How do you successfully navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that span the breadth of the outdoor hospitality spectrum, from revitalizing beloved classic campgrounds to managing opulent eco-resorts? Modern Campground invites you to explore these diverse operational landscapes on the latest episode of MC Fireside Chats, airing live on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 2 PM ET.
This week’s discussion brings together two distinct voices from across the outdoor hospitality industry, offering unique insights into managing properties at different ends of the spectrum.
Special guest Munro Murdock, owner of North Haven Campground, will share his firsthand experience in revitalizing a classic campground while skillfully managing community upgrades.
Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how to modernize and enhance a long-standing property without losing its cherished character, a delicate balance many park owners constantly strive to achieve.
Joining the conversation is Stephanie Bias, General Manager of Camp Aramoni, who will delve into the intricacies of managing high-end eco-resorts and luxury safari tent operations.
Her insights will be invaluable for operators looking to understand the unique demands of catering to a luxury clientele and the operational nuances of premium, environmentally conscious accommodations.
Tune in to learn how these industry leaders are shaping the guest experience and driving success in their distinct market segments. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A session, gaining direct advice from the experts. Join the conversation and unlock new strategies for your campground’s future at moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.
Previous Episode Recap
During the September 23, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl led a deep dive into the integration of artificial intelligence within the outdoor hospitality industry, broadcasting from an unseasonably chilly location.
The panel, featuring Ravi Parikh from RoverPass, Matt Whitermore, Alex Burkett of COTA RV Park, and Northgate Resorts’ Tessa McCrackin and Mitchell Spence, explored how AI can save time, boost revenue, and enhance the guest experience, bridging the gap between cutting-edge development and everyday campground realities.
Discussions ranged from Matt Whitermore’s new role at an AI-native commercial real estate startup, Travo, where he uses AI as a force multiplier for lucrative outdoor hospitality investments, to Ravi Parikh’s vision for an “agentic native organization” where advanced AI autonomously manages complex workflows across all campground systems. Alex Burkett grounded this vision with practical application, sharing how he relies on AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to synthesize historical data at COTA RV Park, freeing up time to prepare staff for massive guest influxes during major events.
Tessa McCrackin highlighted Northgate Resorts’ use of AI for advanced data visualization and automating marketing dashboards, reducing tasks from all day to five-minute queries, and noted that many operators are already using embedded AI without realizing it. Mitchell Spence added his approach to utilizing AI for revenue management and competitor analysis, while cautioning about AI’s hallucinations and context limitations, stressing the need for strict guardrails. Brian Searl synthesized these views, emphasizing that AI’s ultimate goal is to be invisible to consumers, personalizing the guest journey without sacrificing authentic human interaction.
The panel also addressed the hesitation of independent operators, with Alex Burkett and Brian Searl agreeing that widespread adoption requires a direct link to increased revenue, noting how AI-driven rate adjustments significantly improve his property’s bottom line. Tessa McCrackin suggested using AI for cost-saving marketing tasks like voiceovers and optimizing websites for AI search engines, while Ravi Parikh urged viewers to treat a premium AI subscription like a Netflix account, starting with simple personal tasks to build confidence. The episode wrapped with a humorous anecdote from Mitchell Spence about an AI assistant accidentally booking his podcast appearance, concluding that curiosity and experimentation are key to unlocking AI’s massive potential for any outdoor hospitality business. Relive this insightful conversation: https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-September-23rd-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.
