Another month is about to close which means that it is time for another open discussion episode of MC Fireside Chats on February 1, 2023 at 2 PM Eastern Time.
Long-time hosts Brian Searl and Cara Csizmadia will be joined by recurring guests Intrepid Group CEO and Director for Southwest Operations Randy Hendrickson, Horizon Outdoor Hospitality CEO Scott Foos, Campspot Vice President for Business Development Casey Cochran, Campground Views Founder and CEO Mark Koep, Camping Dreams Co-Founder Ivar Mensink, and RV industry advisor Sandy Ellingson.
The group of experts from different sectors of outdoor hospitality are set to discuss pressing issues, emerging trends and the latest news from the industry.
In addition, listeners will witness the return of CampVantage, a new five-minute segment that showcases the latest AI technology that can be utilized to help the outdoor hospitality and outdoor recreation industries grow in the future.
Next week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats is sponsored by Fireside Accounting, an end-to-end accounting services provider that provides bookkeeping to campgrounds, RV parks, and RV resorts.
It allows business owners to focus on developing their business and not on data entry. Through their detailed knowledge of outdoor hospitality operations and accounting best practices, the team at Fireside Accounting has developed a comprehensive set of services for all accounting needs.
January 25 Episode Recap
This week, hosts Brian Searl and Cara Csizmadia were 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; and Susan Carpenter of the RV Women’s Alliance.
The panel dove into the latest news in the industry including the happenings in recent trade shows, new advancements in tech, and what lies ahead for the industry this year.
Carpenter observed that recent RV expos and trade shows were well-attended and received, implying that dealers are optimistic for a great year for the RV aftermarket segment.
Ingrassia agreed, noting that the industry is looking ahead, and while things are changing, the industry continues to innovate. According to him, there is an emerging trend of interest in overland camping in the recent NTP-Stag expo, implying that more young campers are looking for more experiences.
The experts also discussed the demand for RV technicians and how tech training has become more accessible, with more organizations offering training and certifications.
Hamm added that there is a huge demand for technicians in Canada, with the Canadian government offering scholarships, funding, and incentives for RV technicians.
Carpenter deduced that 2023 is looking good for the industry and campgrounds will be full.
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/
Ready to chat about all things outdoor hospitality? Let’s explore the latest trends in camping and RV parks with industry experts. This podcast promises to be super helpful! 🌲