Kick off the new month with an exciting episode of MC Fireside Chats, where we’ll dive into the latest insights from the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. Tune in on Wednesday, October 4, at 2 PM EST.
This won’t be just any episode – we’re going live from the Glamping Show USA! Join our host, Brian Searl, as he chats with familiar faces: Sandy Ellingson, RV Industry Advisor; Mike Harrison, COO of CRR Hospitality ; Cara Csizmadia, President of CCRVC; David Smith, Founder & Managing Principal of Outside Capital; and Clockwork Glamping and RV Resort Design Lead Zach Stoltenberg,
But that’s not all! We’re also featuring special guests from the exhibit: David Korse, Organizer of The Glamping Show USA; Brendan O’Molony, CEO of Tenthouse Structures; Melissa Meshey, Marketing Director at Zook Cabin; Candice McNamara, VP Business Development of Staylist and Joanna Reimann, Sales Director at Fdomes. Don’t miss out!
Tune in for an exciting blend of discussions, insights, and showcases from the world of glamping. Whether you’re a seasoned glamping enthusiast or just curious about the industry, this episode promises to offer something for everyone. From innovative designs to the latest trends, get ready for a deep dive into the glamorous world of camping. See you there!
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.
September 27 Episode Recap
In the latest episode of MC Fireside Chats sponsored by AccessParks, host Brian Searl delves into the intricacies of the RV industry and outdoor recreation. As some regular guests attend an event in Elkhart, Indiana, Brian is accompanied by Eleonore Hamm, a recurring guest, and special attendees Patrick Botticelli and Mark Harling. Eleonore underscores the significance of the Elkhart event, where manufacturers present their 2024 models. She anticipates the introduction of innovative products from emerging manufacturers and also brings attention to an upcoming convention in Vegas.
Patrick introduces his YouTube channel, “New Jersey Outdoor Adventure.” Initially focusing on mountain biking and New Jersey’s history, the channel shifted to RV tours, especially personal RV setups. Now, it primarily highlights van builds and local builders. Mark discusses the inception of Bean Trailer in 2017, identifying a market gap for off-road teardrop trailers. Their popular model, the Black Bean, is designed for off-roading, emphasizing features like air suspension and custom trailing arms. Mark stresses the importance of ergonomics in trailer design, aiming for durability and comfort.
The Hershey show in Pennsylvania becomes a focal point, where manufacturers unveil new floor plans and decors. Patrick notes the show’s success, with a slight dip in attendance initially but a quick recovery. He emphasizes the launch of several new models and the immediate availability of RVs for customers due to full dealer inventory.
Eleonore Hamm, representing the dealer’s viewpoint, suggests that dealers can use various tools and reports to analyze market trends and adjust their inventory accordingly. She also mentions the increasing focus on sustainability and electrification in the RV industry due to consumer demand and government regulations.
Mark touches upon the future direction of Bean Trailer. He observes that their most luxurious trailers are selling best and plans to expand in that direction. He challenges the perception that luxury can’t be compact, seeing potential in both high-end and value-oriented trailers.
Patrick emphasizes the need for a range of products to cater to diverse customer needs. He underscores the importance of brand loyalty and the necessity for manufacturers to have a unique selling proposition in a saturated market. The panelists discuss the shift towards luxury camping experiences and off-grid adventures. They observe a squeeze in the middle market, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Mark highlights the challenges faced by custom off-road trailer manufacturers compared to standard RVs. He believes in the advantages of being factory direct, a sentiment Patrick echoes, citing successful examples from the industry. The episode delves deep into the RV industry’s standards. Mark expresses reservations about the RVIA standard, viewing it as a minimal benchmark. However, Patrick and Eleonore defend the standard, emphasizing its role in ensuring consumer safety and peace of mind.
The episode wraps up with a nod to the future, mentioning the next episode to be broadcasted live from the glamping show in Denver, Colorado. The panelists agree on the evolving nature of the RV and camping industry, emphasizing the need for businesses to innovate and adapt.
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.
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/