Speakers

Bart is a pivotal figure in the Short-Term Rental and tourism sectors, founding The Accommodation Show, iBooked.Online, and STRIVE conference. He’s transformed the industry with strategies that merge technology, direct bookings, and branding. He also founded the Accommodation Professionals Community, supporting over 2,400 members. His upcoming STRive to Thrive conferences in Melbourne and Auckland in 2025 showcase his commitment to industry growth. Under his guidance, iBooked.Online excels in website development for accommodation businesses, enhancing their direct booking capabilities and establishing them as leaders.

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With a robust corporate background, I’ve transitioned to the short-term rental industry about a year ago. After starting a co-hosting business, I quickly realized the need in resources for other hosts in the industry. This led to creation of My Perfect Host Marketplace. The platform enables hosts and providers to list services, fostering growth and elevating standards. My mission is to empower hosts with the tools and networks for success.

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Ethan has been an Aussie short-term rental host since 2019, managing the two properties he owns with the help of his wife and two dogs. Now with 10+ years experience in the short-term rental, travel and tourism industry. Ethan started out his time with Hospitable.com as a customer, before joining the team and becoming Director of Hospitable Australia, APAC Team Lead, and Senior Customer Advocate. Ethan helps fellow hosts to use the power of automation to save time and improve guest experience. 

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Calling the Snowy Mountains NSW home I’ve had a diverse small business and admin background. In 2011, we founded a full-service boutique real estate agency focused on the best possible visitor accommodation experience. I have served on the boards of the Tourism Snowy Mountains and ASTRA, and I am passionate about regional potential and the role of ASTRA in the accommodation sector. My time with ASTRA was during the formation of the NSW CoC for STRA, with the legislative process as my specialty. I have continued to serve on the NSW Property Services Expert Panel for the last three years as their property management and STRA specialist.

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Justin Ford, a globally recognized expert in short-term rental (STR) safety, has significantly improved safety standards in STRs worldwide. With numerous international newscast appearances and over 100 podcast interviews, he champions global STR safety initiatives and frequently presents to industry organisations. As Director of Safety & Certification Programs at Breezeway, Justin has overseen 100,000+ STR safety inspections, advancing Breezeway’s mission through its property care software. A runner-up for the ShortTerm Rentalz ‘Shortyz’ Pioneer Award in 2023 and 2024, Justin continues to shape the STR industry.

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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.

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I have been a property investor for 28 years and changed from permanent rentals to short term rental properties 18 years ago. Over the years I have developed a financial formula that I follow when searching for our next investment, if the formula is followed then the properties will generate around 20% return, some of mine are now at 30-40%. Being able to run the properties around my family gave me an enormous sense of achievement, one I wanted to share with other mums. Property Mums now employs mums to look after 160 plus homes. Watching the difference our little Property Mum economy makes is the best feeling in the world.

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Located in Cairns, Maddy began her journey in the short-term rental industry seven years ago. Over this period, she has gained extensive experience working for multiple short-term rental management companies, managing large, luxury portfolios across Australia. Currently, Maddy is the executive assistant to Julie George, widely known as the Million Dollar Host. In addition to her role with Julie George, Maddy has founded Short Stay EA, offering her executive assisting services to hosts around the globe. She is also a published author, contributing to the Hospitable Hosts book series. 

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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.

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I have been in the Vacation Rental Industry for over 21 years and joined Key Data in November 2022 as Vice President of Business Development, to help internationalise and expand the business outside of the US. Prior to Key Data I was Sales Director at Awaze UK for 19 years and have seen a huge amount of change and development in the industry, spanning two decades. At Awaze, I was responsible for partnerships and integrations with 500 brand partners, thousands of travel agents, affiliates and in the latter decade, the partnerships with the OTAs. This is an industry that I love with a passion!

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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.

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Stacey Paretti Rase is the CEO and founder of Rare Find Rentals, offering rentals just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. Stacey has garnered 1000s of 5-star reviews for her unique approach to personalizing guest stays. She coaches new hosts and has helped over 1000 newbies get started. Stacey is a contributing author in the Amazon best-selling books Hospitable Hosts and Reputation Driven. She serves as an Airbnb Superhost Ambassador, Airbnb Community Host Leader, and Hospitable Hosts Ambassador. Stacey has created a nationwide initiative to encourage hosts to partner with local Food Banks to deliver non-perishable items donated by guests.

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I love to travel and to provide others with amazing experiences when they travel for holidays or for work. Co-founding and building Hometime over the past 9 years has been an exciting and humbling experience – highlights include building an incredible team, working with other incredible businesses, and being a part of the STR growth story.

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