The second day of the 2025 Western Ideas Forum and AccomEx is set to deliver an engaging mix of education, networking, and trade engagement today, November 4, as campground and RV park operators from across Western Canada gather at the Cranbrook conference venue.
Hosted by the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) and the Canadian Camping & RV Association (CCRVA), in partnership with provincial associations from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, the inaugural four-day event runs November 3–6. The forum aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the campground, RV park, and glamping industries.
The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. Mountain Time with registration at the Pavilion, where attendees can check in and pick up their delegate kits.
A highlight of the second day is the launch of the AccomEx Trade Show, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Pavilion. Billed as Western Canada’s first campground, RV park, and glamping trade show, AccomEx will showcase a wide range of exhibitors offering innovative products, services, and technologies for the outdoor hospitality sector.
At 9 a.m., attendees can also participate in Cracker Barrel Sessions held in the Chief David Room. These interactive roundtable discussions are designed to promote peer-to-peer learning, allowing campground owners and operators to share insights and solutions on key operational challenges.
Mid-morning, at 11 a.m., the forum will feature Session #3: CSA RV Standards and Their Impact on Campground Operations, presented by Shane Devenish of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association. Sponsored by General Coach Canada, the session will explore how CSA standards align with the U.S. NFPA 1192 fire and life safety standard.
“We’ll also examine recent changes to GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) requirements, their potential implications for campground electrical infrastructure, and how operators can ensure safe, reliable power delivery from their pedestals,” the conference website indicates.
After the educational sessions, attendees will reconvene at the Pavilion for a networking lunch from noon to 1 p.m. The midday break will give delegates a chance to connect with exhibitors and peers while reflecting on key takeaways from the morning’s discussions.
In the afternoon, members of BCLA will gather in the Columbia Lake Room for their Annual General Meeting, while Alberta operators will attend the Private Campground Owners Association of Alberta (PCOAA) meeting in the Shuswap Room. Both sessions will provide updates on advocacy initiatives and strategic plans for the year ahead.
More Cracker Barrel sessions are scheduled for 5 p.m. in the Chief David Room, continuing the day’s emphasis on collaboration and shared problem-solving. These discussions will cover a variety of topics relevant to campground management and guest experience improvement.
As the Western Ideas Forum enters its second full day, excitement continues to build among participants and organizers alike. With its combination of trade exhibits, industry sessions, and networking opportunities, Day 2 promises to be a cornerstone moment in shaping the future of Western Canada’s outdoor hospitality community.
For more information about the conference, visit their website here.