Join us for an exciting episode of MC Fireside Chats, where leaders from diverse sectors of outdoor hospitality and recreation will come together to share the latest news and invaluable perspectives. Tune in live on May 31 at 2 pm ET to catch all the action.
Hosts Brian Searl and Cara Csizmadia will be joined by a stellar lineup of industry experts: Jane Rusbridge and Joshua Turner from Blackstrap Glamping Resort, Jamie Lee Arseneau from LaHave River Campground, David Miyako from the National Parks Service, and Alyssa Ravasio from Hipcamp.
Be prepared for an engaging discussion that will shed light on the latest trends, innovations, and exciting developments in the world of outdoor hospitality and recreation. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from these exceptional leaders.
Jane Rusbridge and Joshua Turner, owners of Blackstrap Glamping, a glampsite that offers a unique camping experience where guests can enjoy the beauty of nature while benefiting from the comforts of modern amenities, will be discussing the opening of their glamping resort in Blackstrap Provincial Park in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Jamie Lee Arseneau, owner of LaHave River Campground, a riverside campground located on the south shore of Nova Scotia, which offers a serene camping experience amidst a picturesque landscape, will discuss his campground and its preparations for the camping season.
David Miyako, National Campground Program Manager of the National Parks Service, will discuss the latest developments in the National Parks. As an authority in managing campground programs across national parks, David will shed light on new initiatives, policies, and improvements aimed at enhancing visitor experiences in these protected areas.
Alyssa Ravasio, CEO of Hipcamp, will discuss her business and their newly launched iPhone app. Hipcamp is an online platform that connects people with unique camping experiences on private lands, offering an alternative to traditional campsites in public parks.
May 24 Episode Recap
In the May 24 episode of the MC Fireside Chats podcast, sponsored by Accessparks, host Brian Searl was joined by recurring guests Shane Devenish from CRVA and Eleonore Hamm from RVDA Canada. Adding to the insightful conversation, Sascha Ohler SVP for Outdoor recreation of Tyler Technologies and Ashley Bontrager Lehman Founder and CEO of Ember RV.
Sascha Ohler from Tyler Technologies, the largest provider of technology to the public sector in North America, shared insights into their offerings. With over 40,000 implementations, Tyler Technologies focuses on providing information to campers before they arrive at their destination.
Ohler also mentioned offering a 360-degree view of RV parking spaces and has even developed an online booking system for Nevada State Park. Tyler Technologies is also exploring opportunities in the private sector. They are also exploring other ways to be more creative in the technology that they offer. Ohler emphasized that technology can either enable or hinder solutions, and it is crucial for everyone in the ecosystem to collaborate and ensure a better experience for visitors.
Ashley Bontrager Lehman from Ember RV, a newcomer in the industry since winter 2021, discussed their unique approach to camping. Recognizing that many RVers want to extend their vacations off-grid and off-road, Ember RV specializes in innovative and evolving designs. Lehman’s family has a deep-rooted history in the RV industry, with her grandparents founding Jayco in 1968.
Ember RV places a strong emphasis on their internal culture, aiming to create a cohesive team where everyone feels valued. They prioritize research and data analysis, using numbers to drive decision-making. Lehman also shared details about their new models, featuring large tank sizes and solar panels. The touring edition caters to customers who value their products and are willing to invest in quality. Ashley also mentioned that iIt is essential to narrow down the type of RV, especially for first-time owners, although AI can assist in this process, manufacturers must ultimately deliver on their promises.
Shane Devenish highlighted the increasing involvement of campers and operators in the industry. Campsites are now full year-round, and camping and RVing have gained significant popularity. Devenish stressed that consumers are actively conducting their own research, seeking transparency regarding campground availability—an issue that needs to be addressed.
Eleonore Hamm shared her excitement about Canadian RV and Camping Week, a celebration marking the start of the camping season, sponsored by CCRV. One common concern among customers is where they will go if a campsite or RV site is already full, indicating the importance of addressing availability issues.
Overall, the episode shed light on the efforts of various stakeholders in the camping industry, from technology providers to manufacturers and operators. The discussions emphasized the need for collaboration, data-driven decision-making, employee appreciation, and transparency to ensure a better camping experience for all.
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.
To listen to previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: https://moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats/
