Discover the future of the campground industry at the MC Fireside Chat on July 17th, 2024, at 2 PM ET. Hosted by Brian Searl and presented by Modern Campground, this episode covers the latest trends and opportunities in outdoor hospitality. Tune in for expert insights and engaging discussions.
Brian will be joined by recurring guests Scott Knepp from IVEE Group, Joe Duemig of App My Community, Candice McNamara of Staylist, Greg Emmert from Camp Strategy, and Rachel Williamson from KCN Campgrounds. We are also pleased to welcome Tom Mason from IVEE Group who will be joining the panel.
We’re pleased to announce that our special guests for the next episode are Alan Kahn from Silver Lake Resort, Robby Fayad from Babbling Brook RV Park, and David J. King from Lake George RV Park. Alan will discuss sustainable resort management and its benefits to both the environment and business efficiency. Robby will explore enhancing guest experiences through direct community engagement and feedback. David will share insights on the integration of technology in campground operations, focusing on improving efficiency and guest satisfaction. Join us to gain valuable perspectives from these industry leaders.
July 10th Episode Recap
On the latest episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl was joined by industry experts Todd Wynne-Parry, Zach Stoltenberg, Suzanne (Soo) Hammond, Chris Jeub, and Angele Miller. Brian kicked off the conversation by introducing the guests, highlighting their specialties, and inviting them to discuss recent developments and challenges in the glamping industry.
Todd Wynne-Parry, and Zach Stoltenberg, from Clockwork, shared their expertise in outdoor hospitality design. Zach emphasized the importance of being proactive with local authorities to ensure project approvals, sharing success stories of gaining unanimous approvals through early and continuous engagement with planning and zoning departments.
Chris Jeub, known as the Glamping Guy, narrated his recent experience of securing a special use permit in Monument, Colorado, despite neighborhood opposition. He underscored the significance of building relationships with both neighbors and bureaucrats, stressing that persistence and clear communication can turn opposition into support.
The discussion then shifted to the legal and regulatory challenges faced by glamping operators. Zach and Chris both highlighted the necessity of educating local authorities and communities about the benefits and low-impact nature of glamping compared to other developments. Todd added to this by mentioning a recent Supreme Court ruling that could influence how agencies regulate the industry.
Angele Miller, from Creekside RnR Glamping, discussed the evolving regulatory landscape in the glamping sector and emphasized the importance of educating local commissions about the positive impact of glamping on the environment and local economy.
Special guest Suzanne Hammond from Top of the Woods provided a detailed account of how her glamping site integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations. Suzanne shared how their business model dedicates a significant portion of their land to wildlife preservation and how they engage guests in sustainable practices, from tree planting to using compost toilets and maintaining tents instead of frequently replacing them.
Suzanne also highlighted how sustainability and local craftsmanship enhance the guest experience, creating a unique and memorable stay that aligns with guests’ growing interest in eco-friendly travel. She illustrated this with examples of using local materials for furnishings and creating products like wash bags from decommissioned tents, which not only reduce waste but also support local artisans.
The conversation concluded with each guest sharing their contact information and expressing their commitment to continuing the dialogue on enhancing the glamping experience through sustainability and community engagement. The episode showcased a rich exchange of ideas and strategies, providing valuable insights for anyone involved in or considering entering the glamping industry.
About MC Fireside Chats
Hosted by Brian Searl, CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, MC Fireside Chats airs live every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET). The show brings together industry experts to discuss the latest in camping, glamping, RVing, and more. For a recap of previous episodes, visit moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.