In a momentous industry development, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has initiated a rebrand, ushering in a new era for the organization and the outdoor hospitality sector as a whole.
This landmark transformation unveils the organization under its new name, “OHI,” signifying a resolute commitment to steer the outdoor hospitality industry towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
The rebranding announcement was made during a special presentation at the annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE), held in Kansas City, MO, happening from November 6 to 9.
Paul Bambei, president and CEO of OHI, underscored the elevated expectations for the organization in light of the booming outdoor recreation industry.
“In an era of booming outdoor recreation, the expectation for our organization to direct the bright future of outdoor hospitality for all our current and future members is higher than ever,” Bambei said.
OHI’s rebranding is the outcome of an exhaustive year-long effort that encompassed member surveys, in-depth interviews, ideation workshops, and extensive collaborative sessions with key industry stakeholders.
David Basler, chief strategy officer of OHI, emphasized the inclusivity of this initiative, bringing together a wide spectrum of participants representing single park owners, multi-park owners, suppliers, state leaders, and individuals new to the industry, alongside those who have called this industry home for decades.
“Last year, we embarked on this project to better understand how our organization should show up, evolve, and elevate our brand for this exciting time in our industry, and of course, our members,” Basler added.
The last time the national organization serving the industry sought to redefine its identity was over three decades ago, in 1992, when it adopted the name “National ARVC” by adding the initials “RV” to better reflect the industry’s changing landscape.
In the current context, the decision to rebrand OHI is prompted by the evolving nature of the industry. An extensive survey conducted over the past year revealed that nearly 80% of participants felt that the name “National ARVC” no longer adequately encompassed the breadth of the industry, especially considering where it stands today and where it is headed in the future.
With an impressive history spanning almost six decades, OHI is poised to become the most trusted and influential voice for all outdoor hospitality businesses. The organization has positioned itself at the forefront of the rapidly expanding and dynamic outdoor hospitality industry. OHI’s unparalleled breadth of perspective, combined with its hard-earned trust, well-established resources, and practical expertise, uniquely equips it to spearhead the next stages of the outdoor hospitality industry.
As part of this rebrand, OHI will soon introduce a new website, OHI.ORG, offering a revitalized platform to cater to the industry’s diverse needs and to facilitate easier access to information and resources for its members.
The rebranding of the National ARVC to OHI holds great promise for the entire campground and outdoor hospitality industry.
By embracing this transformation, the industry’s premier organization is better equipped to lead the way and drive innovation in outdoor hospitality. OHI’s renewed identity signifies a commitment to understanding the evolving needs of campers, RVers, and adventurers while catering to the ever-changing landscape of outdoor recreation.
Featured image from Modern Campground.