STRA Summit 2026

The STRA Summit 2026 is the must attend event for short-term rental accommodation (STRA) owners, operators and Airbnb hosts.

The STRA Summit 2026 is hosted by the Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA), the peak industry body association for short-term rental accommodation (STRA) owners, operators and property managers across Australia.

With a comprehensive understanding of STRA regulations and strong, on the ground representation across every Australian state, the Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA) continues to lead meaningful advocacy and reform for our growing industry, not only across Australia but globally.

After three years of dedicated work in shaping and supporting the STRA landscape, we are proud to announce our inaugural national conference , the STRA Summit 2026, taking place in Adelaide, South Australia on the 4–6 March 2026.

The Summit will open with a pre-conference wine tasting and networking evening on Wednesday 4 March, followed by two full days of knowledge sharing, collaboration and connection among Australia’s leading short-term rental accommodation (STRA) owners, operators, suppliers and Airbnb hosts and a dinner on Thursday 5 March after Day 1 of the main conference has concluded.

The STRA Summit 2026 is the must attend event for short-term rental accommodation (STRA) owners, operators, industry professionals and Airbnb hosts across Australia.

Over three action packed days, we will explore the latest trends, regulations and innovations shaping the Australian short-term rental accommodation (STRA) industry.

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What to Expect:

• Expert Keynotes & Panels – Hear from industry leaders, government representatives and key stakeholders

• Networking Opportunities – Connect with peers, suppliers and leaders from across the Australian STRA industry.

Whether you manage one property or a portfolio of dozens, the STRA Summit 2026 is your opportunity to stay ahead of regulatory changes, maximise bookings and connect with the people shaping Australia’s short-term rental accommodation (STRA) industry.

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STRA Summit 2026 Conference Theme!!!

The conference theme for our STRA Summit 2026 is:

Navigating Change: The Future of STRA in Australia

The STRA industry is evolving.

Are you ready to navigate the change?

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Event Overview

STRA Summit 2026
Adelaide, South Australia

Wednesday 4 March 2026 – Aurora Skydeck
4:00–5:00pm | Pre-Conference Wine Tasting
5:00–7:00pm | Pre-Conference Networking Event

Thursday 5 March 2026 – Observatory 23
8:00am–4:30pm | Conference Day One
6:00–9:00pm | Conference Dinner

Friday 6 March 2026 – Observatory 23
9:00am–4:30pm | Conference Day Two

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Why Attend STRA Summit 2026?

• Stay Ahead of Regulations: Get the latest updates on STRA regulations and compliance requirements straight from the experts.
• Hear from Policymakers: Gain exclusive access to government representatives and industry decision makers shaping the future of STRA across Australia.
• Gain Industry Insights: Learn from top industry speakers about market trends, investment opportunities and what’s ahead for short-term rental accommodation (STRA) in Australia.
• Boost Your Bookings and Revenue: Discover practical strategies to grow your business through smarter marketing, pricing and guest experience optimisation.
• Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with fellow STRA owners, operators, suppliers and policymakers to build valuable relationships and collaborations.

Become a STAAA member before purchasing your tickets, to enjoy exclusive member pricing and 12 months at STAAA membership benefits including our members only monthly interactive Zoom meetings and regular industry updates on our members only private forum: https://staaa.org.au/sign-up

Both your conference ticket, travel and STAAA membership are tax deductible.

Join us in Adelaide for what promises to be an inspiring, insightful and transformative event, a celebration of the people, ideas and innovation shaping the future of Australia’s short-term rental accommodation (STRA) industry.

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STRA Summit 2026 Speakers

From Operator to Organisation: Building STRA Brands That Outlast the Competition

International keynote speaker from USA

Sean Rakidzich, Airbnb Automated

Lessons from Scotland: STRA Licensing, Visitor Levies & Fair Regulation That Works

International keynote speaker from the UK

Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive, Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC)

Strata & STRA: Creating Harmony, Fairness and Opportunity in Shared Buildings

Trevor Rawnsley, CEO, Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA)

Accessible = Bookable: Practical Ways STRA Operators Can Grow Through Inclusive Tourism

Melissa James, Inclusive Tourism Australia

Profit, People & AI: Customer-First Strategies to Grow STRA and Create Guests for Life

Kylie Pengelly Linke, Founder, Kylie PL

Inside the Numbers: STRA Data Insights Shaping Australia’s Visitor Economy

Garrett Tyler-Parker, Director of Analysis & Insights, Tourism Research Australia (Austrade)

Selling the Dream: How Story-Led Photography Turns Destinations Into Bookings

Heidi Lewis, Founder, Heidi Who Photos

Regulation vs Reality: What STRA Policy Gets Wrong (and What the Data Shows)

Professor Peter O'Connor, University of Adelaide

Get Found, Get Booked: Using ATDW to Boost STRA Visibility and Direct Bookings

Nicole Thomas, Customer Success Lead, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW)

Clicks to Bookings: Practical Digital Marketing That Drives STRA Growth

Ryan Jones, Founder & CEO, Refuel Creative

Inside Tasmania’s Short Stay Accommodation Act: What Operators Need to Know (and What’s Next)

Brad Wagg, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Education and Policy at Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) in Tasmania

Overview of Western Australia’s STRA state registration system and why it is increasingly viewed as a benchmark

Susan McDaid, Western Australia Consumer Protection Division, Department of Local Government, Industry Regulations and Safety

From First Purchase to Portfolio: Smarter STRA Investing, Structuring & Hotspots

Greg Morris, Director, National Wealth Advisory

Cut Through the Noise: Authentic Social Media Strategies to Grow Your STRA Brand

Katharine Crane, Founder, Crane Creative

Inside the 2025 South Australia STRA Inquiry: What Parliament Heard, Learned and What Comes Next

Hon Michelle Lensink MLC
Member of the Legislative Council, South Australia, South Australia Liberal Party

Inside Government: Policy, Politics and the STRA Debate — From Both Sides of the Fence

Hon. David Speirs, Former South Australia Opposition Leader

Women Leading STRA: Building a Safer, Fairer Industry Through Representation and Equality

Hon Connie Bonaros MLC, Member of the Legislative Council, South Australia, SA Best

Fire Safe Stays: Essential Home Safety for STRA Operators (000, Smoke Alarms & Lithium Batteries)

Daniel Humeniuk, Manager, Community Engagement Section, South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service

CPD requirements for QLD and NSW STRA managers

Sasha Boe, Managing Director, Real Estate Training Solutions (RETS)

Key sustainability trends in short-term rental accommodation (STRA), the importance of credible certification and how to cut through greenwashing

TBC, Ecotourism Australia

Benefits of smart locks in short-term rental accommodation (STRA), including improved security, guest experience and operational efficiency.

TBC, McGrath Smart Locks

Panel discussion: Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Regulations

Moderator: Professor Peter O'Connor, University of South Australia

Panellists:
Maxine Petty, Owner, Experience Augusta
Andrew McMaster, Owner, Bridgecroft Accommodation
Blaire Jones, Co-owner, Twin Palms Holiday Rentals and COO Simonds Homes
Keiran Craig-Jones, Executive Director, Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA)

Please note speakers and topics are subject to change

You can see our confirmed speakers, to date here: https://strasummit.org.au/speakers

If you are wanting to find out more information about our speakers, please check out our dedicated social media pages:

Instagram: @STRASummit
Facebook: STRA Summit 2026
LinkedIn: STRA Summit 2026

More speakers still being announced.....

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STRA Summit 2026 Conference Accommodation

We strongly recommend that you book your accommodation as early as possible.

The week of the STRA Summit 2026 coincides with major events in Adelaide, including the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival, Ed Sheeran concert and WOMADelaide, making it one of Adelaide’s busiest times of the year.

Book short-term rental accommodation (STRA) direct via South Australia Tourism Commissions website.

You can find out additional information and book here: https://strasummit.org.au/conference-accommodation

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