The George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality is set to host its annual professional development program February 22–27, at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, equipping campground and outdoor hospitality professionals with the skills to lead, grow, and innovate in the industry.
The program has produced graduates who have become park of the year winners, national advocacy representatives, and board members, highlighting its role as a launchpad for industry leaders.
In a LinkedIn post, OHI said staying ahead in the outdoor hospitality industry requires more than passion, emphasizing that networking and continuous professional development are essential.
The George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, OHI added, has served as a “launchpad” for industry leaders, equipping participants with the tools, insights, and skills needed to stay ahead.
“The George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality is the program that opens doors and elevates. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or unlock new opportunities, National School is the place where potential goes to get recognized,” OHI states.
According to its website, the program offers two distinct tracks designed to meet participants at different stages of their careers. The Year One Outdoor Hospitality Manager (OHM) course targets emerging and current managers seeking a practical foundation in park operations.
Students gain expertise in areas such as front desk management, maintenance, guest services, reservations technology, and financial fundamentals. The curriculum also emphasizes leadership, risk management, safety planning, and marketing strategies, culminating in a personalized action plan to implement at participants’ parks.
The course is ideal for new managers, assistant managers, supervisors, and owners aiming to elevate service standards and operational efficiency.
The Year Two Outdoor Hospitality Professional (OHP) track builds on the OHM foundation, focusing on strategic growth, long-term profitability, and executive-level decision-making.
Participants learn advanced operational strategies for maintenance, security, aquatics, and regulatory compliance, along with financial mastery, strategic business planning, and site investment planning. Leadership and team-building strategies are reinforced, with an emphasis on cultivating ownership-minded and values-driven teams.
Risk management, including insurance, liability, and continuity planning, is a core component, alongside marketing, branding, and reputation management designed to increase loyalty and pricing power.
The program concludes with a capstone action plan enabling participants to immediately apply advanced strategies to their parks or organizations.