniel Bridges

Global Director of Sales and Partnerships, Escapia at Expedia Group

Daniel White

Director, CanBnB

Kristie Wolfe

Builder, Passion Projects LLC

Ethan Brown

General Manager APAC, Hospitable

Kristy Malapa

Industry Relations Manager, Tourism Australia

Lauren Heys

Founder and Owner, Moxxi Property

Deepanshu Nihalani

Solutions Consultant - APAC, PriceLabs

Lisa Peterson

Founder & Director, L’Abode Accommodation

Jay Ullrich

CEO and Co-Founder, HostBuddy AI

Les Morgan

Chief Operating Officer, Hind Management

Mandy Clarke

Owner, Publisher and Editor, Accomnews

Paul Waldschmidt

CEO, OwnerRez

Tracey Foxall

Managing Director, Bachcare

Sharon Burnell

Co-Owner and Founder, The Holiday Home Girls

Will Creedon

Founder & CEO, Alloggio

Ronda Amende

Founder and Chair, TimeOut Charitable Trust

Yoav Tourel

Managing Director, APAC at Guesty and Chair of the Board of Directors at ASTRA

Roman Solyanyk

Senior Account Executive, Beyond Pricing

Deanne Bulstrode

Co-Owner, The Holiday Home Girls

Pete Smith

CEO & Founder, Weekenda and Hunter Valley Villa

Tiffany Murray

Founder, ROOM

Jennifer Mattlin

Managing Director, HiAtlas Wellington / HiAtlas Auckland

Chris de Closey

Director, Switch Hotel Solutions & Coastal Letting Group

Catherine Francis

Partner, PwC New Zealand

Nick Peirce

Head of Revenue Generation, The Stay Hub

Sam Steel

Co-Founder, Resly

Rochelle King

Country General Manager, Urban Rest

James Rock

Senior Account Manager, ANZ, Partner Success, Holiday Rentals - Expedia

Kim Steel

Founder and Director, Property Mums

Taylor Craig

Founder, Delish Digital

Bjoern Spreitzer

GM New Zealand and Business Events, Tourism New Zealand

Savannah Jackson

Founder & Managing Director, Hello Queenstown

Kim Richardson

Direct of Technology, Homhero

Michael Snyman

CFO, Alloggio

Amanda Hall

APAC Sales Rep, Escapia Software

Matthias Dybing

Co-Founder & COO, Nuvho

Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies

Owner, Coconut Comms and Kaihanu Lodge

Jacqui Spice

CEO and Founder, Touch of Spice

Amanda Hall

APAC Sales Rep, Escapia Software

Matthias Dybing

Co-Founder & COO, Nuvho

Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies

Owner, Coconut Comms and Kaihanu Lodge

INTERESTED IN BEING A SPEAKER?

Speaker Expression Of Interest

If you’re interested in presenting at our 2025 Strive to Thrive Conference in Melbourne on 19-20 March & Auckland on 25-26 March, Please click the form below.

We would like to hear your suggestions for topics or areas of interest which we could include on the 2025 programme. We cannot guarantee that we will include every topic suggested.

19 + 20TH OF MARCH 2025 MELBOURNE​

25 + 26TH OF MARCH 2025 AUCKLAND​

STRIVE GOLD PARTNERS

INTERESTED IN BEING A SPEAKER?

Speaker Expression Of Interest

If you're interested in presenting at our 2025 Strive to Thrive Conference in Melbourne on 19-20 March & Auckland on 25-26 March, Please click the form below.

We would like to hear your suggestions for topics or areas of interest which we could include on the 2025 programme. We cannot guarantee that we will include every topic suggested.

STRIVE SILVER PARTNERS

STRIVE BRONZE PARTNERS

STRIVE INDUSTRY PARTNERS