NoVacancy 2025: Conversations that matter at the AccomNews Meet the Editor lounge

There is something about walking into ICC Sydney during NoVacancy that feels like coming home. The hum of conversations, the familiar faces, and the excitement of seeing new ideas take shape. This year’s event was no exception.

Matt Gatfield, Event Director of NoVacancy, reflected on the success and growing impact of the show:

“NoVacancy 2025 was a landmark event, bringing together the suppliers who drive innovation and the buyers who shape the future of accommodation. Attendance and engagement were stronger than ever, and the sessions delivered practical ideas to help businesses stay ahead. For suppliers, it is the most effective platform for meeting decision-makers who matter. For buyers, it is the best chance to discover solutions that can transform operations and guest experience.”

For me, the heart of NoVacancy 2025 was our AccomNews Meet the Editor lounge. Set with a plush, comfortable sofa and beautiful furnishings generously provided by William Montague, and wallcovering by Aspiring Walls, it became a welcoming space where accommodation operators, suppliers, innovators, and even some industry icons stopped by to talk candidly about their work and the future of the sector.

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Over two packed days, these chats reminded me why this industry is so vibrant and collaborative.

Tracey Candido, Business Development Manager at William Montague, said supporting the space was especially rewarding:

“NoVacancy Sydney is a highlight of the working year for Montague. It is a chance to grow our network, catch up with industry peers and be part of the only show in the region dedicated entirely to the accommodation sector.

“We loved helping create the welcoming Meet the Editor lounge this year, it was wonderful to see our furniture used as a place for real conversations and connections to happen. For us, it is rewarding to support an area where people come together to share ideas and build relationships.”

Reflecting on an industry’s heart

I began the event by catching up with James Goodwin CEO of Accommodation Australia, who summed up the energy and focus of this year’s show:

“Another great event with a real buzz and energy in the room. It’s great to see so many industry people in one place which allows for easy networking as well as serious and important discussions about policy, regulatory and operational issues affecting the sector.

“Automation, technology and AI are key themes on people’s minds, but my takeaway is that we’re conscious of not losing that human touch in such a people-focussed industry.“

Another of my favourite conversations was with Michael Johnson, former CEO of Accommodation Australia, who visited our booth and spoke with warmth about staying connected:

“It was wonderful to be back at NoVacancy, catching up with so many familiar faces, friends and former colleagues.

“While I am thoroughly enjoying retirement and spending more time with family and friends, I still have a deep love for this industry. Supporting ReLove and promoting the incredible work they do in rehoming quality furnishings and helping those in need has been very rewarding.

“Events like NoVacancy remind me how special our industry is and how good it feels to stay connected while giving back.”

That sentiment was felt throughout the expo, with a mix of fresh ideas and a strong sense of community.

Industry voice and advocacy

I also had the chance to sit down with Trevor Rawnsley, CEO of The Australian Resident Accommodation Manager’s Association (ARAMA), who reflected on the event’s value for the management rights sector:

“NoVacancy is always a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with the people who power the accommodation industry. I really enjoy meeting operators face to face, catching up with long-time colleagues and having the kinds of conversations that help educate the wider accommodation sector about the value of management rights.

“It is a platform where we can share knowledge, answer questions and build understanding about how this unique model supports both property owners and guests. For ARAMA, being here is about strengthening relationships and keeping the industry informed.”

Technology and brand growth

Technology providers shared how the expo is helping them shift from curiosity to meaningful growth.

Tony Marshall, VP and Managing Director, Asia Pacific of Agilysys, told me:

“This NoVacancy has been busy and fantastic for us. The best part is that people now know who we are and they love exploring our wall of products—everything from our property management system and point-of-sale technology to mobile check-in, spa and activity booking tools, and revenue optimisation solutions.

“It shows how our complete ecosystem can generate revenue from every guest interaction, from the moment they book to long after they check out.

“Last year I told you I was hoping for brand recognition and this year I am focused on turning that awareness into strong leads. It is exciting to feel that shift from ‘Who are you?’ to ‘We know you and want to see how you can help us grow revenue.”

In an insightful conversation at the lounge, Declan Mimnagh, Founder of RoomStay, shared his thoughts:

“We’ve had some great conversations, with partners stopping by to chat, repeat customers checking in, and potential new partners exploring what’s next. We’re here showcasing RoomStay’s seamless, conversion-driven booking platform that helps operators win more direct bookings and keep guest data in their hands.

“I also love walking the floor and seeing the ideas on display. There are so many hungry, innovative people here this year with fantastic concepts.”

On behalf of the RoomPriceGenie team, Lacey Jarvis, Field Marketing Manager Asia Pacific described their first year with their own stand as a huge success:

“We had quite the week. It was our first year exhibiting with our own stand and it was packed with visitors on both days. We loved engaging with new clients, long-time users, key accounts, potential customers and partners—so many insightful conversations were had.

“We also hosted our first ever party in this region, Genies After Dark, which was a fantastic success. The venue was full, the atmosphere was vibrant and we shared plenty of laughs with our guests. We are already excited to come back even bigger and better next year.”

Making his debut at NoVacancy, Brent Harris, Vice President of Sales at Cendyn, reflected on the impact of the show:

“It is my first time at NoVacancy and it has been brilliant. Our main objective is to get Cendyn’s message to the market. The Australian market is very important to us—we already have a strong customer base here and it is growing. Having a presence at this event is essential. It is a game changer to be able to have face-to-face conversations. We have doubled down on our investment in both personnel and product in the region and we are making a real impact with what we are bringing to market.”

Chris de Closey, Switch Hotel Solutions, told me that operators are ready to modernise:

“Many managers still rely on old systems and strategies because change feels risky. What we do is map out the workflow, identify the growth area as well as showing the savings in time and labour. This makes the transition less intimidating knowing that they’ve got that support. NoVacancy is perfect for these conversations.”

Sam Steel, Co-founder of Resly, shared how this year stood out:

“Operators are asking for simplicity and speed. They do not want a PMS that takes months to roll out or needs constant IT support. Our goal is to keep things intuitive and practical so managers can focus on guests rather than software. This year we have been able to have so many meaningful conversations with operators and generate some excellent leads that will continue well after the expo.”

Scott Wiedemann, National Accommodation Manager at Foxtel, reflected on the value of reconnecting face-to-face:

“It is always great to catch up with familiar people, connect with those we need to speak to, and enjoy time with the team. This year we were excited to showcase the latest upgrades to our Business iQ platform, including new features that help operators drive revenue, improve guest engagement and reduce costs.”

Ideas and launches

Entrepreneurs also used the lounge to reveal exciting developments.

Jill Hooper, Founder of Good to Book, gave me a preview:

“I am here to talk about the soft launch of our new browser extension. Instead of waiting for PMS integrations, anyone with a Good to Book membership can now start using the extension straight away. Our ultimate goal is to make it compatible with any system.

“NoVacancy is a fantastic opportunity to meet with all the PMS providers in one place, discuss new ideas and potential partnerships, and connect directly with key decision-makers. It is also a great space to continue building relationships across the industry and take advantage of the many networking opportunities here.”

Design and inspiration

Another wonderful chat came with Liz Lycette, Managing Director of L&A Housekeeping Management Consultancy who found inspiration in the event’s design-focused sessions:

“It was great to reconnect with old contacts and fascinating to see what is new in Australia. I particularly enjoyed the Design Talks presentations, especially Turning Guest Wellbeing into Brand Value and the story of CABN, with its off-grid, self-contained, architecturally designed cabins surrounded by nature.”

I also spoke with Kerry Williams, Founder of Accessible Group, who was encouraged by the shift she is seeing:

“I was overwhelmed by the growing interest in accessible tourism, particularly from small hoteliers. Operators are realising that catering to travellers with access needs is good for business and should no longer be an afterthought.”

A first-time attendee who came to the booth to meet with us was Michael Kirwan, Interior Designer and Founder of Cortasia. He reflected on the experience:

“NoVacancy is a true hive of interaction and activity. Between the presentation stages and hundreds of exhibiting businesses, there were very few moments of downtime. Discovering new products and services, meeting fresh faces and having those first conversations was invaluable. I made some fantastic connections. For my first NoVacancy, it was well above expectations—a busy, fun and rewarding event all round. I cannot wait for next year.”

Why these conversations matter

Sitting in our booth, hearing these stories, I was reminded that NoVacancy is more than a trade show. It is a place where the industry connects, shares wins and setbacks, tests ideas, and builds relationships that will shape the future.

READ MORE: Speaking, sharing and connecting: Why NoVacancy stands out

Looking ahead

Reflecting on what comes next, Matt Gatfield, Event Director of NoVacancy, said:

“In 2026, we will build on this momentum by welcoming an even broader audience and creating more opportunities for meaningful connections. As the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, NoVacancy will remain the meeting place where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed, and growth occurs.”

As the doors closed on NoVacancy 2025, I felt energised and inspired. The connections made, the innovations shared and the stories told will continue to flow through the pages of AccomNews and Resort News. I am already looking forward to welcoming you back to our lounge for NoVacancy 2026.

NoVacancy 2026 will be held at the world-class ICC Sydney on 23 & 24 September 2026.