Join us on January 8th at 2 PM EST as we launch a refreshed and reimagined MC Fireside Chats for 2025. This year, we’re diving deeper into the trends, innovations, and strategies shaping the outdoor hospitality industry.
For the first episode of the year, we’ll explore practical and impactful ways to elevate guest experiences at campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts. From personalized services and guest feedback to innovative amenities, technology integration, and exceptional customer service, we’ll discuss how to create memorable stays that keep guests coming back.
The conversation will bring together insights from industry leaders Casey Cochran of Campspot, Zach Stoltenberg of Clockwork, Joe Duemig of App My Community, Kevin Thueson of KCN Campgrounds, and Scott Foos of Horizon Outdoor Hospitality.
Joining them are two special guests: Lelah Campo, owner of Cozy Hills Campground, and Brittany Mathis, owner of The Quarry Campground. Together, this diverse panel will share their expertise, experiences, and fresh perspectives, setting the stage for an exciting year in outdoor hospitality.
Don’t miss this exciting start to the year. Be part of the conversation as we inspire the outdoor hospitality industry to reach new heights in 2025.
This episode is sponsored by Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, a company known for its comprehensive third-party management and consulting solutions for RV resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, glamping sites, and outdoor destinations. They offer a tailored approach to each property, ensuring innovative and effective solutions to find efficiencies and increase revenue, regardless of the size, location, or market of the business.
December 18th Episode Recap
The final 2024 episode of MC Fireside Chats brought together a dynamic panel of outdoor hospitality experts reflecting on the year’s achievements and sharing strategies for 2025. Hosted by Brian Searl, the panel included Sarah Krause, Kaylee Pace, Richard Chandler, Amir Harpaz, Matt Bragstad, Derry Green, Suzanne (Soo) Hammond, and Marcia Galvin. A key theme throughout the discussion was guest experience enhancements through storytelling, community involvement, and innovative offerings.
The conversation opened with Matt Bragstad of Your Glamping Adventure, who celebrated a remarkable year marked by quadrupled accommodations. He attributed this success to social media influence and tourism partnerships, expressing confidence in glamping’s growing popularity heading into 2025.
Building on the theme of adapting to market changes, Amir Harpaz from Harp Development predicted a shift toward long-term camping due to affordability concerns and evolving traveler preferences. He emphasized balancing park amenities with revenue strategies to remain competitive.
Richard Chandler, owner of Glacier Valley Campground, echoed this sentiment by highlighting his campground’s success through themed events and a boosted social media presence. His proactive approach to extending the camping season and maximizing midweek occupancy became a focal point of his 2025 goals.
Infrastructure upgrades and customer service also played a key role in operational success. Sarah Krause of Kinney Lake Campground shared her experience of a strong comeback year, supported by a top-tier team and planned improvements such as a customer-focused reservation system and a new campground management course.
The discussion then turned to innovation through storytelling. Derry Green of The Secret Garden Glamping in the UK credited social media-driven storytelling for transforming his business, fueled by an investment from a reality TV pitch. He hinted at ambitious international expansion plans.
Expanding on the power of authentic experiences, Suzanne (Soo) Hammond of Top of the Woods in Wales highlighted her eco-friendly corporate retreats and upcoming ventures, including a nature spa and a YouTube cooking channel. She underscored the value of local partnerships in shaping guest experiences.
Kaylee Pace of Big Tex Campgrounds offered a personal perspective on managing business growth while raising a family. Hiring a manager allowed her to focus on strategic improvements inspired by industry conferences, setting a strong foundation for future growth.
The discussion concluded with Marcia Galvin, President of the Northeast Campground Association, emphasizing nostalgia-driven family camping at Normandy Farms. Looking ahead, she stressed the importance of staff retention and meaningful guest engagement as essential pillars of long-term success.
The conversation concluded with a collective focus on improving guest experiences through thoughtful design, innovative amenities, and personalized marketing strategies. The panel’s shared enthusiasm underscored a promising future for the outdoor hospitality industry in 2025.
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.
