After an eventful two days of education, networking, and new experiences, The Glamping Show USA 2022 wrapped up yesterday, seeing an increase in the number of attendees versus the previous year.
In an interview with Modern Campground on the show’s first day, David Korse, one of The Glamping Show USA’s owners, said that numbers are looking good this year in terms of attendees.
“It’s a little insane. We’re up 40% to 50% over last year’s show,” Korse said.
It came as no surprise, as glamping business owners from all over the world flocked to Colorado for the two-day event, a sign of growth for the glamping industry.
The conference kicked off on Tuesday (October 5) with a keynote address from Terramor Outdoor Resort’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Whitney Scott where she shared the findings of Terramor’s Glamping Research for the first time.
During her talk, she revealed some of the behaviors of newer glampers, including how they consider the entire resort versus just the accommodations offered when picking a place to stay.
She also noted that the growth of the industry is helping push newer preferences into the glamping market, especially in terms of accommodation type.
“We’ve seen very large growth year over year in covered wagons, canvas tents, and onsite usage of RVs,” Scott said.
Sage Outdoor Advisory held the next session where they unveiled The Sage USA Glamping Map & Data Report.
The project came after six months of a “tremendous amount” of research and investment into mapping out the glamping industry, Connor Schwab told Modern Campground. He is the vice president of outdoor resorts at Sage Outdoor Advisory.
The goal, he said, is to pave the way for glamping owners to get investment and bring their property to life.
“So it’s easier for people to get funding because we want this whole industry to succeed, and we want more people to be getting outside and having authentic connections with nature. So that’s the way we can do that—it’s to help more launching businesses,” Schwab said.
Also a noteworthy event that day was the opening of the expo with exhibitors from over 30 countries participating.
David Korse told MC that some international exhibitors this year came from South Korea, Turkey, Poland, and more.
Exhibits were abundant both inside and outside the county fairgrounds. Unique glamping structures were on display like yurts, safari tents, bell tents, and wagons. There was also a company that offers 3D-printed or robot-built cabins, as well as businesses that help glamping sites with their connectivity needs and supplies.
Companies offering consulting services to prospective or existing glamping business owners and operators were also at the show.
Meanwhile, the second day was the continuation of education and networking.
On Wednesday (October 5), the day started with another continental breakfast, followed by an educational session on influencer marketing delivered by Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek. During this discussion, the glamping book authors and travel influencers shared the advantages of this type of marketing as well as things for owners to consider.
Industry-leading experts were present throughout the glamping event of the year to share their knowledge. Sessions held on day one and day two discussed off-grid solutions, loans, new technologies, and more.
On Wednesday afternoon, experts such as Todd Wynne-Parry (Horwath HTL Oregon), Josh Lesnick (Collective Retreats), and Greg Sheldon (Regenr8.ai) spoke during a panel discussion titled “Retreats, Events and Remote Workers.
Moderated by Glamping Business Americas Editor and Publisher Steph Curtis-Raleigh, the session explored the pros and cons of special bookings such as retreats, events, and remote workers.
New experiences were also introduced this year, such as the on-site glamping option which got sold out quickly.
Throughout the event, attendees were also able to experience driving an electric bike at the Equestrian Center. The e-bike experience was made possible by a partnership between Magnum Bikes and Regenr8.
Asked when the show will go from here, David Korse said they will be back soon.
“We’ll be back in 365 days, back in Colorado next October. And do it again. Bigger and better,” he said.
To learn more about The Glamping Show USA, visit https://www.glampingshow.us/.
Sounds like the Glamping Show USA 2022 was a blast! Entertaining updates from the event include workshops on sustainable glamping practices, mingling with industry experts, and insights into the latest trends. The global exhibitors and unveiling of the Sage USA Glamping Map & Data Report reflect the industry’s growth. For anyone in the glamping business, this event seems like a treasure trove of valuable connections and knowledge.
Impressive, connecting with industry peers and gaining insights at the event must’ve been wonderful! I’d love to hear more about the Sage USA Glamping Map & Data Report and the new trends you discovered. Could you share some highlights?
You’re curious about the Sage USA Glamping Map & Data Report and the latest trends? Totally! I discovered that sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled fabrics are hot. Let me tell you, networking with industry pros was a game-changer at the event!