A rare fifth Wednesday calls for something different. On October 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, MC Fireside Chats will go beyond business as usual with a special Multi-Sector Episode—bringing together global leaders from outdoor hospitality, glamping, and recreation for one power-packed live broadcast.
This special broadcast will be guest-hosted by industry veteran Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched Management, who will guide a dynamic conversation around innovation, sustainability, craftsmanship, and experience-building in today’s evolving outdoor economy. Preston will be joined by a diverse lineup of guests who each bring a unique perspective shaped by geography, industry role, and entrepreneurial vision.
Featured guests include Steph MacDonald, owner of Quabbs Cabin in Wales, whose eco-focused approach to off-grid luxury glamping showcases how sustainability and thoughtful design can help landowners diversify and generate new rural revenue.
Dave Byers, owner of Canadian Sleeping Barrels, will share how his handcrafted sleeping barrels and barrel saunas are helping campgrounds and glamping operators elevate guest experience with unique, high-impact accommodations.
MacKenzie Whitsell, founder of Wild Ride, brings a mission-driven perspective, combining glamping with mustang rescue, nature trails, and mindful experiences that connect guests with purpose and the outdoors.
Rounding out the episode, Brian Searl, Founder and CEO of Modern Campground and Insider Perks, will join the panel live from the Croatian Camping Congress in Šibenik, Croatia. He will offer real-time insights from one of Europe’s most influential outdoor hospitality gatherings and share global trends shaping camping and glamping development.
This October Multi-Sector Episode promises to be a fast-moving and forward-looking exchange among leaders who are redefining outdoor experiences across continents. The live broadcast will air on all MC Fireside Chats platforms and invites operators, investors, suppliers, and outdoor hospitality professionals to tune in for fresh ideas and inspiration.
October 22nd Episode Recap
In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, the theme was “Marketing, AI, and Technology” within the outdoor hospitality industry. This discussion included recurring guests Greg Emmert, Founder and Principal at Vireo Outdoor Consulting, and Matt Whitermore, Director of Market Expansion at Climb Capital and Unhitched Management, along with special guest Brent Parker, CEO of OpenCampground.
The core concept that emerged was that technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), should be “invisible” to the guest to be most effective. The guests agreed that AI’s best use is as a “force multiplier” that enhances the overall human experience in outdoor hospitality.
The panel first explored the application of AI in operational aspects. Matt Whitermore shared his initial skepticism regarding AI phone systems but acknowledged their significant value in reliably ensuring calls are answered, particularly during off-hours or in remote locations. The consensus was that technology’s paramount function is to streamline the booking process, thereby allowing guests to disconnect and enjoy their stay faster once they arrive.
Data analysis and personalization were identified as another crucial area where AI could be leveraged. Brent Parker confirmed that AI-driven analysis of customer data could generate tailored reports for park owners and facilitate highly personalized guest service. The panelists contemplated a future where AI could recommend the perfect campsite to a guest, going beyond a simple list of options by factoring in preferences for seclusion or specific amenities.
The conversation then shifted to the future of how guests will discover and book their stays, and the likely impact of personalized AI agents on website traffic, brand loyalty, and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). Host Brian Searl proposed that company websites might soon simplify, potentially evolving into basic APIs that feed inventory directly to AI systems, enabling a truly seamless booking experience. Brent Parker echoed this sentiment, suggesting that platforms like OpenCampground are moving toward a state where users can verbally “speak” a request—such as to build a custom housekeeping or maintenance feature—and have the AI automatically create it.
Finally, the group addressed the difficulties of technology adoption among older generations in the workforce. Matt Whitermore emphasized that while AI is unlikely to fully replace human workers, those who successfully embrace and master AI tools will be capable of performing the job functions of multiple people. He cautioned that a failure to adopt this new technology will ultimately lead to obsolescence. Greg Emmert added a balancing perspective, noting that job functions requiring an undeniable physical presence, such as property due diligence, still have a considerable “runway” before they become susceptible to automation.
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a live podcast experience dedicated to the outdoor hospitality and outdoor recreation industries. Hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, the show offers engaging discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of camping, RVing, glamping, and outdoor recreation.
Airing every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), the show follows a structured weekly theme to deliver deep dives into the most relevant topics:
- Week 1: Industry Trends & Insights
- Week 2: Enhancing Guest Experience
- Week 3: Business Operations & Management
- Week 4: RV Industry, Outdoor Recreation & Activities
Each episode features a panel of recurring guests, complemented by 1–2 rotating special guests, including industry analysts, campground owners, technology providers, sustainability advocates, and more. Whether exploring the latest market trends or innovative guest experience strategies, MC Fireside Chats delivers thought-provoking insights for professionals and enthusiasts across the outdoor recreation spectrum.
To explore previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.