In the previous episode of MC Fireside Chats, Brian Searl, host of MC Fireside Chats, opens the show with an energetic welcome, noting he had just made it in time. Recurring guests Rafael Correa, Scott Bahr, Simon Neal, and Eleonore Hamm are present. They are joined by two special guests: Kristin Andersen Garwood VP of Outdoor Hospitality at Sage Outdoor Advisory and Nick Harrington, Communications Manager at South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Brian introduces each panelist, highlighting their roles and expertise within the outdoor hospitality industry.

The discussion quickly turns to a serious topic: environmental risks and emergency preparedness, prompted by a recent article Simon Neal saw. He notes that in Catalonia, Northern Spain, recent severe flooding has led to new legislation. The law requires campgrounds to perform risk studies and implement safety measures, with government funding available to help them. This is an important step to protect people and mitigate economic impact. He also mentions that some European booking sites are beginning to incorporate environmental factors into their campground rating systems.

This sparks a conversation about a similar flash flooding tragedy that occurred a month prior in Texas. Rafael Correa of Blue Water Hospitality shares that one of his managed parks was significantly impacted. He emphasizes the “double-edged sword” of waterfront property development—it’s what customers want, but it comes with increased risk. He stresses the need for responsible development and robust emergency preparedness plans, noting that while hurricanes offer advance warning, flash floods and tornadoes do not. Rafael's company, Blue Water, has implemented satellite communicators at all its properties to ensure communication can be maintained in case of a natural disaster.

Kristin Andersen Garwood of Sage Outdoor Advisory adds her perspective from the feasibility and appraisal side. She explains that her firm analyzes FEMA flood and fire maps, and this data directly influences their risk analysis. Kristin highlights that insurance premiums are a key factor in these studies, and the cost can make or break a project's feasibility. She gives an example of a project on the Gulf of Mississippi where they considered using Airstreams that could be moved out of harm’s way instead of permanent cabins.

Scott Bahr of Cairn Consulting Group discusses his role in helping clients assess these risks. He explains that his firm uses a risk score and tends to be conservative in their recommendations, advising clients to avoid projects that fall outside the "upper tier" of safety. He shares a story of a client who chose not to move forward with a project in Illinois based on their recommendation and was later grateful for the advice, as the project would have been a disaster.

The panel also considers what proactive measures can be taken. Nick Harrington shares how South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks handles natural disasters. He notes that the state has identified high-hazard dams and is working on infrastructure improvements. He also praises the crucial role of volunteers and park staff who act as a first line of defense during emergencies. Simon Neal showcases a new feature on the Camp Map platform, which allows a campground to instantly push emergency information to guests’ phones, guiding them to safety using an interactive map.

The conversation then shifts to the state of the industry, with Brian Searl asking Eleonore Hamm about RV sales in Canada. Eleonore reports that sales have been soft, with new unit sales down about 12% compared to the previous year, though she notes that anecdotal reports suggest a recent uptick. She highlights a recent win for the industry: the government has remitted tariffs on motorized units, which is a positive development. She also notes that while border crossings from Canada to the U.S. are down, campground usage in Canada remains strong, with a lot of European travelers renting RVs to explore the country.

Rafael Correa points out the opportunity for collaboration between RV dealers and campgrounds. He explains that Blue Water has partnered with dealers to set up mini showrooms at their parks, offering a convenient way to connect with qualified buyers. Eleonore Hamm echoes this sentiment, encouraging more collaboration between dealers and campground operators in Canada, as it benefits the consumer. The panel agrees that in the post-COVID world, the industry must work together to promote the lifestyle and bring new people into the outdoor hospitality space.

Scott Bahr offers a teaser of upcoming research from the RVIA and KOA, which indicates a growing sense of optimism within the industry. He notes that this optimism is a good predictor of future consumer behavior. Kristin Andersen Garwood announces that Sage Outdoor Advisory is releasing a new RV industry report that will cover trends, amenities, and the growing popularity of park model cabins and alternative stays.

The episode concludes with final thoughts from the panelists. Nick Harrington makes a final push for visitors to check out South Dakota's state parks, emphasizing the diverse experiences available beyond just Mount Rushmore. Scott Bahr shares a final, exclusive stat: 10% of non-campers cite a lack of transportation as the reason they don't camp. Brian Searl thanks all the guests and panelists for their contributions to the episode.