UK: With just two days to go until the first ShortTermRentalz Summit in London on Wednesday 18 October, we take a look at five of the key questions that will be addressed at the event by a roster of high-calibre speakers from across the short-term rental [and wider travel / hospitality sectors] industry.
- How will the investment and M&A landscape impact the global short-term rental sector?
As funding rounds, IPOs and SPACs have slowed due to a number of factors, including economic headwinds and market uncertainty, a formidable panel of investors and industry analysts will sit down to place the spotlight on the latest trends in the mergers and acquisitions [M&A] and investment landscape, as well as offering their predictions for the year ahead. Simon Lehmann [AJL Atelier] will preside over ‘The M&A and investments market‘ [09:25am] with insight from Nam Quach [DC Advisory], Oliver Corkhill [Viadi Group], Virginia Bassano [Eight Roads] and F. Philip Lรณlis [Thayer Ventures].
- How can the short-term rental industry push for fair regulations for all parties?
In ‘Creating smarter regulation for everyone‘ [11:00am], the regulatory landscape will be examined by an expert panel, while determining how the sector is becoming more professional, how to move dialogue forward with regulators, and how the industry can combat negative public perceptions to continue innovating. Moderator Srividya Kalyanaraman [Skift] will lead a conversation alongside Steve Lowy [ASAP and BETA], Paolo Lavaggi [European Commission] and Mรกire Nรญ Mhurchรบ [Irish Self Catering Federation].
- How committed are travel and hospitality businesses to sustainability?
In ‘Sustainable hospitality: Unlimited desire vs limited resources?‘ [11:30am], industry leaders will debate how travel and hospitality industries can take more meaningful action to become sustainable, while weighing up the costs and benefits to their businesses in doing so. Paul Stevens, editor – short-term rentals at International Hospitality Media, will moderate a session with Ufi Ibrahim [Energy & Environment Alliance], Thomas Loughlin [Booking.com] and Rachel Parsons [New Forest Escapes].
- Is guest loyalty an attainable ambition for the short-term rental segment?
As the short-term rental sector has evolved, we will explore how the industry can learn from more traditional lodging verticals [e.g. hotels] when it comes to retaining guests and driving repeat business in ‘Driving attention, loyalty and retention‘ [3:45pm]. Eloise Hanson, editor – hospitality at International Hospitality Media, will be your host alongside Susan Ho [Hopper Homes] and Robin Clifford [Guesty].
- How will the various travel, hospitality and real estate asset classes continue to converge?
From short-term rentals to hotels, extended stay / serviced apartments, build-to-rent and purpose-built student accommodation [PBSA], there are several mixed use accommodation models that can be applied to a building, though their uses, length of stay and guest demographics are seemingly in a constant state of evolution. In ‘The new hybrid flex rental opportunity‘ [4:45pm], our expert speakers will delve into the opportunities and challenges between all parties to drive operational efficiencies and maximise their yields. George Sell, editor-in-chief at International Hospitality Media, will be talking to Matthew Ede [Greystar], Lisa Yeh [Sentral] and Francesco Zanella [Starwood Capital Europe] to understand what is right for buildings considering these asset classes.
All this and more will be explored in the first STRz Summit on Wednesday 18 October. Other sessions will highlight topics such as payments, pricing, supply and demand, membership clubs, direct bookings and outdoor lodging.
The inaugural STRz Summit will take place at the Skyline London this Wednesday. Check out the agenda in full here and book your last-minute tickets at this link.
