In the recent episode of MC Fireside Chats which was broadcasted live at the OHCE2023, host Brian Searl, the founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, led an insightful discussion featuring prominent figures in the outdoor hospitality industry. Each guest contributed unique insights and perspectives based on their expertise and experience in the field.
Paul Bambei, the President and CEO of OHI, spoke about the organization's rebranding efforts from ARVC to OHI, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and growth within the industry. He detailed the extensive process behind the rebranding, signifying a deliberate move to broaden the organization's reach to encompass a wider range of outdoor economy stakeholders.
Sandy Ellingson, an RV industry Advisor and Campground advocate, reflected on the dynamic nature of the camping sector. Despite a downturn in RV sales, she pointed out the unwavering enthusiasm within the community, suggesting a robust and adaptable industry capable of finding new ways to engage campers.
Steven Woodburn, the Sales Director at Tent Master, articulated the importance of the rebrand to outdoor hospitality, a sector that encompasses much more than RVs and campgrounds. Woodburn shared his company's success in selling luxury glamping tents across various markets, illustrating the sector's expansion and its embrace of diverse outdoor experiences.
Ryan Houchens, VP of Sales at Cold River Mining, appreciated the rebranding for its potential to attract businesses outside the traditional RV sphere, such as smaller glamping operations. He shared how his company's hands-on gemstone mining activities connect children with nature, reinforcing the outdoor hospitality industry's role in providing enriching experiences beyond digital screens.
Mike Harrison, COO of CRR Hospitality, spoke on the alignment between the rebranding and his company's focus on experiential hospitality. He shared insights from the Innovation Summit and his session on marketing, branding, and identity, emphasizing the industry's evolution towards an integrated approach to outdoor hospitality.
Tyler Duffy, President of CampLife, provided a vendor's perspective, discussing how the conference facilitates direct feedback and insights from customers. He highlighted the importance of understanding industry trends and the need for software solutions to adapt to these evolving demands.
Candice McNamara, VP of Business Development at Staylist, shared new features introduced at the conference, such as ROI call tracking and tools for managing orphan nights. McNamara's perspective as a young professional and her background in marketing and design offered a fresh look at the industry's future, aligning with OHI's forward-thinking brand.
Lastly, Alex Goldman, Vice President of US Sales at Ideal One Amusement Software, focused on the intersection of technology and outdoor hospitality. He discussed how his company's software can enhance the guest experience by integrating cashless operations and automating services, which is crucial for evolving customer expectations.
Together, these leaders provided a comprehensive view of the outdoor hospitality industry's trajectory, highlighting themes of innovation, community, and adaptability, all anchored by the newly rebranded OHI's mission to unify and propel the industry forward.
