Modern Campground invites outdoor hospitality professionals to explore international success stories and grassroots advocacy when MC Fireside Chats returns for Industry Trends and Insights on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 2 PM ET, presented by Modern Campground.
The engaging discussion will feature the insights of recurring industry experts Eleonore Hamm, President of the RVDA of Canada; Simon Neal, Founder & CEO of CampMap; Phil Ingrassia, Executive Director of RVDA; Rafael Correa, President & CFO of Blue Water Development Corp; and Miguel Huerta, President of the Mexican Glamping Association.
Special guest Ward Wijngaert, Business Developer at Yelloh! Village, will offer an exclusive look into the European holiday village model, examining its triumphs in premium amenities, franchising, and elevating the family camping experience. Operators eager to understand how to apply these proven strategies to their North American parks won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to learn from a global leader.
Lori and Christina Severson of Wisconsin Campgrounds will join the panel to spotlight the critical role of state association advocacy in empowering independent campground owners. They will share practical strategies for community building and operational excellence that drive local tourism and help navigate the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
Previous Episode Recap
In the June 24, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl led an essential discussion on the adoption of artificial intelligence and technology in the outdoor hospitality industry. He kicked off the conversation by questioning why many campground owners readily invest hundreds of thousands in physical amenities but hesitate to allocate minor amounts to high-ROI digital marketing or AI tools.
Matt Whitermore, Director at Unhitched Management and Climb Capital, explained that the push for technology is largely driven by economics. While legacy owners might coast on lower margins, new investors with significant debt must rely on technology to optimize revenue. Scott Lengel, Chairman and CEO of AdventureGenie, further argued that modern consumer behavior, where RVers use AI for research and negotiation, compels owners to adapt just to stay competitive.
The episode also featured Craig Alsup, Owner of Askew’s Landing RV Campground, who shared his real-world experience in transforming an outdated park using AI. By leveraging smart technology for tasks like generating phone scripts, creating maintenance checklists, and analyzing customer feedback, Craig significantly optimized operations and boosted his park’s online ratings and overall success.
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.