WE ARE BACK for an Unforgettable Two Days in Auckland!
Get ready for the return of STRive to Thrive – New Zealand’s most anticipated gathering for short-term rental proprietors, owners, and managers. After a successful debut, STRive to Thrive is back for its second edition on 17–18 March 2026, right in the heart of Auckland.
Embark on an extraordinary two-day journey designed to inspire, educate, and elevate your STR business. STRive to Thrive is more than a conference – it’s a vibrant festival of knowledge, innovation, and community. Expect dynamic sessions, practical insights, and forward-thinking strategies that will help transform and grow your rental business.
But it’s not all about learning. STRive to Thrive is also about connection – bringing professionals together to share stories, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate the industry’s achievements. As each day turns to night, enjoy our celebratory dinner and afterparty, featuring gourmet dining, lively entertainment, and endless opportunities to network and unwind.
Join us for two days of education, inspiration, celebration, and community – your journey to thriving in the STR industry starts here.
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.
STRive to Thrive – New Zealand : Unlock the Future of STR
We are thrilled to welcome you to the second edition of STRive to Thrive NZ, the premier event for short-term rental proprietors, owners, and managers. Join us on 17–18 March 2026 in Auckland for two transformative days of learning, networking, and celebration.
STRive to Thrive is where the STR community comes together to exchange knowledge, explore innovations, and celebrate achievements. This dynamic event features expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
Across two full days, we will delve into the strategies, tools, and insights essential for success in the STR sector. This event is crafted to give you the practical knowledge and meaningful connections you need to elevate your business.
We are excited to present a curated lineup of industry leaders who will share their expertise on a wide range of topics including market trends, marketing strategies, guest experience, legal considerations, property management, and emerging technologies. Every session is designed to equip you with actionable insights you can implement immediately.
Beyond the content-rich sessions, STRive to Thrive offers plenty of opportunities to build relationships and celebrate with your peers. Enjoy a gala dinner and afterparty – an ideal setting for networking and unwinding after a productive day.
STRive to Thrive isn’t just an event; it’s a milestone in your STR journey – a celebration of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Mark your calendars and get ready for an inspiring two-day experience that will motivate and empower you.
Highlights of the event include:
Join us for THE MAIN EVENT, THE VIP MASTERCLASS DAY, OR BOTH! Read more 👇
Day 1: VIP ACTION MASTERCLASS DAY (MARCH 17th, 2026)
Immerse yourself in an exclusive, hands-on day of Masterclasses designed to give you practical, actionable tools to grow your STR business. Dive deep into specialised sessions focused on innovative strategies, problem-solving, and proven frameworks you can apply immediately—ideal for both seasoned operators and newcomers.
What to Expect: Intensive Workshops: 3 x Sharp, INTENSE – Learn from the best in the business in focused sessions that provide actionable insights.
MASTERCLASS 1: SCALING YOUR STR BUSINESS
MASTERCLASS 2: MARKETING ON THE SMELL OF AN OILY RAG
COMMUNITY CONNECTION SESSION(s):
Focused discussions on what matters most to the NZ STR community, including market trends, regulatory challenges, and shared industry experiences. These sessions provide a platform to exchange ideas, explore solutions, and strengthen the STR network in New Zealand.
Networking Opportunities: Connect and engage with fellow STR professionals. Lunch and Afternoon Tea: Stay energized with gourmet meals and refreshments.
*Topics subject to change
Day 2: MAIN EVENT, SESSIONS, DINNER AND DRINKS (MARCH 18th, 2026)
Experience a full day packed with expert sessions covering every facet of the STR industry – from trends and guest experience to legal compliance and tech innovation. The Main Event is your opportunity to learn from industry leaders, connect with peers, and gather insights that can elevate your business.
And when the evening arrives, it’s time to switch gears and celebrate. Enjoy a beautiful dinner followed by an exciting afterparty – perfect for networking, relaxing, and having fun.
What to Expect:
Engaging Sessions: Industry trends, marketing strategies, guest experience, and more!
Expert Speakers: Influential figures in the STR industry.
Meet sponsors: Leading tech companies and suppliers in the STR industry
Networking: Meet fellow hosts from all over New Zealand and beyond, from big to small.
Lunch: Savor a deliciously light lunch crafted by the culinary team of Sudima.
Coffees, Afternoon Tea: Stay fueled and engaged.
Celebration Dinner and Afterparty: Indulge in a delightful dinner, refreshments, and entertainment.
9:30am – late
Book both days – or pick the one that suits you best. You choose!
Join us for both the Masterclass – ACTION Day and the Main Event to enjoy a comprehensive two-day experience that combines education, celebration, and connection. Immerse yourself in the full spectrum of the STR industry, learn from experts, network with like-minded professionals, and celebrate your journey in style.
Location: Sudima, Auckland, New Zealand
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!
This opening masterclass dives into what actually drives performance on OTAs. Sean breaks down how high-performing operators win on visibility, conversion and revenue, without racing to the bottom on price.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can apply immediately to improve listings, optimise performance, and compete more effectively in crowded markets.
Sean Rakidzich
Facilitated by the STRIVE team and industry specialists
This session is where insight turns into action.
STRIVE APPLIED is a series of expert-facilitated, peer-led workshops designed to surface what’s actually working inside real STR businesses today.
Attendees will take part in three focused workshops, each running for 30 minutes, led by an experienced facilitator. Each workshop is built around open discussion, shared experience, and practical problem-solving, not presentations or sales pitches.
The focus is on real-world application, honest conversation, and learning directly from operators who are actively running and growing STR businesses.
The three workshop themes are:
Technology
What tech operators are actually using, what’s delivering real value, and what’s been abandoned along the way.
Revenue Management Strategies
Practical pricing and revenue insights, including small changes that have delivered measurable results.
Marketing & Sales
Real-world approaches that turn interest into bookings or signed owners, and what’s clearly stopped working.
These workshops are collaborative, practical, and grounded in lived experience. You’ll leave with ideas you can pressure-test immediately and clarity on where to focus next.
Julie George
This session is for operators thinking beyond day-to-day operations.
Billy takes attendees inside the structure of a scalable STR business, covering roles and responsibilities, margins, P&Ls, risk, and how value is assessed as businesses grow or prepare for sale.
It’s a practical, numbers-driven look at what separates a business that simply operates from one that is intentionally built to scale or sell.
Billy Crock
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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.
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, 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Co-Founder, Moxxi Property
Dan de Witte is Co-Founder of Moxxi, one of Tasmania’s leading short-term rental management companies and an Industry Innovation Award winner. A builder by trade, Dan brings a systems-thinking mindset to professionalising the accommodation industry. Alongside his wife Lauren, he has scaled Moxxi to 180+ homes across Tasmania, delivering exceptional hospitality through smart automation, AI and sustainable operations. Passionate about proving profitability and environmental responsibility can coexist, Dan is building a future-ready model where guest experience, operational excellence and impact go hand in hand.
Director, Christchurch Holiday Homes & BookaHome
Karen Gilby is a Director at Christchurch Holiday Homes and Bookahome, with over 11 years’ experience shaping the business from an early-stage operator into a systems-driven, multi-region accommodation company. Analytical and operations-focused, Karen specialises in building scalable frameworks across guest communication, housekeeping, compliance and technology. She works closely with owners to deliver sustainable performance, asset protection and long-term value, while enabling teams to operate efficiently across Christchurch, Wānaka, Raglan, Hamilton and Terrace Downs.
Founder & Director, Ohana Property
Phil Cooper is the Founder of Ohana Property, one of New Zealand’s leading short-term rental management companies. What began with one standout home has grown into a nationwide portfolio managing hundreds of properties and generating over $35M in owner revenue, with 26,000+ guest reviews and a 4.8-star average. Known for creating memorable, high-performing homes, Ohana blends smart systems with a family-first mindset proving hosts can scale profitably while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
General Manager & Managing Director, L’Abode Accommodation
Georgia McAleer is an experienced accommodation and property management leader with over a decade in the hospitality sector, currently serving as Business Manager at L’Abode Accommodation in Sydney, Australia. She excels in operational leadership, guest experience, revenue optimisation and strategic growth across diverse property portfolios. Georgia’s practical insights and hands‑on expertise help operators enhance performance, streamline processes, and deliver standout stays in competitive markets.
Co-Founder & Head of Growth & Client Success, Ohana Property
Andreas Cooper is Co‑Founder and Head of Growth & Client Success at Ohana Property Management, a family-led NZ company specialising in Airbnb and holiday homes. Guided by the “family first” principle, Ohana delivers memorable guest experiences while maximising owner returns. From a single standout Canterbury property, Andreas has helped scale Ohana across major NZ markets, offering full-service short-term rental management and hands-off ownership solutions.
Managing Director, Bachcare
Tracey Foxall is the Managing Director of Bachcare, New Zealand’s leading holiday home management company and part of the UK-based Forge Group. With over 20 years’ experience across hospitality, travel, and property management in New Zealand and Australia, Tracey brings deep expertise in operations, growt,h and strategy. Previously Regional Manager for Oceania at Booking.com, she is a respected industry leader passionate about advancing the short-term rental sector in New Zealand.
NZ Revenue Portfolio Manager, Alloggio
Nick Peirce is a senior commercial and revenue management leader with over 25 years’ experience across aviation, travel, and short-term rentals. He is currently NZ Revenue Portfolio Manager at Alloggio, leading pricing and revenue strategy across a diverse holiday-home portfolio, with a strong focus on highly seasonal markets like Queenstown. Formerly Head of Revenue at Bachcare, Nick is known for his data-driven, pragmatic approach to balancing owner returns, guest value, and real-world operational constraints.
CEO & Founder, Hostify
Chavdar Marinov is the Founder & CEO of Hostify, a global property management software that helps vacation rental and short-term rental businesses manage listings, bookings, channels, and automation from one platform. With deep expertise in SaaS, technology, and rental operations, Chavdar leads Hostify’s mission to simplify property management and empower hosts and managers to grow efficiently in a competitive market. He is an industry speaker on rental tech trends and innovation.
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.
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.
Jack Ansett is an Auckland-based stand-up comedian who’s been entertaining audiences since the age of 15, becoming a national Raw Comedy Quest finalist at just 16. Now a regular at The Classic Comedy Club, Jack has been nominated for the Billy T Award and appeared on 7 Days, Last Laughs, Guy Montgomery’s Guy-Mont Spelling Bee, and Taskmaster NZ. He’ll bring sharp wit and high-energy laughs to STRIVE Auckland 2026.
Bringing deep house, techno, and pure underground energy, Gabriella Gonzalez will transform Strive to Thrive 2025 into an electrifying musical escape. Originally from Buenos Aires and now making waves in New Zealand’s music scene, Gabriella’s DJ sets are a fusion of hypnotic grooves and infectious rhythms. Whether it’s a high-energy networking session or the ultimate after-party, she’ll create a soundscape that keeps the momentum soaring!
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.
🚖 Getting There by Taxi or Ride-Share
– Simply enter “Sudima Auckland City, 563-567 Nelson St” into your ride-share app (Uber, Ola, or Zoomy).
– The hotel has a designated drop-off zone at the entrance, making arrival quick and easy.
🚋 Getting There by Public Transport
While Auckland does not have a tram system, you can reach the venue easily by bus or train:
By Bus:
– Several bus routes stop near the hotel.
– The closest stop is Wellesley St West/Nelson St (Stop 7050), which is a 2-minute walk to the venue.
– Use the AT Mobile app to check real-time bus routes and timetables.
By Train:
– If arriving by train, get off at Britomart Transport Centre (Auckland’s central train station).
– From there, it’s a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi/ride-share to the venue.
🚗 Parking Options
On-Site Parking:
– Sudima Hotel offers limited on-site parking, available for guests and event attendees. Spaces may fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Nearby Parking Options:
– Wilson Parking – 72 Nelson St (3-minute walk)
– SkyCity Car Park – Federal St (5-minute walk)
– Civic Car Park – Mayoral Dr (8-minute walk)
STRive attendees can enjoy a 20% discount on room rates at Sudima Auckland City, a modern and sustainable hotel in the heart of Auckland.
Conveniently located near key attractions, Sudima Auckland City offers exceptional service, eco-friendly practices, and a welcoming atmosphere – making it the perfect base for both business and leisure.
Book now and save! Use this delegate code STRIVE2026 when you make a booking to unlock an exclusive discounted rate for stays between Sunday 15 March and Friday 20 March 2026.
To book, contact Sudima’s Central Reservations team on 0800 SUDIMA (800-783462) or email reservations@sudimahotels.com.
