MC Fireside Chats returns for another RV and Outdoor Recreation industry-centric episode as guests discuss prevalent issues, growing trends and upcoming events next week October 26, 2022.
The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) Senior Vice President of Membership and Marketing David Basler joins the show to talk about the upcoming Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo 2022 (OHCE2022) happening from November 7 to 10, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
Basler will talk about what visitors can expect from OHCE2022 this year and the preparations they have done to make this year’s expo bigger than last year. He will also discuss briefly what is in store for ARVC as it faces a new year filled with challenges and opportunities.
Larry Troutt III, Owner and General Manager of Topper’s RVs, will also be guesting on MC Fireside Chats to talk about his experience working in the industry, what has changed in the last few years and what developments he is seeing for the RV industry in the future.
The two special guests will also be joined by recurring guests Phil Ingrassia, President at the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA); Eleanore Hamm, President at RVDA of Canada; Shane Devenish, Executive Director at the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association; Kurt Repanshek of National Parks Traveler; and Susan Carpenter of the RV Women’s Alliance, providing their own unique insights into the ever-evolving business landscape.
Next week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats will be sponsored by Campspot, a campground management software that provides a modern booking experience through powerful tools built to save owners time and money.
October 19 Episode Recap
In this week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats, campground industry experts touched on the subject of future-proofing campground business through new and emerging technologies including electric vehicles (EV), EV charging systems, and developing infrastructure.
Special guest Amir Harpaz of Torrey Trails RV and Golf Resort talked about his experience working in the industry as a developer of RV parks and campgrounds and their journey of providing EV infrastructure at their parks.
Harpaz said that EV charging systems work well for his properties as they are cost-effective, and people appreciate the convenience, adding that the technological advancements brought an immediate return on investment to his properties. So far, 210 out of their 368 properties have full EV support.
Fellow special guest Four Points RV Resorts CEO Sean Vidrine, an operator of a few Jellystones and non-Jellystone parks, followed up by saying that they are also planning and preparing to expand to cater to EVs.
“Everyone’s gonna do it differently,” said recurring guest CRR Lifestyle Company COO Mike Harrison in reference to how camp owners will be integrating EV infrastructure into their business.
The guests agreed that while EV-enabled parks and campgrounds are making their way, many factors and variables still have to be considered in future-proofing a property, as it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a weekly show devoted to the outdoor hospitality industry. The show is hosted by Brian Searl, the founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, and Cara Csizmadia, member services coordinator at the Canadian Camping & RV Council (CCRVC).
Airing live every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), MC Fireside Chats features guests from the camping and RV industry who share their take on the current state of the camping, glamping, and RVing sectors as well as upcoming innovations in RV parks, campgrounds, outdoor resorts, glamping, and the RV industry.