Outdoor hospitality professionals gathered in Louisville, Kentucky, for OHCE 2025, a multi-day event focused on education, networking, and innovation.
The conference offered operators, suppliers, and industry leaders practical tools and insights to strengthen campground and RV park operations, with sessions covering technology, revenue strategies, guest engagement, and trends shaping the future of outdoor hospitality.
Tuesday at OHCE 2025 opened with the O-hi! Coffee Conversation, sponsored by Firefly Reservations, where attendees discussed takeaways from the previous day over breakfast. Scrambled eggs and fresh fruit accompanied peer-to-peer exchanges on sessions, networking, and strategies to improve campground operations.
The morning agenda featured a fast-paced lineup of education sessions. Richard Connor presented Digital Defenders, a deep dive into cybersecurity, while Ali Rasmussen and Kitty Winship led a hands-on session on converting guest issues into operational opportunities.
The Future Focused: Trends & Insights panel attracted a full audience, with speakers analyzing data that informs financial, technological, and operational decisions in outdoor hospitality. Panelists emphasized actionable strategies attendees could implement immediately.
The OHI Young Professionals Annual Meeting also followed, bringing together emerging leaders to collaborate and share ideas. The session highlighted the next generation of industry talent and encouraged ongoing peer mentorship and engagement.
The OHCE Expo opened mid-morning, filling the exhibit hall with suppliers showcasing tools and solutions for campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping operations. Attendees toured booths between scheduled activities, connecting directly with product experts.
Afternoon education sessions covered topics including long-term guest management, AI-driven revenue strategies, Wi-Fi trends, tax planning, and sustainable growth.
Sessions also offered guidance on public relations and marketing, including tips for crafting press releases that improve visibility and attract guests.
Attendees engaged with economic and occupancy data, gaining perspectives on financial trends affecting the outdoor hospitality sector. This information supported strategic planning for both immediate operations and long-term growth.
Hipcamp CEO Alyssa Ravasio presented findings on camper behavior, offering insight into where, how, and why millions of people choose outdoor accommodations, enabling operators to better align offerings with customer expectations.
The day concluded with the Keys to Success Dueling Pianos Reception, hosted by Campspot, combining networking with informal entertainment. Attendees participated in singalongs and relaxed after a full day of learning.
Following the reception, OHI Young Professionals hosted a networking event at Ovrdrive, sponsored by App My Community, extending opportunities for peer connection and industry discussion into the evening.
Featured image by OHI