The Florida & Alabama RV Park & Campground Association has announced a partnership with Storable Newbook to support the Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program, an initiative aimed at expanding access to professional development opportunities within the outdoor hospitality sector.
The program will provide selected participants with full access to the Florida and Alabama Outdoor Hospitality Convention & Expo, scheduled for April 28 to May 1, 2026, in Orlando. Additional event information is available at www.outdoorhospitalityconvention.com.
According to the announcement, the scholarship is designed to expand access to industry education, networking, and professional development opportunities for emerging professionals and frontline team members who may not otherwise be able to attend major conferences.
Erin Stevenson, VP of Growth and Client Experience at Newbook, said: “We’re looking for the ‘spark,’ the frontline team members, managers and rising pros who live and breathe the world of parks but maybe haven’t yet had the chance to attend the big industry events, whether they’re new to the scene or have faced barriers that kept them away from the table.”
She added: “We want to fuel your fire by connecting you with top-tier education and networking, giving you the tools and confidence you need to make a real impact on the future of our industry. This isn’t just a trip to a conference; it’s a way for us to say, ‘We see you,’ and recognize the hard work you put in every day.”
The program will award three scholarships across four major industry events.
For recipients attending the Florida and Alabama convention, the scholarship includes full travel coverage, including flights and accommodations, as well as a full all-access pass to the convention and expo. This includes entry to the complete conference program, educational sessions, and official networking and social events.
Recipients will also receive access to mentorship opportunities and direct engagement with industry leaders and the Newbook team during the event. In addition, one standout recipient will be selected to receive a full pass to the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo 2027, including travel and participation alongside the Newbook team.
Winners are expected to attend the full conference program, participate in Newbook education sessions, engage professionally throughout the event, and share their experiences following the conference.
Applications are open to a wide range of industry roles, including frontline staff, managers, operators, and emerging leaders who have not previously had access to similar events. The deadline to apply is April 12, 2026.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality sector, the program reflects a broader effort to strengthen workforce pipelines and improve access to professional development opportunities.
Exposure to industry events such as the 2026 convention is often viewed as a way to build skills, expand professional networks, and support staff retention within parks, resorts, and campgrounds.