The Glamping Show Americas is preparing for a transformative 2025 under the leadership of Emerald, and Co-Conference Director and Podcast Host Sarah Riley says the transition signals both continuity and growth.
With Emerald’s expanded resources and event expertise, the show is positioned to amplify its role as a central gathering point for the glamping and outdoor hospitality sector.
In an exclusive interview with Modern Campground, Riley emphasized that the heart of the show remains unchanged.
“Glamping Show Americas has always been about community, innovation, and driving this exciting sector forward,” she said. The challenge, she explained, lies in honoring that legacy while building new opportunities.
According to Riley, the balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation has been one of the greatest responsibilities since Emerald assumed leadership.
“The biggest hurdle is balancing respect for what’s already been built with the need to evolve and innovate,” she said, noting that the sense of community between operators and suppliers remains essential to the show’s identity.
This year’s expo aims to serve a wide spectrum of participants, from first-time entrepreneurs to established operators scaling their businesses.
Riley explained that advanced solutions such as technology, innovative structures, and design insights will cater to experienced operators, while fundamentals like financing, site planning, and guest experience will support newcomers.
“The goal is an expo experience that’s both inspiring and practical, no matter where you are in your glamping journey,” she added.
The 2025 conference program is set to be one of the most comprehensive lineups to date, reflecting the rapid changes shaping the industry.
Riley said the vision was to go beyond basics and deliver both inspiration and actionable strategies.
Topics will range from emerging travel trends and digital marketing to AI-driven guest discovery and sustainable operations. “At its heart, the programme is designed to equip owners, operators, and aspiring hosts with the tools and confidence to thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape,” she said.
When curating the agenda, Riley and her team began by listening closely to the needs of the community.
She explained that rising guest expectations, the expansion of AI, and the growing demand for wellness and sustainability were central considerations.
Financing and market intelligence also featured heavily, ensuring that sessions remain grounded in the day-to-day realities of running a glamping business.
One of the opening sessions will spotlight data-driven insights into 2025 glamping trends and guest preferences.
Riley pointed to a major shift in traveler expectations. “Guests are no longer satisfied with just a beautiful place to stay. They’re actively seeking experiences that create meaning, connection, and well-being,” she said.
For operators, this means moving beyond simply offering accommodations to creating emotionally resonant stays.
The show has long been known as a launchpad for growth and innovation, with many attendees returning to share their success stories.
Riley highlighted one operator, Halley from Ozark Mountain Adventure, who came to the show seeking connection and later returned to share her experiences from the stage.
She described her transformation as moving “from an island on my own to a sea of new glamping friends.”
Stories like Halley’s reinforce Riley’s belief that Glamping Show Americas is not just an event, but a catalyst.
“That’s why for 2025 we’ve doubled down on providing both big-picture insight and hands-on, practical strategies,” she explained. The aim is to ensure that every attendee can leave with the beginnings of their own transformation, whether through knowledge, partnerships, or inspiration.
For first-time attendees, Riley recommends striking a balance between learning and connecting. She suggests starting with conference case studies and trend sessions to understand market direction before exploring the exhibitor floor.
Networking, she emphasized, is just as valuable as the formal sessions. “Some of the most valuable insights come not just from the stage, but from the conversations you have at one of our social events,” she said.
Looking beyond 2025, Riley envisions the show evolving in three key areas: content, audience, and influence.
She said emerging themes like regenerative tourism and new investment models will shape programming, while the audience itself is diversifying with more investors, landowners, and traditional hospitality brands entering the market.
The show’s broader ambition is to solidify its role as a central hub for collaboration and growth in luxury outdoor hospitality.
“It’s not just a trade show,” Riley said. “Our goal is always to create a platform that grows with the industry and amplifies its influence and success.”
Modern Campground will cover the Glamping Show Americas, scheduled for September 30 – October 1, at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado.
Featured image by Glamping Show Americas via glampingshow.us