N.Y. Campground Conference Highlights Trends, Challenges – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
More than 100 park operators, vendors and industry officials attended Campground Owners of New York’s annual Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry last week in Binghamton, N.Y.
Attendees at the Oct. 27-30 convention at the DoubleTree by Hilton included representatives from 30 private parks and management companies and 43 suppliers and exhibitors.
“It was an honor to host such a dynamic event for members and friends of CONY,” said Emily Simmons, CONY’s executive director. “Campground operators and suppliers alike were able to foster valuable relationships ahead of the 2025 season, and our lineup of speakers offered key takeaways in various aspects of park operations.”
The convention included both plenary sessions and cracker barrel sessions on a variety of topics, including glamping, Wi-Fi and outsourcing.
Josh Traxler, chief operating officer of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Campspot, led a session titled “Navigating the Camping-Hotel Crossover: What We Can and Can’t Learn From the Hotel Industry.” Traxler discussed how campgrounds can adopt elements traditionally found in hotel services, such as premium accommodations and concierge-level experiences while maintaining the authentic outdoor appeal.
Andrew Ullman, a senior consultant with Kent, Ohio-based Davey Resource Group, led a session advising park operators on ways to appeal to eco-conscious guests through their use of landscaping, eco-friendly infrastructure and sustainable practices.
Whitney Skeans, a senior program manager with National Grid, talked about the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging in campgrounds and the potential revenue streams that EV charging can bring to their parks.
On the marketing front, Josiah Brown, founder of New York’s Best Experiences, talked about generational language differences and offered strategies to create compelling narratives that resonate with modern travelers looking for adventure and authenticity.
Aaron Wall, a territory manager for Hunt Brothers Pizza, discussed best practices for opening efficient, profitable food service offerings.
The convention also included a legal affairs session led by Christine Taylor of The Towne Law Firm, P.C. in Albany and an insurance liability session featuring Irene Jones, assistant vice president and program manager of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based Marshall & Sterling.
The conference’s opening session was provided by Amber Cloke, of SUNY Corning Community College.
Other conference events include the induction of Scott Sherwood, of Spruce Row Campground in Ithaca, N.Y. into CONY’s Hall of Fame. Sherwood was honored for his unwavering dedication to the industry for more than 20 years. He was also presented with a special proclamation from Tompkins County.
In addition to the featured speakers, the 2024 CONY Annual Conference included an exciting Cracker Barrel session where attendees participated in an open forum to discuss pressing topics in the industry. Key areas of focus included “What’s the Buzz About Glamping?” where attendees learned how offering glamping options can enhance their campground or RV resort experience.
Other important subjects such as “Other Revenue Options for Your Park”, “Wi-Fi Systems” and “Outsourcing: Is It Worth It?” also were explored, providing valuable insights into diversifying income streams, improving guest satisfaction and optimizing operations.
