WHAT TO EXPECT

Engaging Sessions:

Learn about industry trends, marketing strategies, guest experience, property management, and technology advancements. Learn how to scale and THRIVE!

Expert Speakers: Gain knowledge from influential figures in the STR industry who have achieved remarkable success. We are thrilled to announce that Bart Sobies, the book direct expert from ibooked.online, and Julie George, renowned as "The Million Dollar Host," will be sharing their expertise. Stay tuned as we add more exciting speakers to the lineup!

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals and build meaningful relationships that can enhance your business.

Schedule of Events
* Schedule subject to change

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Registration and Coffee
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:15 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. | AI: Your Co-Driver for Increasing STR Bookings A Practical Session (Bart Sobies)
10:50 a.m. – 11:20 p.m. | Mastering STR Branding: A Peek into MadeComfy's Secret Sauce (Quirin Schwaighofer)
11:20 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Smart Solutions: Leveraging Technology for Profitable Short-Term Rentals (
P Smith, Y. Tourel, J. Kelso, J Lawry)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 1:30: p.m. | Visualise Success in 2024: Increase Bookings with Strategic Photography (Mauro Risch)

1:30 p.m. – 2:00: p.m. | Publicity without the Price: How to get a lifetime of free publicity (Jules Brooke)
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Technology Lessons from the Field: Triumphs & Tragedies of Scaling an STR Business (Truyen Nguyen)
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Networking Break
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Profit and Purpose: The Dual Benefits of Accessible Tourism (Kerry Williams)
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Cashing In: The Million Dollar Host's Secrets to Scaling and Selling! (Julie George)
4:10 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Building a Resilient STR Business: The Importance of a Process-Oriented Approach (Daniel White)
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Charting the Course: Preparing for Economic and Regulatory Challenges
(W Creedon, D Whelan, Y Tourel)
5:00p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Networking Drinks
6:00 p.m - onwards | Celebration dinner, dancing and networking


STRIVE is more than just a conference; it's an experience that combines education, celebration, and connection. Don't miss out on this extraordinary and massive event, where you can learn, collaborate, and celebrate your journey in the short-term rental industry.

What's Included:

  • Full Day Conference

    Immerse yourself in a comprehensive 10AM - 5PM conference hosted by industry-leading speakers. Prepare to turbocharge your Short-Term Rental (STR) business with insights, strategies, and practical tools shared by the experts.
    Dinner, Drinks & Afterparty
  • Party, Drinks and Dinner (6PM til late)

    Continue the conversation and strengthen connections at the STRive Dinner. Kick back and relax with a sumptuous dinner, refreshing drinks, and an exhilarating afterparty that keeps the networking going late into the night.
  • Lunch

    Savor a deliciously light lunch crafted by culinary team of Craft and Co. Carefully curated to keep you energized, this mid-day meal is a delightful pause in an action-packed day of learning.
  • Coffees, afternoon tea

    Stay fueled with our coffee service and afternoon tea. These delicious pick-me-ups will ensure you're engaged, alert, and ready to absorb every bit of knowledge shared.

Entertainment & Music


Simon Taylor, renowned Melbourne-born comedian, is set to entertain at "STRIVE to Thrive" conference. Simon's early career saw him writing for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, leading to his historic debut as the first Australian stand-up comic on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. His acclaimed comedy special was recorded at the Sydney Opera House, and he's also an accomplished author, celebrated by The Age, Adelaide Radio, and Herald Sun.


Music, "STRIVE to Thrive", is not just a conference, we will have a fabulous DJ joining us for the evening, delighting you with delectable tunes.

Prepare for a night of laughter and relaxation after a day of industry insights and networking. This will be an unforgettable conclusion to a day dedicated to short-term rental business success.

Watch him on Jimmy Fallon

Confirmed Speakers

Bart Sobies, CEO
ibooked.onlne & The Accommodation Show

Introducing Bart Sobies, the dynamic force behind The Accommodation Show and iBooked.Online. A trailblazer in the short-term rental (STR) industry with an unyielding passion for technology, marketing, and investment, Bart has become an influential figure in the field.

Julie George, Speaker & Entrepreneur
Million Dollar Host

Julie George, Co-Author of 'Hospitable Hosts' & Author of 'Million Dollar Host,' built a 130-property STR portfolio generating $8M in 3 yrs. . As an Australian expert in STR, she's a Shortyz Awards judge, investor, and advisor to many hospitality businesses across the world

Quirin Schwaighofer
CEO and Co-Founder
MadeComfy


MadeComfy is one of the fastest growing and most recognized short-term rental brands in the world, having won multiple awards like the Shortyz in 2020 and 2021 in London, Startcon "Best Startup 2018", AFR Fast Starters and most recently, AFR BOSS 4th Best Place to Work in Travel and Hospitality in 2022.

Kerry Williams
Co-Founder
Accessible Accommodation

Champion of accessible travel and accommodation, awarded entrepreneur, promoting inclusion for people with disabilities and aging communities.

"Accessible Accommodation: help find and book suitable short to medium term accommodation that caters to the needs of people with disabilities, as well as the maturing Baby Boomer generation. No longer do people with disabilities put travel into the "too hard basket"​. They're your next customer ready to check-in at your accommodation, spend more & leave a great review."

Yoav Tourel
Managing Director Guesty APAC

Serving as the Managing Director of APAC at Guesty, this seasoned, technology-savvy leader boasts a 20-year track record in marketing and sales across APAC and EMEA. With an analytical acumen that drives business performance, specialties include team building, people leadership, and establishing APAC operations for global firms.

Pete Smith
CEO & Founder Weekenda


Since saying goodbye to Corporate Australia after 21 years www.weekenda.com 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.


Mauro Risch
The Hotel Photographer


THE HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERT Trusted by 9 out of 10 TOP Hotel Chains in the Asia Pacific with 5-star Images.

Hotel, Resort & STR Photographer for the Hospitality Industry. All the creative aspects of the Hotels & Resorts photographed by award-winning Photographer, with more than 10.000 hours of expertise. Covering the Asia-Pacific region.

Jules Brooke
Founder & CEO of Handle Your Own PR

Speaker, MC, Founder of She's The Boss Group and Handle Your Own PR, host of She’s The Boss show on Youtube, She's The Boss Chats and She’s The Boss Leaders podcasts. Woman To Watch 2021 and 2022. #hypewomen

Truyen Nguyen

Senior Director Business Development Hostfully


With a history of successfully driving business growth in the PropTech industry, Truyen is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership capabilities. With significant experience in automation solutions for vacation rental managers and having grown inventory for a start-up by 5x, his insights are valuable for anyone aiming to thrive in the STR field.

Daniel White, Founder
Canbnb

Founder of Canbnb, grown to manage over 150 properties, making it one of Canberra's leading property management companies. Under his leadership, Canbnb has become an industry pioneer, known for its client-centric approach, guest satisfaction, and innovative process improvements.

Jess Kelso
Director, Host Segment


An instrumental figure in Beyond's global growth, uses her deep knowledge of property management needs to advocate revenue optimization in the short-term rental industry.

Jon Lawry
CEO & Founder @ The Urban Butler

A master of exceeding expectations and enhancing experiences, he's been transforming Auckland's accommodation landscape with impeccable service and unbeatable quality. His passion and dedication have made every stay unforgettable, infusing each journey with his companies unique brand of superiority. As he joins STRIVE, get ready for a wave of enthusiasm and knowledge.

Will Creedon, Founder & CEO
Alloggio

An experienced entrepreneur with over 30 years in the hospitality and tourism industry, specialising in operating various vacation and leisure businesses globally, with a significant contribution to the short-term rental sector in Australia.

David Whelan, Found & CEO
Urban Rest Apartments

This ex-finance professional turned entrepreneur, leverages robust technology to revolutionise the serviced apartment industry, striving for zero carbon footprint and wellness-focused accommodations.

Accommodation Partner

Veriu Collingwood is Located in Collingwood’s trendiest creative precincts Brand new in 2023 and developed in partnership with luxury property developer GURNER, Veriu Collingwood compliments the creative and trendy lifestyle of its neighbourhood. Offering 95 fully furnished and equipped suites, with fully equipped kitchens, in-room laundry facilities and balconies in most. The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool, hot tub, outdoor cinema, gym, conference facilities and more. Welcoming all business and leisure travelers who want to explore a vibrant, artistic, cultural and community-focused experience. Situated in prime location on Johnston street, accessibility to Smith Street and nearby attractions by trams and public transport is convenient.

23 Johnston Street, Collingwood VIC 3066

Use code STRIVE23 as corporate rate when booking for 15% off.

BOOK HERE
GET YOUR TICKET NOW!

Space is limited, register for
STRIVE to Thive Conferece updates 2023 today!

YOUR VENUE

YOUR VENUE

Craft and co
390 Smith St,
Collingwood, VIC 3066,
Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9417 4755
General enquiries: 
info@thecraftandco.com.au