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MC Fireside Chats: Industry Insight from Expert Panel on Outdoor Hospitality Trends

Join us on Wednesday, June 7th at 2 PM EST for an exhilarating new installment of MC Fireside Chats as we welcome the dawn of a fresh month. Engage with us as we plunge into cutting-edge revelations from the Outdoor Hospitality Industry – invaluable insights you simply cannot afford to miss. Brace yourself for a journey of enlightenment and inspiration.

Hosts Brian Searl and Cara Csizmadia will be joined by recurring guests Horizon Outdoor Hospitality CEO Scott Foos, Campspot Vice President for Business Development Casey Cochran, Campground Views Founder and CEO Mark Koep, RV industry advisor Sandy Ellingson, and Christine Taylor of  Towne Law Firm

Get set for a thought-provoking chat about the ever-changing world of outdoor hospitality and recreation. Our expert panel, with their wide-ranging backgrounds and specialties, will share their unique views and wealth of experience.

Together, we’ll dig into the key issues faced by this vibrant industry. We’ll discuss hot topics and fresh news that campground owners and operators need to know. From green practices and tech advances to improving customer service and sparking industry innovation, we’ve got it all covered.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this conversation and gain valuable insights into the future of outdoor hospitality. Mark your calendar for Wednesday and join a discussion that’s sure to inform and inspire you.

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.

May 31  Episode Recap

In the May 31 episode of MC Fireside Chats presented by Modern Campground, host Brian Searl engaged a panel of camping industry experts, including Hipcamp CEO Alyssa Ravasio, National Parks Service National Campground Program Manager, David Miyako , Lahave River Campground Owner Jamie Lee Arseneau and Blackstrap Glamping Owner Joshua Turner. 

Brian introduced the session by discussing the universal aspect of “glamping” and how it varies based on individual experiences and expectations. He also emphasized the historical experiences of soldiers and the potential influence on their perception of living conditions. He ends by discussing the rise of RVing, suggesting that the industry could benefit from marketing strategies emphasizing the ease and diversity of camping experiences.

Alyssa Ravasio, explained the company’s mission to increase access to beautiful private lands for camping. She introduces their new iPhone app and collaboration with national and state parks. Alyssa shares her personal camping experiences and advocates for diverse and affordable camping options. She emphasized the lack of a universal definition for “glamping,” leading to different expectations among campers. Alyssa also shared the benefits of spending time outdoors, backed by scientific research, and outlined Hipcamp’s aim to simplify the process of finding campsites by partnering with property management systems. She then delves into the unique offerings of Hipcamp and its integration with various property management systems, stressing the significance of glamping spaces and their evolution over the years. Lastly, Alyssa advocates for the inclusivity of all forms of outdoor accommodation in camping.

David Miyako, acknowledged the varying quality of national park campgrounds across the U.S and his role in addressing these issues. He revealed plans to improve the recreational.gov platform for campers and indicated that the National Park Service is open to adding glamping units within parks, though the focus currently lies on basic infrastructure improvements. David highlighted the “Park Rx” initiative, encouraging people to use parks for mental and physical healing, and the challenges faced in maintaining facilities due to funding issues.

Jamie Lee talked about her transition to campground ownership amidst the Covid pandemic. Jamie also shared about the potential of working with platforms like Hipcamp, which could bring new traffic to her site. She also shared her observations on the positive impact of camping on mental health and her interest in unique accommodation ideas like converted school buses, shipping containers, and the tiny home movement. She concluded by stressing the importance of easy camping solutions for those new to camping or those with limited preparation time.

Lastly, Joshua Turner mentioned the leasing of a location in a Provincial Park to offer a separate glamping experience within park amenities. Joshua revealed his plans for a new glamping resort with geodesic domes ready for visitors by mid-July, along with unique shelter ideas for the future.

Overall, the episode offered insightful perspectives on the ever-evolving camping and outdoor recreation industry. The discussion spans across an array of topics, from the definition and popularity of glamping, the challenges and rewards of running a campground, the significance of investing in public lands, the impact of outdoor activities on mental health, to the rise of RVing and strategies to cater to this trend.

The conversations underscored the industry’s efforts to provide a range of camping experiences, to adapt to changing camper preferences and to ensure accessibility and sustainability of outdoor recreation for all. By addressing these themes, the discussion highlighted the necessity of flexibility, creativity, and forward-thinking in navigating the future of the camping industry.

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/

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JulietEcho
JulietEcho
February 23, 2024 6:34 pm

Wondering about the future of outdoor hospitality? Join industry experts for insights and tips to elevate your business. Captivating!

ElizaFrost
ElizaFrost
February 25, 2024 4:23 pm
Reply to  JulietEcho

I couldn’t be more thrilled to share that the outdoor hospitality scene is buzzing with fresh ideas and possibilities! The industry is constantly changing, presenting new chances for growth and inventive experiences for guests. With exciting potential on the horizon, there’s no telling where this journey will take us. It’s a vibrant world out there, ready to be explored and embraced by all who seek adventure and relaxation in nature’s embrace.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: MC Fireside Chats: Industry Insight from Expert Panel on Outdoor Hospitality Trends! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/mc-fireside-chats-industry-insight-from-expert-panel-on-outdoor-hospitality-trends/