If you manage vacation rentals, you probably spend a lot of time learning things the hard way. Trial and error with pricing. Figuring out guest communication through awkward exchanges. Tweaking your listing photos until something clicks. That works, to a point. But there comes a moment when talking to other hosts, hearing what they tried and failed at, and getting advice from people who have scaled past your current stage can save you months (or years) of guesswork.
That's where short-term rental conferences come in. 2026 has a packed calendar of vacation rental events spread across the country and beyond. Some focus on investors and property managers running dozens of listings. Others are built for newer hosts who want to learn the fundamentals of hospitality and direct bookings. A few cater to niche audiences like women in real estate or hosts in specific regions.
At Houfy, we went through the major ones scheduled this year and broke them down by when they happen and who they serve best. Make sure to bookmark this guide, and let's dive in.
Winter Events to Start Your Year Strong
The VR Nation Beach Biz Roadshow runs from late January through early February across Florida and Alabama. These are one-day events in different cities, so you can pick one that fits your location. They cover market-specific tactics and give you time to meet local hosts who deal with the same challenges you do.
MOVHA takes place February 6-7 in Kansas City, and there is extra buzz this year because of the World Cup games expected in the area. For hosts in the Midwest, this is a rare chance to connect locally and prepare for what could be a big tourism surge.
TrackMEET runs February 9-12 in Austin, Texas. Hosted by a property management system company, it brings together growth-oriented hospitality leaders to share best practices and push boundaries together.
VRMA Foundations happens February 23-24 in Sandestin, Florida. This one is built specifically for frontline staff with a workshop-style approach and smaller group format. If you have a team or want hands-on training rather than lectures, this fits that need.
Spring Brings More Options
March is busy. The ALP Conference runs March 2-5 in Louisville, Kentucky. ALP stands for the Association of Lodging Professionals, and they focus heavily on advocacy and public policy alongside professional development. If regulations keep you up at night (and they probably do), this conference addresses that head-on.
The Poconos STR Conference on March 5 draws over 500 attendees to the Kalahari Resort in Pennsylvania. With more than 6,500 licensed rentals in that region, it is very much a local event, but hosts from nearby markets often attend to make connections and scout potential expansion areas.
Later in March, the VTSTRA Conference takes place March 26-27 in West Dover, Vermont. This one blends education with a trade show, which is useful if you are looking for vendors or software partners.
The Level Up Your Listing Summit happens March 29-31 in Phoenix. It is designed by hosts, for hosts, and puts a strong emphasis on design, hospitality, and guest experience. If you feel stuck in how you present your property or want to move beyond cookie-cutter listings, this one might be a good fit.
April brings the VR Nation Conference to Denver from April 28-30. Topics range from customer service and cleaning to marketing and data analysis. The networking breaks here tend to be productive because attendees come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
In May, the Michigan Short Term Rentals Conference runs May 7-8 in Grand Rapids. Speakers share lessons from their own hosting journeys, and the content leans practical. If you are in the Midwest and have not attended a conference before, this could be a solid first one.
The VR Nation Southern Charm Roadshow runs May 11-20 across multiple locations in Tennessee and North Carolina. Like the Beach Biz Roadshow, these are one-day events with market-specific insights and hands-on education.
Summer and Fall Options
The IMN Short-Term Rental Summer Forum moves to Park City, Utah, in July. This one attracts property managers and investors who are serious about growth. Expect panels on market trends, guest retention, and operational strategy. If you manage several properties or plan to scale, the conversations happening here tend to be worth the trip.
Hostchella, hosted by Hostaway, takes place in Miami sometime in the fall. Dates are still being finalized, but it is geared toward new hosts and owner-operators. The vibe is more casual than the investor-heavy events, with smaller working sessions and more room for open conversation.
The Skift Global Forum runs September 22-24 in New York. It is broader than just short-term rentals and covers travel and hospitality more generally, but the STR industry gets attention here, and the connections you make span beyond vacation rentals.
The VRMA International Conference in Nashville from October 4-6 is perhaps the biggest gathering of the year for property managers. Whether you are new to the industry or have been running rentals for a decade, this is where a lot of the serious players show up. Expect sessions on everything from staffing to technology to guest reviews.
International and Specialized Events
Outside the US, the STRive to Thrive Conference runs in Australia (March 11-12), New Zealand (March 17-18), and Bali (September 10). If you operate internationally or just want exposure to how other markets function, this one is worth considering.
The Short Stay Summit in London targets European hosts and features a mix of panel discussions, workshops, and networking. It tends to attract property managers and association leaders.
The Vacation Rental World Summit takes place October 8-9 in Lyon, France. One of the largest global events for vacation rental professionals, it is known for its roundtables and speed-dating networking format that lets you schedule one-on-one meetings in advance.
There are also conferences focused on specific topics or audiences. The Vacation Rental Women's Summit brings together women in the industry for networking and education. InvestHER CON does something similar with a real estate investing angle. The Mid-Term Rental Summit focuses on stays between 29 days and 12 months, which is a growing segment that operates differently from typical weekend bookings.
The STR Wealth Conference targets hosts looking to build long-term wealth through strategic growth. The Vacation Rental Design Summit is built for interior designers and trade professionals working in the short-term rental space. And the Data and Revenue Management Conference brings together executives and revenue managers focused on pricing strategy and market data.
Getting the Most Out of a Conference
Before you register for anything, think about what you actually need. If you are struggling with a pricing strategy, look for events with sessions on revenue management. If you want to grow your portfolio, prioritize conferences where investors and lenders attend. If you are feeling isolated and want to meet other hosts who get it, a smaller regional event might serve you better than a massive industry expo.
Bring business cards. Sounds obvious, but people forget. Download the event app if there is one. Schedule meetings in advance with vendors or speakers you want to talk to. And leave some open time. The best connections often happen over lunch or in hallways, not during the official sessions.
Conferences cost money and take time. But if you pick the right one and show up ready to learn, you can walk away with ideas that change how you run your rentals for years to come.
