How can campground owners best prepare for a bustling summer season while maximizing local tourism and leveraging authentic guest feedback? Modern Campground invites you to delve into these crucial questions on the next MC Fireside Chats, broadcasting live on May 6, 2026 at 2 PM ET.
This week’s episode, focusing on Industry Trends & Insights, will feature a dynamic panel of recurring experts: Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA of Canada; Simon Neal, Founder & CEO of CampMap; Phil Ingrassia, Executive Director of RVDA; Rafael Correa, President & CFO of Blue Water Development Corp; and Miguel Huerta, President of the Mexican Glamping Association. Guiding the conversation will be special guest host Scott Bahr, President of Cairn Consulting Group.
Joining the panel are two distinguished special guests: John Lindley, CEO of the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles & Campgrounds (MARVAC), and Kevin Long, Co-Founder & CEO of TheDyrt.com.
John Lindley will share his extensive knowledge on effective strategies for promoting local tourism and providing essential support to campground owners as they gear up for the busy summer influx.
Kevin Long will highlight the power of authentic user reviews and seamless product integrations in enabling brands and campground owners to better serve a focused, passionate audience.
Tune in to discover actionable strategies that will help elevate your operations and connect with modern travelers this season.
Previous Episode Recap
The April 29th, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl while on-the-go from the Florida-Alabama conference, explored the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality. The discussion centered on the intersection of international travel apps, changing generational preferences, and data-driven marketing.
Panelists Ashley Cary from Hidden Acres Family Campground and Duncan Winship from Papoose Pond Camping shared perspectives from seasoned, family-owned operations. Marie Nichols of the European-based app Park4night provided insights into her platform’s massive growth in North America, detailing how its community-driven model offers visibility and data for campground owners to attract global travelers.
The conversation also delved into the varying expectations of different generations, with Ashley Cary noting Gen Z’s appreciation for both camping nostalgia and modern amenities like Wi-Fi. Brian Searl suggested innovative ways to foster community among diverse campers, such as using subtle signals to indicate openness to socialization. Listeners can catch up on this engaging discussion at https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-April-29th-2026.
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.