Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the world of glamping! Tune in on January 10, 2024, at 2 PM ET for the first episode of our glamping-focused discussion this year.
Host Brian Searl will be joined by recurring guests Host Brian Searl will be joined by a panel of esteemed guests who are well-versed in the outdoor hospitality industry. Among the recurring guests are Ruben Martinez, the founder of the American Glamping Association, Irene Wood, the founder and CEO of The Fields of Michigan, Zach Stoltenberg, the design lead at Clockwork, and Chris Jeub owner of Monument Glamping.
Adding unique insights to our episode, we have special guests Missy Fojtik, founder of Daydreamer Domes, and Amanda Venezia, owner of Glampology.
Missy will delve into how her extensive background in tech and real estate development, coupled with her experience as a seasoned traveler, fueled the creation of Daydreamer Domes.
Meanwhile, Amanda will share her journey in founding Glampology, revealing her inspiration behind starting a mobile glamping company and what sets it apart.
Don’t miss this engaging and informative episode, packed with insider knowledge and inspiring stories from the forefront of glamping innovation!
Next week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats is sponsored by Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, a company known for its comprehensive third-party management and consulting solutions for RV resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, glamping sites, and outdoor destinations. They offer a tailored approach to each property, ensuring innovative and effective solutions to find efficiencies and increase revenue, regardless of the size, location, or market of the business.
January 3 Episode Recap
The first episode of MC Fireside Chats this 2024 presents a comprehensive discussion on the outdoor hospitality industry. The episode features insightful contributions from industry experts Mike Harrison, Sandy Ellingson, and Scott Bahr, each bringing a unique perspective to the table.
Host Brian Searl sets the stage for the conversation, emphasizing the show’s focus on providing valuable insights for business success in the outdoor hospitality sector. He introduces the panel, highlighting their expertise and the value they bring to the discussion. The conversation begins with a look at the current state of the RV and camping industry, with each guest sharing their observations and experiences.
Mike Harrison, with his extensive background in luxury RV resorts, offers insights into the trends and challenges facing the industry. He discusses the impact of external events, such as election years, on travel and camping patterns. Mike’s analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how luxury travel and camping are influenced by broader societal trends.
Sandy Ellingson brings a wealth of experience in campground operations and marketing. She highlights the challenges campgrounds face in adapting to changing market conditions, especially in the realm of digital marketing. Sandy’s perspective is particularly valuable in understanding the need for effective online presence and marketing strategies in the industry.
Scott Bahr, an expert in market research, delves into the data-driven aspects of the industry. He shares insights from his research on guest reviews and behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer feedback. Scott’s contribution is crucial in highlighting how data analysis can inform better business practices in outdoor hospitality.
The conversation also touches on the evolving preferences of campers and RVers. The panel discusses the shift from traditional RV camping to alternatives like glamping, and how this impacts the industry. This part of the discussion underscores the need for campgrounds to adapt and cater to a diverse range of customer preferences.
A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the role of technology in enhancing the camping experience. The panelists explore the potential of AI and other technological advancements in improving convenience and efficiency for both campers and campground operators. Brian, in particular, shares his enthusiasm for the possibilities that AI presents in revolutionizing the industry.
The panelists also discuss the importance of education and knowledge sharing within the industry. They emphasize the need for tailored educational efforts to address the varying levels of experience and knowledge among campground owners and operators. This part of the conversation highlights the ongoing need for professional development in the industry.
Another key topic is the trend of bundling offerings and hosting events in campgrounds. The panelists explore how this approach, inspired by the cruise industry, can enhance customer retention and generate recurring revenue. This discussion points to the innovative strategies campgrounds can adopt to stay competitive.
The conversation concludes with a focus on future trends and predictions for the industry. The panelists share their thoughts on what 2024 might hold for outdoor hospitality, discussing potential growth areas and challenges. This forward-looking discussion provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders planning for the future.
Overall, the episode offers a rich and varied discussion on the outdoor hospitality industry. The insights shared by Brian Searl, Mike Harrison, Sandy Ellingson, and Scott Bahr provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of the industry. Their conversation is a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of outdoor hospitality, highlighting the importance of adaptability, innovation, and customer-centric approaches in achieving business success.
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a weekly show devoted to the outdoor hospitality industry, hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground.
MC Fireside Chats airs live every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, and features guests from the camping and RV industry who share their take on the current state of the camping, glamping, and RVing sectors as well as upcoming innovations in RV parks, campgrounds, outdoor resorts, glamping, and the RV industry.
Audiences can listen to past episodes of MC Fireside Chats here: https://moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats/