The upcoming third annual Campground Owners Expo (COE) is poised to be the largest event yet.
Slated to be held at the Hilton Branson Convention Center in Branson, Missouri, from November 29 to December 2, the COE is poised to bring together an expected 500-plus private park operators and an estimated 200 vendors from across the nation.
The robust response to the call for early registrations for the conference and tradeshow, organized by Lori Severson of Severson & Associates, underscores the industry’s eagerness to create opportunities for interaction, learning, and business growth.
In an industry where personal relationships and word-of-mouth referrals are paramount, this gathering represents an ideal opportunity for park operators to connect with suppliers, potential partners, and industry thought leaders.
To promote broader participation, the COE has unveiled a unique contest. Park operators are encouraged to recommend vendors they’d like to see at the show.
If the recommended vendor signs up, the recommending park operator is entered into a draw to potentially have their registration fee refunded. This initiative further amplifies the Expo’s collaborative spirit, fostering a truly participant-driven experience.
A prime feature of the COE is its impressive roster of guest speakers, poised to provide key insights into the operation and management of private campgrounds.
Matt Heller, a respected figure in the industry, will lead engaging sessions on employee engagement and leadership, two aspects vital for successful park operations.
Mark Koep of CampgroundViews.com will shed light on effective customer communication strategies and ways to ensure the best experience for guests.
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, park operators have a keen interest in reservation software options.
The COE is set to cater to this need with a panel of six vendors who will present their products, focusing on top features. This will provide a valuable opportunity for operators to make side-by-side comparisons and identify systems that best fit their requirements.
Aside from gaining industry insights, the event is also providing a unique platform for collaboration and networking.
Opportunities are being arranged for park operators to interact with local multigenerational family-owned businesses, which can inspire new strategies for improving customer service, marketing, and family business management.
Reflecting on the success of the 2022 “lunch-and-learn” session, Severson mentioned that such opportunities provide practical lessons for campgrounds with retail stores. She further revealed that COE 2023 will also host similar behind-the-scenes events, the details of which are to be announced soon.
Beyond the operational aspects, the COE is also facilitating discussions around the creation of state-level and regional campground associations, adding another layer of value for participants. This move could lay the groundwork for stronger regional collaboration and resource sharing.
In order to ensure a diverse representation from campgrounds, the COE is allowing park operators to bring along as many as five representatives for a single $200 registration fee.
The third annual COE looks set to provide a memorable and value-packed experience for all attendees. To register or learn more about the event, visit CampgroundOwnersExpo.com.
Featured image from CampgroundOwnersExpo.com.