The 2026 Leadership Conference opened March 10 in Austin, Texas, bringing RV industry leaders together to examine evolving leadership strategies, technology adoption, and global market conditions.
A leadership panel featuring Jeff Rodino of Patrick Industries, Toby O’Rourke of KOA, and Matt Wagner of Camping World focused on how leadership approaches are adapting to meet changing customer expectations.
Panelists discussed the role of company culture in long-term performance and outlined how their organizations are aligning internal vision with broader industry health.
The discussion also addressed the growing integration of artificial intelligence into daily operations.
Keynote speaker Mitch Mitchem emphasized that artificial intelligence should be viewed as a support tool rather than a replacement for employees.
He said AI can help teams solve problems more efficiently and automate tasks, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value work.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA on March 17, Captain David Marquet delivered a separate keynote centered on leadership transformation.
Marquet highlighted the importance of shifting from a “they” mindset to a “we” mindset, encouraging leaders to empower employees by inviting input and fostering accountability.
He said this approach strengthens decision-making, communication, and trust within organizations.
The conference’s second day featured Rohit Bhargava, who introduced the concept of “non-obvious thinking.” Bhargava said innovation depends on identifying overlooked patterns and creating space for new ideas by adjusting routines and habits.
Park Perspectives sessions provided attendees with insights into operational areas such as finance, compliance, and political action committee engagement.
These sessions aimed to broaden understanding of functions that support the RV industry but may not be part of daily operations for all participants.
Blake Michelle Morgan led a workshop encouraging operators to incorporate hospitality-driven strategies into their business models.
She focused on evaluating customer touchpoints and applying ideas from other industries to improve overall experience.
A Worldwide Trends panel examined global RV market performance, including challenges in Europe and continued strength in the United States.
Todd Gongwer closed the conference with a keynote urging leaders to reflect on the purpose behind their work and the impact of leadership on their teams.
The event also included networking opportunities through receptions and outdoor activities, allowing attendees to build professional relationships in informal settings.