Campground Conference Draws Operators From 13 States for Education, Networking

The Campground Conference and Trade Show, formerly known as the Mid-Atlantic Conference & Trade Show, concluded its three-day event March 3–5, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with 78 attendees representing 41 campgrounds. 

The event rebranded after over 30 years under its previous name, attracting participants from 13 states, including as far west as Wyoming, New Mexico, and Nevada.

Joann DelVescio organized the conference, which focused on educational sessions and vendor engagement. DelVescio said the new branding and theme, “See and Be Seen,” contributed to an energized atmosphere that benefited attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.

“The event is planned for campground operators from New Jersey and other Mid-Atlantic states, but we’ve always had a welcoming spirit, and our always forward-thinking programming went into even higher gear this year,” DelVescio said in a press release.

Attendee Nanette Gillan, representing Green River Oaks Resort in Amboy, Illinois, praised the event’s sessions. “I felt it was a great conference. The sessions were very informative, and I’ll be taking many new ideas back to my park! I’m looking forward to attending again next year.”

Diana Parker of Adventure Bound Camping Resort in Cape May, New Jersey, highlighted the value of networking and entertainment. 

“We loved the energy and enthusiasm throughout the event, especially during the dinner and auction,” she said.

Garrett McKinnon, chief revenue officer for Campground Views, presented a session titled “Money in Your Pocket: How Every Staff Member Can Boost Your Bottom Line.” McKinnon said the session drew strong attendance from operators seeking ways to enhance profitability and guest satisfaction.

McKinnon’s company also participated as a trade show vendor and found the event productive. 

“The location was fantastic, and the accommodations were wonderful,” he said. “I also found the park owners and attendees to be highly engaged during the trade show, which is the most important aspect for us vendors, as we were able to conduct business right on the floor.”

The trade show featured 35 vendors offering a range of campground products and services, including insurance, legal support, marketing, and reservation software. DelVescio noted that many vendors were new to the event, creating opportunities for fresh business connections.

“Attendees could easily take up the entire afternoon speaking to vendors and still not get to them all,” said DelVescio. “We were pleased to have a wide range of vendors offering products and services including camp store products, aqua parks, insurance, marketing, legal services, reservation software, rental units, and the list goes on.”

Sponsorship helped support the event, with contributions from Platinum Sponsors such as Access Parks, Acrisure, Lake Kandle Campground, Little Oaks Campground, Utility Supply Group, and Wilcor International. 

Gold and Bronze Sponsors also included MHP Brokerage, Northeast Campground Brokers, Eastern Vehicle Solutions, and Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance.