The programme highlights and some of its speakers and panellists for this year’s Short Stay Summit, being held on 27 April at Old Billingsgate, in central London, has been revealed.

The Summit, the fourth event of its kind, is again being run jointly by the three largest associations that represent the industry in the UK, Europe and the US – the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA) and the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), respectively.

The theme for this year’s Short Stay Summit is “Maximising the opportunities available to the short term rental industry”. A number of key speakers and panellists have been announced including:

• Araine Gorin, President of Expedia, who will feature in a fireside chat with STAA Chair Merilee Karr
• Dr Wouter Geerts, Head of Research at Skift, will chair a discussion on ‘What is on the horizon for hospitality’ with Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound and Vered Raviv Schwarz, COO at Guesty
• Ryan Pearson, Regional Manager at Booking.com, will share his thoughts on how to help guests choose the right properties and destinations
• Simon Lehmann, CEO of AJL Atelier, will chair a session on ‘The Investor Perspective: What the investment community is looking for’
• Steve Milo, CEO of VTrips is a panellist for ‘Creating an experience that differentiates you’ session

Delegates attending the Summit will gain ideas on sustainability, diversity and best practice from leading CEOs, property owners, founders, innovators, directors and company presidents from across the globe, who will present either from the platform, participate in panel discussions and workshops or will be available to speak to at their company stands.

Andy Fenner, CEO of the STAA, said, “Short term rentals are a valuable part of the tourism market contributing over £27bn to the UK economy each year and providing 496,00 jobs, many of which are in the UK’s rural communities that are deprived of other investment. There are many opportunities available to our industry as well as challenges that we need to overcome together. This year’s Summit offers us the chance to build on the success of previous years and turbo charge our ability to provide guests with more great quality choices and experiences and local communities with a vibrant supportive economy.”

Tickets are in high demand so anyone wanting to guarantee their place is advised to book now.

More information can be found at shortstaysummit.org.