THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO STRIVE, THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL INDUSTRY, AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH.
Whether you are a seasoned property manager looking to scale or a new host navigating your first listing, you likely have questions. Below, we dive deep into the industry, the technology, and how the STRIVE Conference serves as your catalyst for success.
How can we help you?
🎤 About STRIVE & The Short-Term Rental Industry
What exactly is the STRIVE Conference?
STRIVE is the premier gathering for the Short-Term Rental (STR) and Vacation Rental community in Australia and New Zealand. Unlike general hospitality events, STRIVE is hyper-focused on the unique needs of accommodation providers. We bring together:
It is a two-day immersion into the future of hosting, designed to help you professionalize your operations and maximize your revenue.
- Property Managers overseeing growing portfolios.
- Individual Hosts running high-performing short-term rentals.
- Industry Innovators in technology and advocacy.
It is a two-day immersion into the future of hosting, designed to help you professionalize your operations and maximize your revenue.
How does STRIVE differ from other hospitality events?
Many events focus broadly on hotels or general tourism. STRIVE is built specifically for the short-term rental ecosystem. We tackle the specific challenges of managing decentralized inventory, navigating platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia, and dealing with the nuances of guest experience in residential homes. If you manage a home, apartment, or glamping site, this is your tribe.
Who are the experts behind the STRIVE content?
We curate a lineup of "doers," not just speakers. Our stage features:
You won't hear generic motivational speeches; you will hear actionable strategies from the people shaping the industry
- Data Experts analysing market occupancy and pricing trends.
- Tech Leaders building the next generation of Property Management Software (PMS).
- Industry Advocates helping operators navigate the changing landscape.
- Experienced Operators who have scaled successful businesses.
You won't hear generic motivational speeches; you will hear actionable strategies from the people shaping the industry
📈 Industry Trends, Data & Regulations
Is the Short-Term Rental market still profitable in 2026?
Yes, but the strategy has evolved. The "gold rush" era of putting any property on a listing site and expecting instant returns is over. In 2026, profitability is driven by operational efficiency, dynamic pricing, and unique guest experiences. At STRIVE, we explore market data to show you exactly which regions are growing and how to pivot your business model to stay profitable in a maturing market.
How do I navigate new Short-Term Rental regulations in Australia & New Zealand?
Regulatory compliance is currently a major topic for hosts. With councils and governments introducing new frameworks, ignorance is a risk. STRIVE facilitates important discussions on the changing regulatory landscape. We bring in industry voices to discuss how these changes impact operators and share best practices on how to future-proof your portfolio and remain compliant without sacrificing revenue.
What are the biggest challenges in the vacation rental industry today?
Beyond regulation, the key challenges include:
1. Oversupply & Competition: How to stand out on crowded OTAs.
2. Rising Guest Expectations: Guests now expect hotel-quality amenities in rental homes.
3. Technology Adoption: Knowing which tools actually save time. STRIVE addresses these head-on, offering insights and proven strategies to help operators adapt and thrive despite these market pressures.
1. Oversupply & Competition: How to stand out on crowded OTAs.
2. Rising Guest Expectations: Guests now expect hotel-quality amenities in rental homes.
3. Technology Adoption: Knowing which tools actually save time. STRIVE addresses these head-on, offering insights and proven strategies to help operators adapt and thrive despite these market pressures.
How does the hospitality industry promote sustainability?
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it's a booking driver. Corporate travelers and modern guests actively filter for eco-friendly stays. STRIVE features discussions on how to implement sustainable practices that reduce costs (like energy efficiency) while marketing your "Green" credentials to attract higher-paying guests on platforms like Booking.com and Google Travel.
💰 Growth, Revenue & Distribution Strategy
Should I rely on Airbnb, Booking.com, or my own Direct Booking site?
The most successful operators often utilize a "Multi-Channel Distribution Strategy."
- Airbnb & Vrbo: Excellent for leisure travelers and brand visibility.
- Booking.com & Expedia: Essential for capturing international tourists and volume.
- Direct Bookings: A great way to build your own brand and foster loyalty.
At STRIVE, we explore how these channels can work together. We discuss how to maintain a healthy listing presence while also developing a brand that encourages guests to return to you time and time again.
How can I grow and scale my short-term rental business?
Growth comes from moving from "hustle" to "systems." You cannot scale past a certain point if you are doing everything manually. At STRIVE, we explore:
- Acquisition: Strategies to sign more homeowners and grow your inventory.
- Automation: Using technology to put operations on autopilot.
- Team Building: When to hire staff or outsource to Virtual Assistants.
What AI tools should I be using for my rental business?
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing hospitality. If you aren't using it, your competitors likely are. Key areas we explore at STRIVE include:
- AI for Guest Communication: Tools that help answer guest queries faster.
- Dynamic Pricing: Algorithms that adjust your nightly rates based on demand.
- Content Creation: Using tools to optimize listing descriptions and marketing.
🎓 Education & Skills
I’m new to the industry. How do I learn the basics?
Getting started in short-term rentals can feel overwhelming with so much information available online. STRIVE provides a supportive environment to find clarity. While we dive into advanced strategies, we ensure the content is accessible. You will find sessions and conversations that cover the foundations of running a successful accommodation business from setting the right price to delivering a great guest arrival experience. It’s the perfect place to learn what "good" looks like from the start.
What skills do I need to succeed in the hospitality industry?
Modern property management requires a hybrid skillset:
- Digital Marketing: Understanding online visibility.
- Revenue Management: Understanding yield and occupancy rates.
- Hospitality: The soft skills of guest service and conflict resolution. STRIVE’s sessions are designed to help you develop these skills with real-world examples from top-performing brands.
🥂 Networking & Community
Why is networking important in the short-term rental industry?
This can be a lonely industry. Networking helps you sanity-check your ideas, stay informed about market shifts, and find support. Many of our attendees form partnerships that last for years. Whether you need a recommendation for a service provider or advice on a difficult situation, the STRIVE community is your resource.
I’m coming alone. Will it be awkward?
Absolutely not. STRIVE is designed to be the antidote to "awkward networking." We facilitate opportunities to connect, including social hours where the focus is on fun and genuine connection, not just business cards. Our goal is for you to leave with a network of peers you can call on long after the conference ends.
What kind of professionals attend STRIVE?
You will meet a diverse mix of:
- Property Managers & Agencies: Looking for tech and acquisition strategies.
- Boutique Accommodation Owners: Blending traditional hospitality with STR tech.
- Suppliers: Leading vendors in linens, smart locks, insurance, and software.
- Investors: Looking to understand the market.
🎟️ Logistics, Tickets & ROI
What is included in my STRIVE ticket?
We believe in a comprehensive experience. Your registration generally covers:
- Full Access: Entry to all Keynotes, Breakout Sessions, and the Expo Hall.
- Food & Beverage: Catered morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
- Social Events: Entry to our scheduled networking functions and parties.
How can I justify the cost to my company?
Think of STRIVE as a training accelerator.
- For Owners: Finding one new software that saves hours a week pays for the ticket in labor savings.
- For Staff: Learning revenue management techniques can increase portfolio yield significantly.
- For Tech Teams: Meeting multiple vendors in one room saves months of sales calls and demos.
Where can I buy tickets?
Space is limited and we sell out every year. Click here to register for STRIVE 2026
💬 Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Reach out to us via the contact page. We look forward to welcoming you to the STRIVE community.
