In the previous episode of MC Fireside Chats, Cara Csizmadia rejoined as a guest host. She led a panel that included special guests Richard Cherry, owner of Cherry Glamping, and Alexander Allred, owner of Blueridge Glamping. Recurring guests Ruben Martinez, founder of the American Glamping Association, and Zach Stoltenberg, Glamping and RV Resort Design Leader at Clockwork, were also present. Together, they delved deep into the nuances of the glamping industry, focusing on sustainability and the integration of technology.
The conversation initiated with a focus on the foundational role of sustainability in the glamping industry. The panelists, including Ruben Martinez and Alexander Allred, shared their firsthand experiences, highlighting the high costs and complexities involved in setting up renewable energy sources and aligning sustainability with customer expectations. Richard Cherry emphasized the hidden costs associated with infrastructure development, including sewage and power systems, advising prospective business owners to be realistic in their budgeting.
As the discussion progressed, the panelists, including Ruben and Zach, noted a trend towards "shovel-ready" projects to mitigate the risk of delays, emphasizing the importance of setting a realistic opening date to ensure completion. They shared insights on the current investment climate, highlighting a heightened sensitivity to the time taken from the inception to the first booking, a factor becoming increasingly critical in investment decisions.
Zach Stoltenberg brought a fresh perspective, encouraging businesses to start with small sustainable choices that can enhance the guest experience while being eco-friendly. He mentioned the evolving industry standards and certifications that can help resorts market themselves as sustainable, adding value to their brand. He also introduced the concept of dark skies compliance as a new classification in the industry, emphasizing the need to start somewhere in the journey towards sustainability.
Towards the end of the discussion, Zach shared an exciting development about a potential collaboration with a software company to develop a platform for managing various aspects of a glamping site remotely, enhancing both sustainability and the guest experience. This technology aims to integrate with existing booking software to automate various processes, such as setting key codes and controlling the thermostat based on booking schedules, promising a future where technology significantly aids operational efficiency.
As the conversation wound down, there was a light-hearted discussion about the upcoming Glamping Show, with Richard Cherry humorously suggesting bringing zebras as a unique attraction. Despite the confirmation of absence from some
