Love Month is here, and what better way to kick it off than with insights you’ll love? Join us on February 4, 2026, from 2 PM to 3 PM ET as we dive into the latest data, trends, and innovations shaping outdoor hospitality. Don’t miss our first episode of the month!
Brian searl will be joined by recurring guests Scott Bahr, President of Cairn Consulting Group; Simon Neal, Founder and CEO of CampMap; Miguel Huerta, President of the Mexican Glamping Association; Rafael Correa, President and CFO of Blue Water Development Corp; Eleanore Hamm, President ofRVDA Canada, and Phil Ingrassia, Executive Director of RVDA.
Featuring Simon Stockner, Co-Owner of Kispiox River Lodge, and Duncan Waterman, Director of Sales at Roomstay, this panel will unpack how the outdoor hospitality industry is evolving — from shifting guest expectations and emerging revenue opportunities to the technologies accelerating market growth.
Join host Brian Searl and respected industry experts as we break down what’s happening right now and what’s coming next for campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts.
January 28th Episode Recap
On January 28th, 2026, host Brian Searl convened a dynamic panel of industry leaders for an episode of MC Fireside Chats focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology, and outdoor hospitality. Brian Searl, the founder of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, opened the session by welcoming recurring guests Matt Whitermore, Mychele Bisson, and Kurtis Wilkins, while introducing special guest Sandrine Zechbauer from RMS Cloud. The conversation immediately centered on how rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping the management of campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts globally.
Matt Whitermore, Director of Market Expansion at Climb Capital and Unhitched Management, shared his personal evolution from an AI novice to a proficient user. He detailed his extensive use of tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Whisper Flow to manage a growing portfolio that now includes 32 parks and nearly 3,500 campsites. Matt emphasized the importance of “prompt engineering” and his recent transition to using “Claude Skills” to create precise, systematic workflows for his business operations. He noted that integrating AI into his daily routine, even while exercising on a treadmill, has been life-changing for his productivity.
Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures and Wave Haven Resorts, provided an owner’s perspective on the practical application of these technologies. Operating ten parks and four marinas from Alaska to Florida, Mychele discussed her current efforts to revamp company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using internal AI systems. She expressed a desire to balance high-tech efficiency with the high-touch nature of hospitality, noting that automating backend tasks allows her staff to focus more on creating meaningful, one-on-one “core memories” for visiting families.
Kurtis Wilkins, a Private Equity Analyst with RJourney and Advanced Outdoor Management, offered insights into the strategic side of automation. Managing over 60 branded and unbranded locations across the US, Kurtis argued that the goal of automation is not to replace human interaction but to enhance its quality. He suggested that by “feeding clean data” into AI systems to handle mundane tasks, hospitality providers can afford to spend more time on the “beating drums and rolling out carpet” aspects of guest service that truly define the industry.
Sandrine Zechbauer, Chief Marketing Officer at RMS Cloud, brought a global and technological perspective to the panel from the United Kingdom. Representing a property management system (PMS) with roots in Australia and a strong presence in the US, Sandrine highlighted that AI is no longer optional for tech providers. She explained how RMS is adopting an “AI first” mandate to accelerate software updates and improve modules like housekeeping. Sandrine noted that AI chatbots can handle 80% of common guest inquiries—such as pool hours or firewood availability—providing instant service that often surpasses human availability.
The panel delved into a deep discussion regarding the psychological shifts in modern travelers, particularly Gen Z. Brian Searl referenced recent research indicating that younger generations are not necessarily looking for “fast Wi-Fi” but rather a sense of security and guidance in an outdoor environment they find unfamiliar. The group discussed how hospitality must adapt to these shifting demographics, where “human in the loop” services become a choice for guests who may want deep solitude one day and vibrant community connection the next.
Matt Whitermore shared a poignant anecdote about his own history of loneliness as a digital financial analyst, which drove him to buy his first campground in the Catskill Mountains to reconnect with nature and people. This led to a broader conversation about the “loneliness epidemic” and how campgrounds serve as a vital antidote. The panel agreed that technology should serve to bridge the gap between being digitally connected and being humanly disconnected, ensuring that the outdoor industry remains a sanctuary for real-world interaction.
The technical segment of the show explored the future of “agent-to-agent” communication. Brian and the guests envisioned a world where a traveler’s personal AI agent calls a campground’s AI agent to negotiate specific needs, such as the safety features of a playground for a clumsy child. Sandrine and Kurtis discussed the importance of exposing “endpoints” to these agents so that information can be shared seamlessly without a traditional phone call, though they acknowledged that many parks are still in the intermediary phase of transitioning from Excel spreadsheets to basic booking engines.
During the “ask a question” segment, the guests swapped insights on various topics. Matt recommended ChatGPT as the best starting point for beginners due to its extensive educational resources. Sandrine questioned Kurtis on the current state of the US real estate market, to which Kurtis responded with a “bullish” outlook, citing suppressed values due to high interest rates as a prime opportunity for investment. Brian added that the UK caravan and glamping market might currently offer an even easier path to ownership than the US for someone in Sandrine’s position.
The episode concluded with each participant sharing where they could be found online for further collaboration. Mychele Bisson directed listeners to her personal website and YouTube channel, Matt Whitermore highlighted his “Outdoor Hospitality Weekly” newsletter on LinkedIn, and Kurtis Wilkins pointed toward RJourney and Advanced Outdoor Management. Sandrine Zechbauer invited connections via RMS Cloud and LinkedIn, while Brian Searl closed the session by inviting the audience to join his next deep-dive data discussion with Scott Bahr.
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: RV Industry, Outdoor Recreation & Activities
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.