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 22-23 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.
Join us for Two Unforgettable Days!
Welcome to New Zealand’s inaugural gathering of short-term rental proprietors, owners, and managers. Experience the debut of STRive to Thrive with a two-day event on 17th-18th of March 2026 in the heart of Auckland.
Embark on an extraordinary journey at STRive to Thrive, New Zealand’s premier event in the short-term rental (STR) industry. More than just a business conference, this is a pulsating two-day festival of knowledge, innovation, and celebration, where learning meets excitement, providing a platform to elevate your rental business to new heights.
STRive to Thrive isn’t only about intense learning; it’s a place to connect with fellow industry professionals, build lasting relationships, and celebrate achievements. As the day turns to night, unwind at our celebratory dinner and afterparty, where gourmet dining meets lively entertainment and endless networking opportunities.
As we launch this first-ever New Zealand edition, we are proud to announce our partnership with ASTRA NZ, the peak body of our industry. This event is brought to you in collaboration with ASTRA, and their valuable support will significantly enhance the event, further enriching the experiences and opportunities available at STRive to Thrive.
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 invite you to the first edition of STRive to Thrive NZ, the premier event for short-term rental proprietors, owners, and managers in New Zealand. Join us and your fellow hosts on the 17th and 18th of March 2026 in Auckland for two transformative days of learning, networking, and celebration.
STRive to Thrive is the gathering point for the STR community to exchange knowledge, explore new innovations, and celebrate achievements. This innaugural event is set to be dynamic, featuring a mix of expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
On March 17th and 18th, 2026, we will convene in Auckland to delve into the strategies and tools essential for success in the STR industry. This event is designed to furnish you with the insights and connections necessary to advance your business.
We are excited to present a curated lineup of industry leaders who will impart their expertise and experiences. Our sessions will encompass a wide array of topics including market trends, marketing strategies, guest experience, legal considerations, property management, and technological advancements. Each session is crafted to provide actionable insights you can apply directly to your business.
In addition to the sessions, STRive to Thrive offers ample opportunities to connect with fellow STR professionals, forge relationships, and celebrate together. Our evening events include a gala dinner and an afterparty, creating the perfect environment for networking and relaxation after a day of intensive learning.
As we launch this first-ever New Zealand edition, we are proud to announce our partnership with ASTRA NZ, enhancing the event with their valuable support and collaboration. This partnership will further enrich the experiences and opportunities available at STRive to Thrive.
STRive to Thrive isn’t just an event; it’s a milestone in your STR journey, filled with learning, collaboration, and joyful celebration. Mark your calendars, buckle up, and prepare for a memorable two-day experience that promises to inspire and invigorate!
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 in partnership with ASTRA (MARCH 17th, 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 focusing 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 day 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.
MASTERCLASS 1: SCALING YOUR STR BUSINESS
MASTERCLASS 2: MARKETING ON THE SMELL OF AN OILY RAG
COMMUNITY CONNECTION SESSION(s): Hosted by ASTRA NZ.
The aftermoom sessions are designed to bring together the NZ STRA community to discuss whattruly matters to you. We’ll delve into the market trends shaping thefuture, learn from experiences in Australia and beyond, and share insights from our ongoing discussions with the NZ government and departments. This is an opportunity to understand your challenges, explore solutions, and network with industry peers, fostering a stronger and more connected STRA community in New Zealand.
By participating, you’ll gain valuable perspectives that can help shape your business strategies and contribute to the growth and resilience of our industry. It will also include industry advocacy networking drinks, providing a platform to connect with key influencers and policymakers in a relaxed setting.
Network with other professionals, enjoy a delicious lunch and afternoon tea, and cap off the day with ASTRA-sponsored sparkling and canape networking. The Masterclass day runs from 10am to 5:00pm
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)
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 sets, let your hair down at our celebration dinner and after party.
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!
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Chief Operating Officer, Hind Management
Les Morgan is the Chief Operating Officer of Hind Management. He has over 30 years of tourism and hotel experience. A European trained sommelier he has broad experience with leading international hotel brands and has gone on to establish a successful career in the New Zealand hospitality industry.
He has been repeatedly recognised with national awards for leadership in business, hotels and tourism and is a recipient of the NZ Ministry of Defence award for Patron Excellence. An advisor to private and government organisations, he holds several governance roles, serves as a sector commentator, industry panellist and awards judge. He was a member of a recent Prime Minister led trade mission to Southeast Asia.
Managing Director, Bachcare
Tracey Foxall - Managing Director Bachcare has over 20 years experience in the travel sector across New Zealand and Australia and is passionate about driving growth and progress within the short term rental space in NZ.
Director, CanBnB
Dan is known for having grown a portfolio of 200 listings as a side hustle while maintaining a full-time job. His straightforward guidance and direct manner have helped cement his place as an STR guru. He was the first professional STR host in Canberra and now invests in property, coordinates a master-mind group, facilitates STR business transfers, and connects hosts to virtual assistants. He keeps the pulse of the industry through networking in Australia and the US.
Founder and Chair, TimeOut Charitable Trust
I am the founder and Chair of TimeOut Charitable Trust. My family and I have experienced firsthand the profound impact of being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
We know how transformative a TimeOut stay in someone’s holiday home can be. It’s more than just a break; it’s a chance to strengthen relationships, create cherished memories, and discover a personal resilience you never knew you had.
Through the generosity of holiday homeowners, TimeOut provides this same opportunity to others facing life’s toughest journeys, offering moments of connection, relief, and hope.
Owner, Coconut Comms and Kaihanu Lodge
Kate has worked in holiday rentals since 2006, helping to grow Holiday Lettings and then TripAdvisor’s vacation rental offering. She was also a travel industry pundit for the BBC. A seeker of memorable guest experiences with a love of hospitality she's previously run restaurants & ridden pillion across Europe with just pannier to pack! She recently emigrated from the UK to NZ.
Managing Director, HiAtlas Wellington / HiAtlas Auckland
Jennifer Mattlin is the Managing Director at HiAtlas, a company specialising in connecting executive tenants with premium, fully furnished rental properties. With extensive experience in Property Management, Jennifer is passionate about creating flexible housing solutions that meet the needs of high-level professionals across New Zealand.
Director, Switch Hotel Solutions & Coastal Letting Group
Chris possesses almost 20 years industry experience at such a young age.
Developing a consultancy firm (Switch Hotel Solutions) and a letting company (Coastal Letting Group) along side each other, both business have grown into industry leaders in the short space of 5 years.
Coastal Letting Group is the largest short term rental operator on the Gold and Tweed Coast, offering over 450 properties for guests to enjoy.
Switch Hotel Solutions offers consulting support for hotels, motels, resorts and STR businesses - harnessing Chris' and his teams vast knowledge to get the best results for clients.
Solutions Consultant - APAC, PriceLabs
Deepanshu is a seasoned professional in the short-term rental (STR) industry with a wealth of experience in Sales and Customer Success. Currently serving as the Solutions Consultant - APAC for PriceLabs, he plays a key role in expanding the company’s presence across the region. His expertise spans establishing a market presence, conducting demos, and hosting educational webinars on dynamic pricing in the STR space. Known as the go-to person for all things APAC, Deepanshu is dedicated to helping clients leverage data and technology to optimize their revenue management strategies.
Partner, PwC New Zealand
Catherine Francis, a Partner at PwC New Zealand, specialises in GST, with deep expertise in property and cross-border transactions. Before joining PwC in 2017, she worked in top-tier tax law teams in New Zealand and the UK. Catherine played a key role in developing and implementing the "app tax" (GST on short-stay accommodation via digital platforms), guiding clients through the new rules and shaping policy. Her extensive experience makes her a trusted advisor in the field.
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.
Founder & Managing Director, Hello Queenstown
Savannah Jackson is the founder and director of Hello Queenstown, the largest short-term rental management company in Queenstown, NZ, overseeing 140+ properties worth over $200M. With 35+ years in business, she previously owned a real estate agency and founded a leading trading academy. A sought-after speaker, she has shared stages with Tony Robbins and Sir Richard Branson. Now also a property developer, she’s engaged to Ash, a proud mum, and a triathlon enthusiast.
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.
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.
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.
Get ready for a hilarious, high-energy performance as Pax Assadi takes the stage at Strive to Thrive 2025! A master of sharp wit and side-splitting storytelling, Pax blends quick-fire humour with relatable insights, keeping audiences hooked from start to finish. His electric stage presence guarantees a night of non-stop entertainment. Brace yourself for an unforgettable comedy set that will leave you laughing, energised, and inspired!
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!
🚖 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 15% 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 STRIVE2025 when you make a booking to unlock an exclusive discounted rate.
