Modern Campground is set to unveil the secrets to mastering digital operations and enhancing guest engagement for private campground owners and operators during its next MC Fireside Chats on February 25, 2026, at 2 PM ET.
This week’s conversation features a distinguished panel of recurring experts, including Greg Emmert, Founder of Vireo Outdoor Hospitality Consulting; Kurtis Wilkins, Private Equity Analyst for RJourney; Cara Csizmadia, President of CCRVA; Matt Whitermore, Director of Market Expansion at Climb Capital; and Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures, each bringing their unique perspectives to the forefront of outdoor hospitality.
Joining this powerhouse panel as a special guest is Patrick Mullen, SVP, Digital Operations at AffinityX, who will illuminate the pathway to leveraging digital tools for unparalleled campground success.
Don’t let your digital strategy become a relic of the past while your competitors are scaling for the future. Pull up a virtual chair and join the industry’s brightest minds to turn tech hurdles into your biggest guest-experience wins.
Last Week’s Fireside Recap
In the February 18th episode of “MC Fireside Chats,” host Brian Searl, Founder & CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, led a critical discussion on the outdoor hospitality industry’s current economic cycle. The panel, including recurring experts Jeff Hoffman of OHI, RV Industry Advisor Sandy Ellingson, Mike Harrison from CRR Hospitality, and Robert Preston of Unhitched RV, explored market corrections and the vital role of professional property management amidst shifting landscapes.
Special guest Saurav Ghosal, owner and property manager of Sojourn Lodging, offered a candid look at the challenges faced by new operators in the saturated Smoky Mountains market. The conversation delved into the implications of significant industry shifts, such as Blue Metric’s $97 million portfolio acquisition, with Robert Preston suggesting a potential increase in distressed asset acquisitions later in 2026 as some properties grapple with financial realities after the 2021-2022 boom.
Mike Harrison provided operational insights, noting that many recently developed properties are missing financial targets, drawing parallels to historical cycles in the hotel industry that ultimately lead to a healthier, more sophisticated market. The panel mentored Saurav Ghosal on navigating his “slow season,” rebranding his “Outdoor Hotel” concept into a defined glamping experience, and strategically reducing reliance on OTAs to build a loyal customer base.
Relive the full conversation and gain a deeper understanding of these crucial market dynamics: https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-February-18th-2026
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: Marketing, AI and Technology
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.