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Must-Attend Short-Term Rental Conferences and Events in 2026

Why 2026 Is a Standout Year for Short-Term Rental Events

Stepping into 2026, the short-term rental (STR) industry finds itself at a pivotal moment. Regulation keeps tightening beyond the expected hotspots like New York and Paris, and technology is now driving how guests choose their accommodations. Even in a local market like Denver, these changes show up in real ways—hosts need to know what’s coming so their rentals stay top of mind and competitive.

For property managers, hosts, and owners in Colorado and beyond, there’s real value in connecting with peers, catching up with these shifts, and returning home with practical insights. Whether you manage a handful of cozy townhomes in Sloan’s Lake or oversee a growing portfolio in Cherry Creek, the right conference can offer perspective that’s hard to get anywhere else.

What Short-Term Rental Events Deliver in 2026

The playbook for STR success is evolving fast. The rules are clearer, demand is surging around global events like the FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics, and platforms keep raising the bar on property visibility, leaning heavily into AI-driven guest experiences.

With enforcement expanding to more regions and booking algorithms growing more sophisticated, this year might favor those who see what’s changing—and move quickly. While online news and webinars have their place, industry conferences remain unbeatable for turning ideas into action.

How Conferences Benefit STR Operators

  • Meet face-to-face with professionals who share your challenges and ambitions, whether you’re fine-tuning pricing in the Highlands or navigating compliance in Aurora.
  • Get practical tips from people who’ve tested their strategies under real-world pressure—no sugarcoated theory, just what actually works.
  • Gain an outside perspective on local policies, tech trends, and guest expectations that can inform how you run your business back home.
  • Take time away from daily tasks, letting you refocus and return with sharper priorities and a stronger plan.

When looking at the conference calendar for 2026, it’s clear there are more options than ever—domestic, international, and online. Choosing wisely matters more than attending every possible event.

Major Short-Term Rental Conferences in the United States & North America

If your STR operation is rooted in the U.S., 2026 features a packed agenda of gatherings, each with its unique angle. Among the highlights:

Denver property owners should circle VRNation and the Glamping Show—it’s not just about new gadgets or glossy brochures. These events bring together the mix of experience, local know-how, and outside perspective that can push a rental’s performance up another notch.

The Best of Europe & UK for STR Professionals

For those keeping a close eye on global trends, Europe’s conference circuit in 2026 offers a sharp look at varying regulatory climates, tech adoption, and service ideas that can travel. Leading events include:

Events like SCALE, Short Stay Summit, and ITB Berlin are especially timely with far-reaching policy discussions and advances in digital guest services taking center stage.

Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Australia & New Zealand: Expanding Horizons

The 2026 calendar stretches well beyond traditional markets. Looking for inspiration, regional trends, or vendor connections in emerging areas? Several standout events include:

Online Summits and Virtual Events for 2026

Not able to travel, or prefer to learn from home? Virtual conferences remain a steady fixture, letting managers, owners, and teams get in on the action without airfare or hotels. Noteworthy for this year:

These online gatherings bring together sharp thinkers, lively panels, and real Q&A in a format that’s flexible enough to fit any schedule.

Strategic Event Selection: What Matters Most

“You don’t need to attend everything. The value is in choosing events that match where you’re at and where you want to go.”

A well-timed conference can change how you approach your business, especially if you’re targeting ambitious goals for your Colorado property this year. Maybe you’re weighing new software integration, brushing up on compliance, or considering expanding to a different neighborhood—these are the conversations that conference halls are built for.

As the events landscape keeps evolving, revisit this list now and then as more details and new opportunities emerge. Pick what lines up best with your business, your location, and your growth plan.

For those wanting to keep Denver rentals profitable and stress-free, staying informed through lively, real-world events is as much an advantage as any tool in the box.

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