WCM's Park Update

WCM's Park Update interviews industry thought leader Kathleen Walsh on the state of the development market and whether there is going to be an oversaturation of campsites if current trends hold up.

Walsh also explores rate trends, other industry challenges, and what the future holds for her.

WCM's Park Update, sponsored by PayRange, chats with Gwynn Sullivan, the executive director of the Care Camps Foundation, about the continued work it is doing to support pediatric oncology camps across the U.S. and Canada. 

Sullivan highlights the foundation's recent brand change, its success in garnering the support of numerous industries to provide more support to camps, the importance of its mission to support families dealing with pediatric cancer, and more. 

To learn more and to donate, visit www.carecamps.org. 

WCM’s Park Update, sponsored by Kampgrounds of America Inc., chats with Dyana Kelley, president and CEO of CalOHA, about the new Campground Solutions Summit West that CalOHA is going to host in Reno, Nev., next April. She discusses the impetus for the summit and how she hopes it can be a resource for park owners in Western states and beyond. 

Kelley also chats about some the California-specific issues she has been tackling and why vigilance is needed as more municipalities work to take on outdoor hospitality industry matters. 

WCM’s Park Update, sponsored by Kampgrounds of America Inc., chats with Mark Koep, CEO of Campground Views, about the feedback he is hearing from the owners he speaks with on the 2024 season. He discusses the challenges park owners faced as they navigated a unique electoral cycle, along with other economic issues.

Koep also chats about his time at the Glamping Show Americas and also updates WCM on anything he may be hearing regarding the Spectrum Internet issue. 

WCM’s Park Update, sponsored by Kampgrounds of America Inc., chats with Erin and Dan Thiem, the owners of the Inn Town Campground in Nevada City, Calif., on Tuesday (Nov. 5) about the 2024 season and some of the challenges the park has faced. Named the No. 1 park in the country for three years in a row by USA Today’s 10Best, the Thiem’s are continually looking at ways to improve the park they built from the ground up.
WCM also chats with the Thiems about the recent glamping show, ways in which they approach adding amenities to their park and more.

WCM’s Park Update, sponsored by Kampground of America Inc., chats with Cara Braeutigam, president of the Canadian Camping and RV Association (CCRVA) about its upcoming CampEX from Nov. 17-20 in Niagra Falls, Ontario. The event, organized by the Canadian Camping and RV Association and Camping In Ontario (CIO), is the first in-person national conference for park owners in over a decade.

WCM's Park Update, sponsored by Kampground of America Inc., chats with Kama Humphrey, director of meetings and events, and Aaron Williamson, vice president of system operations, about the upcoming International Convention that KOA is set to host in San Antonio from Nov. 18-21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

With the theme “KOA Fiesta,” the convention will embrace the Spanish heritage of the surrounding area. Humphrey notes that KOA is expecting a huge turnout, with over 700 people, and highlights some of the key parts of the show that are going to allow attendees to network and learn from each other. 

KOA owners can learn more about the convention through the KOA intranet.

WCM's Park Update, sponsored by Kampground of America Inc., features a look at OHI's upcoming OHCE in Oklahoma City. David Basler, chief strategy officer, and Riley Wilson, director of marketing, join the show to highlight key aspects of its OHCE and why it attracts park owners from across North America. 

During the show, WCM discusses changes to the way the expo is being scheduled, highlights this year's keynote speaker and other educational opportunities, takes a look at the Hosted Buyer program and more.  

To learn more about OHI's OHCE, head to: https://ohi.org/event/ohce/. 

WCM’s Park Update, sponsored by Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA), brings on Danille Todd and Lori Severson, both organizers of the Campground Owners Expo (COE), to chat about COE’s upcoming show and how in its fourth year it continues to grow.

Set in Branson, Mo., this year’s show will offer a unique ‘Behind the Scenes’ event, a new ExpoConnect program and plenty of networking opportunities. Industry experts will also be hosting educational sessions and attendees will have the chance to earn big prizes too.

To learn more, go to: https://www.campgroundownersexpo.com/

WCM’s Park Update, sponsored by Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA), chats with Jim Omstrom and Chase Becker, both co-founders of Open Road Resorts about recent additions to its system and a large investment from L Catterton.

Founded in 2019, the company now operates six parks in a variety of locations and is expecting even more growth over the next year. Both Omstrom and Becker chat about the market, trends, what separates Open Road Resorts from the pack and more.

To learn more about Open Road Resorts, go to https://www.visitopenroadresorts.com/.