Industry leaders, business owners, and outdoor hospitality professionals are set to gather Thursday for a full day of sessions and networking at the annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference, with a focus on exploring current trends, improving workplace culture, and discussing accessibility initiatives.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring panels, keynote addresses, and breakout sessions designed to equip attendees with actionable insights for their businesses.
The conference opens with an Industry Panel Breakfast at 8:30 a.m., where Scott Bahr and Casey Cochran will share the latest data and analysis on the outdoor hospitality sector. The session will provide a detailed look at trends, analyses, and forecasts, with a specific focus on the Florida and Alabama markets.
Exhibitors will also set up their booths from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in preparation for the trade show, which opens to attendees at 4 p.m.
At 10:15 a.m., speaker and author Will Bowen will deliver the keynote address, titled “Profiting from a Complaint-Free Workplace.” His session will focus on identifying the motivations behind complaints and strategies for resolving them to enhance employee retention, workplace culture, customer relations, sales, and profitability.
Bowen will be available for a book signing following his presentation.
Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. during the Chairman’s Lunch and Special Session, which features industry updates and legislative insights. FRVCA Chair Thomas Sparrow, Marc Dunbar, and Rep. Richard Gentry (R-District 27) will address attendees on advocacy efforts, association updates, and current legislative developments affecting the outdoor hospitality industry.
Afternoon programming includes two concurrent breakout sessions at 2 p.m., offering attendees specialized insights tailored to their professional interests.
Nichole Poisson will lead a discussion on accessibility, presenting innovative strategies and best practices for making outdoor recreation more inclusive for individuals of all abilities. Poisson will highlight technological advancements and practical solutions to promote accessibility within campgrounds.
At the same time, Richard O’Brien will host a breakout session focused on acquisitions and sales, responding to strong demand from last year’s conference. O’Brien plans to examine the current capital markets environment and share insights on preparing for a successful RV park sale or acquisition.
Throughout the day, conference attendees will have opportunities to connect with peers, vendors, and speakers, fostering dialogue on operational challenges and opportunities in the evolving outdoor hospitality landscape.
For more information about the conference, visit their website here.