Modern Campground invites campground owners and operators to discover the latest in eco-luxury and operational prowess as MC Fireside Chats presents a compelling discussion on global glamping trends and strategic luxury RV resort development on April 22, 2026, at 2 PM ET.
This week’s insightful broadcast will feature a dynamic lineup of recurring industry experts, including Kurtis Wilkins, Private Equity Analyst for RJourney.com; Cara Csizmadia, President of CCRVA.ca; Matt Whitermore, Director of Market Expansion at climbcapital.com; and Mychele Bisson, CEO of BisonPeakVentures.com.
Joining the panel are special guests Thierry Tombelle, Founder of Creativ’ International, and Scott Knepp, Senior Customer Success Account Manager at Newbook.cloud.
Thierry Tombelle will bring a global perspective to the discussion, delving into the exciting world of glamping trends and how to incorporate sustainable eco-resort design into modern outdoor hospitality. Campground owners will gain valuable insights into how international innovations can inspire unique and environmentally conscious guest experiences.
Scott Knepp will share his expertise on strategic development and operational excellence within luxury RV resorts, offering actionable advice on elevating service standards and streamlining operations to meet the demands of discerning travelers. Discover the secrets to creating a high-end experience that keeps guests returning year after year.
Previous Episode Recap
The April 15th, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, brought together a panel of industry leaders to discuss the complexities of scaling outdoor hospitality brands, the integration of advanced technology, and the rising demand for luxury wellness amenities.
Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched RV and Climb Capital, joined new guest Cody Fall, Chief Operations Officer of Happy Grounds Campgrounds, to discuss the intersection of technology and business operations. The dialogue initially focused on the shifting landscape of artificial intelligence, with Robert discussing the challenges of rising API costs for models like Claude and his strategic pivot toward local, hard-device-hosted models to maintain data security while managing the “monotony” of tax season and investor relations.
Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RnR, provided a fascinating look into the high-end glamping market in New Brunswick, Canada. She detailed the opening of a massive Nordic spa, a specialized wellness center offering vitamin IV therapy and lymphatic drainage, and a new restaurant centered around fire cuisine. This served as a live case study for Brian Searl’s observation that lodging and glamping are currently seeing higher occupancy rates and nightly premiums than traditional RV sites.
The panel concluded with an “inside baseball” look at their organizational charts, showcasing how organizations like Happy Grounds Campgrounds and Unhitched RV use centralized sales and service centers and tiered management systems to maintain standards across multiple properties. Collectively, Brian Searl and his guests painted a picture of an industry in a state of professionalization, where data-driven strategies and high-touch hospitality are becoming the new standard for success. https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-April-15th-2026
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a live podcast experience dedicated to the outdoor hospitality and outdoor recreation industries. Hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, the show offers engaging discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of camping, RVing, glamping, and outdoor recreation.
Airing every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), the show follows a structured weekly theme to deliver deep dives into the most relevant topics:
- Week 1: Industry Trends & Insights
- Week 2: Enhancing Guest Experience
- Week 3: Business Operations & Management
- Week 4: Marketing, AI and Technology
Each episode features a panel of recurring guests, complemented by 1–2 rotating special guests, including industry analysts, campground owners, technology providers, sustainability advocates, and more. Whether exploring the latest market trends or innovative guest experience strategies, MC Fireside Chats delivers thought-provoking insights for professionals and enthusiasts across the outdoor recreation spectrum.
To explore previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.