The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) is gearing up for its annual Spring Meeting and Tradeshow, anticipated to be the largest in its 52-year history.
Scheduled for April 30 to May 1 at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center in Conroe, Texas, the event is drawing significant attention with nearly 100 exhibitors already registered.
Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO, estimates attendance could reach 400, citing industry turnover, the rise of glamping, and favorable conditions in Texas for RV park development as key factors.
“You have a lot of turnovers within the industry — new owners, new managers or both — and they kind of need to get up to speed,” he said.
The event promises a blend of networking, education, and entertainment, reflecting the dynamic nature of the campground and outdoor hospitality sector.
The tradeshow will host seven educational seminars, focusing on topics crucial to the industry’s growth and adaptation. Sessions like “A Glamping Roundtable” and “First Timers, New to the Industry” will offer insights from experienced professionals, aiding newcomers and veterans alike in navigating the evolving market landscape.
The seminars aim to enhance operational best practices and strategic insights for campground and outdoor hospitality operators. Discussions will cover the financial acumen of successful campgrounds, market dynamics, and important legislative updates affecting the industry.
The inclusion of diverse topics such as glamping and RV park development highlights the changing preferences and challenges within the outdoor hospitality sector. TACO’s initiative in addressing these themes underscores its commitment to fostering industry growth and adaptability.
The transition from a live auction to a silent auction, complemented by a casual evening with a DJ, photo booth, and casino setup, indicates TACO’s shift towards creating a more relaxed and engaging environment for attendees. This social aspect is crucial for networking and building community ties within the industry.
In addition to the educational content and networking opportunities, the event will feature an awards competition, recognizing excellence and innovation among campground and RV park operators. This competitive element not only celebrates industry achievements but also motivates continuous improvement and excellence.
TACO’s tradeshow and educational seminars are pivotal in providing campground owners, managers, and outdoor hospitality operators with the knowledge, tools, and contacts needed to thrive in a competitive market. By facilitating such comprehensive industry engagement, TACO plays a critical role in the sector’s overall growth and sustainability.
The anticipated record-breaking attendance and vendor participation at the TACO Spring Meeting and Tradeshow not only signify the event’s prominence but also illustrate the broader trends and opportunities within the campground and outdoor hospitality industry.
TACO, with its long-standing history and extensive network, continues to be a cornerstone for Texas’ campground and outdoor hospitality sector, offering a vital platform for sharing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and driving industry progress.