Anyone interested in directly owning and operating a campground and RV park may want to consider registering for the buyer’s workshop that will take place during the 2022 Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry of the Campground Owners of New York (CONY).
According to the association’s press release, registration for the Buyers Workshop is separate from the Expo registration, but attendees are encouraged to register for both events.
“I think the panel that is coming together is literally the best people in the business in every category,” said Cathy Reinard, owner of Taylor Made for Your Towne who is also one of the panelists.
“We have people that have really made a name for themselves in their fields and are well-known in the outdoor hospitality industry for their expertise, knowledge, and care for their clients.”
Guest panelists for this year include:
- Cathy Reinard, exclusive realtor for KOA’s “Own a KOA” Program, as well as a licensed realtor for her own company, Taylor Made for Your Towne, specializing in campground and RV park sales.
- Paul Bosley, owner, Business Finance Depot.
- Christine Taylor, Partner, The Towne Law Firm, P.C. in Albany, NY, with a practice focus in the areas of hospitality, business, labor and employment, real estate law, estate planning, and litigation.
- Irene Jones, Program Development Manager and Sales Executive and Marshal & Sterling Insurance.
- Mark Koep, Founder & CEO, Campground Views, Inc., and moderator of a popular Facebook page for campground operators.
The Buyer’s Workshop, scheduled for October 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m, will be held adjacent to the convention center at the Renaissance Albany Hotel, 144 State St., Albany, New York.
According to CONY, the workshop is geared toward individuals interested in directly owning and operating a campground or RV park, and will cover topics such as:
- How to find a park, and things to look for.
- Legal issues and best practices.
- Broker tips.
- Rebranding a park.
- Financing, insurance, and other buyer considerations.
The workshop is happening in conjunction with the 59th annual Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry scheduled for October 30 through November 2 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, New York.
Going with the theme “Recreation Readiness and Rejuvenation,” this year’s event will focus on three core concepts: strategies, forward-thinking, and readiness.
Meanwhile, the Exposition will take place on October 31 through November 2, and include a series of educational seminars and a trade show with industry vendors. A tour of the State Capitol is also planned.
Suzanne Hopkins, CONY’s Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations, encourages current campground owners and staff to attend, as well as those considering buying or building a campground.
“This is one of our strongest Expos yet, in terms of the expert speakers and informational content. We’ll cover everything from legal issues to marketing and branding, infrastructure upgrades including EV charging stations, and the best investments to make in your parks.”
The keynote address, “Own the Future – How You Can Adapt to a Changed World,” will be delivered by Mark Koep, Owner of Campground Views, Inc., and a host of a popular Facebook group for campground owners and managers with over 3,200 members.
Registration for the Exposition is $250 per person and includes all meals and materials.
Vendors are also invited to attend, with table spaces starting at $575, and additional sponsorship opportunities available.
For more information about the Exposition, visit www.CampNewYork.com/events.
Attendees of the CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry may register for the Buyers Workshop for free. Otherwise, the Buyers Workshop fee is $150 per person or $225 per couple.
For more information about either event and to register visit www.CampNewYork.com/events.
A lodging room block with limited availability has been set aside at the Renaissance Albany Hotel. The registration link is on the Exposition website, accessible at www.CampNewYork.com/events.
About Campground Owners of New York
Established in 1963, CONY is the trade association that represents independent campgrounds and RV parks in New York. Based in Pittsford, CONY provides education, government affairs, and marketing services for campgrounds, including hosting www.CampNewYork.com, a travel planning website, and publishing a printed magazine of New York campgrounds.
Isn’t it cool that the CONY Expo workshop covers everything from finding a park to networking with pros? Mark Koep’s insights on industry changes sound promising for growth in outdoor hospitality.