MC Fireside Chats – September 4th, 2024

MC Fireside Chats

In the September 4th, 2024 edition of MC Fireside Chats, guest host Mark Koep filled in for Brian Searl and welcomed a panel of outdoor hospitality experts, including Jeff Hoffman, Sandy Ellingson, Scott Bahr, Mike Harrison, and special guest Luisana Méndez from Huellas Latinas. The episode explored key topics in the outdoor hospitality industry and community engagement. Luisana Méndez, the leader of Huellas Latinas, a Minnesota-based nonprofit, shared how her organization promotes outdoor activities within the Latino community. Huellas Latinas helps immigrants and refugees overcome language barriers, transportation issues, and lack of information to experience outdoor recreation. Luisana noted that many newcomers to the U.S. prioritize work and education initially, with recreation often falling to the background. As they settle in, Huellas Latinas helps them find confidence in outdoor activities by offering guidance on navigating parks, safety, and proper gear, especially for Minnesota’s cold winters. Luisana emphasized that Huellas Latinas primarily serves the first generation of immigrants from various Latin American countries. While they all share a common language, cultural differences add complexity to the group’s dynamic. Mark Koep inquired about funding, and Luisana shared that Huellas Latinas is supported by contracts with parks and agencies, along with grants like the one received from Together Outdoors. She also highlighted the importance of the organization in creating a sense of belonging for the Latino community through outdoor experiences. The conversation transitioned to industry trends, where Sandy Ellingson discussed concerns over a projected 55% drop in RV travel during Labor Day weekend, based on RV Industry Association data. Although some parks had successful weekends, there was a significant decline in bookings for the fall season, especially with snowbirds delaying their travel due to election-related anxieties. Mike Harrison echoed this, saying that while their luxury RV and glamping properties performed well, the overall industry is facing slower growth compared to previous years. Scott Bahr highlighted a growing disconnect between outdoor recreation enthusiasts and campground stays. He noted an increase in trail usage, yet campgrounds aren’t seeing proportional growth. This gap, according to Scott, represents a key opportunity for the outdoor hospitality industry to better engage with this group, perhaps through more strategic marketing. Mike and Jeff Hoffman discussed broader market conditions, with Mike pointing out a potential oversupply of parks built during the pandemic. He stressed the importance of maintaining good operations, as only the well-run parks will thrive as the market slows. Jeff predicted a shakeout in the industry, where those relying on overinflated demand may struggle. The group also touched on the growing glamping trend ahead of the glamping show. Scott and Mike expressed enthusiasm for the event, where they’ll present industry insights. Sandy, while a fan of glamping, warned that it’s becoming a competitor to traditional campgrounds, as travelers are often choosing the convenience of glamping over RV or tent camping. The session concluded with a forward-looking discussion, with panelists predicting challenges and opportunities in the coming months, including industry shifts and trends in winter camping. Overall, the episode highlighted both concerns, such as slowing RV travel, and opportunities for growth, especially in reaching new and diverse communities through innovative outreach.