The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) commenced its annual Spring Meeting and Tradeshow on April 30. Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO, announced the introduction of music licensing discounts and hiring Towne Law Firm, P.C. from Albany.
“Part of what the Towne Law Firm will be offering is a legal hotline that members can call directly and get legal questions answered. The specifics will be worked out in the next several weeks,” Schaeffer said in a press release.
Scheduled for April 30 to May 1, this event, hosted at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center in Conroe, Texas, marks a milestone as potentially the largest in TACO’s 52-year history. Nearly 100 exhibitors are participating, and the organizers anticipate attendance figures to reach 400.
The tradeshow also introduces educational seminars. This year’s seminars cover critical topics ranging from glamping innovations to legislative updates impacting the industry. One of the highlights of the event is the “Glamping Roundtable,” where industry leaders like Terry Munoz of TACO, Kelly Jones from Great Escapes RV Resorts, Carol Stevens of Leland’s Cabins, and Kathleen Walsh from Advanced Outdoor Solutions will share their insights.
Another significant session, “First Timers, New to the Industry,” led by Schaeffer and President Randall Dally, will offer practical advice for newcomers and operators.
Further enriching the program, Lori Severson of Severson and Associates will present “10 Things Millionaire Campgrounds Are Proficient At”. Meanwhile, “Outdoor Hospitality Market Dynamics,” will feature Larry Brownfield from Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA).
Walsh will deliver a presentation on “Building/Expanding Your Park,” offering strategic advice for development and scaling. In addition, Severson will highlight the role of “Attitude Matters.” At the end of the seminars, the “Legislative Report” session will be led by Ron Hinkle, TACO’s legislative consultant, as well as Dally, Schaeffer, and Michael Moore from TACO’s leadership team.
For the traditional live auction, Schaeffer said that it has been replaced by a silent auction, and the evening will showcase a fun night with a DJ, a photo booth, and casino games. TACO’s annual awards competition will complement the tradeshow.
Corporate support showed more than a dozen companies signing up as sponsors. Notable names include Access Parks, Conestoga Wagon Company, Firefly Reservations, Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance, Leland’s Cabins, Newbook, Reliable Commercial Construction, Rowley Insurance, RVParkTV.com, TengoInternet, and Utility Supply Group.
TACO supports over 430 campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts. To learn more about TACO, visit texascampgrounds.com.