The Western Ideas Forum, Canada’s first-ever regional gathering dedicated to outdoor hospitality operators in Western Canada, begins today at the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino in Cranbrook, British Columbia.
The four-day event, running from November 3 to 6, brings together campground, RV park, and resort operators from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to exchange ideas, attend educational sessions, and participate in the inaugural AccomEx trade show.
Organized by the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) and the Canadian Camping & RV Association (CCRVA), with support from provincial partners, the Western Ideas Forum marks a milestone for the region’s campground and RV sectors.
The program features keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events focused on key business and operational topics, including guest experience, maintenance, compliance, and workforce wellness.
Aaron Williamson, Vice President of Franchise Operations at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), will open the event with a keynote titled “Elevating the Guest Experience & Growing Revenue in Today’s Camping Market.”
His presentation, drawing on his years of industry experience, sets the tone for a conference focused on practical strategies for growth and adaptability in a changing market.
The day’s agenda includes campground tours at Fort Steele Resort & RV Park and St. Eugene KOA, offering delegates an opportunity to see facility upgrades and learn from operators about infrastructure, guest services, and design.
Educational sessions cover landscaping and fireproofing, workplace hazards, water and sewer compliance, and mental health awareness in the workplace.
Networking is a key component of the event, beginning with an “Around the Campfire – Operator Connections” Cracker Barrel session hosted by Joss Penny, Executive Director of the BCLCA.
Delegates will also gather for dinner and an evening hospitality networking session at the resort’s Numa Lounge.
AccomEx 2025, Western Canada’s first trade show dedicated to campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping operators, takes place on November 4.
The show features more than 25 vendor booths and 12 live information sessions, offering business owners direct access to suppliers and innovations in outdoor accommodation products and services.
Registration for the Western Ideas Forum closed on October 31, with full attendance at the St. Eugene venue. Partner hotels are accommodating additional participants. Attendees will receive access to the AccomEx trade show, keynote sessions, educational panels, tours, and networking meals from November 3 through 6.
For campground and resort professionals, the Western Ideas Forum represents not only an opportunity for training and collaboration but also a sign of growing unity within Canada’s western outdoor hospitality industry.
Through sessions addressing regulatory standards, workforce development, and environmental sustainability, the event underscores a collective effort to strengthen the region’s capacity for innovation and long-term growth.