In Episode 50 – Marketing is NOT my thing, I mentioned that I had learned that the RV space I’m playing in is called Outdoor Hospitality.  I had never heard anyone refer to it as that before.  Because I’d never heard it, I did what most curious minds do, I “Googled it”. 

Hi, I’m Mechiel Kopaska of the Fearless Innovator Podcast and today I’m going to share with you what I learned about the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.  

Wow! A whole new world opens up when you know the right keywords to search on.  This journey in RV Parks is sounding very familiar to the journey I took in Real Estate Investing.  I first started out on my own and before you know it, I found out where everyone with like minds was hanging out.  This is no different, I just had to keep digging!  They say to surround yourself with those smarter than you!  I’ve found them!

This episode is going to be a bit shorter, but I wanted to get this information out to those that own parks because you could be like me and didn’t even know this existed! I feel comfortable saying that perhaps the mom-and-pop parks may not know about this while the larger parks should know about it.

Just like in my IT days we would go to Microsoft events to learn about all the latest and greatest upgrades to products, new features being added and to surround ourselves with the experts in the field.  The vendor room was where the rubber met the road.  We’d learn about all the new integrated products coming out and how they integrated with our Microsoft products.  The best part was the networking!  

Networking for me was key because when I quit my J.O.B, I leaned on my network to bring me work and it did, until I was ready to quit that!

Well, if you own an RV Resort or you’re thinking about owning one, I’ve found the conference for you and it’s right here in sunny Florida on the beach, yes, Daytona Beach!

In all my travelling around looking at RV Parks, no one ever mentioned that there was an RV Park and Campground Conference & Expo June 6-8 in Daytona Beach, FL.  I guess I wasn’t talking to the right people!

I took one look at the website, which is well put together, I might add, and I looked at the Vendor list and the agenda for the 3 days and I mentioned it to Kurt, the next day we cleared our calendars and booked us a site at Daytona’s Endless Summer Campground near the event on Daytona Beach. We live in our RV so it’s just as easy as hooking up, loading my cats and we’re out of here!  

I know 3 of the vendors so I’ll definitely be stopping by their booths!

I will post the agenda in my notes below because there’s just too much to mention.  

We did learn that they will have breakout sessions, so Kurt and I are going to divide and concur and then discuss later what we learned.

I thought my days of attending conferences was over, but this conference has got me really excited.  I’ve already connected with the some of the Staff Members and one of the Board of Directors who just happens to be in my back yard.  I drove through her park a couple of weekends ago.  Small world!  

I’m excited about meeting people and learning everything I can and surrounding myself with Smart RV Park owners!  One day I’ll grow up to be one!

I’m Mechiel Kopaska of the Fearless Innovator Podcast, I hope to see you at the conference!

Florida and Alabama RVCA 2022  

 

AGENDA

Monday, June 6th

1:00 – 5:00 pm
Conference Registration – Bill France Foyer 

(Registration will also be open on Tuesday Morning from 8-10 am)

5:00 – 7:00 pm
Welcome Reception – Ocean Terrace –  Open to all paid attendees and exhibitors

Tuesday, June 7th

Breakfast on your own

8:00 – 10:00 am
 Conference Registration

10:00 – 11:45 am
 Welcome & Opening Session:  Lead with Certainty – Managing People Not Promises – Creating
a Culture of Ownership, Strengthening Communications, and Improving Team Performance –
Presented by Motivational Keynote Speaker, Eric Papp

12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lunch, Annual Meeting, and Special Guest Speakers

1:30 – 2:30 pm
General Session – Legislative Review, Governmental Affairs, and Legal Updates.  Important legal changes that impact your business and our industry – Marc Dunbar and David Eastman

2:30 – 3:30 pm
General Session – Industry Challenges, Opportunities, and Trends – Industry Panel, group discussion, and Q&A. Topics: FL & AL Insurance Update, RV Tech/Campground Program, Industry Partnerships

3:45 – 4:45 pm
Breakout 1: The EVs are coming – Is your RV Park ready for the future? Technical tips on how to prepare and profit from Electrical Charging – by Heidi Doyle, Utility Supply Group

3:45 – 4:45 pm
Breakout 2: What you need to include in your Park Policies, Rules & Regulations – Best practices and standards for protecting your park while providing a great guest experience – Panel and Q&A

5:00 – 7:30 pm
Reception, Auction & Appreciation Dinner: Grand Ballroom

 

Wednesday, June 8th

8:30 – 11:30 am
Exhibitor Set-up in the Grand Ballroom

8:00 – 9:15 am
Cracker-Barrel Breakfast – Topics: How to Get Started in this industry, Construction and Developing Do’s and Don’ts, Working with your local government for approval, and more

8:00 – 9:15 am
Cracker-Barrel Breakfast – Topics: Park Operational Issues, ADA, Taxes, Guest Ejections, Best Practices, Common Problems and Solutions

9:30 – 10:30 am
Breakout 3: Emergency Preparedness – Natural Storms, Man Made Disasters, Dangerous Situations, Sewage Spills, Power Outages and more – How to customize a plan for your staff and your guests – Presented by Patrick Hardy, Hytropy

9:30 – 10:30 am
Breakout 4: Is your RV Park maximizing it’s earnings potential? How to make changes to your RV Park to attract different (new) guests and increase your profits. The pros and cons of long-term vs. short-term guests and rentals, and how your park “type” affects operational costs and revenue potential. Discover what’s best for you and your campground – Panel Discussion and Q&A

10:45 – 11:45 am
  Breakout 5: Mitigating Risks and Lowering your Insurance Costs – Irene Jones, Marshal & Sterling

10:45 – 11:45 am
Breakout 6: Employee Labor Law and Employee/Employer Legal Issues – Department of Labor

1200 – 5:00 pm
SUPPLIER EXPO and LUNCH: Grand Ballroom

5:15 – 6:00 pm
Wrap-up Group Session: One last gathering to recap the conference, discuss newfound valuable tips, network with others, and have all your questions answered.