The third day of the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) in Oklahoma City is set to offer attendees a lineup of insightful sessions, networking events, and hands-on workshops. Starting early at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, attendees will have a chance to immerse themselves in learning, connect with industry leaders, and explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the outdoor hospitality sector.
Kicking off the day, attendees can join the O-hi! Coffee Conversations—a lively morning session designed to foster networking and connection over a fresh cup of coffee. This casual meetup offers a chance for first-time attendees to meet others in the industry, share experiences, and ease into the day’s events with a welcoming atmosphere.
The morning continues with the OHI’s Annual Breakfast Meeting at 7:45 AM, where the organization’s leaders, including Paul Bambei, will provide insights into the year’s accomplishments and outline future goals.
At 9:00 AM, Erin Stevenson, COO of Newbook, will lead a practical workshop titled “8 Things You Can Do in an Afternoon to Improve Your Business.” In this interactive session, Stevenson will introduce strategies that can be implemented quickly to boost operations, streamline services, and enhance guest satisfaction. Focusing on actionable takeaways, campground owners will gain valuable insights into saving time and increasing revenue with simple yet effective steps.
The Expo Hall will be open from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, featuring a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, and innovations. Attendees can explore the OHI booth, engage in Fireside Chats, and check out interactive displays at the Activity Center.
The Fireside Chat on the Lantern Stage will also spotlight “How to Plan and Budget for Glamping Units.” Hosted by Green River Log Cabins, this TED Talk-style session will provide essential insights into budgeting, design considerations, and effective strategies for entering the glamping market.
For those new to accounting software, an introductory session on QuickBooks Online will be held shortly after. This workshop will guide campground owners through the basics of QuickBooks, empowering them to better manage their finances, track expenses, and streamline their accounting processes.
A session on revenue management techniques will follow, focusing on optimizing top-line revenue across various streams. This session will delve into strategies that go beyond traditional site revenue, encouraging participants to explore ancillary revenue sources and innovative pricing models.
In the afternoon, digital marketing takes the spotlight with a workshop on Google Analytics, scheduled from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. This session will cover the basics of Google Analytics and how businesses can leverage it to track and understand visitor behavior on their websites.
The Google Analytics workshop will also introduce related tools and resources to help businesses refine their online presence. Campground owners will walk away with a clearer understanding of SEO, social media metrics, and other key components of digital marketing, making it an invaluable session for those looking to improve their online reach.
Throughout the day, participants will have ample opportunities to connect with experts, vendors, and peers, whether in workshops, during the Expo, or in informal settings. With each session tailored to different aspects of business improvement, Day 3 promises a well-rounded experience designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to excel in outdoor hospitality.
Day 2 Takeaways: Empowering Campground Owners for Success
Day 2 of the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) offered attendees a rich lineup of sessions that highlighted key industry trends, new technologies, and strategies for campground success.
The day began with “Campfire Session: AI (Artificial Intelligence) – What it is and What to Do with It.” This interactive session allowed participants to discuss the potential of AI in the outdoor hospitality sector.
Next, the “Trends & Insights to Drive Success” panel offered a comprehensive look into the future of outdoor hospitality. Designed for campground owners, the session covered a variety of topics essential for business growth. Financials and revenue analysis was a major focus, as panelists discussed critical metrics and trends that could guide more profitable decision-making. The panelists emphasized the importance of using data to stay ahead in a competitive market.
Another highlight of the session was a discussion on harnessing technology. Attendees learned how the latest technological tools could optimize campground operations and improve guest experiences.
The panel also touched on practical strategies for data utilization, demonstrating how to use insights from industry reports to improve decision-making processes. From analyzing guest demographics to monitoring seasonal trends, campground owners gained valuable tips on turning data into actionable insights for their businesses.
Later, attendees dove into a session focused on “Trends and Projections” for 2025. The panelists shared their forecasts for the outdoor hospitality industry, offering guidance on what campground operators might expect in the coming year.
The “Introduction to Campground Marketing” session provided essential insights into strategies that can increase online visibility and drive bookings. Attendees discovered effective marketing techniques, from search engine optimization (SEO) to tailored keyword strategies that include terms like “campgrounds near me.”
The day concluded with the highly anticipated “Awards of Excellence Ceremony,” where the achievements of exceptional campgrounds were celebrated. The ceremony honored industry leaders who have demonstrated excellence in various aspects of outdoor hospitality, from guest services to innovative amenities.
The Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo is an annual event organized by OHI, a national organization for the outdoor hospitality industry. OHCE2024, underway at the Oklahoma Convention Center, kicked off on November 4 and is set to wrap up today.
Featured image by OHI/Orange Photography
