The 2026 Campground Conference hosted by the New Jersey Campground Owners Association brought campground owners, vendors and industry professionals from 17 states to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, March 2–4, with organizers reporting strong participation, high session ratings and growing interest in technology-focused education.
According to conference organizer Joann DelVescio, the event attracted last-minute registrations from attendees in New Hampshire and Alabama, increasing the geographic reach of the annual gathering and contributing to a total of 39 vendors participating in the trade show.
“We had last minute registrations from attendees based in New Hampshire and Alabama, bringing the total number of states represented up to 17, and we had 39 vendors, with several coming for the first time,” DelVescio said.
Participants represented Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. The conference opened with a pre-event networking outing at TopGolf Orlando.
Anita Pfefferkorn, owner of Indian Rock RV Park in New Jersey and a longtime attendee, said the conference continues to expand its educational and trade show offerings.
“This year’s conference was the best one yet, and it just keeps getting better year after year. The trade show was top notch, with vendors from just about every area of business operations a campground owner or manager needs,” Pfefferkorn said in a press release,
“The knowledge base of the seminar presenters was phenomenal, especially Heidi Doyle of Utility Supply Group with the electric seminar and Cassandra Razzi from Orange142 who talked about Generative Engine Optimization. Joann (the conference organizer) did an outstanding job!” Pfefferkorn added.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a central topic during the event. DelVescio said about one-third of the conference sessions focused on artificial intelligence applications for campground marketing and operations, reflecting increasing industry interest in emerging technology.
Additional sessions addressed finance, legal considerations, storytelling and guest experience strategies. Judy LaPorta of Little Oaks Campground moderated a roundtable discussion that allowed campground owners, operators and managers to exchange ideas and discuss operational challenges.
Amber Simpson, founder and lead strategist for Martrek Digital, attended the conference for the first time as a speaker and exhibitor and said attendee engagement continued beyond scheduled sessions.
“What stood out most about this year’s Campground Conference in Florida was how intentionally campground owners showed up ready to learn, ask thoughtful questions, and have honest conversations about where their businesses are headed,” Simpson said.
Survey responses submitted by attendees so far show strong evaluations for the conference program, with most sessions receiving ratings of 4 or 5 on a five-star scale, DelVescio said.
Brian Kelly of Bucky Solutions, another first-time vendor, said the event created opportunities for learning and networking within the outdoor hospitality industry.
“It was truly a wonderful experience. I learned so much and met some amazing people. I can’t wait to come back next year,” Kelly said.
Pfefferkorn said continuing education and peer collaboration remain key reasons campground operators attend the conference.
“As a seasoned campground owner of over 35 years, there is always something to be learned or shared amongst other campground owners,” Pfefferkorn said. “A rising tide lifts all boats so experienced campground owners can share their vast knowledge with newer owners coming into the industry as well as learning new skills and keeping abreast of current regulations.”
Featured image by New Jersey Campground Owners Association