The Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) begins today, offering three days of professional development, innovation, and networking for campground and RV park operators nationwide.
Recognized as one of Trade Show Magazine’s “Top 50” trade shows, the event will once again serve as the industry’s hub for learning, growth, and connection.
Hosted in Louisville, Kentucky, OHCE 2025 promises to elevate the park experience for owners, managers, and outdoor hospitality professionals.
The event kicks off November 10 with the “Oh-Hi! Coffee Conversation,” a casual networking breakfast sponsored by Firefly Reservations. This morning meetup gives attendees the chance to connect face-to-face before diving into the conference agenda.
Following breakfast, the official welcome session and keynote will feature Damien Harmon, president of North America at Subway, delivering an address focused on leadership, innovation, and culture building.
Themed “Race to Greatness,” this year’s keynote underscores collective growth and resilience, mirroring Harmon’s career journey across major corporations like Best Buy and Bridgestone Americas. The opening event also includes an early awards presentation and live polling to keep the audience engaged.
Morning sessions continue with the popular “Campfire Sessions,” a hallmark of OHCE known for fostering peer-to-peer learning.
Organized by region—Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest—these sessions provide campground operators with the chance to discuss challenges and share solutions unique to their geographic areas. Facilitators like Mike Harrison of CRR Hospitality and Kitty Winship of Papoose Pond Campground will lead discussions designed to spark collaboration and inspire operational improvements.
Later in the morning, attendees can join Campfire Sessions organized by professional roles, including owners, managers, and front desk teams. These focused conversations create spaces for participants to exchange best practices, identify efficiencies, and build community around shared responsibilities. Topics range from guest experience and operations to team building and marketing.
At the same time, a session titled “Turn AI into NOI: Future-Proof Your Park with AI Agents, MCPs, and Business Intelligence” will offer a forward-looking exploration of how artificial intelligence can streamline operations and boost profitability. Presented by Staylist LLC, the session will cover practical applications of AI tools that enhance revenue management, forecasting, and guest experience—without replacing human staff.
Midday brings one of the conference’s most anticipated events: the OHI Awards of Excellence Luncheon. Sponsored by Firefly Reservations and Wild Energy, the luncheon honors standout businesses and professionals who exemplify excellence across the outdoor hospitality sector.
In the afternoon, the agenda turns tactical with multiple sessions designed to help operators strengthen their business foundations. From “Mastering the Essentials: Small Wins That Make a Big Impact” to “Law & Order: Campground Edition”, these workshops focus on actionable takeaways for improving marketing, compliance, and day-to-day efficiency.
Meanwhile, Justin Dombrow of dbaPlatform will lead a session on “SEO, Search & AI”, unpacking strategies to enhance online visibility in an evolving digital landscape.
The day’s late-afternoon Campfire Sessions will regroup attendees by park size and type. Whether operating a single small campground or managing multiple locations, participants will find opportunities to discuss shared challenges in operations, staffing, and technology adoption.
As the sun sets, exhibitors will gather for a dedicated reception, blending networking with insights on effective marketing strategies for reaching campground owners and operators. Hosted by Josh Richardson of Influence Outdoor Hospitality, the event provides a casual setting for exhibitors to exchange ideas before the expo floor opens to all attendees.
Concurrent educational sessions such as “From Check-In to Checkout: Tying Operations to Ancillary Revenue Streams” and “Rooted & Resilient: Eco-Smart Design for Next-Gen Campground Development” will round out the day. These panels highlight the growing emphasis on technology integration and sustainability within the outdoor hospitality industry.
The day concludes with the “Race is On Welcome Reception,” a Kentucky Derby–themed celebration on the expo floor. Complete with themed décor, make-your-own derby hats, and interactive activities, the reception offers a spirited close to the opening day.
As the industry continues to evolve, OHCE remains a cornerstone event for operators seeking inspiration, innovation, and insight. Through a blend of education, recognition, and camaraderie, the 2025 conference in Louisville aims to empower campground operators and RV park owners.