Meet Your Host

Jenn Boyles

Jenn Boyles is the founder of the Direct Booking Success Summit (est. 2021), the largest global online event dedicated to helping short-term rental professionals grow their business without relying on OTAs.

A former Airbnb Superhost turned marketing strategist, Jenn built her own direct booking brands in the UK and Europe before creating the DBS Summit to give STR hosts and managers accessible, practical training — without the travel costs, gatekeeping, or overwhelm of traditional industry events.

Now based in Vancouver, Canada, Jenn leads Direct Booking Success, hosts the DBS Podcast, and created Book Direct Pro, an all-in-one marketing platform built for vacation rental pros.

Jenn’s newest venture, the STR Content Lab, is a membership where hosts and property managers get their marketing done with expert support, AI-powered tools, and community accountability.

Across everything, Jenn’s mission is the same: helping hosts and property managers take back control, increase profit, and grow with confidence.

Meet Your Speakers

ALI CAMMELLETTI

Leading With Empathy and Creativity to Grow a Thriving Vacation Rental Brand

Ali Cammelletti of Spark Your Mindset brings over 30 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry focusing on leadership and company culture.

Ali helps leaders build resiliency and improve performance by bringing awareness to opportunity behaviors and sparking mindsets.

She does this through culture assessments, team building, one on one leadership coaching as well as customer service and sales education.

ANASTASIA TARA

Designing Stays That Tell a Story and Stay in Guests’ Hearts

Anastasia Tara is the founder of Unique Stays, a community for hospitality hosts creating one-of-a-kind stays around the world.

Formerly a Senior Analytics Manager in the mortgage industry, she now helps hosts grow their businesses using data-driven insights and thoughtful design.

BRIANNE HAMILTON

How to Make Reels That Get Views, Likes, and Bookings

Brianne Hamilton is a real estate investor, short-term rental superhost, and founder of Junction House Getaways and Social Simplified.

Brianne’s STR journey began when she and her husband transformed their first cottage into a cozy retreat. That first glowing guest review was pure magic! Now she also helps property owners across Ontario and beyond manage unforgettable rental stays. But here’s where it gets fun—she’s taken her 20+ years of corporate marketing and communications experience and turned it into something she’s truly passionate about: helping busy STR hosts simplify their social media without losing their sanity.

Through her signature STAY Pillars framework, Brianne shows hosts how to create engaging content that converts followers into direct bookings. Her Social Media Made Simple Bootcamp and Social Simplified Collective membership make social media feel less overwhelming and more like a powerful business tool.

When she’s not helping hosts turn properties into guest magnets, you’ll find Brianne in Toronto with her husband, twins, and two cats. Her motto? Hospitality should feel magical, social media should feel simple, and business should be something you actually enjoy building!

BRITT BENSON GREER
RealTech Webmasters

How to Send the Right Message to the Right Guest (and Get More Bookings)

Britt Benson is the Director of Growth at RealTech Webmasters, Britt is dedicated to educating vacation rental managers about the pivotal role of direct booking websites, digital marketing strategies, and real support from tech partners in growing their businesses.

In 2019, he started in client marketing, where he worked closely with property managers to better understand their businesses, challenges, and the industry as a whole.

Now, in his sixth year in the space, he works to leverage the knowledge he gained to connect property managers with real solutions that grow their direct bookings and help their businesses thrive.

He firmly believes that success in the vacation rental space hinges on more than just technology—it’s about cultivating authentic relationships and delivering tangible results when it matters most.

BRITTANY BLACKMAN

What Guests See (And Feel) Before They Ever Click Book Now

Brittany Blackman is a leadership coach, speaker, and former vacation rental company owner who helps people lead with impact… and heart.

With 13 years in the short-term rental industry and a deep understanding of team dynamics, guest experience, and emotional intelligence, Brittany now works with business owners and managers to untangle stress, rewire leadership habits, and build companies that people actually want to work for (and book with).

She’s the founder of Discover Freedom Coaching and a firm believer that little details—like frying pans and feedback loops—can shape everything!

CLAIR ABPLANAL
Beyond

Charge What You’re Worth With Pricing Backed by Real Market Data – LIVE

Clair Abplanalp is the Director of Customer Success at Beyond, and leads the company’s SMB strategy and cross-functional initiatives that help hosts and property managers accelerate the money they make with their vacation rentals through technical support, training, and ongoing product education.

Prior to Beyond, Clair spent ten years in customer-facing roles in the home services industry that focused on connecting homeowners with the right person for their project.

She’s an avid surfer, book club member, and an obsessed dog mom.

CRAIG WEBB

Outrank the OTAs With Search Terms That Actually Convert

Craig Webb is a Hospitality SEO Strategist with a background that combines 20+ years of experience in hotel management with a deep expertise in digital marketing.

As the founder of Webb Marketing and the creator of the Inn-Site SEO Academy, Craig helps hotels, guest houses, and short-term rental owners turn their websites into powerful booking engines, without relying on OTAs.

Having once managed busy properties himself, Craig understands the operational challenges hospitality businesses face. Now, he teaches accommodation providers how to boost direct bookings using SEO, content strategy, and local search tools like Google Business Profile and Google Maps.

His training focuses on practical, ROI-driven methods designed to attract visibility, build trust, and increase website traffic.

DAWN ASHER

Discover Your Hosting Style and Use It to Drive More Direct Bookings

Dawn Asher is the founder and creative director of The Olive Jar, an experiential marketing studio specializing in vacation rental design, amenities, and media content creation for visionary hosts.

Dawn brings 20 years of experience in branding and experiential storytelling to serve hosts with a whole-picture marketing approach that activates every traveler.

From engaging visual media to inviting design and unforgettable amenities, The Olive Jar creates #GetawaysToReconnect that build lifelong traveler loyalty.

ELLIE WHICHARD
ICND

5 Clues Your Website Is Costing You Bookings (and How to Fix It)

Ellie Whichard combines her expertise in sales strategy with a deep understanding of the vacation rental landscape, making her a trusted advisor to industry professionals seeking to optimize their online presence and boost reservations.

Her commitment to delivering measurable results and her passion for helping clients grow their businesses have earned her a strong reputation for excellence and reliability.

EMILY TILLERY

How to Design Spaces for Guests That Market Themselves

Emily Tillery is the founder of Reclaimed Retreats, a hospitality design company specializing in creating memorable guest experiences for short-term rental properties throughout the Hudson Valley. With 8+ years of hosting experience and 5+ years specializing in design, property renovation, and property setup, Emily has developed a unique approach that combines sustainable design principles with real-world hospitality insights.

Since 2021, Emily has helped over 50 short-term rental owners transform their properties into sought-after retreats that command premium rates and generate consistent repeat bookings. Her design philosophy centers on creating authentic, story-driven spaces that connect with guests on an emotional level while maximizing operational efficiency for hosts.

Emily’s properties, including the popular Hilltop Vintage Campground and the Tiny Catskill Cabin, have achieved exceptional repeat booking rates and over 600 5-star reviews that highlight the thoughtful design details and memorable experiences. Her work has been featured in hospitality industry publications including Better Homes and Gardens and House Beautiful and she regularly speaks about the intersection of design, guest experience, and business success.

When not designing retreats or hosting guests, Emily can be found exploring antique shops and flea markets, always on the hunt for unique pieces that tell a story.

FRANK BOSI
Hostfully

How to Boost Trust and Bookings Without Giving Up Control – Live

Frank Bosi is the Senior Director of Partner Development at Hostfully, an award-winning property management and digital guidebook platform for the short-term rental industry.

He specializes in building strategic partnerships, driving new revenue channels, and helping property managers scale their businesses with Hostfully’s innovative PMS tools.

With a strong network across the STR ecosystem, Frank brings both industry expertise and a collaborative approach to supporting hosts and managers worldwide.

GIL CHAN
CraftedStays

How to Build High-Converting Websites with the PEF Framework – Live

Gil Chan is a short-term rental host with several properties in the Great Smoky Mountains and Branson market.

He owns and manages these properties with his wife. He’s a father of two young kids. He was born and raised in Silicon Valley (California).

He has been in technology for 15 years and has been part of 6 other startups before starting his own hospitality tech company, CraftedStays.

Prior to CraftedStays, Gil was working in eCommerce and working closely with Shopify. He realized that in the eCommerce industry if you had an idea and wanted to sell directly to customers, you had platforms like Shopify to help you launch your business; however, in the short-term industry, you’re limited to the PMS standard sites or had to hire an agency to build your custom site.

Gil is set out on a mission to enable all short-term rental hosts to be successful in direct bookings

HEATHER DUNWOODY

Outsmart the OTAs and Make AI Your Unfair Advantage

Heather Dunwoody is a hospitality disruptor, award-winning brand strategist, and guest experience imagineer with more than 20 years of experience spanning nearly every corner of the industry. From her foundational days at Marriott and Ritz-Carlton to scaling a seven-figure agency solely on the power of client referrals, Heather now channels her expertise into guiding boutique, lifestyle, and outdoor hospitality entrepreneurs as they transform their properties into local legends and profit powerhouses.

Today, as an “intentionally rootless” digital nomad, Heather brings a rare, cross-industry lens to reimagining the guest journey from every angle—crafting experiences that captivate, deepen connection, spark loyalty, and unlock new revenue streams at every turn. She’s known for her holistic, guest-first approach that turns the ordinary into the unforgettable, and for helping visionary owners break free from cookie-cutter thinking to deliver brands guests can’t wait to return to—and rave about—long after check-out.

If you’re ready to ditch the status quo and create a hospitality experience that’s as bold as your ambition, Heather is your go-to guide for turning daring ideas into bottom-line results.

HEATHER BAYER

Simplify Your Rental Business With AI That Only Uses Your Data

Heather Bayer started blogging about vacation rentals in 2007 at Cottage Blogger, after the success of her first book, “Renting Your Vacation Home for Profit”.

She launched the Vacation Rental Success podcast in 2013.

Before becoming obsessed with vacation rentals, Heather was CEO of Leading Minds, a management training company in the UK.

JENNIFER BARBEE

Stop Competing on Price and Start Creating a Destination Brand

Jennifer Barbee is a global tourism strategist and the founder of Destination Innovate.

She’s led award-winning campaigns for cities, resorts, and hospitality brands for 30+ years. Today, she helps STR hosts and property managers break free from OTA dependency by turning every stay into a brand story.

Her Destination-First STR™ method combines emotional marketing, immersive experiences, and destination-level branding to create loyal, direct-booking guests—no fluff, just strategy that works.

JENNIFER SPENCER

What It Really Takes to Build a Business Beyond Airbnb

Jennifer Spencer is the founder of The Host Approach and a vacation rental strategist who empowers owners to break free from listing site dependence and build profitable, independent businesses.

With over a decade of hosting experience, Jennifer focuses on helping hosts implement a direct booking strategy supported by the right tools—such as property management systems, dynamic pricing, AI-powered marketing, and guest-centric messaging.

Her proven frameworks support vacation rental owners in gaining more control, boosting profits, and growing with confidence—without the overwhelm.

JODI BOURNE

Turn Your Hospitality Superpowers Into Marketing Emails That Book

Jodi Bourne is a vacation rental business and marketing expert with more than 11 years of experience in the vacation rental industry and nearly 20 years in marketing and public relations.

She brings a unique dual perspective to the industry—serving as both a business consultant and a professional guest who has stayed in more than 60 vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and glamping resorts.

Whether working with hosts who are just starting out or those ready to scale, Jodi’s expertise lies in helping them transform their natural hospitality skills into powerful marketing strategies, while providing the systems and tools that make hosting easier, more fun and more profitable—creating raving fans, repeat guests, and sustainable booking success.

As the creator of the Savvy Host’s Roadmap Framework and a seasoned speaker at vacation rental conferences and online summits, she helps hosts create, market and build guest-first experience brands that stand out from the competition to increase bookings from guests they love.

KATIE BESSANT

How Hosts Can Use Instagram to Attract Guests With Ease

Katie Bessant is a social media expert who oﬀers marketing coaching for holiday cottage owners and other businesses in the tourism industry to help them improve their digital presence and online visibility, to generate more bookings.

Growing up in South Devon in the UK, she has been involved in her family’s B&B and has worked in the tourism industry for many years.

From waitressing and cleaning holiday lets, to working in the marketing department of the 3rd biggest holiday letting agency in the UK, Katie has seen every side of the tourism industry and has invaluable experience.

She has also been a superhost herself, with a very successful Airbnb, so she totally understands what it’s like to market and manage a holiday let.

KATIE CLINE

Get Featured Like a Pro With PR Secrets From Top Hotel Brands

Katie Cline is an award-winning PR professional who has led global communications for world-renowned brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, Le Méridien and more, in both NYC and London. An obsessive traveler, Katie is a dual citizen of the US and Ireland who applies her love of hospitality to her two short-term rentals in upstate New York: Trout Landing (near Lake George) and Gallant Fox (in Saratoga Springs).

She’s the host of the Hospitality.FM Original podcast, Suite Success, where she interviews hotel executives, hospitality leaders and industry innovators. Her writing has been featured on Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Yahoo!, MSN, The Everymom and more.

When she’s not busy planning her next trip, Katie can be found trying a new restaurant in Astoria, NYC (where she rents her apartment) with her husband, Joe; schooling her British-born toddler, Nora, on the magnificence of New York bagels; or researching her next investment property while snuggling her newborn, Jackson.

KERRI GIBSON
Lodgify

How tech has helped Kerri Gibson create a 70% direct booking business – Live

Kerri Gibson is a boutique motelier, chalet host, and hospitality entrepreneur building her “life 2.0” through welcoming spaces and thoughtful details.

Driven by independence from OTAs, she has built a strong brand and tech stack that deliver a 70% direct booking rate and 40% guest return rate.

She leads the transformation of Hygge-inspired chalets and a reimagined motel, creating standout stays.

KELLY ODOR

The secret to winning family bookings by making kids feel like VIPs

Kelly Odor is the Marketing Director at Bookster Marketing Software. She’s passionate about holiday rentals, with a love of using marketing to help businesses flourish.

LESLIE SONNIER

Why Doing Everything Yourself Is Costing You Bookings (And How to Fix It)

Leslie Sonnier is a delegation dynamo who turned her vacation rental hustle into a high-value, high-vibe, sellable business.

After seven years of grinding her way to 50 properties, everything changed when she embraced what she now calls “Delegation Domination” — scaling to 140 properties in just two years and selling her company for a stellar multiple.

Today, Leslie empowers overwhelmed operators to stop being the glue and start being the guide — so they can scale with systems, lead with heart, and actually enjoy the business they’re building.

LISA ROADS

The Smart Way to Prepare Your Rental Business for a Future Sale

Lisa Roads is a business strategist, speaker, and mentor who helps ambitious short-term rental property managers grow profitable, sustainable businesses with confidence.

With over 25 years in the hospitality and property industries, Lisa built and sold her own international short-term rental business after scaling it to 175 properties.

Now in her third year speaking at the Direct Booking Success Summit, Lisa is known for her straight-talking, practical approach to business growth, brand building, and direct booking strategy.

Through her Women in STR Mastermind and retreats, she empowers female property managers to scale with purpose, stand out in competitive markets, and create businesses that align with their vision and values.

LIZ HOLMAN

How Thoughtful Service Turns Happy Guests Into Higher Earnings

Liz Holman is passionate about Camping, Glamping & Touring through Outstanding Guest Experiences and Customer service.

ORLIE BENJAMIN

Reduce Dependence on OTAs and Maximize Revenue Through Branding

Orlie Benjamin is the founder and CEO of Lasoh, a marketing SaaS platform for the vacation rental management industry that empowers operators to own their guest relationship and drive more direct revenue.

Orlie spent the majority of her career as a marketing leader at internationally recognized businesses such as Victoria’s Secret, NetJets, and American Airlines.

She is also the owner and operator of The Acres, a vacation rental management business in Hocking Hills.

Orlie’s combined experience in marketing leadership and vacation rental management make her uniquely positioned to disrupt the status quo for marketing and so that operators can better own their book of business.

RACHEL DESANTIS

How to Make Your Property the Reason Guests Book

Rachel Desantis is the Co-Founder of QR Clue: a patent pending system designed to help short term rental and vacation rental hosts differentiate their properties by offering an immersive escape room-style experience to guests right in their property.

As someone who understands the unique challenges rental property hosts face, Rachel has utilized her extensive background working in property management and tech startups to help create this one-of-a-kind product that directly addresses the needs of vacation rental hosts: standing out in a competitive market, attracting more bookings, increasing revenue, earning more 5-star reviews by ultimately creating overjoyed guests that can’t stop talking about their stay.

REBECCA LOMBARDO

Top 10 Marketing Mistakes Experienced Managers Don’t Make

Rebecca Lombardo, draws from her 25 years of diverse experiences to offer thoughtful insights into the hospitality industry.

She frequently speaks at Information Management Network conferences, moderates the Content Marketing World Summit panels, and hosts the YouTube show “VendorVibes,” where she interviews hospitality industry professionals.

As one of NBC’s first “backpack” journalists, and later a travel writer for Huffington Post, Rebecca parlayed her bold and creative storytelling into a career as a sought-after branding and marketing expert.

She is also an award-winning writer and author with the ability to speak truth through humor and engage audiences of entrepreneurs, franchise owners and small businesses.

ROBIN BASS

The Power of Human Connection in a Digitally Driven Industry

Robin Bass embodies an unwavering ambitious spirit that has been a driving force throughout her journey. A distinguished graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI, she not only excelled academically but also contributed as a Tour Guide for the University.

Her educational pursuits led her to attain degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Marketing Management, including a transformative stint studying abroad at The Paris Fashion Institute.

In each phase of her growth, Robin honed her customer service skills, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. Her engaging personality is not only evident through accolades such as the Miss Congeniality Award but also showcased in her diverse career. Having spent nearly two decades in New York, she evolved within the Hospitality, Tour, and Travel Industry.

As the Founder of The Hospitality Liaison LLC, Robin curated unique experiences that epitomized the vibrant spirit of New York City.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Robin is deeply committed to community involvement. In New York, she dedicated her time as a New York Cares Volunteer, delivering meals on wheels and recording books for the blind and dyslexic. In St. Croix, she proudly serves on the Board of The Animal Welfare Center, having adopted a furry companion named Scooby from the shelter several years ago. Their adventures are documented in social media posts, intertwining with her role at Premier Properties USVI.

Robin has established herself as the go-to Property Management and Vacation Rentals Expert in St. Croix, USVI, with a track record dating back to 2016. In August 2021, she embarked on a new chapter by founding Premier Properties USVI, witnessing substantial growth with a 100% referral-driven approach. Her mission, encapsulated in the phrase “It is cool to be kind,” is not just a slogan but a philosophy reflected in her daily interactions. Realtors and local businesses alike shower her with referrals, a testament to the positive impact she continues to make through her exemplary customer service.

SARA SOKOL

How the Dogs-Welcoming Niche Leads to Loyal Guests and More Direct Bookings

Sara Sokol is the owner of Little White Dog Properties, named after the most wonderful little white dog, Milo, who she shares her life—and many neighborhood walks—with.

Hospitality has always been part of who Sara is. From a young age, she loved preparing for guests and imagined her childhood home as her own Bed and Breakfast whenever family came to stay. While she once dreamed of running a traditional B&B, discovering the world of vacation rentals opened a new and exciting path.

In the summer of 2012, Sara moved to Bath, Maine, and quickly realized that Vacationland was the perfect place to begin her rental business. In 2020, she purchased Wiggleswick Cottage in Georgetown, transforming it into her first short-term vacation rental where travelers can experience their dream Maine getaway.

As a proud Maine resident, Sara delights in sharing her knowledge of the region—whether it’s pointing guests to the best lobster shack in town or guiding them toward hidden hiking trails with breathtaking views. Her mission is to help visitors discover the authentic essence of Maine while creating lasting memories and meaningful connections.

Beyond Little White Dog Properties, Sara is also the owner of Mr. Dog Training, a positive reinforcement dog training facility in Brunswick, Maine. Since 2014, she has been voted Best Dog Trainer in Maine, a role that allows her to connect with inspiring people and their beloved pets every day.

A lifelong dog lover, Sara knew from the start that her rentals would be dog-friendly. She is thrilled to welcome both people and their pups, helping families create vacation memories that include every member—two- and four-legged alike. Her passion for this mission inspired her to launch the wildly popular Dogs Welcome Facebook group and listing site, connecting North American travelers with dog-friendly short-term rentals.

SARAH ORCHARD

The Loyalty Strategy That Gets Guests Booking Again (Without Discounting)

Sarah Orchard is an award-winning marketing strategist, #1 best-selling author, podcaster, and fellow host, who helps Airbnb hosts, holiday cottage and glampsite owners master their marketing to maximise their commission-free direct bookings.

Sarah provides marketing support through affordable online training courses, a monthly marketing club membership, and 1:1 marketing strategy and advice sessions.

Sarah is the co-owner of the award-winning The Hudnalls Hideout treehouse and has saved over £100,000 in agent commission by taking 100% direct bookings in the first 5 years of business. The Hideout is one of the UK’s most sought-after treehouses.

SARAH STAHL

The Micro-Influencer Blueprint Behind 93% Direct Bookings

Sarah Stahl is a marketing strategist who helped a boutique glamping resort shift from OTA dependency to 93% direct bookings using a homegrown influencer system that now powers thousands in revenue.

With 15+ years of experience, she’s known for turning complex marketing tactics into simple, repeatable systems.

From training short-term rental hosts to leading AI visibility audits, Sarah bridges the gap between real-world hospitality needs and modern marketing innovation—without the fluff.

SARAH WEAVER

The Smart Investor’s Guide to Managing Properties From Miles Away

Sarah Weaver is a trailblazing force in the world of real estate, adventure travel, and entrepreneurship. Sarah is an author, speaker, coach, real estate investor, and business owner. Sarah is a true visionary with a passion for creating a unique life…one she truly dreamed up.

With boundless energy and a hunger for exploration, Sarah runs three thriving businesses that cater to both real estate investors and agents alike. When she’s not busy making waves in the industry, you’ll find her traversing the country—even the world—coaching real estate investors leverage her signature out-of-state-investing, medium term rental strategy and hosting intimate retreats that inspire and empower her clients to reach new heights.

Sarah’s travel and events company, Invested Adventures, is her clients’ ticket to epic experiences worldwide. From hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia to embarking on thrilling African safaris, she’s redefining what it means to live life to the fullest and providing an example to other investors and location independent entrepreneurs.

Arya Design Services, founded by Sarah and business partner Kendra Martin, is a one-stop-shop for investors, helping them analyze, furnish, and launch their furnished rentals across the nation. With her expertise and keen eye for detail, she transforms properties into irresistible havens for tenants and travelers alike.

Sarah has 19 units across four states; she’s mastered the art of long-distance property management. Since January 2019, she’s been fully nomadic, exploring 48 countries across six continents.

STACEY ST JOHN

The Review Strategy That Builds Trust and Fills Your Calendar

Stacey St. John isn’t just building a business—she’s leading a movement.

After launching her first short-term rental in 2020, Stacey saw more than just profits—she saw possibility. She traded in her corporate career for a life of freedom, fulfillment, and impact… and now she’s showing other women how to do the same.

She’s the visionary behind the STR Sisterhood, the most supportive community on the planet for women in short-term rentals…

The founder of the Short-Term Rental Virtual Summit for Women, where powerhouse hosts come together to learn, grow, and rise…

And the creator of the STR Success Accelerator, the #1 mentorship program helping women turn their Airbnb goals into profitable, scalable businesses.

With a 7-figure STR portfolio and a heart for service, Stacey is on a mission to help women create real wealth, reclaim their time, and live life on their terms.

STEPH WEBER

The 3 Email Funnels Every STR Host Needs to Drive Direct Booking

Steph Weber is a branding and marketing powerhouse, STR and micro resort investor, Host of the Branded & Booked Podcast, and STR co-host. She is the CEO of The Weber Co where she’s helped over 100 small businesses scale to 6 and 7 figure brands and now focuses on the vacation rental niche. Together with 3 other couples, they are building Cabins on the Cumberland, a micro resort and event venue. She and her husband also built a 6-figure co-hosting company in just one year.

With 10 years of experience working as a brand and marketing strategist, Steph brings new energy to the world of short term rentals and boutique hotels, helping investors and guests experience destination properties with rave-worth experiences.

Steph lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Collin, and two boys. Together, they spend as much time outside as possible, camping, hiking, and exploring.

SUSAN BARRY

Steal These Hotel Strategies Without Losing Your STR Personality

Susan Barry is an enthusiastic and visionary leader in the hospitality industry.

With her eyes firmly set on the future, Susan’s experience is vast and varied, including hotel investment and operations, B2B marketing and communications, and start-ups ranging from an aviation data company to a spa product line.

As the host of the acclaimed “Top Floor” podcast, Susan fuels her (and her audience’s) curiosity by engaging with experts and influential figures in the industry with a blend of humor and insight.

This diverse background and her willingness to push the boundaries of what’s possible in hospitality make Susan a dynamic speaker and moderator.

TARYN MERCEDES

The No-Stress Template to Creating a High-Converting Vacation Rental Website

Taryn Mercedes is a Squarespace web designer and expert who helps vacation rental hosts create standout websites that turn visitors into booked guests.

With a design-driven and strategic approach, she empowers hosts to launch beautiful, high-converting sites that showcase their unique stays, take control of their bookings, and build a brand beyond the OTAs.

THIBAULT MASSON

How to Use Length of Stay Rules to Drive Bookings and Reduce Burnout

Thibault Masson is Head of Product Marketing at PriceLabs, where he helps vacation rental professionals elevate their revenue management and automation strategies.

A vacation rental owner and manager himself, he combines strategic expertise with hands-on experience and draws on his background leading vacation rental initiatives at Booking.com.

Thibault is also the founder of Rental Scale-Up, a trusted source of industry trends for hosts and property managers.

A well-renowned speaker in the vacation rental space, he is known for sharing actionable strategies and forward-looking insights to help businesses scale sustainably — with a strong focus on direct bookings as a key growth channel.

TIZIANA BABBUCCI

Storytelling Strategies That Turn Your STR Into a Media Magnet

Tiziana Babbucci is a hospitality marketing manager and visual content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, a world she knows deeply thanks to a professional journey rich in diverse experiences.

She began her career managing both the front office and back office of a 4-star tourist resort, before founding and managing her own travel agency in 2016. Today, she is the founder of b2production, where she develops visual marketing strategies for projects in Italy and abroad.

Tiziana collaborates with hotels, resorts, and travel companies, helping them tell their stories through strategies and imagery that inspire, connect, and captivate.

In addition to her work with clients, she is also a speaker at industry events in Italy and internationally, where she shares her expertise with hospitality professionals and offers practical insights on enhancing their guest experience through visual content and digital marketing.

She firmly believes that every accommodation has a unique story to tell—and her mission is to transform that story into a visual experience that excites and attracts ideal guests.

YVONNE HALLING

Your Guests’ Communication System to Add at Least 25% to Your Revenue

Yvonne Halling is a transformational coach and mentor in the independent hospitality space.

She developed her own guest communications system while running her B&B—and it worked so well, growing her business 10x and it won her an online marketing award.

Since 2014 she’s been helping B&Bs, inns, vacation rentals, and boutique hotels use the same system to boost revenue by at least 25% in one season, and cut out OTAs.

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