STRIVE 2026
Learn. STRive. Thrive!
STR HOSTS, JOIN US FOR TWO INCREDIBLE DAYS, ACROSS 3 INCREDIBLE COUNTRIES!
Join us for the most anticipated gathering of short-term rental proprietors, owners, and managers in Australasia. STRive to Thrive returns, bigger and better, spanning two sets of dates: 11th-12th March 2026 in Australia, 17th-18th March 2026 in New Zealand, and 10th September 2026 in Bali.
Embark on an Extraordinary Industry Journey
Prepare for a transformative experience that extends across three dynamic countries; Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. STRive to Thrive isn’t just a business conference; it’s a pulsating fiesta of knowledge, innovation, and celebration, providing the perfect platform to elevate your rental business to new heights. Experience two days of intensive learning and excitement in each location.
Connect, Learn, and Celebrate
Beyond the intensive learning sessions, STRive to Thrive serves as a vibrant hub for industry professionals to connect, build lasting relationships, and celebrate shared achievements. Each day concludes with a 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.
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.
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.
Showcase your brand at Strive Conference 2026 and connect with top industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. As a sponsor, you’ll gain premium exposure, build valuable partnerships, and position your business at the forefront of the hospitality and accommodation industry. Don’t miss this opportunity – express your interest today by clicking the button below!
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!
Bart Sobies
Lauren Heys
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.
Steve Schwab
Julie George
Tim Mortimer
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
Bart Sobies
Lauren Heys
Steve Schwab
Antoinette Guerrera
Georgia Smith
Sarah Clark
Mark Hodge
Lisa Peterson
Georgia McAleer
Daniel Rouquette
Tom Ormerod
Pete Smith
Sean Rakidzich
Chris de Closey
Craig McIntosh
Bart Sobies
Billy Crock
Quirin Schwaighofer
Will Creedon
Steve Schwab
Dave McGree
Dan de Witte
Chavdar Marinov
Sam Steel
Roman Solyanyk
Yoav Tourel
Lauren Heys
Chris de Closey
Agung Juliarta
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!
Bart Sobies
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies
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
Luke Shore
Dan de Witte
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
Bart Sobies
Julie George
Lisa Peterson
Georgia McAleer
Deepanshu Nihalani
Lisa Peterson
Kim Steel
Charlotte Withington
Dan de Witte
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies
Kim Stewart
Karen Gilby
Phil Cooper
Andreas Cooper
Bart Sobies
Julie George
Billy Crock
Tracey Foxall
Michael Snyman
Nick Peirce
Elle Knight
Chavdar Marinov
Sam Steel
Mitchell Hargreaves
Yoav Tourel
Dan de Witte
Sean Rakidzich
Ethan Brown
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!
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
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.
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.
Head of Operations, Sales & Business Development, CanBnB
Sarah Clark is the Chief of Sales & Operations at Canbnb, with 7+ years in the STR sector and a 2025 ASTRA Award. A proven leader in growth, operations, and process optimisation, she has overseen 350+ property onboardings and elevated service standards across Canberra, Perth, and Regional NSW. Known for her resilience, strategic focus, and operational excellence, Sarah drives consistency, quality, and trust across the entire organisation.
Co-Founder, Luxico & StayLonger
Tom Ormerod is the Co-Founder of Luxico, Australia’s leading platform for luxury short stays, and Staylonger, a new flexible-living brand offering furnished homes, apartments, and boutique hotels for 30+ night stays. He focuses on creating elevated, seamless living and travel experiences that blend hotel-level service with the comfort and freedom of home.
Founder, Hunter Holidays
Georgia Smith is the Founder of Hunter Holidays, a boutique short-term rental brand built on a people-first philosophy and trusted owner partnerships. With deep end-to-end STR expertise, she has led growth across marketing, revenue, operations, and strategy, scaling portfolios from 100 to 260 listings. Today, Georgia combines data, technology, and local insight to build sustainable, high-performing businesses without compromising service, trust, or brand values.
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.
CEO & Co-Founder, Villa Finder
Daniel Rouquette is the CEO and Co-Founder of Villa Finder, Asia’s leading curator of villa experiences. A data-driven leader and strong advocate for responsible tourism, he blends high-touch service with smart technology to elevate both guest and team experiences. Under his guidance, Villa Finder has expanded across Asia and achieved B Corp certification, reflecting his commitment to sustainability and quality.
Founder and CEO, Moxxi Property
Lauren Heys is the Founder and CEO of Moxxi Property, a Tasmanian-based short-term rental management agency known for smart systems, strong service, and genuine care for owners and guests. With a background at Accenture and EY, Lauren blends corporate rigour with entrepreneurial creativity to build scalable, people-first businesses. Passionate about leadership, technology, and sustainable growth, she helps operators move from overwhelm to clarity through better teams, smarter automation, and clear performance metrics, proving success doesn’t have to come at the cost of life.
CEO & Founder, MaisonNets
Mark Hodge is the CEO & Founder of MaisonNets, a premium short-term rental management and advisory brand focused on unlocking hidden income potential in residential property. With 10+ years in the short-stay sector and a background spanning performing arts, real estate, and mortgage broking, Mark brings a rare end-to-end perspective. He is known for transforming underperforming homes into high-yield assets through strategic positioning, presentation, and performance optimisation, delivering sustainable cash-flow and long-term value.
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.
Co-Founder, Moxxi Property
Dan de Witte is Co-Founder of Moxxi Property, 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 that profitability and environmental responsibility can coexist, Dan is building a future-ready model where guest experience, operational excellence, and impact go hand in hand.
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.
Director, Switch Solutions
Chris de Closey is an accommodation industry leader and the founder of Coastal Letting Group and Switch Solutions. He oversees 575+ short-term rentals and 125+ hotels, driving growth through modern revenue, marketing, and operational strategies. Known for his sharp commercial mindset and innovative approach, Chris is shaping the future of Australia’s accommodation sector.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Account Manager, Stayz/Bookabach - Expedia Group
Antoinette Guerrera is a Senior Account Manager at Expedia Group with over 11 years of experience supporting holiday rental and real estate partners through Stayz/Vrbo. A people-first leader, trainer, and qualified health, wellness, and executive coach, she is known for building trusted relationships, driving performance, and empowering individuals and teams to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose.
CEO & Founder, Million Dollar Renter
Sean Rakidzich is the CEO and Founder of Million Dollar Renter and a pioneer in the short-term rental industry with over 11 years of experience. He has built and scaled a multi-city portfolio of 155 Airbnb properties across 8 cities, fully automating operations in 2021 and stepping away for a year while the business continued to grow. Sean now teaches operators how to build scalable, systems-driven STR businesses through education, coaching, and data-led strategies.
General Manager, L’Abode Accommodation
Georgia McAleer is the General Manager of L’Abode Accommodation, a premium short-stay and property management business operating across Australia. She leads teams across operations, guest experience, and property management with a focus on clarity, accountability, and strong systems. Known for her calm, solutions-focused leadership, Georgia champions practical processes, team well-being, and adaptable frameworks that drive sustainable growth and exceptional outcomes for owners and guests.
General Manager, Switch Solutions
Luke Shore is General Manager at Switch 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, 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.
Co-CEO & Co-Founder, MadeComfy
Quirin Schwaighofer is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of MadeComfy, which he built with co-founder Sabrina into one of the world’s most innovative short-term rental management and technology platforms. Growing from a start-up to a national network managing 1,400+ properties and over $60M in annual bookings, MadeComfy was acquired by PRISM. At STRIVE, Quirin shares real-world insights on scaling, partnerships, technology, and exiting a high-growth accommodation business.
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.
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.
Managing Director, Care Property Stays
Charlotte is a Christchurch-based property investor, interior designer, and co-founder of Care Property Stays and Care Property Rentals, managing over 330 short-term rental listings across Christchurch. She combines design-led thinking with robust systems to maximise returns while creating spaces guests love. With hands-on expertise spanning interiors, operations, pricing, marketing, and guest experience, Charlotte focuses on properties that look great, function efficiently, clean easily, and perform at scale without compromising comfort or style.
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.
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.
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.
Interim CEO, Homhero
Craig McIntosh has been Interim CEO of Homhero since June 2025 and brings over 12 years of hands-on experience in the short-term rental industry. He is also a Director of The Holidays Collection, a top-five Homhero client since 2020 with a portfolio of 300 properties. A Chartered Accountant, Craig has held CFO and CEO roles across travel, funds management, investment banking, and wildlife conservation.
Enterprise Account Executive, Beyond
Roman Solyanyk is an Enterprise Account Executive at Beyond, where he partners with key clients to unlock revenue growth at scale and maximise portfolio performance. With a background at Expedia and travel tech start-up Impala, Roman brings deep expertise in distribution, pricing, and strategic account management. A passionate traveller who’s explored 40 countries, he’s equally driven by great food and his French bulldog, Rocky.
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.
NZ Revenue Portfolio Manager, Alloggio
Nick Peirce is a senior commercial and revenue management leader with over 25 years of 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.
Co-Founder, Resly
Samuel Steel is the Co-Founder of Resly, a leading property management and booking platform serving accommodation providers across Australia and New Zealand. With deep experience in the travel and hospitality sector, Sam has worked closely with hotels, resorts, and management rights businesses to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. He now leads Resly’s mission to modernise property management through intuitive, customer-centric technology that drives efficiency, growth, and long-term success.
Head of Sales & Marketing, BoxBrownie
Dave McGree, a Head of Sales & Marketing at BoxBrownie, is also a globally recognised short-term rental and real estate expert with over 20 years’ experience in marketing and commercial strategy. He helps property businesses stand out through clear positioning, compelling storytelling, and strategies that convert attention into bookings. A seasoned international speaker across Europe, North America, and Australia, Dave is known for turning complexity into clarity, delivering practical insights with a relaxed style and sharp sense of humour that keeps audiences engaged and ready to act.
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.
Founder & CEO, Puri Asia
Agung Juliarta is the Founder & CEO of Puri Asia, leading a 1,600+ villa portfolio across Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, with 80% of its properties based in Bali. With 16+ years in hospitality, he has scaled the business from international roots to a balanced B2C and B2B model, with Indonesia now representing 65% of revenue. Agung also serves as Founder & Vice Chairman of BVRMA and Vice President of JCI (International Affairs), championing industry growth and cross-border collaboration.
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.
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.
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.
Chief Commercial Officer, Urban Rest
Jeff Baars is a hospitality leader and Chief Commercial Officer at Urban Rest, driving commercial operations across Australia, Ireland, and the UK. He previously served as CMO at Quest Apartment Hotels and held senior roles at GLH Hotels and IHG, focusing on brand strategy and guest experience. A board member of NCCA since 2022, Jeff also advised hospitality firms on digital transformation. His expertise blends strategy and innovation to elevate brands and enhance customer engagement.
The Strive to Thrive Conference is expanding its reach! For the first time ever, we’re bringing Strive Conference to Bali, Indonesia, in 2026 - offering even more opportunities for short-term rental professionals to connect, learn, and grow. Don’t miss this exciting new chapter!
Fill in your details and we’ll be in touch with sponsorship pricing.