MC Fireside Chats - December 6th, 2023

MC Fireside Chats

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl of Insider Perks, and a panel of industry experts gathered to discuss a range of topics central to the camping and outdoor hospitality industry. The panel included Scott Bahr from Cairn Consulting Group, Casey Cochran from Camp Spot, RV Industry Advisor Sandy Ellingson, and Mike Harrison from CRR Hospitality, providing a well-rounded perspective on the industry's current state and future directions.

The episode kicked off with Brian Searl introducing the panel and setting the stage for what turned out to be an insightful discussion. He shared his excitement about the wealth of topics to be discussed, stemming from recent experiences at various industry conferences. This laid the groundwork for a conversation that would delve into the intricacies of the camping industry, particularly in the wake of COVID-19's impact.

Sandy Ellingson brought up an important point about the operational changes that many campgrounds had to undertake due to the pandemic. These changes included tighter cancellation policies and increased deposit requirements, which were initially necessary due to the surge in demand. However, Ellingson suggested that these policies might now be working against campgrounds, as they could be deterring potential customers who are hesitant to make plans far in advance.

Casey Cochran then highlighted innovations aimed at reducing cancellations and encouraging bookings, such as weather guarantees and camp credits. These features, he noted, are designed to offer flexibility and peace of mind to campers, a crucial factor in today's uncertain times. Cochran's insights pointed to a larger trend in the industry: adapting to customer preferences and expectations in a post-pandemic world.

Mike Harrison emphasized the significance of flexible cancellation policies. He explained that his approach at Sierra Hospitality focuses on making it easy for customers to do business with them, thus building trust and loyalty. Harrison's perspective underscored the importance of customer-centric policies in maintaining a competitive edge.

Brian Searl then shifted the conversation to the concerns of campground owners. He noted that many owners had implemented strict policies due to uncertainty about the future and a lack of marketing knowledge. Searl's comments highlighted the need for campground owners to stay informed and adapt to changing market conditions.

The panelists unanimously agreed on the importance of data and analytics in guiding business decisions. They discussed the necessity for campground owners to understand and utilize data analytics for making informed decisions. This led to a broader discussion about the educational needs within the industry, with panelists agreeing on the need for ongoing learning and adaptation.

Technology's role in improving campground operations was another significant topic. Brian Searl proposed the idea of a data pull tool that could provide campground owners with essential information in an easy-to-digest format. This suggestion pointed to a larger trend of integrating technology into various aspects of campground management to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences.

Casey Cochran touched upon a sensitive topic in the industry: the competitive advantage and reluctance to share 'trade secrets.' He pointed out that while some campground owners might be hesitant to share successful strategies with competitors, others, like Mike Harrison, are more open. This openness, Cochran noted, could lead to overall industry growth and improvement.

Towards the end of the discussion, Scott Bahr emphasized the need to keep an eye on seasonal trends, particularly in winter camping. He suggested that monitoring these trends could provide valuable insights into the industry's growth and changing dynamics. Bahr's point highlighted the importance of staying abreast of market changes and adapting accordingly.

In their closing remarks, the panelists reflected on the importance of community in the camping industry and acknowledged the contributions of various industry players. Brian Searl concluded the episode by thanking the panelists for their insights and wishing the audience a happy holiday season, looking forward to more discussions in the new year.

This episode offered a comprehensive look at the camping and outdoor hospitality industry, covering topics from operational changes due to COVID-19 to the role of technology in improving guest experiences. The insights shared by Brian Searl, Scott Bahr, Casey Cochran, Sandy Ellingson, and Mike Harrison provided a valuable perspective on the industry's current state and its potential for future growth and innovation.