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 Bali on 09-10 Sept(TBC), 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.
WE ARE BACK for an Unforgettable Two Days!
Join us for Australia’s most anticipated gathering of short-term rental proprietors, owners, and managers. Back, bigger, and better, STRive to Thrive returns with a two-day edition on 11th-12th of March 2026 in the heart of Melbourne.
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey to the heart of Melbourne for STRive to Thrive, Australia’s premier event in the short-term rental industry! More than just a business conference, STRive to Thrive is a pulsating two-day fiesta of knowledge, innovation, and celebration. It’s where learning meets excitement, providing a platform to elevate your rental business to new heights.
But STRive to Thrive is not only about intense learning. It’s a place to connect with fellow industry professionals, build lasting relationships, and celebrate shared achievements. As day turns to night, unwind at our 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.
We are excited to present a carefully curated lineup of industry leaders who will share their expertise and experiences. Our sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including market trends, marketing strategies, guest experience, legal considerations, property management, and technological advancements. Each session is designed to equip you with actionable insights to apply to your business.
Beyond the sessions, STRive to Thrive offers numerous opportunities to connect with fellow STR professionals, build relationships, and celebrate together. Our evening events include a gala dinner and an afterparty, offering the perfect setting for networking and unwinding after a day of learning.
STRive to Thrive isn’t merely an event; it’s a defining moment in your STR journey, filled with learning, collaboration, and joyful celebration. Mark your calendars, fasten your seat belts, and get ready for a memorable two-day adventure that promises to inspire and delight!
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 11th, 2026)
Immerse yourself in the exclusive ACTION day, a comprehensive day of Masterclasses designed to provide you with hands-on training and insights from industry experts. Dive deep into specialized sessions that focus on innovative strategies, actionable tools, and practical solutions to enhance your STR business.
Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the STR scene, this Masterclass is tailored to empower you with knowledge that translates to action.
What to Expect: Intensive Workshops: 3 x Sharp, INTENSE – Learn from the best in the business in focused sessions that provide actionable insights.
SCALING MASTERCLASS: Learn how to expand your STR business effectively.
MARKETING ON THE SMELL OF AN OILY RAG: Discover budget-friendly marketing strategies.
SURPRISE SESSION: An exciting, undisclosed topic that will provide unique insights.
Network with other professionals, enjoy a delicious lunch and afternoon tea, and cap off the day with sparkling and canape networking. The Masterclass day runs from 10am to 5:00pm
These masterclasses are part of the exclusive VIP ACTION MASTERCLASS DAY and are carefully crafted to provide actionable insights, tools, and strategies to enhance your short-term rental business. Whether you choose one or all of these sessions, be prepared for an intensive learning experience that translates to real-world success.
Networking Opportunities: Connect and engage with fellow STR professionals.
Lunch and Afternoon Tea: Stay energized with gourmet meals and refreshments.
Sparkling and Canape Networking!
1 0am-5:00pm *Topics subject to change*
Day 2: MAIN EVENT, SESSIONS, DINNER AND DRINKS (MARCH 12th, 2026)
Dive into a full day of engaging sessions that cover every aspect of the STR industry. From market trends to guest experiences, legal compliance to technological innovations, the Main Event day is your opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge and insights.
But it’s not just about intense learning! When the sun dips beneath the horizon, let your hair down at our celebration dinner and afterparty.
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 Melbourne 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 delightful dinner, refreshments, and entertainment.
9:30am – late
Book both days – or pick the one that you want to go to. 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.
STRIVE to Thrive is not just an event; it’s a milestone on your journey in the STR industry, a moment of learning, collaboration, and celebration that you’ll cherish forever. So gear up, buckle in, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
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!
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CEO & Founder, ibooked.online & The Accommodation Show
Founder, Hunter Holidays
Georgia Smith is the Founder of Hunter Holidays, a boutique property management company based in the Hunter Valley, known for delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving strong returns for property owners. With a deep understanding of hospitality, operations, and brand storytelling, Georgia has built a reputation for combining high-touch service with smart systems that scale.
Drawing on her experience leading a growing portfolio of holiday homes, Georgia brings practical insights into what it takes to build a trusted, guest-focused business in today’s competitive short-term rental market. Her passion lies in empowering operators to embrace innovation, refine processes, and create memorable stays that guests love to return to.
Co-Founder, Luxico & StayLonger
Tom Ormerod is the Co-Founder of Luxico, a platform for beautiful homes paired with incredible experiences, and Staylonger, a new platform redefining flexible living with furnished homes, apartments, and boutique hotels for stays of 30+ nights.
Head of Operations, Sales & Business Development, CanBnB
Sarah is a dedicated operations and sales leader with expertise in short-term rental management. Skilled in overseeing daily operations, driving sales growth, and optimising business processes. Strong communicator with a hands-on approach to stakeholder management. Passionate about innovation and delivering exceptional results as Head of Operations and Sales at Canbnb.
CEO & Co-Founder, Hometime
Billy Crock, CEO of Hometime and a long-time hospital corner professional. Hometime is one of the largest STR management companies in Australia. Our secret sauce is the combination of local business relationships alongside the sophistication that a national presence can bring.
CEO, Million Dollar Host
Julie George is the Author of the ‘Million Dollar Host’ which outlines her story and unique STR property management business model that resulted in a portfolio of 130 properties and generated more than $8million income in 3 years. This Australian business woman is now featured in media and on stages globally and is recognised for her contagious energy and enthusiasm.
As one of the most influential names in the Short-Term Rental industry she supports, mentors and inspires thousands of Hosts worldwide. Julie offers consulting, mentoring and facilitates the #1 Global Mastermind Community in the world.
CEO & Co-Founder, Villa Finder
Daniel Rouquette is the CEO and Co-Founder of Villa Finder, one of Asia's most trusted platforms for curated villa rentals. A French national who has lived in Asia for over 15 years, Daniel co-founded the company driven by a deep passion for the region's unique destinations, counting Bali, Hoi An, Sri Lanka, and Japan's snow resorts among his personal favorites. He launched Villa Finder with a clear mission: to solve the fragmentation and lack of trust in the market by building a brand that combines quality, high-touch, expert service with efficient technology. In short, Villa Finder's mission is to create memorable experiences.
From the company's inception, Daniel has applied a very data-driven approach to decision-making. He initially led marketing and growth while also overseeing product development, recognizing early on that building proprietary technology would be key to controlling the guest experience and scaling effectively. This philosophy allowed Villa Finder to grow from a small, curated selection in Bali to a robust portfolio of thousands of hand-picked properties across Asia, all while maintaining meticulous quality control and a seamless booking process.
A passionate advocate for responsible tourism, Daniel believes the industry must be a force for good. He has championed this mission internally, leading Villa Finder to achieve B Corp certification in 2025, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. He is also actively involved in driving this change externally, pushing the wider Bali villa rental industry to adopt more sustainable practices, particularly through his work with the local Bali Villa Rental and Management Association (BVRMA).
When not focused on the business, Daniel is an avid traveler and trail runner, often found exploring the mountains and trails of the region.
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.
CEO & Founder, Weekenda and Hunter Valley Villa
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.
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.
Director, Maisonnets
Mark Hodge is the Director of MaisonNets, a boutique short-stay property management company based in Sydney focused on high-value homes and exceptional guest experiences. With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and real estate, Mark brings a creative and strategic mindset to maximising cash-flow, optimising listings and enhancing owner returns. His background in performing arts, mortgage broking and investment property adds a unique edge to his leadership in the short-stay sector.
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.
Co-CEO & Co-Founder, MadeComfy
Quirin Schwaighofer is Co-CEO & Co-Founder of MadeComfy, a leading short-term rental property management and hospitality company. With a Master’s in Industrial Engineering and an Executive MBA, he brings strong strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep background in sales and innovation. Under his leadership, MadeComfy has become an award-winning business and a trusted I-PRAC–approved operator in Australia.
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.
CEO, Rev and Research
As Founder of Rev and Research, I’ve helped property managers scale through smart, data-driven revenue strategies. Our proven systems have delivered consistent YoY growth, simplified RM, and turned underperforming units into top earners.
At Rev and Research, we’ve built a reputation for turning complex revenue problems into clear, actionable strategies. What started as a consulting vision has evolved into a full-scale system, helping property managers and short-term rental operators master revenue management through data clarity, smart segmentation, and consistent execution.
Our proprietary approach focuses on benchmarking, pacing, and segmenting performance in a way that empowers even the most overwhelmed operators. Whether managing five units or five hundred, our clients benefit from simplified dashboards, clear KPIs, and the education needed to act with confidence. We've consistently delivered 3–5% YoY growth—even in volatile markets with increasing supply.
The real success lies in our client results. From onboarding to optimization, we've taken underperforming units and turned them into top earners. Through a blend of consulting, automation, and transparency, we’ve not only grown portfolios but also helped property managers think and operate like seasoned revenue pros. Rev and Research isn't just a service—it’s a system that scales with you.
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, 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.
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.
Founder and Director, Property Mums
Kim Steel is a passionate entrepreneur, real estate investor, and advocate for empowering mothers. She bought her first investment property at 23 and built a portfolio of 11 homes before entering the holiday rental market. In 2019, she founded Property Mums, creating flexible income opportunities for mothers. With 160+ homes and a 4.9-star rating, she blends design and hospitality to maximize returns. Kim’s mission is to elevate short-term rentals while supporting women in business.
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!
Founder & CEO, Extenteam
Ari got into the STR space in 2009 as a property manager. In 2021 he founded Extenteam, which provides staffing and software solutions to STR operators globally. The company serves 200+ businesses with 400+ team members. Ari has spoken at VRMA conferences and served on HomeAway Software's Advisory Board.
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.
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.
Get ready for laughs that will shake the room! Australian comedian Ben Knight is set to take the stage at Strive to Thrive 2025, delivering his signature blend of sharp wit and storytelling. A seasoned performer with a larger-than-life personality, Ben knows how to energise a crowd and keep the good vibes rolling. Whether it’s his hilarious takes on everyday life or his infectious stage presence, he’s guaranteed to leave you in stitches and set the tone for an unforgettable event!
Bringing unstoppable energy and electrifying beats, Jay B Bandicoot is set to turn Strive to Thrive 2025 into an unforgettable experience! This dancefloor maestro is known for his seamless blends of house, disco, and electronic grooves that keep the crowd moving all night long. Whether it’s setting the perfect vibe during networking sessions or dropping high-energy anthems at the after-party, Jay B Bandicoot knows how to ignite the room and keep the energy soaring. Get ready to dance, connect, and celebrate like never before!
Address:
520 High Street, Northcote VIC, Australia 3070
Phone:
+61 3 9020 7940
Email:
info@welcometothornbury.com
