News

Why You Should Attend the

2026 Poconos STR Conference

The short-term rental industry is evolving fast—and nowhere is that more evident than in the Poconos. What was once a relatively simple drive-to vacation market has become a sophisticated, highly competitive ecosystem shaped by regulation, professionalization, technology, and rising guest expectations.

Whether you’re exploring your first STR investment, actively growing a portfolio, advising clients as a realtor, managing properties at scale, or shaping the future of the industry, the 2026 Poconos STR Conference taking place at the Kalahari Resort on March 5^th is designed to help you make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and stay ahead of what’s coming next.

With a strong educational program, an outstanding exhibitor lineup, and industry-leading sponsors, this year’s conference delivers practical education, real-world insight, and meaningful connections—not theory or sales pitches.

A Program Built for the Realities of Today’s STR Market

This isn’t just a “how to start an Airbnb” event. The 2026 Poconos STR Conference is built around the challenges owners and operators are actually facing right now—and the strategies needed to succeed going forward.

Sessions on Strategic Focus, Marketing, Operations, Technology and Advocacy address the full STR lifecycle from prospective investor to seasoned operator:

Smarter Investing & Buying Decisions

From understanding the State of the Pocono vacation Home Market to Unpacking the Top 15 Mistakes Buyers Make when Purchasing STRs, attendees will gain clear guidance on zoning, HOA rules, seasonality, appraisal gaps, septic limitations, operating costs, and exit planning. If you’re buying—or advising buyers—this knowledge alone can save tens of thousands of dollars.

Renovation, Design & Asset Performance

Sessions like Renovating for Success in the Poconos and Fix My Listing: Poconos Edition dive into what actually drives bookings and revenue—from layout and amenities to photography, branding, and guest appeal. Learn where to spend, where to save, and how to design homes guests consistently choose over the competition.

Revenue, Pricing & Profitability

Revenue management takes center stage with sessions focused on:

• What really drives revenue in today’s market

• Why RevPAR—not just occupancy or nightly rate—is the most important metric

• How dynamic pricing, distribution strategy, and direct bookings impact long-term profitability

These sessions move beyond surface-level advice and into how professional operators think about pricing, margins, and performance.

Operations, Technology & Scale

As portfolios grow, complexity grows faster. Sessions on AI-powered operations, PMS best practices, distribution strategy, and guest experience technology explore how mature operators scale without chaos—using automation wisely while keeping the human touch where it matters.

Guest Experience & Brand Differentiation

“Guest experience” is everywhere—but what does it actually mean in practice? A dedicated panel led by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau brings together experience providers to show how curated services (from private chefs to in-home experiences) drive reviews, loyalty, and incremental revenue when done right.

Advocacy, Compliance & the Future of STRs

Few topics matter more right now than regulation. Sessions like STRs at a Crossroads, Winning the Narrative, and Navigating the Rules & Regulations tackle policy, public perception, compliance, and advocacy head-on—giving attendees clarity, confidence, and practical tools to protect their investments and engage constructively with communities and lawmakers.

Who Should Attend (and Why)

Prospective STR Owners & Investors
Learn how to evaluate deals realistically, avoid common pitfalls, and understand whether the Poconos is the right market—and the right property—for your goals.

Current Owners & Portfolio Investors
Refine pricing, operations, guest experience, and compliance strategies to improve performance and future-proof your business.

STR-Aligned Realtors & Industry Advisors
Gain deeper insight into what makes an STR succeed (or fail) so you can better serve investor clients and stand out as a trusted expert.

Property Managers & Operators
Benchmark your practices against industry leaders, explore smarter systems, and connect with vendors and peers who understand the realities of scaling.

Industry Leaders & Advocates
Engage in meaningful conversations about the future of short-term rentals, policy trends, and how organized voices can shape better outcomes.

More Than Education: Connections That Matter

Beyond the sessions, the conference brings together:

• High-quality exhibitors offering tools, services, and solutions aligned with professional STR operations

• Industry-leading sponsors deeply invested in the future of responsible short-term rentals

• A room full of owners, investors, managers, and advisors who understand the business—and speak the same language

These are conversations that don’t happen in Facebook groups or online forums. They happen face-to-face.

The Bottom Line

The Poconos remains one of the most attractive drive-to vacation markets in the Northeast—but success here is no longer accidental. It’s driven by knowledge, strategy, execution, and community.

If you’re serious about short-term rentals—whether you’re buying, operating, advising, or advocating—the 2026 Poconos STR Conference is where you sharpen your edge, challenge assumptions, and connect with the people shaping what comes next.

See the full conference program, exhibitor list, and register to attend at www.PoconosSTRConference.com

Another Lightning Chat is coming in hot and this one is going to hit home.

Join Jenny Snow, Poconos Area Airbnb Community Leader as she breaks down the Top 3 mistakes Poconos hosts are still making and exactly what those mistakes are costing them in bookings, revenue, reviews, and repeat guests.

Spoiler alert. It is not always the algorithm.

Want the full breakdown? Jenny is speaking at our conference. If you’re serious about protecting your income and staying ahead in this market, register now and get in the room.

Watch Jenny and Rebecca discuss what it’s actually costing you: https://bit.ly/4adPFLh

Last night, Poconos VRO showed up at the Pocono Township board meeting to make sure residents understand what their commissioners are doing and why it matters.

If the township stays on this path, the issue is likely headed toward litigation, putting taxpayer dollars at risk to defend a policy we believe won’t hold up.

This is exactly why Poconos VRO exists: to show up, speak up, and protect our community.

Watch the video to hear what was said and why it matters.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

3rd Year for Short-Term Rental Conference, Major Draw for Industry600+ Owners, Investors & Industry Leaders Expected in Poconos

Pocono Mountains, PA — The Poconos Short-Term Rental (STR) Conference returns to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions on March 5, 2026, bringing together more than 600 short-term rental owners, investors, property managers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the Northeast and beyond. Recognized as one of the region’s most influential gatherings for the STR community, the conference will focus on education, advocacy, and professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

Hosted by the Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO), the annual conference is designed to equip attendees with practical insights on operations, marketing, technology, revenue management, and regulatory issues impacting short-term rentals. With shifting regulations, changing guest expectations, and increased competition, the event provides timely, actionable guidance for both new and experienced operators.

“Our goal is to help STR owners make smarter decisions, protect their investments, and operate more professionally in an increasingly complex environment,” said Rebecca Gallagher, Executive Director of Poconos VRO. “This conference brings together trusted experts and real-world operators who understand the unique dynamics of the Poconos market.”

“The Poconos STR Conference has proven that vacation rentals are key to the tourism industry and the overall economy of the Poconos, which saw $7.2 billion in total visitor spending in 2024,” said Chris Barrett, President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “We are grateful for the Poconos VRO and its leadership to set up the industry for success now and into the future.”

The 2026 program will feature keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions, expert panels, and an expanded exhibitor marketplace showcasing products and services tailored to short-term rental owners and managers. Topics will include profitability and pricing strategy, guest experience, property operations, technology tools, financing, and effective advocacy at the local and state level.

Additional details—including the full agenda, speaker lineup, sponsors, and registration information—are available at poconosstrconference.com.

For updates and early bird registration, visit our website or follow Poconos VRO on social media:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

###

About Poconos VRO

The Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners represents and advances the interests of vacation rental owners in the Pocono Mountains. As the Voice of the STR Industry in the Poconos, the organization advocates for practical regulations, provides education and resources to help owners run profitable and responsible businesses, and fosters a vibrant, sustainable short-term rental community.

CONTACT:
Rebecca Gallagher
Executive Director, Poconos VRO
rebecca@PoconosVRO.org
(570) 431-9088

The conversations around vacation rentals in the Poconos are often filled with misconceptions, emotion, and misunderstanding. It’s easy for the “bad apples” to dominate the headlines — the rare few who ignore regulations or treat neighborhoods irresponsibly. But the truth is, they don’t define us.

That’s where The Power of Positivity comes in.

Our Executive Director, Rebecca, has been leading this initiative with a simple but powerful goal: to share real stories about responsible vacation rental ownership — and the positive impact STRs have across our region. She’s been speaking at township and HOA meetings, connecting with business leaders, and reminding our communities that most STR owners aren’t outsiders — they’re neighbors, investors, and partners in the local economy.

The truth is, every responsible host adds value. They hire local cleaners, landscapers, and contractors. Their guests eat at our restaurants, buy from our shops, and keep tourism dollars right here in Monroe, Wayne, and Pike Counties. These are the stories worth telling — and Rebecca’s been telling them loud and clear.

We’re inviting you to join the effort. If you’ve had a positive experience with your township, your neighbors, or a local business, become a VRO Ambassador and share it. Post a quick video, tell your story at a local meeting, or tag us online. The only way to change perception is to keep showing who we truly are — good neighbors, responsible hosts, and proud contributors to the Poconos.

Want to share your story or become a VRO Ambassador?

Advocacy doesn’t happen in isolation — it takes strong relationships, shared goals, and a constant presence at the table. And this month, Poconos VRO has been doing exactly that.

Our board members attended the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) Marketing Meeting, where regional tourism leaders outlined plans for 2026. From expanded marketing efforts to new destination strategies, it’s clear that the Poconos continues to thrive as one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved vacation destinations — and short-term rentals are a big part of that success story.

Meanwhile, Rebecca represented VRO nationally at the VRMA Conference, meeting with advocacy leaders, compliance experts, and industry innovators from across the country. From understanding emerging regulations to learning what’s working in other markets, she’s ensuring that the Poconos isn’t just part of the conversation — we’re helping lead it.

Locally, our outreach continues through the Pocono Chamber of Commerce and a growing network of alliances and partnerships. These relationships strengthen our advocacy efforts and directly benefit members through education, collaboration, and exposure.

We’re also expanding our Local Supplier Portal, a new membership tier designed to showcase the small businesses that keep our STR ecosystem running — cleaners, contractors, realtors, and vendors. By connecting hosts with trusted local partners, we’re strengthening the regional economy and giving local businesses the visibility they deserve.

This is what Poconos VRO does for you — showing up in every room that shapes policy, tourism, and perception in our region. Every meeting we attend, every relationship we build, and every alliance we grow is about protecting your right to operate responsibly and ensuring your business has a voice.

Your membership makes that possible.
Stay involved. Stay informed. Stay represented.
Join or Renew Your Membership →

Episode 1:"Monroe County Hotel Tax Filing Made Easy" Featuring Theresa Johnson, Monroe County Treasurer

VIEW CHAT HERE:

Fresh from this year’s VRMA Conference, our Executive Director, Rebecca, came home with more than just notes and handshakes — she came home with an idea worth acting on. In her latest Monday Musing, she shares one small, powerful strategy that could change how our communities view vacation rentals across the Poconos.

Her message? If we want fair policy and understanding, we have to show up and tell the good stories — because no one can represent our industry better than the people who live it every day.

Here’s Rebecca’s full note to our members:

Dear Friends,

Any time I attend a conference, I go in with the same personal strategy: come home with at least one actionable lesson—just one thing I can immediately apply to make an impact.

Well… this year’s VRMA Conference delivered more than one. But there’s one idea in particular I’m excited to put into motion right here in the Poconos, and I want you to join me.

During a panel on advocacy, Tyanne Marcink Hammond, President of MOVHA - Missouri Vacation Home Alliance, shared a strategy so simple—and so smart—that it stopped me in my tracks:

Use the public comment period at Township/Borough meetings to share positive STR stories and reviews.

Think about it. If the only stories officials hear are about noise complaints and “party houses,” of course they assume that’s the norm. Of course they feel pressured to “crack down.” They don’t have the full picture—because no one is giving them the other half.

But we can.
And we must.

Imagine this instead:
Every month.
Every municipality.
Every meeting.

Hosts, property managers, and local suppliers stepping up to the microphone to share real stories about:

✨ Families reconnecting at the same home year after year
✨ Friends discovering local restaurants, shops, festivals, and hidden gems
✨ Travelers who fall in love with the Poconos and return as lifelong visitors
✨ Guests who appreciate staying in a clean, safe, well-maintained home that raises neighborhood standards, not lowers them

Positive stories change narratives. Narratives change minds. Minds change policy.

So here’s my ask—and my challenge:

Who’s in?
Let’s show up.
Let’s speak up.
Let’s tell the good stories until they finally sink in.

And when you do it—record it and share it. We’ll amplify those voices across our channels to keep the momentum building.

If you’re willing to participate or want help crafting your remarks, reply to this email and we’ll get you plugged in.

The future of STRs in the Poconos will be shaped by the voices that show up.
Let’s make sure ours are positive, powerful, and impossible to ignore.

Let’s do this!

~Rebecca
Executive Director
Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners

PS – Do you follow us on Facebook? I shared a whole bunch of photos from VRMA there, check it out (& follow us!):
https://www.facebook.com/PoconosVRO

_______

This is the kind of leadership and optimism that defines Poconos VRO — showing up, speaking up, and proving that responsible hosts and good neighbors are one and the same.

Ready to take Rebecca’s challenge?
Join the movement, share your story, and help shape the future of STRs in the Poconos.

Become a VRO Ambassador

Municipal Candidate Survey to Inform Voters on Key Community Issues

Poconos, PA – September 30, 2025 – The Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO) has announced the launch of a Municipal Candidate Survey, designed to give voters clear insight into where local candidates stand on important community issues—including vacation rental homes (VRHs).

Vacation Rental Homes are a cornerstone of the Poconos economy. With more than 6,500 properties across Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon Counties, VRHs contribute an estimated $3 billion annually to the region’s economy. They generate millions in local tax revenue, support thousands of jobs in hospitality and property services, and drive spending at restaurants, shops, gas stations, and attractions.

At the same time, VRHs are often part of broader community discussions involving zoning, housing, and neighborhood impact. Local elected officials play a critical role in shaping these policies—making it essential for voters to understand candidates’ positions before casting their ballots.

The survey, developed with input from a bi-partisan volunteer committee, includes 12 questions related to Vacation Rental Homes and 3 questions on other top-of-mind community issues. Candidates are asked to complete the survey, which should take no more than 15 minutes.

Poconos VRO has committed to publishing all responses exactly as submitted to ensure fairness and transparency. Non-responses will also be noted, so voters are fully aware of which candidates chose not to participate.

“This survey is about giving voters the tools they need to make informed choices,” said Rebecca Gallagher, Executive Director of Poconos VRO. “Vacation Rental Homes represent a significant piece of our local economy, but they also raise important questions at the community level. By publishing candidate responses, we’re helping to foster open dialogue and accountability.”

The survey is being distributed to 16 Township Supervisor / Commissioner candidates in the following municipalities:  Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna, Kidder, Tunkhannock, Jackson, Smithfield and Pocono Townships. Results will be made available to the public on the Poconos VRO website and shared through community channels in advance of the election.

View Survey Here

###

Media Contact:
Rebecca Gallagher
Executive Director, Poconos VRO
rebecca@PoconosVRO.org | 570-431-9088
PoconosVRO.org

About Poconos VRO
Founded in 2023, the Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO) is the leading voice for the short-term rental industry in the region. Covering more than 80 municipalities and thousands of STR owners, Poconos VRO advocates for fair regulations, provides education and resources, and supports the economic vitality of the Poconos.

The Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO) is proud to announce a new sponsorship with Comphy, the industry leader in luxury linens for hospitality, wellness, and vacation rentals.

Known for setting the gold standard in comfort and performance, Comphy products are designed to create guest experiences that feel both indulgent and unforgettable. If you’ve ever stayed somewhere with sheets so good you thought about sneaking them home—there’s a good chance they were Comphy.

As part of this partnership, Poconos VRO members receive exclusive savings on Comphy’s signature linens. This benefit is available now in the Members Section of the Poconos VRO website.

About Comphy
As the inventor and leader of linens for the spa industry, Comphy sets the standard for luxury spa, home, and hospitality linens. Comphy is committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Developed for Spa, Designed for Ahh. Learn more at www.comphy.com.

About Poconos VRO
The Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (VRO) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advocating for fair regulation, educating hosts, and building a strong community of vacation rental owners, managers, and industry partners across the Pocono Mountains. Learn more at www.poconosvro.org