The day 3 of the 2025 Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Convention & Expo promises a full slate of workshops, networking opportunities, and educational sessions aimed at helping campground owners and operators elevate their business operations.
Day three, Wednesday, Nov. 19, will feature a mix of practical insights and forward-looking strategies, emphasizing trends, efficiency, and revenue growth.
The day begins with a Breakfast Buffet and KOA Icon Award ceremony in Ballroom BC, giving attendees the chance to connect over morning coffee and celebrate individuals and parks making exceptional contributions to the KOA network. The event will set a celebratory tone as the convention heads into its final sessions.
Following breakfast, a series of 90-minute workshops will kick off at the Convention Center. One of the anticipated highlights is Stacey Campbell’s session, “Traditions, Trends and Trailblazing.”
Campbell will discuss how campgrounds can honor their heritage while embracing modern guest expectations. Attendees will learn about KOA’s Campground Design Services, which support long-term planning and investment decisions.
Another key session, “Maximizing Impact: Merchandising Strategies for Your Camp Store” with Kim Wootteon, will focus on optimizing product placement, visual flow, and seasonal displays to enhance the guest experience and increase revenue. Participants will be encouraged to bring photos or floor plans for hands-on exercises tailored to their own stores.
Larry Brownfield will also present “Owning Multiple Campgrounds and Planning for Succession,” exploring the operational, strategic, and business fundamentals of multi-location ownership.
Brownfield will also discuss succession planning strategies to ensure smooth leadership transitions, whether to family or external buyers.
Advanced operators will benefit from Emily Peck’s “Revenue Management 301: Crafting an Expert-Level Strategy.” This workshop will guide participants in building a data-driven strategy that incorporates competitor analysis, system-wide trends, and dynamic pricing adjustments designed to maximize profitability.
For operators focused on infrastructure, Greg Starr will lead “Keep it Flowing: Cutting Edge Solutions for Campground Plumbing Challenges.” Starr will present both traditional and next-generation no-dig solutions to prevent and repair water and drain line issues, minimizing disruptions to guest experiences.
Connectivity is also on the agenda, with Tim Rout of Access Parks presenting “2025–2026 Trends in RV Park Wi-Fi: How to Deliver What Guests Want and Gain 10% NOI.” The session will explore evolving guest expectations, real-world case studies, and Wi-Fi business models, including when fiber or Starlink may be the right solution to enhance service and profitability.
The afternoon will feature IdeaXchange and high-energy presentations from Connor & Carson, offering attendees a collaborative platform to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and gain inspiration for their parks. A group photo will capture the community spirit, with participants encouraged to wear KOA yellow.
Day three will wrap up with the KOA Expo and Hosted Reception in Exhibit Hall 100 Level, where operators can explore new products, technologies, and services while networking with suppliers and peers. The expo provides hands-on opportunities to evaluate offerings that could directly impact operations and guest satisfaction.
As the 2025 Convention & Expo concludes, attendees are expected to leave with both practical tools and strategic insights to implement at their own campgrounds.
From operations and revenue management to guest experience innovations, Day 3 aims to highlight the balance of tradition and forward-thinking solutions needed to meet the evolving demands of the outdoor hospitality industry.
Modern Campground is on-site, bringing readers exclusive highlights and valuable insights tailored for outdoor hospitality professionals