Modern Campground presents an electrifying deep dive into the future of outdoor hospitality on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 6 AM ET, as MC Fireside Chats explores cutting-edge marketing, AI, and technology strategies designed to boost efficiency and guest satisfaction for park owners and operators.
Guiding this essential conversation are returning industry luminaries: Greg Emmert, Founder of Vireo Outdoor Hospitality Consulting; Kurtis Wilkins, Private Equity Analyst for RJourney; Cara Csizmadia, President of CCRVA; Matt Whitermore, Director of Market Expansion at Climb Capital; and Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures, each bringing their unique perspectives to the forefront of outdoor hospitality.
This week, we are thrilled to welcome two special guests who bring unparalleled insights into the strategic implementation of artificial intelligence and advanced booking solutions. Peter Pilarski, a leading AI consultant and speaker for the tourism and hospitality industry and Founder of Tourism AI Network, will demystify the AI Adoption Framework, showing small-to-mid-sized operations how to effectively leverage AI without losing the human touch.
Additionally, for operators grappling with “sold out” signs while sites sit empty, Mike Lee, Owner of the Campsite Tonight app and a specialist in real-time inventory optimization for campgrounds, will reveal how real-time inventory monitoring can instantly transform your revenue management.
Ready to future-proof your park? Tune in live this Wednesday on the Modern Campground social media pages!
Previous Episode Recap
The March 18, 2026 episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, brought together a panel of outdoor hospitality leaders including Jeff Hoffman from Camp Strategy, Mike Harrison from CRR Hospitality, and Robert Preston from Unhitched RV, alongside special guest Stacy Dam, CEO and co-founder of Set Your Sites. The discussion navigated macroeconomic factors like rising fuel prices and inflation, with Mike Harrison noting the industry’s historical resilience to downturns as consumers often opt for more economical camping trips.
Robert Preston highlighted his strategy of focusing on long-term guests and properties near dense population centers, making his parks less vulnerable to national fuel price fluctuations. The panel also explored the distinct market of glamping, with Mike Harrison emphasizing it as a luxury segment requiring separate operational and marketing approaches compared to traditional RV camping.
A key segment delved into operational efficiency, with Mike Harrison’s “Are you fat?” analogy urging campground owners to confront business shortcomings through data analysis. Robert Preston softened this to “looking in the mirror,” stressing the importance of identifying system constraints, such as a grumpy employee, that can undermine even significant investments in amenities and marketing. Stacy Dam then introduced Set Your Sites, a technology designed to eliminate camper friction by offering real-time digital booking for walk-up sites and preventing software blackouts. The panel debated the balance between full automation and maintaining human interaction, ultimately agreeing that technology should enhance, not replace, the personalized hospitality experience. Listen to the full episode and catch up on the discussion here.
About MC Fireside Chats
MC Fireside Chats is a live podcast experience dedicated to the outdoor hospitality and outdoor recreation industries. Hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, the show offers engaging discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of camping, RVing, glamping, and outdoor recreation.
Airing every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), the show follows a structured weekly theme to deliver deep dives into the most relevant topics:
- Week 1: Industry Trends & Insights
- Week 2: Enhancing Guest Experience
- Week 3: Business Operations & Management
- Week 4: Marketing, AI and Technology
Each episode features a panel of recurring guests, complemented by 1–2 rotating special guests, including industry analysts, campground owners, technology providers, sustainability advocates, and more. Whether exploring the latest market trends or innovative guest experience strategies, MC Fireside Chats delivers thought-provoking insights for professionals and enthusiasts across the outdoor recreation spectrum.
To explore previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.