Another exciting episode awaits listeners next week as experts and enthusiasts join the panel for MC Fireside Chats on November 23, 2022 to share their unique perspectives on the RV and outdoor recreation industries.
Hosts Brian Searl and Cara Csizmadia will be joined by returning guests: Phil Ingrassia, President at the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA); Eleanore Hamm, President at RVDA of Canada; Shane Devenish, Executive Director at the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association; Kurt Repanshek of National Parks Traveler; and Susan Carpenter of the RV Women’s Alliance. These recurring guests are set to discuss key trends and the latest news in the industry.
Joining them are full-time RVers Peggy and Andy Staver of Our Downsized Life and Lauren and Jon Gusanders of Wander on Wheels to provide a consumer perspective, sharing their experiences on the road and their work as champions of the RV lifestyle.
Next week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats will be sponsored by Campspot, a campground management software that provides a modern booking experience through powerful tools built to save owners time and money.
November 16 Episode Recap
Last Wednesday’s special episode was broadcasted live from the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Convention & Expo 2022 in Orlando, Florida which featured key representatives from KOA: CEO Toby O’Rourke; Oak Property Management Senior Director for Marketing and Revenue Management Kimberly Wootteon; Brigham City KOA CEO James Settlemire; JH Consulting Solutions Founder and Sandusky/Bayshore KOA Manager Jeff Hoffman; Raton, New Mexico’s Grant Robertson; and KCN Campgrounds’ Nate Thompson.
The episode focused mainly on the work that KOA has done in the industry and how it is heading into the future with its many campgrounds all across the country.
O’Rourke opened the discussion by touching on KOA’s new direction and refreshed mentality moving forward, having experienced the association’s “best year in [their] history.” For O’Rourke, this meant looking back at the 60 years of KOA’s existence with a renewed perspective—”thinking like a startup” as O’Rourke put it.
With many of their competitors from 60 years ago no longer existing, she believes it is important to keep looking for ways to improve: researching and investing in new technology, data analysis, and other modern equipment that can help them and their franchisees reach the next level.
Thompson, a first-timer at the convention, shared how impressed he was with KOA and their use of data analytics which allowed them to make better business decisions. He added that he wants to keep using the organization’s support and technology to help grow and improve his campground and that he loved the startup mentality since he started in a few tech companies in the past.
Meanwhile, an attendee for 20 years, Robertson said that people have become more interactive with each other, sharing tips and strategies on how to improve their respective campgrounds.
“They don’t ask franchisees to change without trying some actions first. KOA doesn’t demand change [immediately]. They first suggest action plans and what could work, helping [franchisees] slowly but surely adapt to the changing times without disrupting them too much,” he said.
James. the guests coming in has changed, and they are not just staying in their RV, they want to go around the area and experience the outdoors. He likes the experience of trying something new and learning from it. He is excited about how KOA will understand the new guest demographic coming in their campgrounds.
According to Hoffman, KOA does a great job of helping its people, both new and older members, providing the support that they need and constantly innovating and looking for new solutions to help all franchisees grow.
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/
Doesn’t it pique your interest when they talk about sustainable RV practices and the future of outdoor fun at the KOA Convention? The episode hints at some cool partnerships on the horizon, promising a ton of fresh insights and fun experiences for us to anticipate. Can’t wait!
Get excited for the upcoming MC Fireside Chats episode! We’re diving into the latest RV tech and camping tips with industry pros and full-time RVers. It’s gonna be a blast sharing insights and hacks for enhancing your outdoor adventures. Can’t wait to learn and chat with you all!