The Prospective Owners Workshop (POW!) will return at OHI’s 2025 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), offering future campground, RV park, and glamping resort owners a structured introduction to the business.
The session is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, where it will serve as a half-day program before the full conference begins.
Running from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the workshop is designed as a “freshman orientation” for individuals planning to enter the outdoor hospitality industry. It continues a program that OHI has developed specifically for newcomers seeking practical knowledge and peer support.
The event will target participants who are either in the early planning stages or actively pursuing ownership. Through a mix of presentations and group discussions, attendees will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of operating a successful outdoor hospitality business.
Topics will include due diligence, site planning, infrastructure development, budgeting, and day-to-day operational considerations.
Interactive sessions will be divided into two tracks: “building” and “buying.” This approach is intended to allow attendees to focus on the specific challenges of constructing a new property or purchasing an existing business.
“Building or buying a campground is exciting, but it can feel like stepping into the unknown,” David Basler, chief strategy officer at OHI, said in a press release.
“POW! gives prospective owners a clear roadmap, a support network, and the confidence to walk into OHCE ready to make the most of every opportunity,” Basler added.
In addition to structured learning, the workshop will emphasize community building. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, ask candid questions, and begin forming relationships with mentors and peers who can support them beyond the session.
The $229 add-on registration cost reflects OHI’s intent to keep the program. “Space is limited, making this early session an essential first step for anyone preparing to enter outdoor hospitality,” the press release indicates.