Modern Campground invites park owners and operators to discover how evolving guest demographics are not just changing the game, but creating exciting new revenue streams, as MC Fireside Chats welcomes special guest Rachel R. Godbout of Advanced Outdoor Management on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 2 PM ET.
The upcoming episode will feature a robust panel of industry stalwarts, including Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA of Canada; Simon Neal, Founder & CEO of CampMap; Phil Ingrassia, Executive Director of RVDA; Rafael Correa, President & CFO of Blue Water Development Corp; Scott Bahr, President of Cairn Consulting Group; Miguel Huerta, President of the Mexican Glamping Association; and Michael Moore, Assistant Executive Director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO).
Rachel R. Godbout, Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Outdoor Management, will share her expertise on translating demographic shifts into concrete revenue opportunities for campgrounds and RV parks. Owners will gain actionable insights into how understanding the nuances of different camper segments—from Gen Z to seasoned retirees—can unlock new booking patterns, amenity preferences, and pricing strategies that boost the bottom line.
Previous Episode Recap
The August 26, 2026 episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, delved into the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence within the outdoor hospitality industry. The overarching theme emphasized that while technology advances at an unprecedented rate, its core purpose for campground and RV park operators remains to seamlessly enhance the guest experience, not replace the crucial human element.
A diverse group of industry leaders joined the conversation, including Matt Whitermore of Unhitched Management, Ravi Parikh from RoverPass, Mychele Bisson of Wayhaven Resorts, Caleb Cook from CampLife, and Nick Purslow of Posh Outdoors. This panel brought varied perspectives on how technology is impacting operations, ranging from property management software to national portfolio strategies and modular lodging solutions.
Highlights included Ravi Parikh’s deep dive into AI personal assistants like OpenClaw, Hermes, and Elon Musk’s GrokBot, illustrating their potential to act as comprehensive executive assistants by managing communications and automating workflows. The panel also discussed common frustrations with AI performance and the intense global competition, with efficient models like Kimi 3 driving down computing costs and tech giants like Apple pushing local AI capabilities.
Mychele Bisson shared how Wayhaven Resorts utilizes AI for practical back-end applications, such as drafting standard operating procedures and generating complex reservation reports, allowing her staff to focus on guest interactions. Similarly, Nick Purslow discussed using AI as a creative partner for marketing copy at Posh Outdoors, stressing the absolute necessity of human taste and editing to maintain brand authenticity. Caleb Cook from CampLife balanced excitement for new software with a cautious approach to consumer trust, emphasizing that true hospitality requires carefully protecting trust when deploying automated systems.
A lively debate centered on the ethics of AI-generated imagery in marketing, with some panelists arguing for its practicality for small businesses when enhancing real property photos, while others warned of consumer skepticism and potential backlash, particularly from Gen Z. Mychele Bisson’s success with organic, guest-generated content underscored the value of authenticity. The episode concluded with a unanimous consensus: AI is a permanent fixture in business, but its greatest value in outdoor hospitality lies in automating back-office tasks, freeing humans to deliver unparalleled, face-to-face service.
Catch up on the full discussion and more insights from the August 26th, 2026 episode: https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-August-26th-2026
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a live podcast experience dedicated to the outdoor hospitality and outdoor recreation industries. Hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, the show offers engaging discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of camping, RVing, glamping, and outdoor recreation.
Airing every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), the show follows a structured weekly theme to deliver deep dives into the most relevant topics:
- Week 1: Industry Trends & Insights
- Week 2: Enhancing Guest Experience
- Week 3: Business Operations & Management
- Week 4: Marketing, AI and Technology
Each episode features a panel of recurring guests, complemented by 1–2 rotating special guests, including industry analysts, campground owners, technology providers, sustainability advocates, and more. Whether exploring the latest market trends or innovative guest experience strategies, MC Fireside Chats delivers thought-provoking insights for professionals and enthusiasts across the outdoor recreation spectrum.
To explore previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.
