600+ Owners, Investors & Industry Leaders Expected in Poconos
For those interested in the vacation rental industry in the Poconos, there is no better place to spend a day than the Poconos STR Conference. Held on the first Thursday in March—just as ski season winds down and planning season heats up—this one-day event has become a must-attend gathering for anyone who owns, manages, or is considering investing in short-term rentals in the region. Whether you’re evaluating your first purchase or optimizing an existing portfolio, the timing and content make this conference uniquely valuable .
Now entering its third year, the Poconos STR Conference returns to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions on March 5, 2026, with more than 600 owners, investors, property managers, and industry leaders expected to attend. Hosted by the Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO), the conference has earned recognition as one of the most influential STR gatherings in the Northeast, focusing squarely on education, advocacy, and professional growth in a market that continues to evolve rapidly .
What truly sets this event apart is the depth and relevance of its programming. Across a full day of strategic, marketing, technology, operations, and regulatory sessions, attendees gain practical insight into what is actually driving performance in today’s STR environment. From keynote-level market analysis on where short-term rentals are headed in 2026 and beyond, to hyper-local data on the Pocono vacation home market, the sessions are designed to replace guesswork with clarity. This is not theory—it’s real-world guidance grounded in current market conditions.
For investors and buyers in particular, the conference delivers uncommon value. Sessions focused on the state of the Pocono vacation home real estate market, data-driven revenue trends, financing strategies, renovation ROI, and the most common (and costly) buying mistakes provide a realistic framework for underwriting deals and managing risk. In a region where regulations, community rules, seasonality, and infrastructure can dramatically impact performance, understanding these nuances before you buy—or before you expand—can make the difference between a strong asset and an expensive lesson.
Equally important is the conference’s emphasis on advocacy and long-term sustainability. As short-term rentals face increased scrutiny nationwide, several sessions tackle compliance, policy, and public perception head-on. Attendees learn how regulations have evolved in Monroe County and the surrounding Pocono counties, what compliance pitfalls to avoid, and how organized owners can influence outcomes through credible advocacy. The message is clear: the future of STRs in the Poconos depends not only on profitability, but on professionalism, education, and collective action.
No successful industry survives without a vibrant vendor and supplier industry and one of the key features of the Poconos STR Conference is the exhibit hall. This year’s conference will feature an exhibit hall with 49 different companies that provide products and services that help the vacation rental owners businesses succeed. These suppliers range from software to manage, services to screen and providers who will build, expand or maintain the rental properties. The exhibit hall alone should be worth the price of admission!
Ultimately, the Poconos STR Conference succeeds because it reflects the reality of the industry today. Guest expectations are higher, competition is tighter, and margins are earned—not assumed. By bringing together trusted experts, experienced operators, and data-backed insights in one place, the conference equips attendees to make smarter decisions, protect their investments, and operate more resilient short-term rental businesses. For anyone serious about Airbnb or vacation rental investing in the Poconos, it’s not just a worthwhile day—it’s a strategic one .
Visit us at the conference, we will have a booth staffed with our team to help you find the Investor home you’ve been looking for!
