SPEAKERS

As the COO at Hometime, I am supporting our journey to be make short term rental better for everyone. This includes growing our existing network of hyperlocal hosts who live, work and support tourism in their communities, the guests who choose our professionally managed homes and the best Australian short-term rental operators.

With over 20 years of experience in logistics, travel, and marketplace businesses, I have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of businesses in the region. I leverage my data, process, and change management skills to deliver value to our customers and partners, and to our network of stakeholders across the globe.

I am also an active angel investor, mentor, and advisor to several startups in various stages and sectors. I am passionate about supporting ambitious founders and businesses build great value, from creating strategic vision and getting stakeholder buy-in, to building execution plans and delivering results. I enjoy sharing my insights and learnings from my previous roles at PayCargo, Airbnb, CWT and DHL, where I scaled the business in Asia Pacific and led key initiatives in product, operations, and sales. In my free time, I enjoy camping, padel and a rare round of golf.

Follow me on LinkedIn

Bart Sobies is a visionary leader and community builder in the Short-Term Rental and hospitality industries. As founder of iBooked.Online, creator of the STRIVE Conference series, and host of The Accommodation Show, Bart has helped thousands of accommodation providers boost direct bookings, strengthen branding, and engage guests, generating millions in revenue.

A sought-after speaker, Bart has shared practical, no-fluff strategies at events including the NoVacancy Expo, VR Nation (USA), and ASTRA Here to Stay. His focus on AI, marketing innovation, and guest experience inspires operators to adopt fresh ideas and drive growth.

Beyond the stage, Bart leads the Accommodation Professionals Facebook Group, a community of 2,800+ members collaborating to raise industry standards. Featured on Channel 9 National News in 2025 and named a Shortyz Awards finalist, Bart’s passion is helping operators succeed. If you want proven strategies to grow your business, look no further than Bart Sobies.

Follow me on Facebook
Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on LinkedIn

After 25 years as an owner-host and property investor, Catherine has seen the industry evolve, becoming an advocate for the visitor economy along the way. Her “why” is reinventing heritage properties like beach shacks, country cottages, a country department store, a convent and historic homes. She has headed up tourism boards such as South Coast Regional Tourism and was most recently Chair of Destination Network for the NSW government. She was a key instigator of the NSW Agritourism planning changes which allow for people on the land to diversify into tourism, including farm-stays and events. More recently she has led ASTRA’s policy and advocacy committee going into bat for fair regulation and data-driven decision making.
Catherine’s current STRA project is a rambling heritage farmhouse that is almost off grid. It has been restored using recycled buildings and materials and furnished sustainably and will host experiences and workshops as well.

Follow me on Facebook
Follow me on Instagram

Dan de Witte is a dedicated advocate for sustainable STR management. A residential builder by trade, Dan and his wife Lauren run Moxxi Property, Tasmania’s largest STR operation. Dan’s infectious passion for sustainable practices, technology, and reducing single-use plastics lead to founding SustainableCollective.co –

Dan de Witte is the Co-Founder of Moxxi, a leading short-term rental management company shaping the future of hospitality in Australia. Alongside his wife Lauren, they have scaled Moxxi from a single property to a portfolio of over 170+ homes across Tasmania and Queensland.

Drawing on his background as a residential builder, Dan brings a unique, systems-based approach to the industry. He focuses on the critical intersection of guest experience, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. By leveraging AI and automation, Dan is solving some of the industry’s most persistent challenges while developing innovative products that help accommodation providers reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing profitability.

As a father of three, Dan is building a legacy for the future of travel one where solid hospitality and sustainable operations aren’t competing priorities, but the foundational pillars of a business that is truly here to stay.

Follow me on Instagram 

Ethan Brown is a seasoned leader in the short-term rental industry with over a decade of hands-on experience. At Hospitable, Ethan combines his industry knowledge and operational expertise to empower hosts across the Asia-Pacific region to deliver exceptional guest experiences with ease and efficiency.

With a background as a successful host, Ethan started his journey with Hospitable as a customer. His firsthand experience and deep insight into hosts’ needs have driven his progression through various leadership roles, ultimately leading to his current position as General Manager for the APAC region.

Follow me on LinkedIn

I founded Wandering Escapes 6 years ago, a boutique property management and holiday house brand on the South Coast of NSW. With extensive experience in the travel and accommodation sector, We specialises in curating unique guest experiences by combining thoughtful styling, personalised service, and seamless operations. We works closely with homeowners to build distinct property identities, from branding and marketing to community partnerships, ensuring each stay feels memorable and elevated. Currently, We manages a growing portfolio of premium holiday homes, while also collaborating with local businesses and creatives to enhance the regional travel offering. Our approach blends hospitality expertise with a strong eye for design and detail, positioning Wandering Escapes as a trusted name for both guests and owners.

Follow me on Instagram

Felicity Stevens is the founder of Sustainable Hosting and a passionate advocate for climate-conscious tourism. With over 13 years of experience running her award-winning eco holiday rental, The Rangers Cottage in Sydney, Felicity has turned her real-world success into a practical platform helping other short-term rental operators lower emissions, reduce waste, and attract eco-conscious guests.

What started as a personal commitment to sustainability—rooted in her family values—has grown into a mission to make sustainable hosting the new normal. Through her workshops, speaking engagements, and the Sustainable Hosting website, Felicity shares proven strategies that are cost-effective, guest-friendly, and good for business.

She’s known for her no-nonsense, real-world advice and her ability to inspire operators at every stage of the journey. At this year’s conference, Felicity will speak on how everyday hosts can take meaningful steps toward sustainability—and why it’s not just good for the planet, but great for bookings too.

Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on YouTube

Kerry Williams: entrepreneur, advocate, and a leading figure in the travel industry, dedicated to seamless travel opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Through her ground-breaking Accessible Accommodation website, she connects PWD to suitable accommodations through comprehensive information through an accreditation program recognised as the gold standard in accessible travel, assisting tourism operators in achieving 80% plus occupancy.

Beyond her platforms, through her Accessibility Consulting Service, she assists businesses in adopting cost-effective accessibility measures. Through her comprehensive Tourism Inclusion Training, Kerry equips businesses with the tools to improve accessibility to achieve a high occupancy. Kerry conducts curated tourism industry workshops, and is a contributing writer for AccomNews.

Kerry has earned numerous accolades, including silver in the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, winning gold in the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards, Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, and Women in Tourism – Entrepreneur of the year & Telstra Best of Business Awards (Finalist 2023 and 2025).

Follow me on LinkedIn

With 18 years of experience in short-term rental space, Kim Steel currently oversees 160 plus properties with her team of dedicated mums. Her journey began 18 years ago with her first holiday rental in Red Hill, sparking an obsession for creating exceptional guest experiences and great returns. As a property investor for over 28 years and owner of four large holiday homes on the Mornington Peninsula, Kim understands what it takes to thrive in this industry. She has navigated challenges firsthand, refining every aspect of management to ensure flawless experiences for guests and maximised profits for owners. Kim developed a proven financial formula when purchasing short term rental properties that generates returns of 20% or more. The Property Mums portfolio is predominantly in two key areas: the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne. In Melbourne, the focus is mostly on medium-term emergency accommodations, catering to insurance and relocation bookings. This approach not only provides substantial returns for property owners but also addresses seasonal financial challenges, ensuring a steady stream of bookings year-round.

Follow me on Instagram

Kyle Fitzsimmons is the Managing Director of Cosmo, leading innovation in Australia’s short-term rental sector. With expertise in portfolio management and digital solutions, Kyle developed Cosmo’s Progressive Web App (PWA), providing real-time portfolio metrics, booking analysis, and scheduling tools for property owners. As a Director of the Australian Short Term Rental Association (ASTRA), he advocates for industry growth. Based in Cremorne, Victoria, Kyle is focused on scaling Cosmo and driving growth through strategic partnerships.

Follow me on LinkedIn

Founder of Weekenda although recently retired. Over 15 years experience in building one of the STR Industry most respected brands. Now focused on assisting others to grow, learn and develop their STR businesses.

Follow me on LinkedIn

Simon Lehmann boasts 20+ years in the vacation rental industry, expertly navigating its complexities with stakeholders worldwide. He offers tailored, data-driven solutions to enhance operational excellence and profitability. A passionate speaker, Simon regularly engages global audiences at short-term rental conferences, sharing insights that foster sustainable growth.

Follow me on LinkedIn

Tegan Wilde is the Managing Director and Owner of Geographe Holiday Homes, a leading provider of short-term accommodation services in Western Australia’s southwest. With a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Medical Imaging Technology from Curtin University, Tegan spent 14 years working in Australia and the UK as a Medical Imaging Technologist. Her technical expertise has seamlessly translated into business operations, particularly in technology, installation, and training. During her maternity leave in 2014, she discovered a passion for business while managing payroll and accounts for CJW Realty. In 2016, she co-founded Geographe Holiday Homes, now trusted by over 140 property owners. Tegan is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and represents the WA STR industry as a Board Director for ASTRA. She has received multiple accolades, including the 2023 Regional Women in Business and Tourism & Hospitality awards, 2024 BCCI Most Outstanding Business of the year, and most recently, the 2025 WARCCI 11-25 Employees Business of the Year Award.

Yoav Tourel is the Managing Director of APAC at Guesty and the Chair of the Board of Directors at ASTRA. With a strong focus on innovation and growth, Yoav helps Guesty partners address their pain points, ensuring they leverage technology to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences. His leadership at ASTRA involves amplifying members’ voices and advocating for their interests while driving the professionalisation and advancement of the travel and accommodation sector. Yoav is committed to fostering industry growth and preparing stakeholders for future challenges and opportunities.

Follow me on LinkedIn

Vered Raviv Schwarz is President & COO of property management platform Guesty, where she brings over 20 years of experience in global operations, overseeing teams including Customer Experience, Finance, Data, Payments, Operations, Legal, HR, and Strategic Partnerships.

Prior to Guesty, Vered was COO of Fiverr, where she grew the company from 40 employees to hundreds during her six-year tenure. Before Fiverr, Vered held senior executive positions in private and public global tech companies, including Kenshoo, MediaMind (now Sizmek), and Radware.

Vered has been featured in prominent media outlets including Forbes, Financial Times, Skift, Entrepreneur, and USA Today. Vered serves on the advisory boards of several startups and participates in mentorship programs focused on female entrepreneurship.