As the 2025 Western Ideas Forum and AccomEx continues in Cranbrook, British Columbia, organizers are gearing up for an action-packed third day (November 5).
The event, hosted by the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) and the Canadian Camping & RV Association (CCRVA), will bring a full slate of discussions centered on innovation, technology, and collaboration in the outdoor hospitality industry.
Day three will begin at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast in the Pavilion, setting the stage for the morning’s keynote presentation, “AI Made Simple.” Peter Pilarski of the Tourism AI Network will lead the session, sponsored by General Coach Canada, which aims to demystify artificial intelligence for campground and tourism operators. Attendees can expect practical strategies for adopting AI tools that improve marketing, operations, and guest engagement.
“Whether you’re looking to enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, or gain a competitive edge, AI Made Simple will empower you to take confident steps toward AI integration—without the confusion,” the announcement indicates.
At 9:45 a.m., the schedule splits into two concurrent sessions. In the Pavilion, “Drawing the Line: Using a License to Occupy for Legal Clarity” will feature BCLCA’s Joss Penny and Ellie Abucay Giammattolo of Windmill Point Park & Campground. Sponsored by Canadian Sleeping Barrels, the session will examine how properly structured License to Occupy agreements protect campground operators hosting seasonal or long-term guests.
“Attendees will gain practical insights into crafting enforceable agreements, maintaining regulatory compliance, and avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to legal and financial vulnerabilities,” the conference agenda adds.
Meanwhile, Lachlan MacLean of Deanshaven Real Estate Advisory will present “Setting Rates and Analysis of Pricing Methodologies” in the Chief David room. Sponsored by Campsite Solutions Inc., this session will explore pricing strategies to help operators stay competitive and maximize revenue by aligning rates with market demand and guest expectations.
The midmorning lineup continues with two engaging topics. Clara-Jane Blye of the University of Utah will present “Camper’s Code: More Than a Promise” in St. Mary’s, an exploration of how storytelling, pledges, and educational videos can encourage responsible outdoor behavior.
Simultaneously, Rachela Pollock of Acera Insurance will lead a session on specialized risk management for campgrounds, lodges, and resorts, offering practical insights drawn from her experience as a tourism risk specialist.
Lunch at noon will include a special keynote panel, “Driving Visitation and Filling the Shoulder Seasons: A Tourism Panel,” featuring Julie Chambers of Travel Alberta and Hannah Wilkinson of Destination BC. Sponsored by Campsite Solutions Inc., the panel will focus on how destination marketing organizations are working to attract visitors beyond traditional peak seasons, supporting a more balanced and resilient tourism economy.
In the afternoon, attendees will again have their choice of concurrent sessions. “Guest Communication 101: The Glamper Journey,” presented by Justin Williams of Newbook, will walk participants through the full guest experience—from the first inquiry to post-stay engagement—highlighting how effective communication enhances the luxury glamping experience.
At the same time, Leanna Gravelle of the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre will share insights on “The Importance of Indigenous Tourism,” exploring how authentic storytelling deepens cultural understanding and enriches visitor experiences.
At 2:30 p.m., the focus returns to artificial intelligence with “AI Tourism Business Case Studies,” presented by Pilarski and sponsored by Signature Park. This hands-on session will demonstrate how campground operators are already integrating AI into marketing and communication workflows, offering real-world examples of how technology can improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Later in the day, “More Than Reservations: Rethinking Technology in Outdoor Hospitality” will bring together four industry leaders—Mike Yasieniuk of Let’s Camp, Caleb Cook of CampLife, Justin Williams of Newbook, and Chad Becker of Campspot—for a panel discussion on how software solutions are evolving to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences.
A concurrent session, “Succession Planning,” will be led by Firecircle founder Deneen Allen, who will discuss strategies for preparing campground businesses for sale, expansion, or ownership transition.
Operational insights continue at 5 p.m. with “Increasing Store Profitability in Campgrounds & RV Parks,” a panel featuring Carol Jeske of Woodbury Resort & Marina and Sara Spearman of Echo Lake Resort, moderated by Jamie Cox of St. Andrews by the Lake.
In a parallel session, “Campgrounds & Municipalities: Navigating Challenges, Building Solutions” will feature John McNab of Entwistle RV Campground, Bruce Snow of Lakewood Development Corp., and Giammattolo sharing case studies on working collaboratively with local governments.
With themes ranging from AI and technology to Indigenous tourism and operational growth, day three of the Western Ideas Forum promises to equip outdoor hospitality professionals with practical insights and inspiration. The forum concludes Thursday, Nov. 6, with its final sessions and closing remarks in Cranbrook.