In the latest episode of MC Fireside Chats hosted by Brian Searl, a panel of industry experts convened to discuss the evolving role of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the recreational vehicle (RV) industry.

The panelists included Casey Cochran from Campspot, Mike Harrison from CRR: A Lifestyle Company, Christine Taylor from the Towne Law Firm, and RV Industry Consultant, Sandy Ellington. The discussion was a deep dive into the potential of data analysis and AI in revolutionizing the RV industry, drawing parallels with the hotel industry.

The conversation kicked off with a discussion on Campspot's new Signals reports. These reports provide anonymized data to Campspot's customers, offering insights into their performance compared to other similar parks.

The data is derived from several factors, including location, amenities, size, and climate. The panelists highlighted the importance of such data in making informed business decisions and driving revenue growth.

The panelists also discussed the broader role of data analysis in the RV industry. Drawing from their experiences, they noted that the RV industry could significantly benefit from the kind of data analysis that has been a staple in the hotel industry for years.

The panelists emphasized the need for the RV industry to leverage data to understand market trends, customer behavior, and business performance.

“Data is so important, and it's not just important to campgrounds, it's also important to the rest of the industry. Because within that data is so many other jewels that can be used in other ways to help us improve the industry as a whole,” said Ellington.

The conversation then shifted to the potential of AI in the RV industry. The panelists expressed optimism about AI's ability to simplify and enhance data analysis. They discussed how AI could prompt users with relevant questions and insights based on their data, making data analysis more accessible and efficient for RV park owners.

The panelists also touched on the legal implications of data scraping, a method used to extract large amounts of data from websites. While data scraping is not illegal, the panelists acknowledged that it is a gray area that needs to be navigated carefully.

They emphasized the importance of understanding the legal landscape when using data scraping for business intelligence.

“[I]f you're using something that is collecting your customer data, I think that's when you have to care a little more…,” said Taylor. “Your customers want [to know] that kind of information. If it's [a] software or company that you're using that's going to have your customers data, I think you have a responsibility to your customers to make sure that data protected.”

The discussion also delved into the role of management companies in the RV industry. The panelists noted that many RV park owners do not have the time or expertise to conduct in-depth data analysis. As such, they can benefit from partnering with management companies that specialize in data analysis and can deliver valuable insights.

The panelists also highlighted the need for education in the RV industry about data analysis and AI. They noted that many RV park owners may not fully understand the value of these tools and may need guidance on how to leverage them effectively.

“The role of a good management company is so important because most of these small mom and pops their job is focused on managing and running their park. They don't have the time or energy to really do the kind of analytics that the larger companies do,” said Ellington.

“But if they can depend on the right kind of a management company, who's going to come back and give them this information and run those [through] AI forum and look for that data that's where I think the real value can come in.”

The panelists called for more webinars and educational resources to help RV park owners understand and utilize data analysis and AI.

Towards the end of the discussion, the panelists expressed their hope for the future of the RV industry. They envisioned a future where data analysis and AI are integral parts of the industry, helping RV park owners make informed decisions and drive business growth.

The latest episode of MC Fireside Chats offered valuable insights into the role of data and AI in the RV industry. The panelists highlighted the potential of these tools in revolutionizing the industry and called for more education and resources to help RV park owners leverage them effectively.

The MC Fireside Chats series continues to be a platform for thought leaders in the outdoor hospitality industry to share their insights and discuss the latest trends and developments. As the RV industry continues to evolve, these discussions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future.