The recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, which aired on February 4th, 2026, focused on the critical role of data and analytics within the outdoor hospitality industry. Host Brian Searl, CEO of Modern Campground and Insider Perks, led the discussion alongside a robust panel of industry veterans and newcomers, emphasizing how rapidly market forces are shifting. The episode served as a platform to introduce a new report on Gen Z camping habits while also exploring early 2026 booking trends and international market dynamics.

Rafael Correa, President and CFO of Blue Water Development Corp, kicked off the industry insights by sharing early 2026 trends from his portfolio of nearly 60 RV resorts. He noted a significant uptick in booking pace since the start of the year, particularly in transient RV stays, which had previously been a lagging subset. Correa emphasized that while it is early in the season, the momentum suggests a positive growth trajectory for the industry as it adapts to the "new normal" of guest behavior.

Scott Bahr, President of Cairn Consulting Group, provided a data-driven perspective on these trends, noting that consumer sentiment is at its highest point in three years. He explained that many campers have adjusted their lifestyles to economic uncertainty, choosing to "downgrade" site types or prepare meals at the campground rather than eating out. Bahr highlighted that affordability remains a primary driver for the industry and stressed the importance of operators effectively communicating these cost-saving measures to potential guests.

Phil Ingrassia, President of the RVDA in the United States, and Eleonore Hamm, President of the RVDA of Canada, shared observations from recent consumer RV shows. Ingrassia noted that manufacturers are responding to economic pressures by producing more entry-level, lightweight towables at accessible price points. Hamm echoed this, reporting that while total sales volume in dollars might be lower due to the shift toward entry-level products, attendance at Canadian shows remains steady, and there is a noticeable return of younger families to the market.

Simon Neal, Founder and CEO of CampMap, shifted the geographical focus by sharing 2025 pricing data from the European market. He illustrated how nightly site prices in Europe vary significantly by region, with warmer southern climates like Italy and Croatia commanding the highest rates. Neal’s data showed a steady year-over-year price growth of 4% to 6% across Europe, providing a useful benchmark for North American operators to compare against their own pricing strategies and growth.

Declan Mimnagh, Owner of RoomStay, introduced the perspective of a conversion checkout platform, discussing the increasing aggression of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) in the outdoor hospitality space. He warned that as OTAs like Expedia and Booking.com lean heavily into AI and sophisticated marketing, independent park owners must prioritize direct booking strategies to protect their bottom line. Mimnagh specifically pointed out that savvy Gen Z consumers are adept at "stacking" discounts and loyalty rewards, making it harder for parks to maintain price parity.

The conversation then delved deeply into a new Gen Z research report presented by Brian Searl and Scott Bahr. Bahr revealed startling data showing that Gen Z is the generation least emotionally connected to the outdoors and the most risk-averse. Unlike previous generations who grew up with unstructured outdoor play, many Gen Z adults had their first camping experiences in highly serviced environments like cabins or glamping tents, which has fundamentally changed their relationship with nature and their willingness to take spontaneous trips.

Simon Stockner, co-owner of Kispiox River Lodge, provided a boots-on-the-ground look at a boutique operation in Northern British Columbia. While his current demographic leans older, Stockner discussed his efforts to...

On January 28th, 2026, host Brian Searl convened a dynamic panel of industry leaders for an episode of MC Fireside Chats focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology, and outdoor hospitality. Brian Searl, the founder of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, opened the session by welcoming recurring guests Matt Whitermore, Mychele Bisson, and Kurtis Wilkins, while introducing special guest Sandrine Zechbauer from RMS Cloud. The conversation immediately centered on how rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping the management of campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts globally.

Matt Whitermore, Director of Market Expansion at Climb Capital and Unhitched Management, shared his personal evolution from an AI novice to a proficient user. He detailed his extensive use of tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Whisper Flow to manage a growing portfolio that now includes 32 parks and nearly 3,500 campsites. Matt emphasized the importance of "prompt engineering" and his recent transition to using "Claude Skills" to create precise, systematic workflows for his business operations. He noted that integrating AI into his daily routine, even while exercising on a treadmill, has been life-changing for his productivity.

Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures and Wave Haven Resorts, provided an owner's perspective on the practical application of these technologies. Operating ten parks and four marinas from Alaska to Florida, Mychele discussed her current efforts to revamp company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using internal AI systems. She expressed a desire to balance high-tech efficiency with the high-touch nature of hospitality, noting that automating backend tasks allows her staff to focus more on creating meaningful, one-on-one "core memories" for visiting families.

Kurtis Wilkins, a Private Equity Analyst with RJourney and Advanced Outdoor Management, offered insights into the strategic side of automation. Managing over 60 branded and unbranded locations across the US, Kurtis argued that the goal of automation is not to replace human interaction but to enhance its quality. He suggested that by "feeding clean data" into AI systems to handle mundane tasks, hospitality providers can afford to spend more time on the "beating drums and rolling out carpet" aspects of guest service that truly define the industry.

Sandrine Zechbauer, Chief Marketing Officer at RMS Cloud, brought a global and technological perspective to the panel from the United Kingdom. Representing a property management system (PMS) with roots in Australia and a strong presence in the US, Sandrine highlighted that AI is no longer optional for tech providers. She explained how RMS is adopting an "AI first" mandate to accelerate software updates and improve modules like housekeeping. Sandrine noted that AI chatbots can handle 80% of common guest inquiries—such as pool hours or firewood availability—providing instant service that often surpasses human availability.

The panel delved into a deep discussion regarding the psychological shifts in modern travelers, particularly Gen Z. Brian Searl referenced recent research indicating that younger generations are not necessarily looking for "fast Wi-Fi" but rather a sense of security and guidance in an outdoor environment they find unfamiliar. The group discussed how hospitality must adapt to these shifting demographics, where "human in the loop" services become a choice for guests who may want deep solitude one day and vibrant community connection the next.

Matt Whitermore shared a poignant anecdote about his own history of loneliness as a digital financial analyst, which drove him to buy his first campground in the Catskill Mountains to reconnect with nature and people. This led to a broader conversation about the "loneliness epidemic" and how campgrounds serve as a vital antidote. The panel agreed that technology should serve to bridge the gap between being...

On the January 21st, 2026, episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl gathered a robust panel of industry experts to navigate the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality. Despite some initial technical difficulties with the studio setup, the group quickly settled into a dynamic conversation regarding the year ahead. The panel included recurring guests Jeff Hoffman, Board Member at OHI , Robert Preston, CEO and Founder of Unhitched RV , Sandy Ellingson, an RV Industry Advisor , and Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at CRR Hospitality. Joining the recurring lineup were special guests Mike Yasieniuk, CEO and Founder of Let’s Camp, and Anjali Harvie, Vice President of Daiva RV Resorts.

The conversation opened with a retrospective on the recent Tampa RV show. Sandy Ellingson provided an on-the-ground perspective, noting that crowds were larger than anticipated and there was a general sentiment that 2026 would show improvement over the previous year. However, Mike Harrison offered a counter-perspective based on broader hospitality trends, expressing caution regarding occupancy rates. He noted that the hotel industry had seen consecutive months of decline and emphasized that the outdoor sector must still absorb the new supply of inventory built over the last few years, suggesting a year of caution rather than unbridled optimism.

Jeff Hoffman weighed in on the changing behaviors of guests, specifically regarding booking windows. He suggested that while some might view current delayed bookings as a negative trend, it may actually represent a return to normalization compared to the post-pandemic boom where sites were booked a year in advance. Sandy Ellingson added a critical nuance to this observation, urging the industry to view guests as "travelers" rather than just "campers." She argued that the proliferation of accommodation options—such as glamping units, cabins, and tiny homes—gives travelers more flexibility, allowing them to delay booking decisions because they are no longer solely dependent on securing a specific RV site.

A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the state of industry associations. Robert Preston highlighted the friction that often exists between state and national organizations, attributing some of the difficulty to the dual nature of the industry as both a real estate and a hospitality business. He noted that real estate challenges are often hyper-local, making them difficult to solve at a national level. Jeff Hoffman, drawing on his leadership experience, proposed that the solution lies in better communication, specifically through quarterly reporting and shared educational initiatives that demonstrate a clear return on investment for members of both state and national bodies.

Building on the topic of associations, Mike Harrison emphasized the critical role of advocacy. He cited the Credit Card Competition Act as a prime example of legislation that requires the leverage of national associations combined with the grassroots pressure of local park owners. Harrison argued that alignment across the fragmented industry landscape—including OHI, RVIA, and state groups—is essential for financial wins that roll down to the bottom line of every operator. He expressed hope that as institutional investors continue to enter the space, the industry will naturally move toward better consolidation and professionalization.

Special guest Anjali Harvie introduced the panel to Daiva RV Resorts, formerly Roots RV, a family-run business based in Ontario, Canada, that has recently expanded to 18 parks. Harvie shared her unique background of growing up in the industry and discussed the recent rebranding effort. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a family-centric culture even while scaling up operations. Unlike top-heavy corporate structures where employees feel like numbers, Harvie explained that Daiva relies on onsite managers—often couples and families—who are...