MC Fireside Chats - December 18th, 2024

MC Fireside Chats

The final 2024 episode of MC Fireside Chats brought together a dynamic panel of outdoor hospitality experts reflecting on the year’s achievements and sharing strategies for 2025. Hosted by Brian Searl, the panel included Sarah Krause, Kaylee Pace, Richard Chandler, Amir Harpaz, Matt Bragstad, Derry Green, Suzanne (Soo) Hammond, and Marcia Galvin. A key theme throughout the discussion was guest experience enhancements through storytelling, community involvement, and innovative offerings. The conversation opened with Matt Bragstad of Your Glamping Adventure, who celebrated a remarkable year marked by quadrupled accommodations. He attributed this success to social media influence and tourism partnerships, expressing confidence in glamping’s growing popularity heading into 2025. Building on the theme of adapting to market changes, Amir Harpaz from Harp Development predicted a shift toward long-term camping due to affordability concerns and evolving traveler preferences. He emphasized balancing park amenities with revenue strategies to remain competitive. Richard Chandler, owner of Glacier Valley Campground, echoed this sentiment by highlighting his campground’s success through themed events and a boosted social media presence. His proactive approach to extending the camping season and maximizing midweek occupancy became a focal point of his 2025 goals. Infrastructure upgrades and customer service also played a key role in operational success. Sarah Krause of Kinney Lake Campground shared her experience of a strong comeback year, supported by a top-tier team and planned improvements such as a customer-focused reservation system and a new campground management course. The discussion then turned to innovation through storytelling. Derry Green of The Secret Garden Glamping in the UK credited social media-driven storytelling for transforming his business, fueled by an investment from a reality TV pitch. He hinted at ambitious international expansion plans. Expanding on the power of authentic experiences, Suzanne (Soo) Hammond of Top of the Woods in Wales highlighted her eco-friendly corporate retreats and upcoming ventures, including a nature spa and a YouTube cooking channel. She underscored the value of local partnerships in shaping guest experiences. Kaylee Pace of Big Tex Campgrounds offered a personal perspective on managing business growth while raising a family. Hiring a manager allowed her to focus on strategic improvements inspired by industry conferences, setting a strong foundation for future growth. The discussion concluded with Marcia Galvin, President of the Northeast Campground Association, emphasizing nostalgia-driven family camping at Normandy Farms. Looking ahead, she stressed the importance of staff retention and meaningful guest engagement as essential pillars of long-term success. The conversation concluded with a collective focus on improving guest experiences through thoughtful design, innovative amenities, and personalized marketing strategies. The panel’s shared enthusiasm underscored a promising future for the outdoor hospitality industry in 2025.