Host Planet Roadshow Nottinghamshire: A full day built around direct bookings
After a summer break, the Host Planet Roadshow returned in style at the One Call Stadium, home of Mansfield Town FC, on Monday 14 September for a full day dedicated to one theme: helping short-term rental hosts and property managers win more direct bookings.
Hosted in partnership with Simply Owners, with PriceLabs as Title Sponsor, the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) as Strategic Partner, and the Women in Short Term Rentals as Delivery Partner, the Nottinghamshire event brought together operators, suppliers, and industry voices for a packed agenda of talks, panels, and hands-on roundtables.
The tourism levy takes centre stage at Host Planet Roadshow Nottinghamshire
Janet Uttley, Chief Executive of the STAA, opened up one of the day's most timely conversations, turning to the tourism levy that English mayors will soon have the right to introduce. Her message was clear: mayors should work closely with the STAA and its partners to make sure any scheme is consistent across mayoralties and simple for hosts and property managers to navigate – and, crucially, that the money raised is reinvested into boosting tourism in the regions it comes from.
Dynamic pricing, front and centre
Pricing ran like a thread through the whole day. A well-received PriceLabs panel hosted by Sharon Biggar put three property managers on stage to share how they've implemented dynamic pricing, the difference it has made to their businesses, and how they're using it to drive more direct bookings.
That conversation was picked up again as Sofia Principe Reyes from Beyond joined Sharon on stage to break down exactly what dynamic pricing is and how it can strengthen a business and support direct bookings. The pair also gave their take on Airbnb's 6% "direct booking link" and explored how AI is beginning to reshape revenue management.
Technology, tax, and accessibility
Becky Ward walked the room through her journey with Simply Owners alongside Lisa Roads, while David Roberson from Hostaway and Luke Faulkner from SuperControl looked at how technology can drive direct bookings.
Gillian Scotford from AccessibleUK made the case for accessibility, showing how getting it right isn't just the right thing to do but a genuine driver of direct bookings. And on the tax side, Matt Jeffery from Zeal Tax dug into capital allowances, urging hosts to claim as soon as possible – the deadline is 31 January 2027.
The roundtables steal the show
The roundtable format proved a real highlight at Host Planet Roadshow Nottinghamshire. The morning sessions opened with icebreakers before moving into the challenges and opportunities facing hosts today. The afternoon's direct booking challenge delivered some outstanding presentations – including creative pitches imagining Harry & Meghan and Mary Berry promoting new short-term rentals in the Peak District. Table seven, led by Richard Vaughton, took home the swag from PriceLabs.
A word from the founder
Host Planet's James Varley reflected on the day:
"Great energy in the room, really engaged attendees, and a fab venue – thank you to our event partners, Simply Owners. It was really great to restart the Roadshow after a summer break. Huge thanks to all our strategic partners, sponsors, and delegates."
What's next
Revenue Management Intelligence, in collaboration with the ISTRM, lands in Leeds on 25 September. Click here for details.
The Host Planet Roadshow returns in Bath on 7 October in collaboration with Curated Property. Click here for details.
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