Leaders from different sectors of the outdoor hospitality and recreation are set to share the latest news and perspectives on another episode of MC Fireside Chats airing live on March 29 at 2 pm ET.
Hosts Brian Searl and Cara Csizmadia will be joined by Michael Crowe, Melissa Crowe, Chandler Cooper and Kay Rodriguez.
Michael and Melissa Crowe, founders of Mitten Getaways Glamping Company, have meticulously researched the national glamping market, exploring available accommodation vendors and potential resort sites. Their efforts have culminated in an impressive 66-page business plan for their dream glamping venture.
Cooper, as the President of SkillAbove, oversees the development and production of tools for mobile RV technicians, RV owners, and dealership technicians. Also, Cooper instructs at the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) in Athens, Texas, specializing in RV exteriors and hydraulic systems.
Rodriguez, the CEO and Founder of Outerly, has created a social discovery app for outdoor activities. In addition, she founded Urban Outdoors, an online media company that produces digital guides to outdoor activities in cities.
The guests will discuss their experiences working across different areas of the outdoor hospitality industry, and how they are helping pave the way for its progress.
March 22 Episode Recap
In last week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosts Brian Searl and Cara Csizmadia were joined by industry experts Eleanore Hamm, President at RVDA of Canada, Susan Carpenter from the RV Women’s Alliance, and special guests Bob Zagami and John DiPietro from NERVDA to discuss the latest news, trends, and commentary from the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, with a focus on the RV industry.
Zagami and DiPietro shared their experiences in RVing in New England and discussed their Camper Report Show, an industry resource that covers news from the corporate side to campers. DiPietro mentioned that enthusiasm at RV shows is high, and there is a noticeable diversity in demographics among attendees.
Zagami shared that dealers are reporting strong sales despite fewer people attending the shows, indicating that those who do come are making purchases. Susan Carpenter echoed the sentiment, pointing out the increasing diversity among people from different walks of life and backgrounds at the shows and campgrounds. The experts also discussed the importance of inclusivity in the industry.
The panelists emphasized the unique and magical quality of the camping community, highlighting that there are no barriers in a campground, and everyone is equal in the great outdoors. The social aspect of camping and the sense of community that it fosters are also key elements in its appeal.
In terms of innovation, the discussion turned to why campgrounds aren’t starting RV service centers and the relationship between dealers and campground owners. As the market evolves and demographics change, the experts consider the question of how campground owners can differentiate themselves to stay competitive.
The discussion provided valuable insights into the current state and future trends of the RV industry and the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. The focus on diversity, inclusivity, and community, along with the need for innovation and differentiation, will likely shape the industry’s direction in the years to come.
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/