2026 Industry Events 1
Travel News

Top Short-Term Rental Conferences to Check Out in 2026

Written by Ramesh


The new year is now in full swing! And you know what that means: It’s time to start looking ahead and planning how to make the most of 2026. If one of your goals for the new year is to grow your skills or business, attending a short-term rental conference should form part of your plans.

Vacation rental industry events create a great learning environment where you can stay current with the latest technologies, develop new ways to increase your income, and connect with both colleagues and industry leaders. As you review your 2026 calendar, consider scheduling time for one of these leading short-term rental conferences.

(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement(‘script’);s.type=”text/javascript”;s.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”;s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);})(document,29132,’oenvmqsolmznuzrhty3s’);

2026 short-term rental conferences at a glance

2026 short-term rental conferences

Why are vacation rental conferences so important?

Attending vacation rental industry events is important because they provide opportunities to expand your knowledge, network with like-minded professionals, and stay ahead of trends. Let’s dive a little deeper into this below.

Networking with other vacation rental property managers

Almost all short-term rental conferences focus on networking. After all, the more people you connect with, the more you open yourself and your business up to future growth.

With that in mind, make sure to come prepared to network! Bring business cards, have your website handy, and don’t forget that networking is a two-way street. You want to spend just as much time listening to other people’s ideas as you do talking about your own. Every single attendee at these conferences is a connection waiting to happen.

Brainstorming new ideas

Everyone manages their business differently. Plus, the industry is changing quickly. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to stay on top of what’s new in vacation rental property management.

By connecting with colleagues, you can see what techniques others are using and share your own ideas as well. These conferences also host some of the industry’s top leaders, allowing you to hear from the pros firsthand.

Approach the events with an open mind and be prepared to be challenged to consider different perspectives. Remember to stay in contact with your connections long after the conference to continue bouncing ideas off each other.

Networking

Finding potential guests

Property managers take vacations, too! If your property catches the attention of a colleague, you might gain a future guest. Outside of networking, consider these events as opportunities to market your properties to your colleagues. If you can impress someone with your property, they are likely to remember you and recommend your stay to others traveling to your area.

Learning from industry leaders

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you’ve been doing things the same way for a long time. Hearing from others and educating yourself about the industry’s future trajectory are the best ways to spark your inspiration.

2026 short-term rental conferences calendar

So, which vacation rental conferences should you attend? We’ve outlined all the most important events in the U.S., the U.K., and beyond to help you decide.

IMN 4th Annual Short-Term Rental Forum (Winter)

The Information Management Network’s (IMN) Short-Term Rental Forum (Winter) returns to Florida for its fourth edition this year! This industry-leading event brings together property managers, investors, developers, lenders, and other key market participants to share insights, network, and drive the industry forward. Topics for this year include general strategy, revenue management, ROI on interior design, scaling your business, and more.

VRMA Foundations: Frontline Excellence Training

VRMA Foundations

Elevate your vacation rental operations with hands-on, personalized training at the VRMA Foundations: Frontline Excellence Training—a one-of-a-kind event designed specifically for operational staff like housekeepers, reservationists, and their managers. Choose from specialized tracks for field, office, and team leadership to gain actionable skills, tackle real-world challenges, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

ALP Unlocked

Formerly the ALP Conference & Marketplace, ALP Unlocked offers a perfect blend of education, networking, and industry innovation, featuring expert-led sessions, a bustling marketplace with the latest products and services, and countless opportunities to connect with peers. Whether you’re a seasoned innkeeper or a newcomer to the industry, this conference provides the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to elevate your business and stay ahead in the competitive lodging landscape.

2026 Poconos Short-Term Rental Conference

This one-day event offers a comprehensive program featuring educational sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities tailored for realtors, investors, property managers, individual owners, and local civic leaders. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the short-term rental industry, connect with local service providers, and explore the latest trends and best practices to enhance their rental operations.

STRive to Thrive (Australia)

STRive to Thrive

Australia’s premier event in the short-term rental industry, STRive to Thrive describes itself as a “pulsating two-day fiesta of knowledge, innovation, and celebration.” Expect engaging sessions led by industry experts on topics such as industry trends, marketing techniques, guest experiences, property management, and technological advancements. There will also be plenty of fun networking opportunities over gourmet meals and refreshments, a celebratory dinner, and an afterparty.

STRive to Thrive (New Zealand)

The New Zealand edition of STRive to Thrive is back for the second time! Like the Melbourne-based event, STRive to Thrive’s New Zealand edition will offer engaging sessions led by industry experts and fun networking opportunities.

London PropTech Show

The London PropTech Show brings together professionals, real estate innovators, and industry stakeholders to explore the latest advancements in property technology, or PropTech. The 2026 show features a diverse range of exhibitors, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on how technology is transforming the property sector.

Level Up Your Listing Summit

Having started as a short-term rental summit in 2023, the Level Up Your Listing Summit has transformed into a comprehensive business conference for anyone seeking to level up as an investor or hospitality professional. With more than 300 attendees expected, the event is hosted by Airbnb ambassador and No Vacancy podcast host Natalie Palmer and award-winning designer and short-term rental coach Tatianna Taylor-Tait. You can also expect an array of inspiring speakers delivering keynotes on branding, PR, investing, and new asset classes, along with hands-on workshops.

The Shortyz

The Shortyz 2026

Rather than a typical conference, The Shortyz is an awards ceremony that recognizes excellence among industry peers. It showcases innovation and industry best practices, rewards achievement, and celebrates startup technology. This event is a fun change of pace if you’ve already attended a handful of conferences and are looking for something new. You can even submit an entry online for a chance to be recognized and rewarded for your hard work—just visit their site for more information!

Short Stay Summit

The only nonprofit event for the STR industry, the Short Stay Summit is intended to help property managers and owners equip their businesses with the newest tools, technology, and skills to continue offering guests a top-notch travel experience. Expect panels with industry experts, collaboration sessions, workshop talks, and awards presentations (visit their site to enter to win!).

Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference

The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference is your ultimate opportunity to sharpen your investment strategies and grow your professional network. Over two action-packed days, you’ll connect with industry experts, dive into educational sessions, and participate in hands-on workshops designed to deliver real, actionable insights into today’s market trends and winning investment practices.

2026 VRNation Vacation Rental Conference

VRNation Logo

Get ready to shake up the status quo at the 2026 VRNation Vacation Rental Conference. This is your chance to dive into fresh strategies, embrace emerging trends, and reimagine what’s possible in the vacation rental industry. Join property managers, hosts, and service providers for two days of powerful collaboration, inspiring keynotes, expert panels, and interactive sessions designed to fuel growth and innovation in your business.

Michigan STR Conference

Another state-level event, the Michigan Short-Term Rentals Conference is designed to help Michigan businesses fuel their growth by providing opportunities to learn from industry experts, explore new strategies to boost revenue, and improve guest satisfaction. Connect with like-minded professionals, gain fresh perspectives, and walk away with the tools to grow your business and stay ahead in a competitive market.

2026 VRMA Executive Summit

Designed for owners and chief executives of vacation rental management companies, the VRMA Executive Summit provides an exclusive and intimate meeting for these executives to network and learn from one another. It focuses on business strategy, organizational excellence, sustained growth, and charting a vision for the vacation rental industry’s future.

Vitur Summit 2026

Screenshot 2026 01 02 at 13.31.01

Vitur Summit is Europe’s benchmark event for the Flexible Accommodation industry, bringing together senior leaders from short-term rentals, flex living, hospitality, real estate, and public institutions for two days of high-level content and networking. Held in Málaga, it focuses on innovation, regulation, investment, and market trends shaping the future of flexible accommodation across Europe. If you want strategic insights, access to decision-makers, and meaningful business connections at scale, Vitur Summit is a must-attend industry event.

Women Leading Travel Forum

The Women Leading Travel Forum is where trailblazing women in the industry come to connect, learn, and lead. Designed exclusively for executives from top travel and hospitality brands, this event delivers game-changing insights through inspiring talks, hands-on sessions, and cutting-edge industry trends. From leadership development to innovative technologies, you’ll gain the tools to elevate your career while building meaningful connections with fellow industry leaders who share your vision and ambition.

SCALE With AI

SCALE With AI is a one-day, industry-first conference dedicated entirely to helping short-term rental and serviced apartment property managers understand and implement AI in their day-to-day operations. Designed for both beginners and advanced users, the event brings together leading STR experts and up to 400 attendees for practical, real-world education on using AI to work more efficiently and scale smarter. If you want to stay competitive as AI reshapes the vacation rental industry, this is the room to be in.

SCALE UK

Scale UK Logo 1

The day after SCALE With AI, SCALE UK takes place, focusing exclusively on vacation rental property management companies with an ambition to scale—and even more specifically, on those managing a minimum of 10 units. SCALE UK is also unique in that it does not allow service providers to purchase tickets, meaning that all attendees are professional property managers, and you won’t be subject to any sales pitches. Instead, expect unrivalled educational sessions from industry experts and unmissable networking opportunities!

For additional SCALE events throughout Europe, reference the list below:

InvestHER Con

InvestHER Con 2026 is the ultimate event for women real estate investors ready to elevate their game. With a focus on financial independence, community building, and practical strategies, this short-term rental conference brings together powerhouse speakers, expert workshops, and an inspiring network of like-minded women. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your journey, InvestHER Con is your chance to gain actionable insights, build meaningful connections, and take your real estate business to new heights.

STR Wealth Builder Conference

Screenshot 2026 01 02 at 13.55.05

The STR Wealth Builder Conference is a focused, in-person event designed to help short-term rental hosts and operators move from day-to-day hosting to building long-term wealth through strategic growth and smarter ownership. Taking place in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the conference brings together experienced investors and operators for practical education around scaling, financial strategy, and sustainable portfolio building. If your goal is to turn short-term rentals into a true wealth-building vehicle—not just a side hustle—this is an event built for you.

The Glamping Show UK

The Glamping Show

The Glamping Show is the leading event dedicated to the glamping industry in the UK, providing a platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to showcase their products and services. Attendees can explore the latest trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the glamping sector. The show offers seminars, workshops, and networking sessions, making it an essential event for anyone involved in or looking to enter the glamping market.

Skift Global Forum 2026

The Skift Global Forum 2026 is the must-attend event for vacation rental hosts and property managers looking to stay at the forefront of the travel industry. With thought-provoking discussions led by top CEOs and entrepreneurs as well as plenty of networking opportunities, this forum delivers the tools and insights you need to grow your business in an ever-changing market.

NoVacancy

NoVacancy Expo & Conference is Australia’s largest hotel and accommodation expo, featuring seminars from dozens of expert speakers and panelists. Browse products from more than 500 brands, hear from 190 speakers, and network with 6,000 attendees. Topics include guest experience and technology, revenue and distribution, interiors and refurbishment, loyalty and digital marketing, management and operations, and housekeeping products.

The Glamping Show Americas

the glamping show

Like its UK counterpart, the Glamping Show Americas brings together business owners, operators, and suppliers to discuss the latest developments and opportunities in the glamping market. The show features exhibits, educational sessions, and networking events, providing valuable insights and connections for those involved in the glamping business.

2026 VRMA International Conference

One of the largest short-term rental conferences out there, this is the go-to event for education and networking. The VRMA International Conference brings together thousands of innovators and forward-thinking companies to grow and support the industry.

Vacation Rental World Summit 2026

Vacation Rental World Summit 2024

Starting in 2014, the Vacation Rental World Summit has become one of the largest global events offered to vacation rental professionals. One thing that makes this summit stand out from the rest is the roundtables: 50-minute help and support networking sessions that allow you to connect with colleagues in a unique and meaningful way you won’t find anywhere else. What’s more, the Vacation Rental World Summit has earned a reputation for being held in beautiful European cities.

VRM Days

  • Date: October 20-21, 2026
  • Location: Split, Croatia
  • Tickets: €131–€262
  • Website: https://vrmdays.com/

This dynamic conference combines insightful workshops, expert-led sessions, and hands-on demonstrations to help property managers and owners optimize their businesses. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, VRM Days offers attendees the tools, strategies, and connections they need to stay competitive in the ever-evolving vacation rental industry.

Campground Solutions Summit West

Tailored for RV park owners and operators, Campground Solutions Summit West aims to foster connections with outdoor hospitality suppliers from across the Western United States. The summit offers a comprehensive program featuring workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in campground management.

Women Vacation Rental European Conference 2026

  • Date: October 23, 2026
  • Location: Barcelona, Spain
  • Tickets: €299
  • Website: https://wvrec.eu/

The Women Vacation Rental European Conference is a relatively new event focusing on giving women in the industry a chance for both personal and professional growth in an inclusive and inspiring environment. Network and learn from fellow professionals, industry experts, and pioneering companies to uncover new opportunities for you and your business!

SCALE Fest

SCALE Fest is a flagship international event for short-term rental property managers, blending high-level education with a festival-style experience in Barcelona. Designed exclusively for operators managing 10+ units, it combines keynotes, workshops, masterclasses, peer matchmaking, and wellness and social events—without sales pitches or pay-to-play speakers. If you want practical insights, meaningful connections with fellow operators, and a fresh take on what an industry conference can be, SCALE Fest is where the global STR community comes together.

The Phocuswright Conference

Phocuswright Conference 2026

The Phocuswright Conference is where travel’s brightest minds come together to shape the future of the industry. This prestigious event features cutting-edge research, captivating keynote speakers, and lively debates on the most pressing trends in travel technology and innovation. With unparalleled networking opportunities and access to the industry’s top decision-makers, the Phocuswright Conference is a must-attend event for anyone looking to lead in the dynamic world of travel and hospitality.

Direct Booking Success Summit

  • Date: To be announced
  • Location: To be announced
  • Tickets: Not available yet
  • Website: https://dbssummit.com

Most vacation rental hosts and property managers can agree that they want to reduce their reliance on third-party platforms, and the Direct Booking Success Summit is designed to help them do just that. Via presentations, workshops, case studies, and networking opportunities, you’ll gain actionable strategies and marketing techniques to help you attract guests directly to your website.

FAVR Vacation Rental Xtravaganza

The FAVR Xtravaganza is the ultimate event for Florida vacation rental hosts and property managers looking to grow their business. With hands-on sessions, personalized learning, and 80+ exhibitors in the Vacation Rental Marketplace, you’ll gain the latest industry insights and practical strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Connect with experienced professionals, exchange ideas, and leave with the tools and inspiration to grow your vacation rental business.

Learn and grow with short-term rental conferences

We know you’re busy managing your business, but we highly recommend attending at least one of these vacation rental industry events this year. They are both personally enriching and professionally beneficial, making them well worth the time and registration fees!

Events, dates, and locations are subject to change with or without notice. If you know of an upcoming vacation rental industry event that should be included in our list, please let us know in the comments section below.

(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement(‘script’);s.type=”text/javascript”;s.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”;s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);})(document,29132,’rkyondrjapean4xiczos’);

The post Top Short-Term Rental Conferences to Check Out in 2026 appeared first on Vacation Rental Owners & Property Managers Blog – Lodgify.



Source link

Discover more from Desi Rover

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Report

Harassment or bullying behavior
Contains mature or sensitive content
Contains misleading or false information
Contains abusive or derogatory content
Contains spam, fake content or potential malware

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Report

You have already reported this .

Discover more from Desi Rover

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Skip to toolbar