The Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) 2026 held its first full day of programming Monday at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas, bringing together campground owners, operators, suppliers, and other outdoor hospitality professionals for educational sessions, industry recognition, and business discussions.
The day began with Breakfast & Coffee Conversations, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect with other industry professionals before the conference’s formal programming started.
The conference opened with a welcome featuring Jessica (Wahl) Turner, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). Her participation brought a broader outdoor recreation perspective to the event, which focuses on the businesses and professionals supporting the outdoor hospitality sector.
Educational programming began at 9:30 a.m., with sessions addressing several operational and business considerations for campground owners and operators. Topics included developing hospitality-focused teams, improving online reputation and visibility, and understanding economic conditions affecting outdoor hospitality businesses.
These subjects reflect areas that can influence campground performance, from employee recruitment and customer service to marketing effectiveness and business planning. For operators, maintaining a positive online reputation and adapting to changing economic conditions can affect both customer acquisition and long-term profitability.
At noon, attendees gathered for the annual Awards of Excellence Luncheon, which recognized parks and professionals for their contributions to the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. The awards highlighted businesses and individuals whose work has supported the sector, providing industry recognition for operational performance and professional contributions.
In the afternoon, the conference hosted Campfire Sessions organized around park size and ownership experience. Discussions were designed for future park owners and operators managing properties of different scales, including smaller campgrounds and facilities with more than 250 sites. The sessions provided opportunities for participants to raise questions and exchange practical insights about the challenges involved in operating outdoor hospitality businesses.
The format also allowed operators to discuss issues relevant to their respective property sizes and business stages. For prospective owners, these conversations offered exposure to operational considerations, while established operators could exchange experiences with peers managing comparable facilities.
Meanwhile, Hosted Buyers participated in scheduled appointments with exhibitors in the Expo Hall, where they had opportunities to explore products and services intended to support campground and outdoor hospitality operations.
Additional afternoon programming included interactive roundtable discussions, which encouraged participants to engage directly with industry experts rather than attend traditional presentations. Topics covered included making use of Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) member benefits, generative engine optimization, influencer marketing, campground branding, electrical systems, risk management and insurance, and the role of work campers in campground operations.
The range of subjects addressed both business development and day-to-day property management. Discussions about online visibility, branding, and influencer marketing offered perspectives on reaching potential guests, while sessions on electrical infrastructure, insurance, and work campers addressed operational considerations that can affect campground performance and expenses.
The day’s activities concluded with Diamonds & Denim, the official OHCE 2026 welcome reception. The Western-themed event also marked the 60th anniversary of OHI, bringing attendees together for an evening of entertainment and networking.
With its first full day combining education, peer discussions, awards, and exhibitor meetings, OHCE 2026 provided several opportunities for outdoor hospitality professionals to exchange information and explore business solutions. The conference’s remaining programming and Expo Hall activities are expected to continue providing opportunities for operators to evaluate industry developments, connect with suppliers, and identify ideas applicable to their properties.
Featured image by OHI