STRIVE 2026
Learn. STRive. Thrive!
STR HOSTS, JOIN US FOR TWO INCREDIBLE DAYS, ACROSS 3 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: 11th-12th March 2026 in Australia, 17th-18th March 2026 in New Zealand, and 10th September 2026 in Bali.
Embark on an Extraordinary Industry Journey
Prepare for a transformative experience that extends across three dynamic countries; Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. 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.
Learn about industry trends, marketing strategies, guest experience, property management, and technology advancements. Learn how to scale and THRIVE!
Connect with professionals, build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate to enhance your business and achieve goals.
Gain knowledge from influential STR industry figures, engaging with pioneers to stay ahead through innovative insights and strategies.
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.
BE PART OF THIS EXCITING JOURNEY: We encourage you to participate in these awards, either by nominating, voting, or simply spreading the word within your network. This is not just an award; it's a celebration of the passion, innovation, and hard work that defines our industry.
Speaker Expression Of Interest
If you’re interested in presenting at our 2026 Strive to Thrive Conference in Australia on 11-12 March, 17-18 March in New Zealand and Bali on 10 September, Please click the form below.
We would like to hear your suggestions for topics or areas of interest which we could include on the 2026 programme. We cannot guarantee that we will include every topic suggested.
Showcase your brand at Strive Conference 2026 and connect with top industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. As a sponsor, you’ll gain premium exposure, build valuable partnerships, and position your business at the forefront of the hospitality and accommodation industry. Don’t miss this opportunity – express your interest today by clicking the button below!
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!
Julie George
Bart Sobies
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
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
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
Paul Matthews
Bart Sobies
Turning spaces into shareable moments and creating experiences that guests love to share online.
Kristie Wolfe
Insights from successful STR operators on scaling profitably and overcoming growth challenges.
Julie George
Will Creedon
Alexandra Ormerod
Sarah Clark
Strategies for dynamic pricing, demand forecasting, and revenue maximization.
Matthias Dybing
Roman Solyanyk
Jeff Baars
Paul Waldschmidt
Understanding the evolving travel landscape and distribution strategies for international markets.
Kristy Malapa
Exploring emerging technologies shaping the STR industry and how to implement them effectively.
Michael Snyman
Jay Ullrich
Ethan Brown
Sam Steel
Yoav Tourel
How Virtual Assistants (VAs) streamline operations, enhance guest experience, and reduce workload.
Ari Eryorulmaz
Maddy Smith
Kim Steel
Sasha Buac
How to leverage viral marketing techniques to create engaging, shareable content that drives bookings.
Taylor Craig
Design tips and tricks to create visually appealing spaces that attract guests and boost reviews.
Amanda Hall
Sharon Burnell
Deanne Bulstrode
Kristie Wolfe
Tiffany Murray
An interactive discussion on overcoming common operational and guest management challenges.
Phil Spyrou
Julie George
Melanie Harding
Lauren Heys
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!
Lisa Peterson
Bart Sobies
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
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
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
Catherine Francis
James Rock
Nick Peirce
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
Bart Sobies
Lisa Peterson
How to position your STR business as a leading brand through smart marketing strategies and partnerships.
Alexandra Ormerod
Proven marketing tactics tailored for the NZ market to maximize visibility and guest engagement.
Mandy Clarke
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies
Savannah Jackson
Revenue management strategies to stay competitive and maximize profits in changing market conditions.
Chris de Closey
Deepanshu Nihalani
Sam Steel
Explore key travel trends, shifting traveller behaviours, and strategic insights to keep your business competitive in the global market.
Bjoern Spreitzer
Strategic leadership approaches for accommodation providers navigating an evolving industry.
Bart Sobies
Les Morgan
Mandy Clarke
A deep dive into the latest tech tools transforming short-term rentals and how to leverage them.
Yoav Tourel
Paul Waldschmidt
Daniel Bridges
Kim Richardson
Exploring the unexpected ROI of incorporating kindness, guest-centric policies, and sustainability into STR businesses.
Ronda Amende
Discover how strategic upsells can enhance guest experiences and increase profits—without the hard sell.
Jacqui Spice
Alexandra Ormerod
Strategies for scaling STR portfolios while maintaining profitability and operational efficiency.
Yoav Tourel
Will Creedon
Lisa Peterson
Tracey Foxall
A problem-solving session tackling the biggest challenges faced by short-term rental operators.
Lauren Heys
Jacqui Spice
Nick Peirce
Alexandra Ormerod
CEO, Million Dollar Host
Julie George is a global STR leader, bestselling author, and founder of Million Dollar Host. She scaled her Airbnb business to 130 properties and $8M in under three years before successfully exiting. Today, she mentors hosts worldwide through her top-ranked mastermind, speaks on international stages, and advises leading hospitality tech companies, empowering operators to scale with confidence.
CEO & Founder, ibooked.online, The Accommodation Show & Strive to Thrive Conference
Bart Sobies is the Founder & CEO of iBooked.Online, Founder & Host of The Accommodation Show, and Creator of the STRIVE to Thrive Conference. A leader in hospitality technology and innovation, he helps accommodation operators build profitable, guest-centric businesses. With deep expertise in digital marketing and hotel tech, Bart specialises in growing direct bookings, strengthening online presence, and simplifying operations. A sought-after speaker, he shares practical insights on guest experience, automation, and the future of direct bookings.
Head of Operations, Sales & Business Development, CanBnB
Sarah Clark is the Chief of Sales & Operations at Canbnb, with 7+ years in the STR sector and a 2025 ASTRA Award. A proven leader in growth, operations, and process optimisation, she has overseen 350+ property onboardings and elevated service standards across Canberra, Perth, and Regional NSW. Known for her resilience, strategic focus, and operational excellence, Sarah drives consistency, quality, and trust across the entire organisation.
Co-Founder, Luxico & StayLonger
Tom Ormerod is the Co-Founder of Luxico, Australia’s leading platform for luxury short stays, and Staylonger, a new flexible-living brand offering furnished homes, apartments, and boutique hotels for 30+ night stays. He focuses on creating elevated, seamless living and travel experiences that blend hotel-level service with the comfort and freedom of home.
Founder, Hunter Holidays
Georgia Smith is the Founder of Hunter Holidays, a boutique short-term rental brand built on a people-first philosophy and trusted owner partnerships. With deep end-to-end STR expertise, she has led growth across marketing, revenue, operations and strategy, scaling portfolios from 100 to 260 listings. Today, Georgia combines data, technology and local insight to build sustainable, high-performing businesses without compromising service, trust or brand values.
CEO & Co-Founder, Hometime
Billy Crock is the CEO of Hometime and a long-time hospitality professional. He leads one of Australia’s largest short-term rental management companies, combining strong local partnerships with the capability of a national brand. Billy is committed to improving short-term rentals for guests, owners, and communities through trusted local management, five-star service, and professional end-to-end support.
CEO & Founder, L’Abode Accommodation Specialists
Lisa Peterson is the Founder & CEO of L’Abode Accommodation, one of Australia’s leading luxury property management brands. Starting from her bedroom after moving from New Zealand, she identified a need for quality short-term stays and built a trusted, guest-focused company. Guided by integrity, innovation, and care, Lisa is a recognised industry leader dedicated to creating exceptional experiences and nurturing meaningful partnerships.
CEO & Co-Founder, Villa Finder
Daniel Rouquette is the CEO and Co-Founder of Villa Finder, Asia’s leading curator of villa experiences. A data-driven leader and strong advocate for responsible tourism, he blends high-touch service with smart technology to elevate both guest and team experiences. Under his guidance, Villa Finder has expanded across Asia and achieved B Corp certification, reflecting his commitment to sustainability and quality.
Founder and Owner, Moxxi Property
An industry leader in short-term rentals, Lauren Heys scaled the largest agency in Tasmania and expanded into QLD—all while growing a family. Starting her career at Accenture and EY, Lauren founded Moxxi Property in 2018, blending her expertise in property and people performance. Passionate about self-mastery, she empowers audiences to unlock their potential and drive business success.
Director, Maisonnets
Mark Hodge is the Founder of MaisonNets, a premium short-term rental management and advisory brand focused on unlocking hidden income potential in residential property. With 10+ years in the short-stay sector and a background spanning performing arts, real estate and mortgage broking, Mark brings a rare end-to-end perspective. He is known for transforming underperforming homes into high-yield assets through strategic positioning, presentation, and performance optimisation, delivering sustainable cash-flow and long-term value.
Owner, Coconut Comms and Kaihanu Lodge
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies is a travel marketing consultant and founder of Coconut Comms, combining 20+ years in PR and marketing with hands-on hospitality experience running a hosted lodge in Central Otago. She helps founder-led travel and hospitality brands grow through better acquisition, retention, and advocacy, drawing on her work with TripAdvisor, luxury travel clients, PMCs, and SaaS providers.
Co-Founder, Moxxi Property
Dan de Witte is Co-Founder & Chief Problem Solver of Moxxi Property, Australia’s fast-growing short-stay management brand. With a background as a residential builder, Dan brings a systems thinking approach to hospitality - scaling Moxxi from a single property to a portfolio of 170+ homes across Tasmania and Queensland. He champions sustainability, tech-driven operations and guest-first service, positioning purposeful growth as the path to long-term profitability and legacy.
Founder & Managing Director, Hello Queenstown
Savannah Jackson is the founder of Hello Queenstown, the largest holiday management company in Queenstown with 180+ listings. She also co-founded Fresh’N’Bright, the region’s leading cleaning company, and is developing 100 luxury townhouses worth over $200M. A dynamic entrepreneur with a background in real estate, finance, and business education, Savannah brings bold vision and unstoppable drive to every venture.
Director, Switch Hotel Solutions
Chris de Closey is an accommodation industry leader and founder of Coastal Letting Group and Switch Solutions. He oversees 575+ short-term rentals and 125+ hotels, driving growth through modern revenue, marketing, and operational strategies. Known for his sharp commercial mindset and innovative approach, Chris is shaping the future of Australia’s accommodation sector.
Founder and Director, Property Mums
Kim Steel is Founder and Director of Property Mums, a leading short-term rental management agency in Victoria. A former emergency nurse and property investor with 20+ years’ experience, Kim empowers women through her “mums supporting mums” ethos. Property Mums now manages 160+ properties, delivering five-star guest experiences while creating flexible careers for local mothers, combining professional excellence with community impact.
Founder, Ex-Weekenda
Since saying goodbye to Corporate Australia after 21 years Weekenda is thriving and growing year on year. We had spent 10 years quietly building this up from a single cabin in Kangaroo Valley to now managing over 170 properties in the Hunter Valley Vineyards, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
Owner, MyStays
Elle Knight is the Founder of MyStays, an award-winning New Zealand STR management company known for its people-first culture and sustainable growth. Since starting in Taupō in 2014, she has built a nationwide brand that develops talent from within, prioritises strong owner relationships, and champions thoughtful, long-term expansion over rapid scale - creating an STR business designed to last.
Founder & CEO, Alloggio
Will Creedon is the Founder & CEO of the Alloggio Group, bringing over 30 years of global experience across hospitality and tourism. Originally from Ireland, Will relocated to Australia over 20 years ago, where he led major hospitality developments including Harrigan’s Irish Pub portfolio and Hunter Valley Gardens. A respected industry leader, he has helped shape iconic venues, major events, and tourism growth, and currently serves on the Business NSW Tourism Industry Council.
Director, Lakeview Properties
Kim Stewart is the owner of Lakeview Properties Wanaka, specialising in premium short-term rentals and exceptional guest experiences. With over 20 years of experience in property and event management across New Zealand and London, Kim brings a refined eye for detail and service excellence. Now based in Wanaka with her family, she combines her hospitality expertise and local knowledge to curate welcoming, thoughtfully designed homes that reflect the region’s beauty and deliver memorable stays.
Managing Director, APAC at Guesty and Chair of the Board of Directors at ASTRA
Yoav Tourel is a seasoned executive with a strong track record in scaling global tech companies. Currently leading Guesty APAC and serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors at ASTRA, he leverages over 25 years of experience in customer success, business development, sales, and marketing. Yoav excels in fostering growth and driving success in competitive markets.
Senior Account Manager, Stayz/Vrbo - Expedia Group
Antoinette Guerrera is a Senior Account Manager at Expedia Group with over 11 years of experience supporting holiday rental and real estate partners through Stayz/Vrbo. A people-first leader, trainer, and qualified health, wellnes,s and executive coach, she is known for building trusted relationships, driving performance, and empowering individuals and teams to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose.
Founder, Million Dollar Renter
Sean Rakidzich is the founder of Million Dollar Renter and a leading educator in the short-term rental space. With over 155 Airbnb properties across 8 cities, he built and fully automated his business - even taking a year off while it continued to scale. He teaches his proven arbitrage and automation model through courses, coaching programs, and data-driven strategies.
Founder, Ex-Weekenda
Since saying goodbye to Corporate Australia after 21 years Weekenda is thriving and growing year on year. We had spent 10 years quietly building this up from a single cabin in Kangaroo Valley to now managing over 170 properties in the Hunter Valley Vineyards, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
General Manager, Switch Hotel Solutions
Luke Shore is General Manager at Switch Hotel Solutions and a Co-Founder & Director at Coastal Letting Group. With a degree in International Tourism Management and 12+ years of hotel-management experience across Australia and the UK, he has overseen the launch of a 288-room flagship hotel in London and led operations at major properties across the Gold Coast. Luke now brings deep expertise in revenue optimisation, marketing strategy, and operational excellence - helping hotels, resorts, and holiday lettings maximise performance while delivering outstanding guest experiences.
Co-CEO & Co-Founder, MadeComfy
Quirin Schwaighofer is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of MadeComfy, which he built with co-founder Sabrina into one of the world’s most innovative short-term rental management and technology platforms. Growing from a start-up to a national network managing 1,400+ properties and over $60M in annual bookings, MadeComfy was acquired by PRISM. At STRIVE, Quirin shares real-world insights on scaling, partnerships, technology, and exiting a high-growth accommodation business.
Senior Solutions Consultant - APAC, PriceLabs
Deepanshu is a Senior Solutions Consultant - APAC at PriceLabs and a seasoned professional in the short-term rental industry. With extensive experience across Sales and Customer Success, he plays a key role in expanding PriceLabs’ presence throughout the region. Known as the go-to expert for APAC, Deepanshu supports operators through strategic demos, market insights, and educational webinars, helping them use dynamic pricing and data-driven tools to optimise revenue and performance.
Founder & CEO, Casago
Steve Schwab is the Founder & CEO of Casago, a leading vacation rental and property management company. With decades of industry experience, he has built Casago into a trusted brand operating across the U.S. and Mexico. A visionary leader, Steve focuses on innovation, owner success, and exceptional guest experiences. His expertise in scaling businesses and fostering community-driven hospitality has positioned Casago as a top choice for property owners and travellers alike.
Head of Revenue Generation, The Stay Hub
Nick Peirce has over 20 years of experience in revenue management across airlines and short-term rentals, specialising in driving growth through data-driven strategies, innovation, and leadership. As Head of Revenue Generation at The Stay Hub, Nick has boosted occupancy and revenue since 2023 by optimising pricing, refining budgets, and enhancing reporting.
Previously, at Bachcare, Nick led ADR growth for four years, built a high-performing team, and championed industry regulations. His career includes key roles at Air New Zealand and other major airlines, delivering profitability and forging strategic partnerships. Proficient in analytics tools and industry platforms, Nick is committed to innovation and value creation.
Country General Manager, Urban Rest
With 20 years in tourism and property, Rochelle has led teams, scaled businesses, and delivered results for companies including Air New Zealand and Forge Holiday Group. As GM of Urban Rest NZ, she’s leveraging this experience to replicate the brand’s global success locally.
Senior Account Manager, ANZ, Partner Success, Holiday Rentals - Expedia
With 7+ years at Expedia Group, James Rock partners with Vrbo property managers to drive growth through data insights, marketing, distribution, and revenue tools. Based in Auckland, he collaborates with top holiday rental managers across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, optimising performance on Vrbo, Bookabach, and Stayz. Passionate about strategic partnerships, James helps maximise success in the short-term rental market.
Founder and Director, Property Mums
Kim Steel is Founder and Director of Property Mums, a leading short-term rental management agency in Victoria. A former emergency nurse and property investor with 20+ years’ experience, Kim empowers women through her “mums supporting mums” ethos. Property Mums now manages 160+ properties, delivering five-star guest experiences while creating flexible careers for local mothers, combining professional excellence with community impact.
Founder, Delish Digital
Taylor is the founder of Delish Digital who partners with Foodie Coaches to provide their members with effective social media and marketing strategies tailored to the hospitality industry. With over 17 years of experience, Taylor has worked with hundreds of venues, helping them grow their revenue through strategic marketing activations. Known for a practical and results-driven approach, Taylor is passionate about supporting hospitality businesses to achieve long-term success in their marketing.
GM New Zealand and Business Events, Tourism New Zealand
Bjoern has a strong background in commercial partnerships, business events, and tourism. His career at Tourism New Zealand spans multiple leadership roles, including GM Domestic, GM Americas & Europe, and now GM New Zealand & Business Events. Originally from Germany, he has worked across global markets. Based in Titirangi, West Auckland, he enjoys West Coast beaches, supporting his kids' sports, and exploring Aotearoa New Zealand.
Founder & Managing Director, Hello Queenstown
Savannah Jackson is the founder of Hello Queenstown, the largest holiday management company in Queenstown with 180+ listings. She also co-founded Fresh’N’Bright, the region’s leading cleaning company, and is developing 100 luxury townhouses worth over $200M. A dynamic entrepreneur with a background in real estate, finance, and business education, Savannah brings bold vision and unstoppable drive to every venture.
Director, Homhero
Kim Richardson is the Director at Homhero, a short-term rental property management system based in the Gold Coast, Queensland. As the first developer of Homhero, Kim has played a key role in shaping its technology. With over 25 years of experience in web application development across various industries, Kim brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
CFO, Alloggio
Mike, CFO at Alloggio, leads Finance, Sales, Marketing, Revenue, Distribution, and People & Culture. With experience in FMCG, Travel, and Aviation, he has worked alongside top CEOs, shaping his strategic mindset. Passionate about leadership, he drives growth and innovation through a collaborative approach.
APAC Sales Representative, Escapia Software
With 20 years in real estate, I’ve navigated property management, sales, and tech. I’m passionate about empowering customers in the short-term rental space with tailored software solutions. I believe the right tools can elevate businesses and enhance guest experiences. Let's connect and transform your rental journey!
Co-Founder & COO, Nuvho
Matthias is a revenue and distribution expert, regularly speaking at industry events. With a career spanning major brands like Voyages, Accor, Event Hospitality, and WorldHotels, he has led revenue and distribution strategies for top properties. He co-founded 80 Twenty Hotel Media, Revmandis, Nuvho, and Herobe. Holding an MBA, he also serves on advisory boards across the hospitality sector.
Owner, Coconut Comms and Kaihanu Lodge
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies is a travel marketing consultant and founder of Coconut Comms, combining 20+ years in PR and marketing with hands-on hospitality experience running a hosted lodge in Central Otago. She helps founder-led travel and hospitality brands grow through better acquisition, retention, and advocacy, drawing on her work with TripAdvisor, luxury travel clients, PMCs, and SaaS providers.
CEO and Founder, Touch of Spice
Founded by Jacqui Spice in 2005, Touch of Spice is a premier luxury travel company specialising in bespoke New Zealand experiences. We curate exceptional stays, exclusive activities, and hidden gems, crafting once-in-a-lifetime adventures tailored to each client. With an unrivalled portfolio of luxury accommodations, rich culture, and world-class food and wine, we leave no stone unturned—delivering VIP treatment and redefining luxury travel in New Zealand.
Owner, VE Tourism
Meet Paul, a tourism enthusiast with over 30 years in the industry including senior roles at Visit Victoria. He now runs his own tourism consultancy, VE Tourism helping organisations with touristy stuff and is a repeat speaker at various tourism events (including a memorable stint as a singing MC). Paul is never short on inspiring ideas and dad jokes.
General Manager, Welcome Ready
Melanie Harding is a dynamic business leader with a proven track record in consultative strategy, change management, business systematisation, project management, brand development, and business growth. Starting as a Co-founder of Welcome Ready in 2019, she was fundamental in growing this business from 10 properties to $10M+ in GBV through to acquisition in 2024.
Chief Commercial Officer, Urban Rest
Jeff Baars is a hospitality leader and Chief Commercial Officer at Urban Rest, driving commercial operations across Australia, Ireland, and the UK. He previously served as CMO at Quest Apartment Hotels and held senior roles at GLH Hotels and IHG, focusing on brand strategy and guest experience. A board member of NCCA since 2022, Jeff also advised hospitality firms on digital transformation. His expertise blends strategy and innovation to elevate brands and enhance customer engagement.
Managing Director, Swainson
Phil Spyrou started his career as a registered pharmacist before transitioning into the short-term rental industry as Managing Director of Swainson, providing quality accommodation in Adelaide for the past nine years. With five years on the ASTRA Board, he has played a key role in shaping the organisation into the industry’s peak body, advocating for its growth and sustainability. Passionate about business development, Phil thrives on the challenges of entrepreneurship and personal growth.
Head of Operations, Sales & Business Development, CanBnB
Sarah Clark is the Chief of Sales & Operations at Canbnb, with 7+ years in the STR sector and a 2025 ASTRA Award. A proven leader in growth, operations, and process optimisation, she has overseen 350+ property onboardings and elevated service standards across Canberra, Perth, and Regional NSW. Known for her resilience, strategic focus, and operational excellence, Sarah drives consistency, quality, and trust across the entire organisation.
Co-Owner, Short Stay EA
Maddy Smith is the co-owner of Short Stay EA, a company offering comprehensive support to short-term rental businesses. With over six years in the short-term rental industry, Maddy leads a team of experts assisting hosts, property managers, and investors globally. Their services include listing creation, business onboarding, social media management, and copywriting, aiming to enhance clients' rental experiences and success.
The Strive to Thrive Conference is expanding its reach! For the first time ever, we’re bringing Strive Conference to Bali, Indonesia, in 2026 - offering even more opportunities for short-term rental professionals to connect, learn, and grow. Don’t miss this exciting new chapter!
Fill in your details and we’ll be in touch with sponsorship pricing.
