PICTURES FROM SCALE SOUTH AFRICA 2024
Scale South Africa 2024 Agenda
Day 1
March 12, 2024
Day 2
March 13, 2024
10:00 - 10:30
MAIN STAGE
Opening Address
10:30 - 11:00
MAIN STAGE
Don’t look back in anger: Sharing issues and objectives from the UK to SA
Andy Fenner, CEO of the UK-based Short-Term Letting Association (STAA), brings a wealth of experience from his years in sustainable tourism across Africa, from Cape Town to the northern reaches of DRC.
In this presentation, Andy will share insights into how South African short-term let businesses can inspire confidence and drive investment.
Drawing on his experience in the UK, he highlights the global appeal of South Africa’s unique offerings and encourages local businesses to innovate and collaborate, emphasizing the positive international perception of South Africa as a premier tourist destination.
Speakers
11:00 - 11:30
MAIN STAGE
The pitfalls of the uninsured: Neglect insurance at your peril. This talk will fully prepare you to handle guest breakages and damages, as well as those unforeseen issues!
Protect your short-term rental operations from unforeseen liabilities and ensure compliance with South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act.
This session will cover crucial insurance considerations like breakage and damage protection, and how they interact with your rights and responsibilities as a rental provider.
Gain peace of mind by understanding how the right insurance, indemnities, and knowledge of the law can empower your business.
Speakers
Moderator
12:00 - 12:30
MAIN STAGE
What are the headwinds facing a fast-developing Holiday Rental Market in South Africa, and globally?
A panel discussion centred on the potential challenges of future regulations affecting South Africa’s short-term rental industry, alongside a spotlight on advocacy initiatives in other countries.
What do we actually know about the Tourism Department’s Green & White papers?
Speakers
Moderator
12:30 - 13:00
MAIN STAGE
Is AI the way forward when scaling an STR business?
We’ve all heard about ChatGPT, but what should we really be aware of when considering implementing artificial intelligence into our rental business.
Speakers
Moderator
14:30 - 15:00
MAIN STAGE
Buying the fuel that runs the engine, powered by hybrid hospitality
This session delves into Propcos (property companies) and Opcos (operating companies) using hybrid hospitality to drive value across real estate opportunities. It unlocks strategies to identify properties with high short-term rental potential and optimise their operational efficiency for maximum return on investment.
Learn how Propcos and Opcos work together to fuel your success in the dynamic world of short—and mid-term rental products.
Speakers
15:00 - 15:30
MAIN STAGE
The 3D game changer: Growth, profit, and sustainability
Revenue growth is good. Profitable growth is better. Profitable growth that advances ESG priorities is best. Using a case study within a LEED-certified building, Eleni will explain how sustainability initiatives can directly impact not only local communities but also your profitability.
Speakers
15:30 - 16:00
MAIN STAGE
Travel & Market trends for 2024
Where travel has been a means to escape life in years past, research shows that travel is life in 2024. Over three-quarters (78%) of global travelers reveal they feel more alive than ever when on vacation, and 68% believe they are the best version of themselves on their travels.
During this session, Booking.com will share more about the latest travel predictions and how they can help you grow your business.
Speakers
10:00 - 10:30
MAIN STAGE
10 Commandments for STR Property Management Success
Speakers
10:00
MAIN STAGE
Referral Power: Keeping Guests, Building Trust Among Hosts
Creating awesome host that work together and not against each other; has guests returning to the area, satisfies their needs and makes the referring host front-of-mind.
Identifying your network and incentivizing hosts to share referrals, is a win win for everyone
Speakers
11:30
MAIN STAGE
Together We Rise: A collaborative Approach for Short-Term Rentals in South Africa
Can collaboration be the key to unlocking the full potential of South Africa’s short-term rental industry?
This session explores the power of collective action, addressing concerns about competition and whether efforts to advocate with tourism bodies and the government are worth it.
This session will also discuss strategies for promoting Brand South Africa as a united force in the global hospitality market.
Speakers
12:30
MAIN STAGE
Going Direct: How can we generate more direct bookings?
Join Damian Sheridan and industry experts as we discuss the mindset needed to get more direct bookings and some actionable ways of influencing travellers to book directly.
Speakers
Moderator
12:30
MAIN STAGE
Scaling up powered by tech: the present and the future of scaling your business with the help of technology
The debate around Property Management Systems (PMS) continues, but one thing is clear: companies with ambitious scaling goals leverage PMS to streamline operations and achieve scalability.
Join our panel featuring industry leaders in holiday rental tech, Octorate, and Boom, to unlock the key elements for scaling your business now and in the future.
Speakers
Moderator
14:30 - 15:00
MAIN STAGE
From Stigma to Strength: Empowering Teams for Success
Join us for an eye-opening discussion on transforming workplace culture! Learn how breaking mental health stigma, embracing diversity, and fostering belonging can supercharge team performance and drive business success.
Be part of the movement—let’s build stronger, happier teams together!
Speakers
15:00 - 15:30
MAIN STAGE
Breathing Life into Business: From ICU to Success in Short-Term Rentals
My distressing journey battling COVID pneumonia, including a month-long hospitalization, 8 days in the ICU, and 3 months reliant on oxygen.
Despite facing death, I emerged with a newfound determination to live fully and seized the opportunity to build a successful short-term rental business.
Within a year, I scaled from one property to seven, leveraging innovative systems and automation to manage my properties remotely, even while hospitalized.
This journey culminated in winning a property investor award for my innovative approach and rapid expansion to 15 properties across Cape Town and Dubai within two years.
Speakers
15:30 - 16:00
MAIN STAGE
Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities: Strategies for a Resilient South African Short-Term Rental Industry
In this panel, we’ll explore potential threats to the South African short-term rental industry and collaboratively identify opportunities to strengthen the market and boost profitability
Speakers
Moderator
SCALE South Africa Partners
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