STRIVE SHORT-TERM RENTAL AWARDS 2026
The STRive Short-Term Rental Awards recognise those who have made significant contributions to our industry, setting benchmarks for excellence and inspiring others with their achievements.
Award Categories and Process: We have carefully curated a range of categories to acknowledge the diverse talents within our industry. These include the Guest Experience Award, Marketing Award, Property Manager Award, Supplier Award, Sustainability & Community Impact Award, Rising Star Award & People’s Choice – Online Travel Agent of the Year Award.
The awards process is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive, involving three key stages:
- Stage 1 – Nominations: (Now Closed)
Nominations were open to the public, self-nominations, and industry submissions. All nominations were reviewed by STRIVE and shortlisted for each category.
- Stage 1 – Nominations: (Now Closed)
- Stage 2 –Public Voting: (Now Open)
The shortlisted nominees are now open for public voting. Public votes will determine the top three finalists in each category. This stage gives the industry a direct voice in who progresses to the finals.
(Public voting is open now and closes on 9 February 2026)
- Stage 2 –Public Voting: (Now Open)
- Stage 3 – Finalist Presentations, Judging & Live Attendee Vote:
The top three finalists in each category will be invited to submit a short video presentation.
Final results will be decided by:* 50% industry judging panel
* 50% live vote from STRIVE attendees during the event
The winners will be announced live at the STRIVE Awards on 12 March 2026.
BE a 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.
The STRive Short-Term Rental Awards recognise those who have made significant contributions to our industry, setting benchmarks for excellence and inspiring others with their achievements.
Award Categories and Process: We have carefully curated a range of categories to acknowledge the diverse talents within our industry. These include the Guest Experience Award, Marketing Award, Property Manager Award, Supplier Award, Sustainability & Community Impact Award, Rising Star Award & People’s Choice – Online Travel Agent of the Year Award.
The awards process is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive, involving three key stages:
- Stage 1 – Nominations: (Now Closed)
Nominations were open to the public, self-nominations, and industry submissions. All nominations were reviewed by STRIVE and shortlisted for each category.
- Stage 2 –Public Voting: (Now Closed)
The shortlisted nominees are now open for public voting. Public votes will determine the top three finalists in each category. This stage gives the industry a direct voice in who progresses to the finals.
(Public voting is open now and closes on 9 February 2026)
- Stage 3 – Finalist Presentations, Judging & Live Attendee Vote: (WE ARE ON THIS STAGE NOW)
The top three finalists in each category will be invited to submit a short video presentation.
Final results will be decided by:
* 50% industry judging panel
* 50% live vote from STRIVE attendees during the event
The winners will be announced live at the STRIVE Awards on 12 March 2026.
BE a 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.
Learn. STRive. Thrive!
WE ARE ON STAGE 3 NOW!
The STRIVE Short-Term Rental Awards mark a significant milestone in celebrating success within the short-term rental industry. These awards are crafted to acknowledge and honor those who exemplify success through innovative practices, outstanding customer service, effective property management, creative marketing strategies, and emerging leadership in the field. These awards encompass the diverse talents and significant contributions that are propelling the short-term rental industry forward and making an impact.
The STRIVE Short-Term Rental Awards ceremony is more than just an awards presentation; it’s a celebration of the industry’s collective achievements and a prime opportunity for professionals to network, share insights, and revel in their shared successes. This gala event promises to be a night of recognition, inspiration, and camaraderie, setting a new benchmark for excellence and innovation in the short-term rental space.
Award Categories:
Best Guest Experience Award ⭐
Best Marketing Award ⭐
Best Property Manager Award ⭐
Best Supplier Award ⭐
Sustainability & Community Impact Award ⭐
Rising Star Award ⭐
Online Travel Agent of the Year Award ⭐
*** STRIVE TOP 3 FINALISTS WILL SOON BE POSTED ***
2026 STRIVE AWARD NOMINEES!
Nominations have now closed and the official shortlists for the STRIVE Short-Term Rental Awards 2026 have been finalised.
Nominations were received from the public and through self-nominations, then reviewed and shortlisted by STRIVE. The nominees represent the people and businesses making a real impact across guest experience, marketing, operations, sustainability, and technology in the short-term rental industry.
We are currently in the public voting stage, where votes will determine the top three finalists in each category.
This is your opportunity to support the individuals and brands you believe deserve to be recognised.
NOMINEES FOR BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE AWARD
Alpine Valley Getaways, Bundeena Holidays, Canbnb, Cleary & Co., Guest Realty, L’Abode Accommodation, Langbrook Farm, Luxe Property Management Services, Maisonnets, Property Mums, Ready Set Stay, Supercalla Private Properties, The Oaks Lilydale, Wildnest
NOMINEES FOR BEST MARKETING AWARD
Alloggio, Daylesford Country Retreats, Discover Stradbroke, Guest Realty, Homhero, Luxico, Ready Set Stay, Supercalla Private Properties, The Apartment Service
NOMINEES FOR BEST PROPERTY MANAGER AWARD
Belle Property Escapes, Canbnb, Guest Realty, Holiday Rental Specialists, Hometime, Let Go, Luxe Property Management Services, Maisonnets, Mc Property Plus, Next Level Asset Management, Ocean Edge Holiday Rentals, Ogstays, Property Mums, Ready Set Stay, Release NZ, Short & Long Stays, Soulfull Stayz
NOMINEES FOR BEST SUPPLIER AWARD
Breezeway, EmailCollect, Escapia, Good to Book, GuestPoint Motelier, Guesty, Heads on Pillows, Home Remedy, Homhero, Hospitable, Hostaway, Hostfully, ICND, Nuvho, Pacho, PriceLabs, Resly, RMS, RoomPriceGenie, SnapSnapSnap (powered by BoxBrownie), Switch Hotel Solutions, Tara Home Consulting Ltd, Your.Rentals
NOMINEES FOR SUSTAINABILITY & COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Alpine Valley Getaways, Justin Ford, Tiny Stays, Villa Finder, Whizz Technologies
NOMINEES FOR RISING STAR ⭐ AWARD
Anna Mildon (Guest Realty), AutoRank, Broadbeach Luxury Stays, Cristiana Carpini, Deepanshu Nihalani, Discover Freedom, DownSouth Holiday Homes, Erin Jasch, Ethan Brown, Hello Queenstown, Homhero, James Avramides (Getawayz NSW), KeyNest, L’Abode Accommodation, Lively Properties, Oasis Stay, Property Mums, Sarah Clark (Canbnb), The FAM, Wildnest
NOMINEES FOR ONLINE TRAVEL AGENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Airbnb, Booking.com, Riparide, Stayz / Vrbo (Expedia Group)
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.
2025 STRIVE AWARD WINNERS!
BEST CONSUMER CHAMPION WINNER!
Supercalla has been recognised as the Best Consumer Champion Winner at the Strive Awards 2025, a prestigious honour in the short-term rental industry. This award celebrates organisations and individuals who go above and beyond to prioritise guest needs, ensuring exceptional satisfaction and unforgettable stays. By consistently exceeding expectations and setting new benchmarks in customer service, Supercalla has demonstrated its commitment to creating outstanding guest experiences.
BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN WINNER!
Guest Realty has been crowned the Best Marketing Campaign Winner at the Strive Awards 2025, recognising its outstanding impact in the short-term rental industry. This prestigious award honours the most innovative and effective marketing strategies that have elevated brand awareness and driven business growth. Through creative social media initiatives, compelling advertising, and groundbreaking campaigns, Guest Realty has set a new standard for marketing excellence in the industry.
BEST PROPERTY MANAGER WINNER!
BNB Butler has been named the Best Property Manager at the Strive Awards 2025, a prestigious recognition in the short-term rental industry. This award honours property management companies that set the standard for excellence, delivering exceptional service to both guests and homeowners. BNB Butler stands out for its commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and profitability, redefining short-term rental management with industry-leading practices.
BEST SUPPLIER AWARD WINNER!
PriceLabs has been crowned the Best Supplier at the Strive Awards 2025, recognising its game-changing impact on the short-term rental industry. This prestigious award honours innovative products and services that drive efficiency and elevate guest experiences. From cutting-edge software to smart automation solutions, PriceLabs stands out for revolutionising revenue management and optimisation. By empowering property managers with data-driven insights and automation, PriceLabs continues to set the benchmark for innovation in the short-term rental space.
RISING STAR 
AWARD WINNER!
Chris de Closey of Coastal Letting Group wins the Rising Star Award Winner at the Strive Awards 2025, recognising his exceptional leadership and rapid impact in the short-term rental industry. This prestigious award honours emerging leaders, startups, and innovators who are redefining the sector through groundbreaking business models, cutting-edge technology, outstanding customer service, and game-changing marketing strategies. Chris’s visionary approach and dedication have set a new standard, making a lasting mark on the industry’s future.
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.
2025 STRIVE AWARD JUDGES
Julie George
CEO, Million Dollar Host
Julie George
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.
Justin Ford
Director of Short-Term Rental Safety & Certification Programs, Breezeway
Justin Ford
Director of Short-Term Rental Safety & Certification Programs, Breezeway
Justin Ford is the Director of Short-Term Rental Safety & Certification Programs at Breezeway, leading efforts to enhance safety standards across the industry. A recognized expert in rental safety, he educates owners and managers on best practices to protect guests and properties. With years of experience, Justin is dedicated to raising awareness, implementing safety protocols, and driving industry-wide improvements through training, advocacy, and certification programs.
Lisa Peterson
CEO & Founder, L’Abode Accommodation
Lisa Peterson
CEO & Founder, L’Abode Accommodation
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.
Pete Smith
Founder, Ex-Weekenda
Pete Smith
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.
Dennis Goedheid
Founder & CEO, Casiola Vacation Homes
Dennis Goedheid
Founder & CEO, Casiola Vacation Homes
Dennis Goedheid is the Founder & CEO of Casiola Vacation Homes, a fast-growing vacation rental brand known for its vibrant properties and exceptional guest experiences. With a passion for hospitality and innovation, Dennis has expanded Casiola across multiple destinations, redefining vacation rentals with a seamless blend of technology and personalised service. His leadership continues to drive the brand’s success, setting new standards in the short-term rental industry.
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies
Owner, Coconut Comms and Kaihanu Lodge
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies
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.
Mitchell Price
Executive Committee Member, STRA - Short Term Rentals Asia
Mitchell Price
Executive Committee Member, STRA - Short Term Rentals Asia
Mitchell Price is an Executive Committee Member of STRA – Short Term Rentals Asia and Head of Government Relations at Ario, a global mobility tech company in Singapore. With 15+ years in government, strategic communications, and mobility, he excels in policy development and regulatory strategy. As ASTRA’s inaugural CEO, he led major short-term rental policy reforms, working with Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking.com to drive industry-wide regulatory change.
Rebecca Cribbin
Founder & CEO, Holiday Rental Specialists
Rebecca Cribbin
Founder & CEO, Holiday Rental Specialists
Rebecca Cribbin is the Founder & CEO of Holiday Rental Specialists, a leader in short-term rental management. With over a decade of experience, she specialises in maximising property returns while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Passionate about industry innovation, Rebecca empowers property owners with expert strategies and insights. Her commitment to excellence and growth has positioned her as a trusted voice in the short-term rental space.
Alex Husner
Co-Founder & Host, Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals
Alex Husner
Co-Founder & Host, Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals
Alex Husner is the Co-Founder & Host of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals podcast and a seasoned vacation rental marketing leader. Formerly CMO at Casago and Condo-World, she led business expansion and direct booking strategies, driving $25M+ in revenue. Now an independent consultant, she helps vacation rental brands grow profitably. A past VRMA board member and Myrtle Beach Chamber Chair, Alex’s podcast ranks in the Top 5% globally and among the Top 30 Hospitality Podcasts.
Steve Schwab
Founder & CEO, Casago
Steve Schwab
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.
Annie Holcombe
CEO & Chief Strategist, Annie & Co.
Annie Holcombe
CEO & Chief Strategist, Annie & Co.
Annie Holcombe brings over 30 years of hospitality experience as CEO and Chief STRategist at Annie & Co. Solutions. She delivers expert consultancy to short-term and vacation rental property managers, specialising in owner acquisition, retention, and distribution strategy. Through fractional leadership, marketing insight, and operational expertise, Annie helps businesses strengthen performance, elevate service standards, and drive sustainable, long-term growth.
Mark Simpson
Founder, Boostly
Mark Simpson
Founder, Boostly
Mark Simpson, Founder of Boostly, is on a mission to help one million hospitality owners boost direct bookings, cut commission costs, and maximize profits. Named a "Top 20 Most Influential" in vacation rentals, he's a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and industry leader. Boostly, an award-winning website agency and training platform, has helped property managers generate £50M+ in direct bookings. Follow him for expert insights, free resources, and a proven path to OTA independence.
Tim Rosolio
VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships, Expedia Group
Tim Rosolio
VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships, Expedia Group
Tim Rosolio is the Vice President of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Expedia Group, leading strategic initiatives to support property managers and enhance traveller experiences. With deep industry expertise, he drives innovation, helping partners maximise bookings and stay ahead in the evolving short-term rental market. Passionate about technology and hospitality, Tim plays a key role in shaping the future of vacation rentals through data-driven insights and strong industry collaborations.
Stacey St. John
Founder & CEO, The STR Sisterhood & Kozy Getaways
Stacey St. John
Founder & CEO, The STR Sisterhood & Kozy Getaways
Stacey St. John is a short-term rental investor, mentor, and Founder of STR Sisterhood, a global community of 55,000+ women. What began as one investment property grew into a multi-7-figure portfolio and movement empowering women to build wealth and freedom through STRs. She also leads Kozy Getaways, a boutique, tech-driven property management firm delivering hands-free, high-performance hosting. Stacey has helped 2,320+ women launch, scale, and succeed through coaching, courses, live events, and consulting.
Brooke Pfautz
Founder & CEO, Vintory
Brooke Pfautz
Founder & CEO, Vintory
Brooke Pfautz is the Founder & CEO of Vintory, the only growth platform dedicated to helping vacation rental managers scale their inventory. A seasoned entrepreneur with deep industry expertise, he built and sold a successful vacation rental company before launching Vintory. Brooke now leverages cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies to help property managers accelerate growth, streamline acquisition, and achieve long-term success in the competitive short-term rental market.
Patryk Swietek
Owner, The Cohost Company
Patryk Swietek
Owner, The Cohost Company
Patryk Swietek is the Owner of The Cohost Company, managing 85+ short-term rentals for himself and investors. After struggling in the corporate world, he found his passion in vacation rentals, achieving financial freedom through entrepreneurship. Having acquired three management companies, Patryk now helps others escape the 9-to-5 grind and build their own path to success. His mission is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to take control of their future through short-term rentals.
Steve Trover
CEO, Better Talent
Steve Trover
CEO, Better Talent
Steve Trover is the Founder & CEO of Better Talent, revolutionizing recruitment in the vacation rental industry. With 34 years of business leadership and 28 years in vacation rentals, he has founded 16 companies and served as VRMA President. Steve’s expertise in talent acquisition helps businesses hire and retain top performers. Through Better Talent’s data-driven approach, he ensures companies build high-impact teams, proving that success starts with the right people in the right roles.
Matthew Tesdall
Owner & CEO, Family Time Vacation Rentals
Matthew Tesdall
Owner & CEO, Family Time Vacation Rentals
Matthew Tesdall is the Owner & CEO of Family Time Vacation Rentals, offering premium accommodations across Utah, Idaho, and Central Oregon. With properties near Zion, Bryce Canyon, and top ski resorts, his company caters to families and large groups. A strategic leader with $70M in production, Matthew excels in business development, B2B marketing, and negotiations. His results-driven approach and passion for hospitality create unforgettable experiences in some of the nation’s most stunning destinations.
Tim Mortimer
CEO & Founder, BNB Made Easy
Tim Mortimer
CEO & Founder, BNB Made Easy
Tim Mortimer is the Founder & CEO of BNB Made Easy, a professional short-term rental management company operating across regional Australia. Launched in 2018 from his garage, the business has grown into a multi-market hospitality brand managing hundreds of properties. With a background spanning education, farming, wine, and sport, Tim focuses on values-led growth, strong systems, and people development. He is passionate about boutique hospitality at scale, locally empowered teams, and using technology to support great guest experiences, not replace them.
Tom Goodwin
CEO, Mountain Laurel Chalets
Tom Goodwin
CEO, Mountain Laurel Chalets
Tom Goodwin is the CEO of Mountain Laurel Chalets, a family-owned vacation rental company serving Gatlinburg for over 52 years. Since 2012, he has upheld its legacy, ensuring long-term success in a competitive market. With expertise in business strategy, branding, and operations, Tom enhances profitability for homeowners while delivering exceptional guest experiences. A problem-solver at heart, he is passionate about revitalizing businesses, communities, and people to maximize their potential.