A new conference is being planned for the international short-term rentals industry on Tuesday 14 September 2021 in London. Created by the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA), the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) and the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), the Short Stay Summit will be held at the iconic Tobacco Dock and will provide a platform for operators in the European and North American short-term rental sectors to meet for the first time in 18 months.
The Short Stay Summit will be a one-day event supported by Title sponsor Vrbo, part of the Expedia Group, and Platinum sponsor Booking.com. Other sponsors include Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Awaze, Rentals United, UnderTheDoormat and Breezeway. This will be the largest European conference the industry has seen since 2019.
High profile industry leaders will be speaking at the event as well as there being an impressive educational component that will enable delegates to expand their networks, exchange best practices and learn about the newest products and services available on the market. Additional events such as networking drinks and dinners are also being planned to maximise the opportunities for delegates from across Europe and around the world to meet up. The Short Stay Summit still has a number of sponsorship and exhibitor packages available to suit companies of all sizes.
Tobacco Dock has been chosen as the venue because its character reflects the modern and entrepreneurial spirit of the industry. It also has sufficient outdoor space and well ventilated areas to ensure that all delegates can comply with COVID-related guidelines.
Carlos Villaro Lassen, Secretary General of EHHA, said, “We are really excited for the short-term rental industry to meet again in person. Under the restrictions of lockdown, we have suffered severely but, as an industry, we are more than ready for a comeback that will result in a stronger and more professional short-term rental sector. The EHHA is proud to stand side-by-side with the STAA and the VRMA to celebrate our fantastic Industry at this important summit – by the industry for the industry.”
Merilee Karr, Chair of the STAA and CEO of UnderTheDoormat, commented, “It is hugely exciting to have partnered with the EHHA and VRMA to bring together the international short term rentals industry in person for the first time in 18 months. We have much to celebrate in our industry as we emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. This will be a great opportunity for us to show our unbridled passion for innovation and our embrace of technology to help our customers have the best possible experiences and underpin further growth in our sector. Changing customer preferences means that we are better placed than ever to be a major force in the international tourism, holiday, short breaks and hospitality markets. I can’t wait for September when the whole industry will be together to focus on our future growth!”
Toby Babich, President of VRMA and Breckenridge Resort Managers said, “To be able to announce this event is a really positive sign that our industry is geared up and ready to continue its growth and development. It’s fantastic to be working closely alongside the STAA and EHHA in partnership to make this summit a high value event for our industry. Through the collaboration not just in September but for years to come, I can only see our sector becoming stronger and companies within it thriving. My message to anyone in our industry is to ‘Save the Date’ and make sure you book your place at Tobacco Docks on 14 September!”