Join us for the upcoming episode of MC Fireside Chats, where we’ll delve into the latest trends and news in the outdoor hospitality industry with a panel of seasoned experts and experienced campground owners. Gain valuable insights and stay ahead of the curve with our informative discussion.
Recurring guests comprised Scott Knepp, Director of Operations for IVEE Group; Mike Harrison, COO of CRR Lifestyle; Duncan Winship, co-owner of Papoose Pond Family Campground & Cabins; Joe Duemig, founder of App My Community; Nate of KCN Campgrounds and Sean Vidrine, CEO of Four Points RV Resort are set to join next week’s panel to provide their own unique perspectives on the industry.
In addition to these esteemed panelists, special guest Travis John, founder of CampersDAO, will be joining us to discuss the world’s first Web3 camping community powered by blockchain technology.
Eric Rasmussen, President, and Ali Rasmussen, CEO of Spacious Skies Campgrounds, will also be joining the discussion to share their latest acquisitions, new website, and loyalty program, adding even more depth and diversity to the conversation.
The next episode of MC Fireside Chats will air live on Wednesday, April 19, at 2 pm ET on Facebook and YouTube.
The episode is sponsored by Firefly Reservations, a cloud-based reservation management solution designed specifically for RV parks and campgrounds, enabling these businesses to conveniently automate tasks like accepting online reservations, collecting emails, and sending confirmations.
April 12 Episode Recap
In the April 12th episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosts Brian Searl and Cara Czismadia were joined by glamping experts to discuss the latest trends of the evolving industry.
This week’s panel included recurring guest and Founder of the American Glamping Association, Ruben Martinez, as well as special guests the owner of Creekside RNR Glamping, Angele Miller, and the owner of The Destination Glamping Resort, Skip Courtney, who shared their insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on the glamping industry.
The conversation centered around the challenges and opportunities faced by glamping businesses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting guest expectations, and the importance of adaptability.
Angele Miller discussed her strategy to enhance guest experiences by partnering with local farms and companies.
Miller’s resort offers luxurious dome structures and unique mirror cabins, providing memorable experiences like llama hiking and Nordic Spa retreats. To ensure clear communication with guests, Miller introduced premium amenities such as custom soaps and organic olive oil to align with their expectations.
Skip Courtney entered the glamping business after attending a conference in Denver and embracing the safari tent concept. Courtney’s resort features luxurious amenities, and he built a stage for live music to further enhance the guest experience.
He noted that the majority of his business comes from within a 150-mile radius, suggesting that utilizing booking channels like VRBO or Airbnb may attract more distant guests.
The experts also discussed the importance of adaptability in the glamping market due to the changing environment and increasing competition. Instead of relying solely on high prices, they emphasized the need to focus on building a sustainable brand that offers unique experiences for guests.
The conversation also touched upon finding the right pricing strategy, with Courtney sharing his experience of incrementally increasing rates to find the optimal price point for his market.
Looking ahead, the panelists predicted an increase in demand for outdoor experiences and glamping as more people seek to disconnect from their daily lives and reconnect with nature. They expect the wellness aspect of glamping to grow, with more people viewing these adventures as opportunities for relaxation and healing.
The group anticipates a rise in unique experiences and partnerships between glamping businesses and other sectors of the hospitality industry.
The participants underscored the importance of taking a step back to assess and adjust to changing market conditions. They emphasized the impact of small details, such as well-made beds and fresh flowers, on guests’ experiences and word-of-mouth marketing.
The episode provided valuable insights into the glamping industry, highlighting the need for adaptability, marketing adjustments, and enhanced guest experiences.
The experts highlighted that as the market continues to evolve, glamping resort owners must innovate and partner with local businesses to provide unique offerings that cater to the ever-changing expectations of their guests.
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; and Cara Csizmadia, member services coordinator for the Canadian Camping & RV Council (CCRVC).
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/