The 1st Annual Campground Owners Expo finished strong with seminars, recognition, sharing of ideas, and a drawing of a lucky attendee who won a trip to their location of choice.
Over 250 attendees were all smiles throughout the four-day show in Branson, Missouri. The whole week was spent well with networking, fun activities, and seminars on topics ranging from marketing, rates, store displays, customer service, dealing with employees, and more.
COE’s first day began with learning sessions geared towards helping campground owners broaden their knowledge about the industry.
The following day saw the opening of the trade show where attendees connected with over 100 vendors. There was also a session with Street Fighter Marketing’s Jeff Slutsky about Mastering the Art of Out-Thinking, Not Out-Spending the Competition. What followed was an awards ceremony and a live auction. The proceeds were allocated to support the Gilbert Brown Foundation.
Day three was a day full of fun with the Presleys’ Country Jubilee and the expo’s wrap-up.
Reinforcing the importance of education and connections, COE’s last day was full of educational sessions. Attendees at the cracker barrel also shared ideas about saving money, time, and resources; generating revenue; and making business easier.
Throughout the show, members of the camping industry collected tickets for attending seminars and other expo events. On the last day, a drawing determined the winner who received a free one-week trip for two to the location of their choice. The winner was given the option of picking among destinations throughout the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
With its success, the organizers are brewing a second COE in Branson.
Organized by Lori Severson (Severson & Associates) and Bud Styer (Bud Styer & Associates), the inaugural Campground Owners Expo (COE) was held at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel from December 15 through 18.
Can you believe what went down at the Campground Owners Expo? Attendees were so hyped up during networking, they were already planning their next camping trip! Vendors even dared attendees to pitch a tent blindfolded – talk about living on the edge!