Episodios

  • MC Fireside Chats - February 4th, 2026
    Feb 4 2026

    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...

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    1 h y 1 m
  • MC Fireside Chats - January 28th, 2026
    Jan 28 2026

    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...

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    1 h
  • MC Fireside Chats - January 21st, 2026
    Jan 21 2026

    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...

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    55 m
  • MC Fireside Chats - January 14th, 2026
    Jan 14 2026

    Host Brian Searl kicked off the first Guest Experience episode of 2026 for MC Fireside Chats, welcoming a panel that bridged the gap between North American and United Kingdom outdoor hospitality markets. Joining the recurring panel were Zach Stoltenberg, Associate Principal of Architecture at LJA, and Jeremy Johnson, Owner of Camp Kona Hills in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Special guests included Charlotte Cleveley, Owner of The Apple Farm Glamping in the UK, and Kate Morel, CEO of Creative Hosts and a renowned industry consultant. The discussion began with a forward-looking approach to the new year, despite some recurring guests being absent due to the Tampa RV show.

    The conversation immediately delved into a debate sparked by an AI-generated report regarding land use economics. Brian Searl posited a scenario comparing the Average Daily Rate (ADR) of a single luxury RV site against splitting that same footprint into three smaller Sprinter van sites. The theoretical data suggested the van sites might yield higher revenue with less infrastructure. Zach Stoltenberg countered this by emphasizing the "guest type" factor, noting that luxury RV owners are willing to pay premium rates for high-end amenities, whereas the "Vanlife" demographic is often budget-conscious and prefers boondocking or public lands to paid accommodation.

    Jeremy Johnson offered a counterpoint from the operational trenches of Northern Michigan. He noted that while Western US campers might have access to BLM land, the Midwest lacks those free options, driving demand for affordable, basic campsites. Johnson argued that there is a massive, underserved market of non-RV owners—tent campers, car campers, and van lifers—who are being priced out of luxury developments. He highlighted that his $45/night basic sites are booking months in advance, suggesting that maximizing revenue isn't always about luxury upgrades but can also come from volume in the "middle market."

    The discussion shifted toward the evolution of glamping, particularly the differences between the US and UK markets. Zach Stoltenberg noted that while primitive glamping (basic tents in backyards) launched the industry, the current US market demands ensuite bathrooms and resort-style amenities to command high ADRs. He explained that operators can no longer rely on novelty; they must provide a complete hospitality experience.

    Special guest Charlotte Cleveley provided insight into the mature UK market. She described her property, The Apple Farm Glamping, as a working farm that leans into the "agritourism" model. Unlike the trend toward 5G and high-tech amenities, her guests specifically seek a disconnection from modern life and a reconnection with farming roots. She emphasized that because the UK market is saturated, the "experience" (such as farm tours, animal interactions, and local produce) is the differentiator, not just the accommodation structure itself.

    Kate Morel expanded on the UK perspective, suggesting that the UK is often ahead of the US regarding "immersive" hospitality. She argued against the "cookie-cutter" approach to glamping, noting that placing identical units side-by-side only works if the view is spectacular. Morel advocated for "wild swimming," forest therapy, and land art as the next frontier for guest engagement. She cautioned that as the market matures, simply putting heads in beds is insufficient; operators must curate specific emotional connections with the land.

    The group also tackled the economics of "add-ons" as a vital revenue stream. Zach Stoltenberg shared anecdotes about RV parks increasing profitability by bundling firewood or offering premium experiences like floating saunas. The panel agreed that while accommodation covers the overhead, ancillary revenue—from farm shop produce to guided experiences—often drives the true profit margin. However, a debate ensued regarding the practicality of wood-fired amenities versus...

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    59 m
  • MC Fireside Chats - January 7th, 2026
    Jan 7 2026

    The first episode of MC Fireside Chats in 2026 kicked off with host Brian Searl navigating technical difficulties while welcoming a robust panel of industry experts to celebrate the show's sixth year of broadcasting. Brian set the stage for a new year of insights, joined by recurring guests Phil Ingrassia, President of the US RV Dealers Association, Eleonore Hamm, President of the RVDA of Canada, and Scott Bahr, President of Cairn Consulting Group. The group began by sharing personal holiday experiences, with special guest Vicki Jones, Board Member of the Glamping Industry Trade Association (GITA) in the UK, sharing her unique experience celebrating a hot Christmas on the beaches of South Africa, contrasting sharply with the winter traditions familiar to the North American guests.

    The conversation quickly pivoted to the upcoming RV show season, a critical indicator for the industry's health in the coming year. Phil Ingrassia highlighted the significance of the Florida RV Trade Association's SuperShow in Tampa, noting it as a massive regional event that drew snowbirds and visitors from across the Southeast. He predicted strong attendance, potentially reaching up to 74,000, bolstered by favorable weather forecasts. Eleonore Hamm echoed the importance of these events, mentioning upcoming shows in Calgary and Halifax, while noting that despite a prediction of flat growth for 2026, web traffic to Go RVing Canada remained high, suggesting strong consumer interest in the lifestyle.

    Phil Ingrassia provided a forecast for the US market in 2026, describing a "stair-step" low single-digit increase in sales and shipments. He pointed to positive economic indicators such as lower interest rates and stable gas prices, though he cautioned that consumer sentiment remained fragile due to uncertainties regarding tariffs and foreign affairs. He also noted that anticipated tax cuts could result in larger tax returns for Americans, potentially fueling discretionary purchases of RVs and boats. Eleonore agreed with the cautious outlook, predicting a similar year to 2025 for Canada.

    Special guest Rachel Hodge, Director of Guest Experiences at Great Parks in Hamilton County, Ohio, introduced her organization's unique position as a political subdivision operating 22 parks and three campgrounds. She discussed the operational challenges of balancing conservation mandates with the need for modern amenities. Rachel highlighted recent upgrades at their Winton Woods facility, including the addition of pull-through sites and gray water stations, and emphasized the success of their "Creepy Campouts" Halloween event, which sold out annually and drove engagement through generational nostalgia.

    The discussion shifted across the Atlantic as Vicki Jones outlined the state of the UK glamping market through the lens of GITA. She described the association's efforts to unify a fragmented industry of approximately 5,000 glamping sites through in-person summits and road trips. Vicki frankly addressed the lack of data available to the UK market due to budget constraints and the volunteer nature of their organization. This prompted a collaborative moment where both Scott Bahr and Brian Searl offered their assistance and data resources to help GITA survey their members and gather crucial market intelligence.

    Scott Bahr then led a deep dive into booking window trends, revealing a significant shift in camper behavior. He noted that while 42% of campers expressed a desire for spontaneous trips, actual behavior showed a shortening booking window driven by uncertainty rather than pure spontaneity. He revealed that over half of campers were booking within a month of their trip, a sharp contrast to the pandemic era where travelers booked months in advance due to scarcity. Bahr advised that while avid campers remained reliable in their planning, the broader market was delaying decisions due to economic and life factors.

    The panel engaged in...

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    59 m
  • MC Fireside Chats - December 17th, 2025
    Dec 17 2025

    In this final episode of MC Fireside Chats for the year 2025, host Brian Searl welcomes a panel of returning industry experts to reflect on the past year and discuss future trends in outdoor hospitality. The group begins by introducing themselves and their businesses, including Kristin Andersen Garwood from Sage Outdoor Advisory, David Byers from Canadian Sleeping Barrels and Cedar Yurts, MacKenzie Whitsell from Wild Ride Mustang Sanctuary, Elizabeth McIntosh from Back Forty Glamping, and industry advocate Sandy Ellingson. Brian sets a festive tone for the December 17th broadcast, noting the upcoming holiday break, before asking the guests to share their most memorable business accomplishments from 2025.

    Kristin Andersen Garwood kicks off the reflections by highlighting the significant strides her company made in data collection. She notes the release of their first glamping market report and the expansion of their proprietary database, which now includes hundreds of new properties. Kristin shares that they are currently preparing their Q4 report and an RV market report, with plans to expand their data analysis internationally. Following her, David Byers reveals a major pivot for his business; after 30 years of manufacturing round structures, his company has started building rectangular and square saunas to meet market demand. He showcases photos of his products, including a wheelchair-accessible sauna and sleeping barrels featuring acrylic bubble walls, emphasizing their durability and unique design suitable for heavy snow loads.

    Elizabeth McIntosh shares that 2025 was a milestone year for her glamping operation in Ontario, as they completed their site plan by expanding to seven geodesic domes. She details the addition of "magical moments" to the property, such as a library in the forest, and the hiring of managers to allow for more hands-off ownership. Elizabeth discusses the surprising success of winter glamping, noting that social media platforms like TikTok have helped romanticize the "snow globe" experience, making winter bookings sometimes easier to secure than spring dates. She explains that amenities like private hot tubs and saunas are critical for making the cold weather appealing to guests.

    MacKenzie Whitsell describes the infrastructure improvements made at her sanctuary, specifically the separation of the wild horse herd to create a walkway for guests. This change allows visitors to walk between the herds to a "pony petting pavilion," enhancing the immersive nature of the experience without compromising safety. Unlike Elizabeth, MacKenzie admits that winter glamping has been a harder sell at her location due to the need for guests to walk outside to bathhouses in freezing temperatures. She emphasizes her commitment to refining the guest experience to ensure it feels truly luxurious before aggressively marketing winter stays.

    Sandy Ellingson expresses her enthusiasm for the industry's shift toward data-driven decision-making, moving from reactive to proactive strategies. She praises the younger entrepreneurs on the panel for their focus on engagement and unique experiences, noting a rise in agrotourism where guests, particularly from urban areas, visit parks specifically for equine therapy and animal interaction. The conversation then shifts to the role of Artificial Intelligence in the industry, a topic Brian Searl is passionate about. Brian challenges the group to discuss how they are utilizing AI, suggesting that it can be used for everything from coding interactive websites to enhancing promotional photos.

    The group engages in a lively debate regarding the ethics and utility of AI in marketing. Brian argues that using AI to add elements like a sunset or a couple enjoying wine to a photo is acceptable as long as it represents an achievable reality for the guest and does not remove permanent eyesores like dumpsters. Elizabeth confirms she uses AI extensively for social media...

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    1 h y 3 m
  • MC Fireside Chats - December 10th, 2025
    Dec 10 2025

    Brian Searl opened the December 10th, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats by welcoming the audience to the final Guest Experience show of the year. Reflecting on how quickly 2025 has passed, Brian introduced the panel for this session. The lineup included recurring guest Jeremy Johnson, owner of Kona Hills Campground in Marquette, Michigan; Tyler Duffy from CampLife, a reservation and property management software company; Greg Rose, President of Camp Nauvoo in Placerville, California; and Joe Duemig from App My Community, a provider of mobile apps for RV parks. The group began by introducing their respective businesses, with Tyler Duffy noting that CampLife is celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, and Greg Rose describing his 86-acre property which focuses on glamping, tent camping, and weddings, having been purchased from the Boy Scouts ten years prior.

    The conversation quickly turned to the topic of extending the camping season and the concept of immersive guest experiences. Jeremy Johnson shared his focus on winter recreation, given that his location in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan receives approximately 300 inches of snow annually. He discussed the success of winter glamping domes near the Twin Cities, where occupancy remained high despite the cold, driven by the novelty of the experience. Jeremy highlighted the potential for winter activities like fat tire biking, skiing, and ice climbing—noting that Munising, Michigan, hosts one of the largest ice festivals in North America—to attract guests during the traditionally off-season months.

    Discussion then shifted to the nuance between novelty and genuine guest experience. Jeremy drew a comparison to immersive art experiences like Meow Wolf, suggesting that while novelty attracts a first visit, deep understanding of the guest is required for repeat business. He posed a theoretical question about whether a theme park ride knows a guest is a "super fan" and adapts accordingly. Tyler Duffy provided concrete data from CampLife’s system regarding repeat customers. He noted that while 2024 saw an impressive 87% repeat customer rate, that number dropped into the high 70s in 2025, though repeat visitors remain a substantial portion of stays across their client base.

    Greg Rose chimed in regarding his own statistics at Camp Nauvoo, stating that he sees a solid 75% repeat customer rate. He attributed much of his remaining business to word-of-mouth recommendations from those loyal guests. This led to a broader discussion on customer acquisition costs, with the panel agreeing that marketing to existing customers through a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is significantly more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Tyler confirmed that CampLife includes CRM functionality allowing parks to automate rewards or early booking access for guests who have stayed a certain number of nights, such as 10 nights a year.

    Tyler Duffy presented specific statistics regarding traveler behavior over the last year. According to CampLife’s data, the average distance travelers traveled to a park was 305 miles. However, the data followed a bell curve distribution, with nearly 60% of travelers coming from less than 100 miles away. Long-distance travelers, those traveling 700 to 800 miles, accounted for only about 5% of the data. This reinforces the trend that a vast majority of camping guests are locals or regional travelers rather than cross-country tourists.

    The group explored the competitive landscape between private parks and state parks. Jeremy Johnson observed that in Michigan, state parks are often as crowded and developed as private parks, creating a market gap for true rustic experiences. He highlighted pricing data to support this demand, noting that he rents rustic tent sites for $45 a night, whereas the average daily rate for full hookup sites in Michigan was roughly 60, a difference of only $15. This suggests that guests are willing to pay a...

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    56 m
  • MC Fireside Chats - December 3rd, 2025
    Dec 3 2025

    The MC Fireside Chats episode on December 3rd, 2025, focused on data, trends, and the future of the outdoor hospitality industry, led by host Brian Searl. The panel included Phil Ingrassia, President of the RV Dealers Association of America (RVDA); Scott Bahr, President of the Cairn Consulting Group; Simon Neal, Founder of CampMap; Miguel Huerta, President of the Mexican Glamping Association; and special guests Deneen Allen, CEO and Founder of Firecircle; and Jen Ballenger, owner of Jim & Mary's RV Park.

    Phil Ingrassia opened the discussion by sharing the RVIA wholesale shipment forecast for North America for 2026, noting a cautious optimism based on incremental improvement. He detailed that RV shipments in the US and Canada in 2025 were up about 3% year-over-year, with the 2026 forecast projecting another incremental growth of roughly 2% to 3%. Phil attributed this cautious outlook to lower interest rates, hoped-for tariff stability, and an expected increase in income tax returns in the US, which typically feeds into discretionary spending. Scott Bahr inquired about the impact of higher-income markets, and Phil confirmed that while entry-level travel trailers drive volume, the higher-end fifth wheels are currently performing well, indicating a focus on more profitable mid-to-higher-level units. Deneen Allen asked Phil about Canadian efforts to attract new Canadians to RVing, and Phil discussed studies showing that 60% to 70% of pandemic buyers plan to buy an RV again, indicating strong retention.

    Scott Bahr elaborated on new market entrants, noting a movement toward less expensive forms of RVing like boondocking and overlanding, but highlighted the robust and growing sector of using RVs for events, travel sports, and festivals, with the older millennial group being a key driver. Jen Ballenger confirmed this trend, stating that her park in Missoula, Montana, has seen a great job in attracting event-based travel, emphasizing that RVing is perceived as budget traveling compared to dynamic hotel pricing, a point that Jen has observed over her 25 seasons of operation. Deneen Allen then asked the panel if this group trend represented an opportunity for RV parks to focus more on group camping infrastructure.

    Miguel Huerta shifted the focus to the global hospitality market, reporting a decline in hotel demand across the US, Mexico, the UK, and Canada in 2025, with Mexico seeing the steepest drop at 12%. For glamping, Miguel noted steep declines in Spain, Mexico, and the UK, but a surprising 20% increase in demand for glamping sites in Canada. Miguel predicted the glamping industry, especially in Mexico, will consolidate, suggesting that sites designed for B2B or group bookings will be the ones to survive. He emphasized the massive revenue opportunity of the upcoming World Cup for RV and glamping operators, which could be monetized by putting low-entry models to work as Airbnbs.

    The discussion turned to the complex relationship between pricing and the guest experience. Scott Bahr stressed that pricing is intrinsically part of the perception of the experience, and operators must effectively communicate the value to justify any increase. Deneen Allen supported this, advocating for a focus on delivering value and a "no discounting" philosophy, instead suggesting that operators set a base floor rate and utilize strategic framing or value-adds. Jen Ballenger noted that while she does offer discounts like Good Sam, she sees less complaining about incremental price increases because consumers understand that everything, including power and property taxes, has become more expensive.

    In a final rapid-fire Q&A round, Jen Ballenger asked Scott Bahr about data on campers preferring mom-and-pop parks over corporate parks, to which Scott confirmed a large market for authenticity and rustic experiences. Scott Bahr asked Miguel Huerta about the market for rustic camping in Mexico, but Miguel stated the...

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    1 h y 6 m