Media Contact

Rebecca Gallagher
Executive Director
Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners
570-431-9088
rebecca@poconosvro.org
https://poconosvro.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As Short-Term Rental Debates Intensify Across Pennsylvania, New Summit Aims to Turn Property Owners into Better Community Leaders

Poconos VRO launches first-of-its-kind Advocacy Summit focused on collaboration—not confrontation.

TANNERSVILLE, PA — Across Pennsylvania, conversations about short-term rentals have become increasingly common in township meeting rooms, borough halls, and HOA board meetings. Unfortunately, many of those conversations begin only after controversy has already taken hold.

The Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO) believes there's a better way.

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the organization will host its inaugural STR Advocacy Summit at Camelback Resort, bringing together vacation rental owners, property managers, realtors, local businesses, elected officials, HOA leaders, and community stakeholders for an afternoon dedicated to one idea:

Better conversations lead to better communities.

Rather than teaching attendees how to protest regulations, the Summit is designed to help them become informed, constructive participants in local government and neighborhood leadership.

"We've spent the last several years watching communities become divided over short-term rentals," said Rebecca Gallagher, Executive Director of Poconos VRO. "By the time many property owners become involved, opinions have already hardened and decisions are nearly made. We want to change that."

Gallagher says advocacy shouldn't begin with conflict—it should begin with relationships.

"The best advocates aren't necessarily the loudest people in the room," she said. "They're the ones who understand the facts, listen respectfully, build trust over time, and become known as people who genuinely care about their communities."

The Summit, themed "Find Your Voice: Advocate. Communicate. Lead.", will provide attendees with practical skills that extend far beyond the vacation rental industry, including:

• Understanding how local government actually works
• Communicating effectively during public meetings
• Using credible data instead of emotion
• Building productive relationships with neighbors and elected officials
• Serving on HOA boards, municipal committees, and community organizations
• Becoming involved before issues become controversies
• Recognizing the positive economic impact that vacation rentals bring to municipalities and community associations.

Participants will also receive a comprehensive STR Advocacy Toolkit, including communication templates, meeting guides, advocacy worksheets, research resources, talking points, and practical reference materials they can use long after the event concludes.

While the Summit focuses on vacation rentals, organizers believe its lessons apply to any resident who wants to become more engaged in their community.

"Our message is simple," Gallagher said. "Local government belongs to the people who participate. If you care about your neighborhood, your township, or your community's future, your voice matters. But effective advocacy is a skill—and it's one anyone can learn."

The event comes at a time when municipalities throughout Pennsylvania continue to evaluate regulations governing short-term rentals. Over the past year alone, Poconos VRO has worked with local officials, legislators, industry organizations, and community leaders on issues ranging from permitting and taxation to responsible property management and neighborhood relations.

Today, the organization represents more than 200 members across Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon Counties, while providing education, advocacy, and professional resources to approximately 3,500 vacation rental professionals and stakeholders throughout the region.

Registration Now Open

Registration is open to vacation rental owners, property managers, real estate professionals, municipal officials, HOA leaders, business owners, and anyone interested in becoming more engaged in local decision-making.

Registration

• Poconos VRO Members: $25
• Non-Members: $49
• New Member Special: Join Poconos VRO and attend the Summit free

Businesses and organizations interested in supporting responsible vacation rental ownership are invited to participate through sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

Event Details

2026 STR Advocacy Summit

Theme: Find Your Voice: Advocate. Communicate. Lead.

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026

Location: Camelback Resort, Tannersville, Pennsylvania

Summit: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Networking Reception: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Learn more and register at:

https://poconosvro.org/STR-Advocacy-Summit

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About Poconos VRO

The Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO) is the regional trade association representing vacation rental owners, property managers, suppliers, and industry partners throughout Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon Counties. Through advocacy, education, networking, and community engagement, the organization promotes responsible vacation rental ownership while helping build stronger relationships between property owners, local governments, residents, and the communities they serve.