RV and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, prepare for another insightful session of MC Fireside Chats. Mark your calendars for an exhilarating episode on August 23rd at 2 pm EST with live broadcast on Facebook and YouTube.
Host Brian Searl, will be joined by recurring 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; and Susan Carpenter of the RV Women’s Alliance.
Special guests Deryle Jensen, President at RV Wheelator President, Coley Brady Co-founder at Alliance Recreational Vehicles and Jeremy Greene, Senior Director of Events & Marketing of RV Industry Association.
Deryle will delve into the innovative concept behind his RV Wheelator, a dynamic RV buying and selling enterprise.
Coley will recount his journey, offering insights from his fresh perspective since entering the industry in 2019.
Monika will highlight the RV Sales and Economic Indicators, shedding light on the recent dip in RV sales and its broader economic ramifications. She will also address the concept of Industry Normalization, interpreting the recent slump in the RV sector as a “normalization” after the surge of record shipments the previous year.
Furthermore, Monika will speak on the evolving Diversity in the RV Industry, emphasizing how the RV lifestyle is attracting a younger and more varied demographic with an influx of new enthusiasts.
Next week’s episode of MC Fireside Chats is sponsored by AccessParks, a leading broadband service provider that caters to hundreds of thousands of guests every month in RV parks, lodges, and some of the largest national parks across the country.
August 16th Episode Recap
In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, presented by Modern Campground, a lively discussion unfolded around the topic of family preferences at resorts and campgrounds. Host Brian Searl was joined by recurring guests Joe Duemig from App My Community and Sean Vidrine from Four Points RV Resorts, and special guestLee Anne Miracle from Tiger Trail RV Resort , each bringing their unique perspectives to the table.
Joe Duemig began by emphasizing the importance of amenities in attracting families to resorts. He shared personal anecdotes about how his children are particularly drawn to resorts that offer features like lazy rivers, swimming pools, and fun water slides. Joe recounted a memorable visit to the Jellystone in Pittsfield, highlighting how such amenities make certain resorts more memorable for children and increase the likelihood of return visits.
Sean Vidrine, who manages the Jellystone in Pittsfield, chimed in with details about the park’s vast array of water equipment. He proudly mentioned the recent additions to the park, including two large water slides and jumping pillows. Sean also delved into the strategic aspect of park management, discussing the balance between expanding amenities and increasing the number of sites and cabins. He emphasized the importance of analyzing demand and ensuring that amenities cater to the needs of the guests.
Lee Anne Miracle introduced the upcoming Tiger Trails RV Resort, slated to open on September 1st. She explained the inspiration behind the resort’s name, drawing a connection to the local sports team’s mascot, the Tigers. Lee Anne’s enthusiasm for the new resort was palpable, and she extended an invitation to Joe and his family to experience the amenities firsthand.
The conversation then shifted to the concept of day-use offerings. Sean elaborated on how parks could generate additional revenue by allowing non-staying visitors to use their amenities for a fee. He mentioned that such offerings are market-specific and need to be balanced to ensure that they don’t impact the experience of staying guests.
Joe appreciated the idea of day-use offerings, especially during off-peak days. He shared insights from another customer in Louisiana who successfully implemented a day-use program, allowing locals to enjoy the park’s amenities during specific time slots.
The panel also touched upon the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Joe emphasized how positive experiences at campgrounds can lead to long-term brand loyalty, with families recommending the resorts to friends and relatives.
As the discussion neared its end, Brian highlighted the importance of understanding guest preferences and continuously evolving to meet their needs. He expressed interest in revisiting the topic in the future to gauge the progress of the discussed strategies.
In conclusion, the episode of MC Fireside Chats provided valuable insights into the world of resorts and campgrounds. The shared experiences and strategies underscored the importance of guest-centric amenities and the potential for innovative revenue streams.
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/