Is your unique glamping tent or custom-built splash pad truly covered when disaster strikes? Modern Campground invites outdoor hospitality professionals to dive deep into crucial risk management and insurance strategies with this week’s MC Fireside Chats, presented on September 16, 2026 at 2 PM ET.
The upcoming episode, focusing on Business Operations & Management, will feature a robust panel of recurring industry experts, including Jeff Hoffman, Board Member of OHI; RV Industry Advisor Sandy Ellingson; Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of CRR Hospitality; Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RnR Glamping; Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched Management; Casey Cochran, Vice President of Business Development at Campspot; and John McMahon, Operations Director at Camp Door County RV Resort & Campground.
This week, the conversation shifts to safeguarding investments with special guests Peter Lovering, Business Development Specialist, and James Grant, President, both from Signature Risk Partners Inc.. They will share invaluable insights on de-risking your campground operations, ensuring that both standard facilities and distinctive amenities are protected against the unexpected.
Lovering and Grant will illuminate smart insurance strategies, helping park owners navigate complex policies to shield their unique attractions—from themed glamping units to custom recreational facilities—against everything from natural disasters to seasonal liabilities, a topic that often keeps operators up at night.
Previous Episode Recap
The September 9, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, delved into the transformative power of hyper-curated guest experiences in outdoor hospitality. Joining Searl were recurring guests Zachary Stoltenberg from LJA, Jayne Cohen from Campground Consulting Group, and Tom Mason from IVEE, alongside special guests Joe and Veronika Knihnitski, owners and operators of Prairie Junction RV Resort.
The discussion underscored a significant industry shift where experiences, not just accommodations, are the primary product. The Knihnitskis shared their success story of converting a traditional RV park into a destination with 16 highly themed glamping units and unique, low-cost experiential amenities like hand-built “hillbilly hot tubs” and inflatable movie screens, which rapidly generated guest loyalty and five-star reviews. They also modernized backend technology to streamline guest bookings and payment systems.
Emphasizing that impressive amenities do not require massive capital, Joe Knihnitski highlighted the quick return on investment for creative additions. Jayne Cohen validated this approach, noting the consistent popularity of cabins and rentals while reminding operators not to overlook the core camping experience. The Knihnitskis also attributed their consistent high reviews to an empowered staff, a zero-tolerance policy for toxic behavior, and treating guests like family, even as Tom Mason from IVEE noted the challenges of scaling such intimate hospitality across larger portfolios. They are now expanding with “Prairie Haven,” featuring geodesic domes, and actively seeking to acquire more properties, proving the viability of experience-driven growth.
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: Marketing, AI and Technology
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.
