The January 22, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl, brought together a panel of experts to discuss the RV industry, glamping, and outdoor hospitality trends. Panelists included Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA Canada; Shane Devenish, Executive Director of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association; Angele Miller, Co-Founder of Creekside RNR Glamping; and Greg Emmert, Consultant at Camp Strategy. The conversation delved into consumer trends, industry challenges, and the need for better storytelling in the RV and glamping sectors. Brian introduced the revamped show format and engaged panelists in a light-hearted discussion about the new intro. The group shared their respective roles and perspectives within their industries. Eleonore and Shane highlighted their focus on advocacy, education, and industry collaboration in Canada, while Angele shared her experiences running a glamping resort, emphasizing the importance of meeting rising consumer expectations. Angele discussed the increasing consumer demand for luxury amenities such as saunas and hot tubs at glamping resorts. She noted that guests are seeking highly personalized experiences, making it crucial for operators to continuously innovate. Brian and Greg agreed, noting that the RV park and campground industry is experiencing a similar shift toward high-end, customized experiences. Greg emphasized the importance of campground owners identifying their “why” to stand out in a competitive market. He encouraged operators to focus on unique offerings that resonate with guests. Angele shared how her resort builds customer loyalty by personalizing experiences, such as remembering special occasions, which Greg praised as a model for other operators. Eleonore and Shane spoke about their advocacy efforts in Canada, particularly in light of challenges like pending legislation and economic uncertainty. They highlighted the close collaboration among Canadian RV associations, contrasting it with the larger, more segmented U.S. market. The panel discussed economic concerns, including inflation, exchange rates, and potential tariffs, and their impact on consumer confidence. Shane expressed cautious optimism about RV sales in 2025, while Eleonore noted that affordability remains a key message in their marketing efforts. Angele shared insights on how economic pressures are affecting the glamping industry, with some operators scaling back or closing for the winter. The conversation turned to managing consumer expectations and addressing negative feedback. Shane and Greg discussed the challenges of dealing with complaints, emphasizing the need for empathy and perspective. Angele added that proactive communication and attention to detail can help mitigate dissatisfaction and build loyalty. The group explored trends in RV manufacturing, with Shane noting that consumer demand drives product offerings. Eleonore pointed out that while fifth wheels showed growth in 2024, manufacturers respond to a variety of consumer preferences, from lightweight towables to larger, more luxurious units. Greg drew parallels between the RV industry’s challenges and Angele’s approach to affordability in glamping. While RV manufacturers face logistical and economic hurdles in building affordable units, Angele shared how her resort strikes a balance between luxury and cost-effectiveness to remain competitive. Brian raised concerns about how the RV industry’s positive stories, beyond shipment numbers, are underrepresented in campground-related media. Eleonore and Shane agreed on the need for broader communication, with Eleonore suggesting better integration of resources to share meaningful industry insights. The panelists expressed cautious optimism for 2025. Shane predicted stable demand for RVs, while Angele anticipated steady interest in outdoor experiences, albeit with shifts in consumer spending. The group agreed that adaptability and a focus on consumer needs would be critical for...