Glamping Show Kicks Off with Strong Attendance, Awards – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
AURORA, Colo. – Glamping Show Americas – aka The Glamping Show – was marked by a noticeable increase in traffic, with many vendors reporting to Woodall’s Campground Magazine (WCM) . a sister publication of RVBusiness, that they remained busy throughout the day.
To kick off the day, Scott Bahr, president of Cairn Consulting Group, presented data from the 2024 Glamping Americas State of the Industry Report. The report reviews glamping development during the past year and provides insights into trends, as well as barriers to growth, resources needed, guest expectations, innovations and key growth sectors.
Other sessions included:
- Ruben Martinez, president of the American Glamping Association, hosted a panel on Strategies for Exceptional Food & Beverage in Glamping which offered a discussion on how to delight guests with culinary offerings.
- Ben Quiggle, editor of Woodall’s Campground Magazine, moderated a panel that tackled how adding glamping accommodations can provide opportunities for park owners to grow their businesses.
- A session on Engaging the Evolved Glamping Audience: Beyond the Tent in Communication Strategies was hosted by Mark Koep, president and CEO of CampgroundViews.com, and explored the delicate balance between providing potential guests with adequate information and overwhelming them. He’ll also spoke about the communication tools that support different stages, from pre-booking to post-stay interactions.
Throughout the day, the American Glamping Association (AGA) also hosted educational discussions outside on a special stage among the dozens of accommodation units that were displayed.
A Taco Tuesday Welcome Reception was hosted to close the evening and allow attendees to network with each other.
The AGA also held its 2024 awards ceremony near the end of the first day of the Glamping Show Americas to recognize suppliers and individuals who have made an impact in the glamping industry.
Award winners included:
- Evergreen Excellence: The Business Finance Depot & The Towne Law Firm — This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the glamping industry.
- AGA Member of the Year: Open Sky — This award recognizes Open Sky’s exceptional dedication, leadership and innovation in elevating the glamping industry and the American Glamping Association.
- Manufacturer of the Year: FDomes — This award recognizes and highlights the FDomes team’s commitment to quality, innovation, and setting new standards in luxury outdoor experiences.
- Industry Pioneer: HoneyTrek — This is a testament to Mike Howard & Anne Collins Howard’s innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions.
- Operator of the Year: Firelight Camps — This award recognizes operators who have demonstrated exceptional growth and execution.
- Sarah Dusek Award: Irene Wood, owner of The Fields — This award recognizes the incredible contributions of women entrepreneurs in the glamping industry.
