As the month draws to a close, it’s time once again for the RV and outdoor recreation industry episode of MC Fireside Chats. Don’t miss out on the upcoming episode on March 27th, 2024, at 2 PM EST, where we’ll dive into the latest trends and insights in the RV and outdoor recreation sector.
Guests Phil Ingrassia, president at the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA); Eleanore Hamm, president at the RVDA of Canada; Shane Devenish, executive director at the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association; and Susan Carpenter from the RV Women’s Alliance will return to join our host, Brian Searl.
The upcoming episode promises to be insightful, featuring special guests Rich Schnippel, founder of Encore RV; Debbie Brunoforte, president of Little Dealer Little Prices RV; and John Harris, CEO and founder of Harbinger Motors.
This episode is proudly sponsored by AccessParks, the premier broadband service provider serving numerous guests in RV parks, lodges, and national parks nationwide.
March 20th Episode Recap
In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, a diverse panel of outdoor hospitality experts gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of campground and RV park development. The episode featured insights from Candice McNamara, Nate Thompson, Greg Emmert, Tyler Watts, Ed Bridgman, Moriah Abbott, Joe Duemig, and Scott Knepp, each bringing a unique perspective to the table.
Candice McNamara, highlighting the importance of choosing the right reservation software, emphasized the multifaceted nature of the industry. Whether through building, buying, or affiliating with brands like Jellystone or KOA, McNamara pointed out the necessity of innovation and the role of technology in connecting with guests. She advocated for waitlisting and proactive communication as tools for building anticipation and engagement even before a park opens.
Nate Thompson shared his experience with KCN Campgrounds, focusing on the value of data in making informed decisions about park expansion and development. He discussed the recent acquisition of a Gettysburg PA KOA, illustrating the importance of understanding a property’s potential for expansion and the need for thorough due diligence to uncover any potential issues that could impact development plans.
Greg Emmert spoke to the philosophical aspects of campground development, stressing the importance of having a clear vision and story for a park. He argued that every aspect of a campground, from its layout to its operations, should reflect this vision to create a cohesive and compelling guest experience.
Tyler Watts, sharing his journey of developing Broad River Campground from scratch, highlighted the learning curves and the importance of adaptability. He discussed the challenges of working with septic systems and the benefits of engaging with the local community and industry peers to learn from their experiences.
Ed Bridgman, an expert in RV destination types, emphasized the importance of building the right type of facility for the local market. He cautioned against turning an existing property into something it’s not and underscored the value of understanding the local market to ensure the success of a development project.
Moriah Abbott, representing Binghamton Jellystone Park, shared her approach to creating “wow moments” and memories for families. She discussed the park’s focus on catering to the needs of young families and the ongoing expansion efforts to accommodate larger RVs and provide more amenities.
Joe Duemig introduced the concept of using mobile apps, like App My Community, for guest engagement and feedback. He highlighted the potential of technology to enhance the guest experience and the importance of gathering data directly from guests to inform development decisions.
Scott Knepp discussed the challenges and opportunities of managing properties with varying needs and histories. He emphasized the importance of aligning the physical development of a park with its operational vision and the guest experience it aims to provide.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists shared a common theme: the importance of understanding the market, engaging with guests, and leveraging data and technology to inform development decisions. They highlighted the collaborative nature of the outdoor hospitality industry and the value of sharing experiences and learning from one another.
The episode of MC Fireside Chats provided a comprehensive overview of the complexities involved in developing and operating campgrounds and RV parks. Through the insights of the panelists, listeners gained a deeper understanding of the strategic considerations necessary to succeed in the outdoor hospitality 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.
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/
Get ready to be wowed by the upcoming MC Fireside Chats episode! Encore RV, Little Dealer Little Prices RV, and Harbinger Motors will be diving into the future of RV and outdoor fun. Their insights are sure to give us a cool new view of the recreational vehicle scene and outdoor adventures.
You’re in for a treat! Ever thought about the innovations Encore RV, Little Dealer Little Prices RV, and Harbinger Motors are cooking up? The future of outdoor adventures is looking brighter than ever with these industry players on the horizon! Keep an eye out for game-changing developments!
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the upcoming MC Fireside Chats episode. It’s going to be a cozy and insightful discussion featuring Encore RV, Little Dealer Little Prices RV, and Harbinger Motors. You won’t want to Miss out on the chance to learn from these industry leaders!
Isn’t it funny how we’re looking forward to the next MC Fireside Chats? Can’t wait for the lively chat with Encore RV, Little Dealer Little Prices RV, and Harbinger Motors! It’s bound to be a gem, sharing fresh insights on the RV world. Ready to soak up that knowledge nugget with me?
Ever thought about what’s cooler than roasting marshmallows over a campfire? How about camping spots going green with solar panels and eco-friendly features to attract nature lovers and help the planet!
There’s something special about delving into exciting conversations around an inviting campfire. It’s a chance to ignite your curiosity and connect in a meaningful way. Let’s explore how eco-friendly camping could bring us closer to nature and each other. Thank you for the inspiration!
Guess what? The next MC Fireside Chats episode is going to be awesome! We’ll have some cool guests from Encore RV, Little Dealer Little Prices RV, and Harbinger Motors chatting about all things RVs. It’s going to be super informative and fun – can’t wait to tune in!
Can you believe the wealth of insights we’ll get from the upcoming MC Fireside Chats episode? 🌟 Encore RV, Little Dealer Little Prices RV, and Harbinger Motors will give us their take on campground and RV park development. It’s gonna be a journey through sustainability and cutting-edge tech shaping outdoor hospitality! 🏕️
Did you catch that chat about S’mores secrets and raccoon mishaps at the campground? Adding extra chocolate for happy campers is genius! What a wild surprise with the mascot mix-up!