Conference Schedule Highlights
The Host Connect Carolinas is intentionally designed around anchor main-stage sessions paired with hands-on workshops, coaching roundtables, and facilitated conversations throughout both days.
Below is a preview of the featured sessions shaping the core conference experience.
Thursday, March 5 — Community Kickoff
Doors open for registration at 10:30 AM
Sessions begin at 12 PM
Sessions conclude at 5 PM, followed by a networking hour from 5–6 PM, with appetizers served.
Opening Remarks
Beata Lorinc & Tyler Coon
We’ll kick off the conference by setting the tone for two days of clarity, connection, and practical insight for STR owners and operators across the Carolinas.
NC Tourism: State of Short-Term Rentals in the Carolinas
A regional perspective on tourism trends, regulatory signals, and market dynamics shaping STR performance across North and South Carolina.
Keynote: When Walking Away Is the Real Flex
Beata Lorinc
A powerful keynote on rebuilding, reinvention, and resilience in short-term rentals. Beata shares how strategic pivots and disciplined decision-making transformed disruption into a $1.5M-performing portfolio—anchoring big-picture thinking in lived experience.
Panel: Survival of the Smartest — STRs in a Saturated Market
Jake Cohen, Josh Lehew, Maria Reith | Moderator: Tyler Coon
As markets grow more crowded, success favors operators who adapt faster. This panel breaks down what’s actually working right now—from pricing discipline and differentiation to guest experience and operational efficiency.
Panel: Beyond Four Walls — The Operational Realities of Nontraditional STRs
Will Brooks, Alex Cope, Brian Lambert, Elle Anderson
Treehouses, glamping, micro-resorts, and alternative assets come with unique operational challenges. This panel explores what it really takes to run them well—and scale them sustainably.
AI as Your Competitive Edge in STR
Michael Chang
Learn how STR operators are using AI today to streamline operations, improve guest communication, and gain a real marketing and pricing advantage—without needing a technical background.
Closing Session: Once Upon an STR — A Tale of Taxes, Depreciation, and Happily Ever After
Kate Stoermer
A storytelling-driven session demystifying STR tax strategies, depreciation, and the “short-term rental loophole,” using real-world examples and practical takeaways—without the usual tax jargon.
Networking Reception
Wrap Day 1 with hosted networking across multiple spaces designed for real conversation and meaningful connection.
Friday, March 6 — Strategy, Growth & Execution
Doors open at 8:30 AM, with sessions beginning at 9 AM.
Lunch will be provided.
The conference concludes at 4 PM.
Opening Remarks
Beata Lorinc & Tyler Coon
Day 2 begins with a forward-looking lens on execution, growth, and leadership in an evolving STR landscape.
STR Rights: Legislative Affairs & Regulations with Airbnb
Alex Bland, Advocacy Strategist
Gain insights from the Airbnb Policy Team into the legislative and regulatory landscape across the Carolinas' and what you can do today to help elevate the STR industry across the Carolinas'
Buying and Selling: From Acquisition to Exit
Tyler Coon
A practical walkthrough of the full STR investment lifecycle—from acquisition strategy to exit planning—focused on flexibility, scalability, and long-term profitability.
How to Create Short-Term Rentals Guests Love — and Choose
Ishita Lalan
Guest choice goes far beyond price and amenities. This session explores how design, storytelling, and functionality influence booking behavior and guest satisfaction.
Panel: Revenue Margins in 2026 — What’s Winning (and What’s Not)
Beata Lorinc, Joe Prillaman, Corey D’Agostino
A candid look at where margins are expanding—and shrinking—as the industry evolves, with discussion on cost pressures, operational efficiency, and strategic bets for 2026.
Closing Keynote: LIVE BIG — Leading Your STR Business Into Its Next Chapter
Stacey St. John
Built from Stacey’s book Stop Playing Small, Start Living BIG, this closing keynote challenges owners to confront the invisible limits holding their businesses back and step into the next chapter with clarity and conviction.
Plus: Depth Beyond the Main Stage
In addition to these featured sessions, attendees will experience:
Mini masterclasses on marketing, pricing, amenities, and AI
Hands-on workshops covering safety, legal insights, design, revenue management, and operations
Coaching roundtables across acquisition, tax strategy, listing optimization, regulations, and more
Sponsor-led educational sessions and interactive discussions