The 2026 Campground Conference & Trade Show will bring campground owners, operators, and industry suppliers together March 1–4 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, offering an integrated program of professional development, networking, and access to the latest products and services for the outdoor hospitality sector.
The annual event, themed “See and Be Seen,” aims to provide practical insights for improving operations, guest experience, and financial performance in campgrounds and RV parks.
The conference schedule begins Sunday, March 1, with an optional outing at TopGolf Orlando from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (attendees responsible for their own transportation) and concludes with a Mix and Mingle with vendors and attendees from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Eclipse Lounge Lobby Bar.
Educational sessions start Monday, March 2, with a morning keynote, “The 5 Shifts Quietly Redefining Successful Campgrounds,” presented by Sarah Krause of Campground Manpower. The session highlights evolving guest expectations and operational strategies that distinguish thriving parks.
Following the keynote, Michael Elliott, CPA and founder of Camp & Park Accounting, will lead “Real-World Impacts on Campground Operations, Cash Flow, and Long-Term Value,” focusing on industry revenue trends, operating cost pressures, and valuation considerations. The discussion includes the influence of broader economic forces such as interest rates, inflation, and travel trends on campground profitability.
A mid-morning break precedes a legal update, “The Legalities of Owning/Operating/Managing a Campground in 2026 and Beyond,” presented by Christine Taylor, partner at Goldberg Segalla. Monday concludes with a trade show from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Horizons Salons 1–4, followed by a dinner and auction at Lakeview East.
Tuesday, March 3, features sessions on branding, artificial intelligence (AI), and electrical safety. Amber Simpson, owner of Martek Digital, will discuss storytelling strategies to differentiate campgrounds across digital channels.
Garrett McKinnon, CRO at Campground Views, will provide practical AI applications for operational efficiency, while Heidi Doyle of Utility Supply Group will address pedestal safety and NEC code compliance to maintain reliable power for guests.
The final day, Wednesday, March 4, opens with a session on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) by Cassandra Rizzai of Orange 142, explaining how campgrounds can optimize for AI-driven travel searches to capture high-intent guests and drive direct bookings.
Additional sessions include AI tools as digital employees, financial products for growth led by Paul Bosley of Business Finance Depot, and a Campground Owners Roundtable.
The conference emphasizes both professional development and relationship-building. Attendees gain actionable strategies for daily operations, long-term financial planning, and digital engagement, all while networking with peers and suppliers.
Previous attendees have come from states including New Jersey, Alabama, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Virginia, reflecting the conference’s broad industry reach.