Speakers

Mark is the founder of the leadership development and research firm, Lead With Purpose, where he took the over $1M in leadership training the Navy poured into him and distilled it down into simple concepts and skills to create leaders at every level of an organization. Over 51,000 leaders have been developed through Lead With Purpose's SHRM-accredited organizational leadership consulting, coaching, courses, and simple systems.

Marc's experience in both the nuclear submariner service and the business world has led him to become one of the foremost experts on Elite Leadership - a needed, relevant, and achievable approach to leadership for this new, disruptive world.

Marc is the best-selling author of Leading With Purpose, a hands-on guide to developing engaged, empowered, and encouraged employees. He is also the host of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, where he tells the stories of leaders in unlikely places and the human spirit that drives us all.

Allen Narcisse is Director, US West at Airbnb, where he leads growth and marketplace expansion across the western United States. Based in Los Angeles, he is focused on strengthening Airbnb’s host and guest ecosystem while driving strategic initiatives that unlock regional supply and demand. Narcisse brings deep experience in building and scaling marketplace businesses. He was the Founder of Gigs, a platform designed to better connect jobseekers with flexible work opportunities, reflecting his long-standing commitment to expanding economic access. Previously, he held senior leadership roles across the mobility and labor marketplace sectors, including leading UberEATS operations in Southern California and overseeing West Coast markets at Lyft. He also served as Chief Operating Officer at Workrise, a leading labor marketplace in the energy industry. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Harvard Business School, Narcisse was raised in Iowa and now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters.

Amber Knight is a strategy and operations executive with deep expertise in vacation rental marketing, technology, and industry growth. She currently leads BookingsCloud, a marketing automation platform helping property managers drive direct bookings and automate marketing. Her leadership experience includes roles at Vacasa and Inhabit, where she led teams through growth, acquisitions, and technology integrations. Amber works closely with property managers and technology partners to develop scalable strategies that align business goals with evolving market conditions. She is passionate about helping managers diversify their booking channels and implement data-driven practices that deliver results. As a speaker, advisor, and advocate, Amber brings a practical, real-world perspective to digital marketing, guest acquisition, and revenue growth strategies. She also serves as Treasurer of the Right to Rent Collaborative. Amber lives in Boise, Idaho, and is committed to advancing the future of the vacation rental industry.

Andrew Clemens, Global AVP AI and Data SMB, Salesforce.

Annie Sloan is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Host Co, building the commerce layer for modern lodging and living. Her platform turns rentals, hotels, and residential spaces into dynamic, shoppable environments where guests and residents can discover and purchase everything they need before and during their stay. She is also a host, owner, and property manager, bringing a practical, on-the-ground perspective to the future of hospitality. Before founding The Host Co, Annie was a Creative Director at Meta and Twitter, and has shaped global work for brands like Google, Nike, and Samsung. Today, she focuses on how AI, multi-channel discovery, and experience-first travel are redefining how people choose where to stay.

Ashley is the Founder and CEO of Inhaven, a new ecosystem for the vacation rental industry solving the quality and reliability problem. Inhaven’s B2B platform helps professional vacation rental managers set, maintain and promote standards for their properties, driving significant cost savings, efficiencies and increased revenues streams. She has spent her career sourcing products, leading operations and establishing brand standards for Fortune 500 companies. Prior to founding Inhaven, she was the Chief Merchandising Officer at The Company Store, a Home Depot company and head of Global Merchandising Operations at Tiffany & Co. She lives in New York with her husband, 4 young children and dog, Chase.

Beverly Serral is the Founder and CEO of BESTNEST by Beverly Serral, a hospitality-driven vacation rental company on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, that she launched in 2010 after spending years renovating and perfecting her own rental properties to a standard she felt the market was missing. A licensed broker and Certified Luxury Home Specialist, Beverly built BESTNEST on a straightforward premise: every property in the portfolio should be outfitted, cleaned, and maintained to exactly the same meticulous standard, delivering the kind of consistent, elevated experience typically reserved for five-star hotels. What began as a single "fabulously outfitted" rental has grown into a full-service platform spanning luxury vacation rentals, real estate brokerage, and design and renovation services, all unified by the same singular vision for quality. BESTNEST earned a U.S. trademark in 2019, a reflection of the distinct and recognizable standard Beverly has built over more than a decade of hands-on hospitality on the island. Today, she leads a team of dedicated professionals who share her commitment to reliability, comfort, and an unparalleled guest experience from first booking to final checkout.

Previously, Bo co-founded Evolution Hospitality and served as its CFO, playing a pivotal role in architecting the company's strategy and fueling its rapid growth from the ground up. His financial leadership was instrumental in positioning Evolution for its landmark acquisition by Aimbridge Hospitality, one of the most significant transactions in third-party hotel management. Earlier in his career, Bo served as VP of Finance at Tarsadia Hotels, where he directed all aspects of financial operations, from capital planning and budgeting to forecasting and enterprise risk management. Bo brings that same depth of experience and vision to his role at Coury Hospitality, where his leadership is helping define the future of one of the industry's most dynamic and fast-growing management platforms.

As Chief Legal Officer, Greg Moundas is a member of the Executive Committee team, providing strategic legal leadership and overseeing all legal affairs of the company, including compliance, corporate governance, acquisitions, risk management, and more. In addition to proven experience in these areas, he also brings a profound understanding of Aimbridge’s business model, its owners, and the industry at large, given he spent more than a decade helping build Aimbridge into the company it is today, including overseeing the integration of Interstate. Greg first joined Aimbridge in 2011, holding legal positions of escalating responsibility and serving as General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer. Before returning to Aimbridge in April 2024, Greg served as the Chief Growth Officer and Partner with Mayfair Management Group. In addition to providing strategic legal insights as a long-time executive team member at Aimbridge, Greg also oversaw a substantial number of transactions for Aimbridge, including the negotiation, structure, completion, and integration of multiple merger and acquisition deals valued at more than $1 billion. Greg received a B.A. in economics from Fordham University and a Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in New York and Texas.

Jamie Lane is Chief Economist and SVP of Analytics at AirDNA, where he leads the company’s research and data science teams. Jamie specializes in analyzing trends across the global short-term rental industry, translating large-scale data into insights for investors, operators, and hospitality leaders. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and the host of the STR Data Lab podcast, where he interviews leaders shaping the future of short-term rentals. His research and commentary on market performance, investment trends, and pricing strategy have helped establish AirDNA as a leading source of intelligence for the STR industry.

Jason is the CEO and co-owner of Key Data, a leading analytics and benchmarking company for vacation rental data. Before Key Data, Jason co-founded 360 Blue, a vacation rental company in the Florida Panhandle, which Natural Retreats acquired. He also co-founded Glad to Have You, which was acquired by HomeAway in March 2014 and now functions as the mobile platform for the VRBO and the HomeAway platform worldwide. Before diving into vacation rentals, Jason was a luxury real estate developer, the owner/broker of a real estate company, and a software attorney. Jason also co-founded and co-chairs The Sonder Project, an international non-profit with a mission to empower impoverished communities through high-impact, sustainable development. Jason lives in Destin, Florida, and he and his wife Lyn are the proud parents of two daughters.

Jennifer Mucha is the Founder and Owner of Arrived, which she started 22 years ago with just one home. Since then, she has grown the company to nearly 350 properties along the West Coast through a mix of organic growth and acquisitions. Jennifer is passionate about building a business she’s proud of and creating truly memorable vacation rental experiences. She focuses on leading her team with genuine hospitality by caring for every guest, every homeowner, and each other. Her goal is simple: happy guests and happy owners, and she is so very happy that Arrived consistently delivers both.

Jessica Gillingham is the founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a globally recognized strategic public relations firm that sits at the heart of the developing intersection between real estate, protech and hospitality. The firm partners with technology brands that are shaping the future of hospitality. A regular industry speaker, author, and adviser, Jessica is also the host of the Pillow Talk Sessions podcast and author of the industry book, “Tech-Enabled Hospitality - Strategies to Elevate Guest Experience and Operational Efficiencies."

With a twenty-seven-year background in the vacation rental industry, Jodi Taylor Refosco has extensive experience across all facets of the business. She began her journey in 1997 as a hot tub technician in her parents’ vacation rental company, progressively working through various departments until she became General Manager. After her parents sold the company in 2007, Jodi, along with her husband Joe and her brother Chad Taylor, founded Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. By investing in cutting-edge technology and prioritizing customer service, employee culture, and innovative marketing, they successfully grew the company into the leading vacation rental manager in the area.   In 2021, Jodi and Joe sold their company and launched a new venture focused on developing a high-end luxury vacation village in the heart of Deep Creek Lake, MD. This custom-built project aims to create exceptional guest experiences in a resort-style setting, showcasing Jodi’s dedication to quality, hospitality, and innovation.   Throughout her career, Jodi has been actively involved with the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), serving on the board during two different terms. Jodi currently serves as the VRMA Board Chair and is involved in education, membership growth and advocacy.    When she’s not immersed in her business pursuits and passion projects, Jodi enjoys traveling with family and friends or exploring the beautiful outdoors near her home at Deep Creek Lake.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Stakeholders VR Supergroup, I leverage nearly three decades of experience in the Vacation Rental industry to drive innovation and operational excellence across our portfolio of leading brands. Leadership and advisory roles with State organizations such as VisitFlorida, The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and one of 6 appointees of then Governor (now US Senator) Rick Scott to The Gulf Consortium Board.

Matthew Orley is the CEO of Red Cottage, a technology-driven hospitality platform redefining vacation rental management across the Northeast. Through a series of acquisitions and organic growth, he has scaled the business while building a modern, data-driven operating system that powers pricing, distribution, and guest experience. Under his leadership, Red Cottage is at the forefront of innovation in the short-term rental industry.

Nir Maimon is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and co-founder and President of The Maimon Group (TMG), a licensed California real estate brokerage specializing in luxury short-term rentals, property management, and experiential hospitality.
Maimon built his foundation in the hospitality and nightlife industries, developing an early instinct for how people want to experience spaces, and what separates a memorable stay from a forgettable one. That operational sensibility, refined across years of working in high-volume, service-driven environments, became the backbone of his approach to property management. Along the way, he also explored opportunities in the renewable energy sector, reflecting a broader entrepreneurial curiosity that has defined his career.
At TMG, Maimon oversees the company's strategic direction and day-to-day operations across some of Los Angeles's most sought-after markets, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Malibu, Hollywood Hills, Venice, and Palm Springs. Under his leadership, TMG has grown into a recognized operator in the luxury STR space, managing a curated portfolio of high-end estates for discerning owners and guests alike.
His background in hospitality informs a management philosophy centered on execution over optics: protecting the asset, delivering consistent results, and treating every property as a business with real performance expectations. Maimon co-founded TMG with the conviction that luxury rentals deserved the same rigor and professionalism applied to any serious real estate operation.

Rachel Alday is a hospitality entrepreneur and author who co-founded Abode Luxury Rentals in 2008 during the global financial crisis. At a time when many companies were retreating, she and her husband, Rob Alday, chose to build, launching a boutique luxury hospitality brand grounded in transparency, stewardship, and elevated service. Over the past 17+ years, Rachel has grown Abode into a respected multi-market company employing more than 50 people and managing a curated portfolio of luxury homes across premier mountain destinations. Known for its design-forward properties and highly personalized guest experiences, Abode has earned a reputation for blending aspirational luxury with genuine warmth and long-term homeowner partnerships. Drawing from nearly two decades of leadership experience, Rachel writes and speaks on the intersection of hospitality and modern leadership. Her forthcoming book explores how the principles of care, presence, and healthy boundaries can reshape organizational culture and build businesses designed to endure. She lives in Park City with her husband and business partner, Rob, and their three children.

Rachele Hobbs is the CEO and co-owner of Hobbs Realty, a fourth-generation vacation rental company located on the southern coast of North Carolina. In 2025, she received the Vacation Rental Pioneer Award from VRMA and VRMIntel. She created Hobbspitality®, the philosophy guiding how her company serves guests, homeowners, and community, and co-founded Hospitality Heroes, a nonprofit supporting hospitality professionals with disaster preparedness training and resources. She believes strong brands are built by teams who genuinely care about welcoming others.

Serial entrepreneur. Seasoned executive. I co-founded AvantStay to reimagine how people travel and live together — turning group travel into something genuinely extraordinary. We're building a technology-enabled hospitality company that's redefining the category from the ground up. On the side, I angel invest and advise early-stage founders — especially those building in travel, health, AI, and the future of living. I'm always up for conversations about where travel is headed, how AI is reshaping hospitality, what great team-building actually looks like, or the counterintuitive lessons from scaling startups.

Riley Goldman is a highly accomplished real estate investor, developer, and finance expert with a successful track record in the industry. As a co-founder of Beachside VR, a prominent vacation rental company in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Riley's core responsibilities include securing new business, overseeing development projects, and managing the operations of a rapidly growing team. With a portfolio boasting over 75 doors valued at $15 million, Riley brings extensive experience and expertise to drive the continued success and growth of Beachside VR.

I’m a co-founder, entrepreneur, and lifelong hospitality junkie currently fulfilling a bucket-list dream: sailing around the world as part of the Oyster World Rally. I co-founded Moving Mountains in 1997 with my wife and business partner, Heather, after spending eight years running luxury yacht charters in the British Virgin Islands. What started with a single home in Steamboat Springs grew over 25+ years into a recognized leader in luxury vacation rentals and experiential hospitality. In May 2025, Moving Mountains joined forces with StayTerra, a collection of premier vacation rental brands. Today, I serve in a strategic advisory and brand ambassador role, focused on brand storytelling, growth, and protecting what made Moving Mountains special from day one: unreasonable levels of hospitality. At its core, Moving Mountains curates and manages exceptional vacation homes in Colorado’s premier ski destinations including Steamboat Springs, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge. We also design full-service hospitality experiences that give guests back the one thing they want most on vacation: time to relax, reconnect, and actually enjoy it.

Robyn Scott is a strategic growth leader in the vacation rental industry, serving as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Inhabit. With over 17 years of experience across digital marketing, technology, and enterprise sales, she specializes in building high-impact partnerships and delivering integrated solutions that drive revenue, operational efficiency, and long-term portfolio growth. Originally from Aspen, Colorado, Robyn brings a deep understanding of destination-driven markets and the nuances that shape performance across regions. As an early member of the Bluetent team, she has played a key role in the evolution of digital marketing within the industry, combining data-driven strategy with practical, on-the-ground insights. Her experience spans both the technology and operator sides of the business, enabling her to advise clients with a uniquely holistic perspective. Robyn is known for aligning strategy with execution, helping leading property managers and enterprise organizations unlock growth through smarter systems, stronger partnerships, and more sophisticated go-to-market approaches.

Scott Leggat has immersed himself in the vacation rental industry for the past 26 years. During most of that time he has managed some of the largest vacation rental companies on the Outer Banks of North Carolina – one of the most renowned vacation rental home markets in the country. Scott has participated in almost every aspect of our industry including as a vacation homeowner, vacation manager and operator, and as technology leader and supplier. Scott currently serves as Inhabit’s Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy.
Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in industry issues and organizations. He has been a board member and Chairman of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, board member and Chairman of the Outer Banks Tourism Bureau, and Past-President of the North Carolina VRMA. He is a frequent speaker at conferences, and has served on several property management committees, which includes his current seat on the VRMA Board of Directors.
As a current board member, Scott’s focus areas have been developing standardized industry data and analytics, domestic and international membership growth, and improving services and professionalism.  Scott’s current passion and focus is to help provide a predictable and sustainable source of income for the VRMA’s Advocacy efforts through the Right To Rent Program.  Scott was recently recognized at the VRMA International conference with the Advocate of the Year award. 

Simon Lehmann is one of the world’s leading experts in short-term rentals and vacation rental innovation. He is the Founder and CEO of AJL Atelier, a specialized consultancy supporting operators, platforms, and investors shaping the future of hospitality and STR. A sought-after keynote speaker, moderator, and strategic advisor, Simon is known for bridging highlevel industry vision with deep operational and technological expertise; from market regulation and distribution dynamics to AI-driven transformation across the vacation rental value chain. He previously served as Co-Founder and Chairman of Vacasa Europe, President of PhocusWright, and Board Member of HomeAway, among other leadership roles. Simon has also built and scaled global hospitality businesses, including executive positions at Interhome, Hotelplan Group, and Swissport. Simon is also the host of the podcast STR Global Unlocked, where he interviews founders, CEOs, and global leaders at the forefront of travel, technology, and the evolving short-term rental ecosystem.

Steve Schwab is the heart behind Casago - a company he built on the simple belief that hospitality should feel personal, trustworthy, and rooted in community. A former U.S. Army Ranger, Steve began by helping neighbors care for their vacation homes in Mexico, an act of service that grew into Casago, now one of the industry’s most respected property management and franchise organizations. Today, he is helping lead one of the most significant shifts in the vacation rental space through Casago’s integration of Vacasa properties into its franchise-first model: bringing a locally driven, owner-focused approach to markets across the country. Guided by his “people first" philosophy, Steve continues to champion community-based hospitality, empowering local operators while delivering trusted, high-quality care to homeowners and guests alike.

Tim ‘Smitty’ Smith didn't stumble into the vacation rental industry. He came home to it. A Central Florida native since 1989, Smitty spent years escaping to New Smyrna Beach whenever life allowed: early beach walks, sandy floors, sleepy kids after a long day in the water. In 2020, what started as a five-day trip back to Florida ended his New York lease for good. He was done visiting the place he loved. He was ready to build something there. He launched Casago New Smyrna Beach as a locally owned franchise of the national Casago brand and built it steadily to 50 properties, until the market handed him a different kind of opportunity. When Vacasa exited the New Smyrna Beach market, Smitty acquired the inventory. What followed was the real test. In six weeks, he retained every single Vacasa owner, not one defected, crossing 200 properties in the process. Today the portfolio stands at 240 and is growing every day. These weren't warm handoffs. They were skeptical owners inheriting a manager they never chose, in the middle of the biggest consolidation shakeup the STR industry had seen in years. Zero defections wasn't luck. It was a system, a communication strategy, and a relentless commitment to showing owners something real before they had a reason to leave. That playbook is what he's here to share. How you win and keep owners in 2026 isn't about features or fees. It's about showing up differently, communicating faster, and proving your value before the owner ever has to ask. Smitty lives and works in New Smyrna Beach. He's still answering his own phone.

Owner/manager of two vacation rental brands, Branson Family Retreats and Missouri Haus. I’ve purpose-built 4 of my own large properties and rehabbed 2 historical properties, including a 1902 bank building with original vaults where you can legally launder in the Ozarks. Known as the "Queen of Guest Experience" in the vacation rental industry, I consult and share my deep knowledge about guest experience, communications, hospitality operations and advocacy across the globe at conferences, workshops and webinars. I’m also the VRMA Excellence Award winner for the inaugural Community Impact Award in recognition of my mission focus to serve my guests and community through hospitality. And my Branson Family Retreats brand has been awarded Best Vacation Rentals, Best Dog-friendly Lodging, and Best Family Lodging in Branson.

Valerie Gangas is the founder and CEO of Juniper Holiday + Home, a premier vacation rental and property management company established in 2020. Drawing on a lifelong passion for hospitality, rooted in her upbringing helping run her family’s restaurant, Valerie built Juniper to deliver thoughtful, elevated vacation experiences for both homeowners and guests. Today, Juniper operates in Michigan, Indiana, Florida, and Montana, with a focus on beautiful homes, exceptional service, and responsible rental management. Valerie holds a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Religious Studies and Women’s Studies, reflecting her deep interest in personal growth, consciousness, and empowering people to live authentic, fulfilling lives. She is also the author of In Deep Shift and Enlightenment Is Sexy.