Florida/Alabama’s Hospitality Conf. & Expo Starts Soon – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
There is still time for current and aspiring park operators to register to attend the Florida and Alabama Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’s annual 2024 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, according to a release.
The May 14-17 event, held at the Hilton Orlando, already has record-breaking participation from park operators and vendors. It will be the largest convention in the 58-year history of the Florida association, which expanded its reach to include private park operators in Alabama in 2001, the release continued.
“It will be our largest conference ever with over 20 educational sessions and group discussions — with topics that are valuable to all owners and operators, regardless of their experience in the industry,” said Bobby Cornwell, president and CEO of the Florida and Alabama Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
Seminar topics include everything from how to train, build and retain the right team; how to use AI to grow your business; ADA pitfalls and best practices and many other topics, including how to protect your assets and property through land trust and estate planning.
“We will be discussing the most important issues and challenges facing our industry and park owners, specifically the insurance crisis and how the association is exploring options to find solutions that will lower costs and bring some stability to the market,” Cornwell noted.
The conference will also include important updates concerning current and proposed legislation of interest to park operators in Florida and Alabama; information on the latest camping and glamping trends; updates on the association’s new member discounts for music and movie licensing; as well as the association’s annual awards program.
The conference will also feature its largest tradeshow ever, Cornwell said, with 90 exhibiting companies and approximately 100 booths, plus park model displays by Ochlocknee, Ga.-based Vacavia Cottages & Cabins;, Tampa-based Gulf Atlantic Cottages; Chariot Eagle, a Cavco company based in Ocala, Fla.; and a covered wagon display by Topeka, Kan.-based Plainscraft.
“The conference is all-inclusive and a great value,” Cornwell said, adding, “All sessions, meal events, drinks, receptions and the tradeshow are included. It’s an unbelievable bargain.”
Park owners and operators can also register solely to attend the tradeshow on Friday, May 17, for $75. For more details about the conference or to register on-line, please visit rvparkconference.com.
The Hilton Orlando, for its part, is a beautiful hotel with a giant conference center and fantastic vacation amenities, Cornwell said. The hotel features four restaurants, multiple bars and lounges, a giant pool with a lazy river, and every resort amenity you can think of, plus it’s convenient, with easy access off of I-4, and close to all the major attractions, shops and restaurants in the Orlando area.
