In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks, a panel of industry leaders gathered to discuss a range of topics pertinent to the outdoor hospitality and RV industry. The episode featured insights from Mike Harrison of CRR Hospitality, Scott Bahr of Cairn Consulting Group, Mark Koep of Campground Views, and Sandy Ellingson, an RV industry expert, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table. The conversation covered the impact of COVID-19 on camping trends, the importance of events and activities at campgrounds, the adoption of AI and technology, and the future of search and marketing strategies for campgrounds. Brian Searl initiated the discussion by highlighting the show’s focus on providing valuable insights for campground owners, managers, and industry professionals. He emphasized the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality and the role of technology in shaping the future of camping experiences. Searl’s introduction set the stage for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. Mike Harrison shared his observations on the industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the surge in new campers and the potential for sustained growth. He stressed the need for campgrounds to adapt their operations and services to retain these new enthusiasts. Harrison’s insights into the operational aspects of running campgrounds provided a practical perspective on managing growth and enhancing guest experiences. Scott Bahr contributed to the conversation by discussing the findings from recent research on camping trends, particularly in relation to election years and times of major disruption. Bahr’s analysis suggested that camping tends to increase during such periods, offering opportunities for campgrounds to attract guests looking for stress relief and outdoor experiences. He also touched on the potential impact of restrictions on BLM land camping on private parks, highlighting the importance of understanding and adapting to regulatory changes. Mark Koep brought attention to the significance of events and activities in attracting and retaining campers. He shared examples of successful event-driven strategies employed by campgrounds and discussed the potential for experiential camping to drive the industry forward. Koep’s enthusiasm for creative engagement underscored the value of offering unique and memorable experiences to guests. Sandy Ellingson emphasized the need for clearer definitions and categorizations within the RV and camping industry to better educate and guide consumers. She pointed out the confusion caused by mislabeling parks and the impact on camper expectations. Ellingson’s passion for education and clarity resonated as a call to action for industry professionals to work towards better communication and representation. The panel also explored the slow but inevitable adoption of AI and technology within the industry. Brian Searl shared insights into how AI can enhance customer service and operations, highlighting the potential for AI to revolutionize search and marketing strategies for campgrounds. The discussion touched on the importance of preparing for changes in online search behavior, particularly the move towards voice search and AI-driven results. The conversation shifted to the changing landscape of online search, with the speakers highlighting the move towards voice search and AI-driven results. They stressed the importance of preparing for these changes to ensure campgrounds remain visible and attractive to potential guests. The discussion underscored the need for campgrounds to adapt their marketing strategies to stay ahead of technological advancements. Collaboration and data sharing emerged as key themes, with the speakers emphasizing the importance of sharing best practices within the industry. They called for campground owners and managers to collaborate more closely to raise
