Prepare to uncover the strategies behind soaring guest return rates, mastering luxury glamping in challenging environments, and leveraging global community platforms for bookings when Modern Campground presents its next MC Fireside Chats on April 29, 2026 at 2 PM ET
Joining host Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, for an in-depth exploration of these crucial topics are a trio of industry pioneers: Marie Nichols, PA to the Directors of Park4night.com; Duncan Winship, Owner of PapoosePondCamping.com; and Freya Broughton, Partner, HR and Sponsorship Director of CampKerala.com.
Marie Nichols will delve into how community-driven platforms and the sheer power of user-generated reviews profoundly influence campground discovery, trust, and ultimately, bookings for the ever-growing community of van-lifers and motorhome travelers.
Duncan Winship will pull back the curtain on how Papoose Pond Camping has engineered an astounding 80% guest return rate, a benchmark many park owners only dream of achieving.
Freya Broughton will offer an exclusive look into the intricate art of delivering 5-star luxury hospitality, even when operating in what might seem like “inhospitable places.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights from leaders at the forefront of outdoor hospitality. Tune in live at moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats/.
Episode Recap
The previous episode of MC Fireside Chats, aired on April 22, 2026, brought together host Brian Searl with guests Blair Noel, Thierry Tombelle, and Matt Whitermore for a compelling discussion on artificial intelligence in outdoor hospitality.
The panel explored how AI can function as an invisible layer of intelligence, designed to enhance guest stays without being intrusive, while also boosting park efficiency and personalization.
Insights were shared on how AI tools are becoming essential ‘force multipliers’ for managing costs, creating ‘augmented staff’ models, and using data to identify revenue gaps, ultimately allowing operators to return to the core of providing an authentic human outdoor experience. Tune into the full discussion here: https://moderncampground.com/fireside-chats/mc-fireside-chats-April-22nd-2026
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.