The final day of the 2025 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) begins with a full slate of sessions, networking opportunities, and industry discussions aimed at helping outdoor hospitality professionals strengthen their operations, improve guest experiences, and plan for the future.
Recognized as a “Top 50” trade show by Trade Show Magazine, OHCE offers education and networking designed for park owners, operators, and suppliers across the outdoor hospitality industry.
The morning opens with the OHI® 2025 Year in Review and Looking Ahead breakfast meeting at 7:00 a.m. in Ballroom C.
During the session, OHI President and CEO Paul Bambei and board members will present the association’s financial overview and general updates, followed by an open Q&A session for members. Breakfast will be served, featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, country potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, fruit, and beverages.
From 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., attendees can enjoy “Mimosas, Muffins and Making Deals” on the Expo floor, where exhibitors will showcase products and services that support the outdoor hospitality sector. This is the final opportunity for participants to explore booths, meet suppliers, and close business deals before the Expo concludes.
Marketing and Technology Sessions Begin
Morning education sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. with two concurrent discussions. “Marketing on a Budget — The Power of Creativity and Influence,” led by The Resort at Erie Landing’s Jen Molesworth and Roundup Lake Campground’s Hannah Ellesworth, will explore cost-effective marketing and influencer partnerships.
Simultaneously, TengoInternet’s Kevin Lloyd will lead “WiFi Cost Managed Over Time,” focusing on sustainable Wi-Fi design and long-term cost efficiency.
Financial Growth, Guest Engagement, and Operations
At 10:15 a.m., several workshops run concurrently. “Fueling Growth: Financial Products Every Outdoor Operator Should Know,” led by Bruce Hurta and Paul Bosley of Business Finance Depot, will provide insights into financing structures and lender evaluations.
“Recreation Remix,” presented by Broad River Campground’s Tyler Watts, will focus on enhancing recreation and amenities to improve guest engagement.
“Results-Based Marketing” by Influence Outdoor Hospitality’s Josh Richardson will discuss measuring marketing impact and optimizing budgets.
“The Business of Dark Skies” will feature panelists Doug Arion, Britt Roth, Ali Rasmussen, and Tessa Bauman, exploring the business potential of dark-sky tourism.
Meanwhile, “The ROI of Your Time,” led by Campground Support’s Steven Kramer and Horizon Outdoor Hospitality’s Scott Foos, will focus on outsourcing and third-party management strategies.
Service, AI, and Financial Planning
At 11:30 a.m., the schedule continues with more specialized discussions. “Delivering Superhero Service,” presented by Hank Ebeling of Super-Hero Service, will address exceptional guest service strategies.
“Reinventing Your Park: How AI Can Boost Profits, Streamline Ops, and Wow Guests,” with Legacy Longhorn RV Park and Resort owners Gary and Mary Lightfoot, will demonstrate practical AI applications.
CRR Hospitality’s Mike Harrison will lead “Unlocking Revenue Potential,” examining data-driven growth strategies.
Financial advisors Yianna Kirimis and Paulina Matel of The Stanek Haack Group will present “What’s It Worth? Maximizing Value Before You Exit,” a session focused on exit planning and valuation.
Legislative Updates, Marketing, and Infrastructure
Following the morning sessions, the “Lunch, Lemonade & Legislative Progress” general session begins at 12:45 p.m. in Ballroom C.
The panel, featuring OHI leaders Paul Bambei and David Basler, along with other advocacy experts, will highlight key legislative and regulatory wins for 2025 and discuss priorities for 2026. Topics include the role of advocacy, building relationships with policymakers, and understanding how legislation affects outdoor hospitality operations.
Concurrent with lunch, at 1:00 p.m., additional workshops include “Magnetize Your Market” with Alex Burkett, focused on identifying and targeting ideal guests, and “Watt’s the Problem?” featuring Heidi Doyle, Mike Sorensen, and Tristan Ciceri, addressing electrical infrastructure challenges and modernization.
Industry Data, Park Design, and Retail Strategies
The afternoon continues at 2:15 p.m. with the Outdoor Hospitality Innovator’s Summit, hosted by Storable and Newbook. The multi-part session will examine industry data, guest trends, and technology’s role in operational decisions, followed by a panel of operators discussing real-world applications of data insights.
Other concurrent workshops include “Beyond the Basics: Park Expansion Through Purposeful Design,” led by Terry Munoz and Tim Murphy, focusing on scalable growth strategies; “Content Creation for the Campground Experience,” led by social media strategist Jess Amburgey, offering practical guidance for digital marketing; and “Merch Magic,” led by Ron Williams of Blue Water Development, analyzing data-driven retail opportunities.
Development Case Studies and Workforce Strategies
At 3:45 p.m., sessions continue with “From Dirt to Done,” a case study presented by Jayne Cohen of Campground Consulting Group and Emeka Nnadi of Nadi Group, which walks through the stages of developing a large-scale campground.
Other concurrent sessions include “Harnessing Influencers and Social Media to Boost Brand Awareness & Site Revenue” with Happy Acres Campground’s Angee Cozik and Patrick McCormick; “Power-Up Your People,” also led by Hank Ebeling, focusing on employee recruitment and retention; and “Waste Not! Smart Wastewater Solutions for Camping Venues,” presented by Infiltrator Water Technologies’ Hugh Mickel, covering decentralized wastewater systems for remote properties.
Closing Celebration
The conference concludes with The Velvet Lounge Closing Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Ballroom C. The 1920s-themed event offers a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to network, celebrate, and reflect on the week’s insights. The reception will include food stations, beverages, a bourbon tasting, and a Charleston dance lesson.
As OHCE 2025 draws to a close, the day’s sessions emphasize the industry’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and community. From financial education and AI adoption to advocacy and workforce strategies, the final day offers attendees practical insights to strengthen their businesses and prepare for the year ahead.