TACO Invite 2024

The LARGEST Campground Trade Show in the Southwest

TEXAS CAMPGROUNDS 2024 TACO SPRING MEETING & TRADE SHOW TEXAS CAMPGROUNDS

Conroe, TX April 30-May 1, 2024

Sign up at www.TACOSpringMeeting.com

Larry Brownfield AVP FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA, INC. www.OWNAKOA.COM

Ron Hinkle TACO LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT www.tacomembers.com

Kelly Jones VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS GREAT ESCAPES RV RESORTS THE JENKINS ORGANIZATION www.GreatEscapesRVResorts.com

Terry Munoz TACO BOARD MEMBER CONSULTANT

Carol Stevens DIRECTOR OF SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LELAND’S CABINS

Lori Severson OWNER, SEVERSON & ASSOCIATES THE CAMPGROUND OWNERS EXPO (COE) www.campgroundownersexpo.com

Kathleen Walsh FOUNDER AND CEO ADVANCED OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS www.advanced-outdoor.biz

MEET YOUR SPEAKERS Larry Brownfield and his wife, Carla, became full-time RVers and Work Campers in 2005, after he spent his career in organizational management and leadership. . They traveled the U.S., working at campgrounds from Bethel, Maine to Anaheim, California prior to joining the KOA corporate team in 2008.

He has been an integral part of KOA’s campground conversion and new construction efforts. In his current role, Larry oversees a team of KOA Franchise Development Managers. This team works directly with independent campground owners throughout North America who are interested in joining the KOA system of over 500 parks.

Brownfield has shared his campground expertise as a recurring presenter at several Outdoor Hospitality Industry association’s (OHI), formerly ARVC, annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), as well as speaking at numerous state and regional Campground Owners Association meetings. He has been an instructor at the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, formerly National School of RV Park & Campground Management, since 2014.

Ron Hinkle began his legislative career in 1983, working in the Texas legislature for a couple years. Hinkle was appointed Sergeant-at-Arms for the Texas House of Representatives by then-Speaker Gib Lewis. Two years later, while still serving as Sergeant-at-Arms, Hinkle was promoted to Legislative Division Director for the Texas House and served in that capacity until 1991. He has served as assistant government affairs director for the Texas Chamber of Commerce. Later, he served as Legislative Liaison for the Texas Public Utility Commission, where he assisted PUC Commissioners and legislators during major rehaul and deregulation efforts of the telecommunications and electric utility industries. Hinkle then opened his own legislative consulting business, where he has represented Fortune 500 companies as well as various associations and manufacturers.

Kelly Jones is currently the Vice President of Operations for Great Escape RV Resorts, where she oversees the RV Resort branch of The Jenkins Organization. Prior to this position, Kelly served as the Vice President of Operations for Leisure Systems, Inc. where she was responsible for operations including franchisee education, training, and assessments. She also assisted LSI’s President in the development of the company’s Federal Disclosure Document and Franchise Agreement and in negotiating franchise renewals with existing franchisees.

In addition to her tenure at LSI, Kelly has years of experience in the campground industry as both an owner and as a General Manager. She is a certified Outdoor Hospitality Executive, a Lifetime Certified Park Operator and a Certified Title 3 ADA Coordinator. Today she shares her wealth of knowledge with others by serving as an instructor at multiple National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) events and conferences. Kelly earned her BA from Bradley University.

Terry Munoz started in the outdoor hospitality industry while still a college student in 1988. While looking for a part-time job, he heard about an opening at an RV resort and applied for a part-time seasonal position. He quickly fell in love with the industry, and after graduation, accepted his first property management position. He has been in the outdoor hospitality industry ever since. Terry worked as a Regional Manager overseeing seven Texas RV resorts for five years before moving to his role with The Signorelli Company as Vice President of Recreational Properties, where he developed The Retreat RV & Camping Resort, the company’s first luxury RV resort on Lake Houston.

Carol Stevens, National Director of Cabins at Leland’s Cabins, is a driving force behind America’s premier cabin company.

With over 20 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, she is a current member of the International Code Council, advocating for safe, code-compliant housing. Carol led Leland’s Cabins to achieve the IHB certification for Texas, making it the only cabin company in the US with this distinction.

Passionate about cabins, hospitality, and building thriving destinations, Carol shares her insights in regard to sales, marketing and business development with entrepreneurs, campground owners, and rental hosts. By imparting knowledge gained, Carol aims to empower others to create remarkable spaces that cater to the needs of families and individuals who cherish travel for both work and leisure, just as she does with her family.

Her mission is to encourage and inspire fellow entrepreneurs and professionals to contribute to the continued growth of the US economy by creating enticing destinations for visitors. Carol also enjoys quilting, hydroponics, and trying to keep her family guessing on what the next weekend or vacation guide she creates will be!

Lori Severson has owned Severson & Associates, a training, consulting, and marketing company, for 20+ years. Her energetic presentations are filled with forward-thinking ideas you can immediately put to use in your business. Her interactive training style allows you to gather ideas from your peers as well. Her passion for success and management excellence will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to take action toward continuous improvement in yourself and your organization.

Kathleen Walsh has been at the forefront of Outdoor Hospitality since developing her first award-winning resort in 2003. She has taken her highly praised hotel background and applied it to every aspect of the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. Her “Outside the Tent” thinking is leading the industry in innovative management services including the Revenue Management and Rate Yielding Models. Kathleen has clients across the globe including the US, Canada, and Mexico. Kathleen has developed and managed at least 500 million dollars’ worth of park investments.

Be sure to visit www.TACOSpringMeeting.com for more Show information and updates!

COME HAVE FUN AND SEE WHAT’S NEW! 75+ vendors at the TACO Trade Show

Lone Star Convention & Expo Center Conroe, Texas April 30-May 1, 2024 Be sure to visit our largest ever Park Model & Glamping Exhibit!

Register today at:

TACOSpringMeeting.com

Attendee Registration discounted if registered before 4/1/24

2024 TACO Meeting & Trade Show SCHEDULE Tuesday, April 30th

11:00 - 12:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Registration & Receive Silent Auction Items 11:00 - 12:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View & Bid Silent Auction Items In Back Of Room 12:00 - 12:45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Welcome, How To Get The Most Out Of The TACO Show - TACO General Meeting 12:45 - 1:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Break - View & Bid On Auction Items, Buy Raffle Tickets 1:00 - 1:45 . Class #1 - Glamping Round Table - Terry Munoz, Kelly Jones, Cathleen Walsh, Carol Stevens (simultaneously with class #2) 1:00 - 1:45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class #2 - First Timers - New To The Industry In Yellow Rose Room (simultaneously with class #1) 1:45 - 2:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Break - View & Bid On Auction Items, Buy Raffle Tickets In Lobby 2:00 - 3:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class #3 - Lori Severson - 10 Things Millionaire Campgrounds Are Proficient At (Raffle #1) 3:00 - 3:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TACO Awards presented 3:30 - 4:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thank You Platinum Sponsors!

4:00 - 5:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour With Vendors In Trade Show (2 Tickets Per Person For Beer Or Wine + Cash Bar) 5:30 - 6:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner (Bar is Open) (Raffle #2) And Silent Auction 6:00 - 9:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cowboy Casino Night - San Jacinto Room (Bar is Open) And Silent Auction

Wednesday, May 1st 8:00 - 8:45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast - High Roller Award Presented By Cowboy Casino Event Sponsor 8:45 - 9:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Raffle #3) Before Class #4 - Larry Brownfield - Outdoor Hospitality Market Dynamics 9:30 - 2:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trade Show 12:00 - 1:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch With Our Vendors 12:30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auction Closes 12:30 - 1:45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pay For And Pick Up Silent Auction Items At Registration, Buy Raffle Tickets 2:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trade Show Closes 2:00 - 2:45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class #5 - Kathleen Walsh - Building/Expanding Your Park (simultaneously with class #6) 2:00 - 2:45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class #6 - Lori Severson in Yellow Rose Room - Attitude Matters (simultaneously with class #5) 2:45 - 3:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Break - (Raffle #4) Last chance To Buy Raffle Tickets 3:00 - 4:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class #7 - Legislative Report - Brian Schaeffer, Ron Hinkle, Randall Dally, Michael Moore 4:00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Raffle #5) Dismissed - Please Fill Out Show Survey Items In Blue Are In Bluebonnet 1 & 2 (Large Classroom) Items In Green Are In The Yellow Rose Room Items In Purple Are In Bluebonnet 1 The Trade Show Room Items In Red Are In The San Jacinto Room/Cowboy Casino Night

WHAT’S INCLUDED ›› Priceless Education & Information – six classes led

›› Silent Auction – Fundraiser for Legislative

›› Admission to TACO Awards Recognition. ›› Exciting & Fun TACO Raffle throughout the show! ›› Cowboy Casino Fun Night - Fundraiser for

›› Largest Trade Show and Park Model/Glamping

by industry experts.

Legislative Initiatives.

Initiatives.

Exhibit in the Southwest.

›› Legislative Updates that will affect your business. ›› Meals – Tue. Dinner, Wed. Breakfast & Lunch.

Registration Fees Per Person Early Registration By 4/1/24

Member . . . . . . . . . . $350.00 Non-Member . . . . . . $425.00

After 4/1/24

Member . . . . . . . . . . $400.00 Non-Member . . . . . . $475.00

REGISTER ONLINE AT TACOSPRINGMEETING.COM

BE RECOGNIZED AS THE BEST TEXAS PARK FOR...

Apply Now at TACOAwards.com

- Park of the Year for parks with fewer than 125 sites - Park of the Year for parks 125 sites or more - Texas Glamping Resort of the Year WHEN YOUR PARK WINS YOU WILL RECEIVE: • Press release announcing TACO award winners • TACO Awards Badge in the 2025 TACO Guide and use in your marketing • Special Eblast to recognize award winners to consumer list from Texas Campgrounds • Special Recognition on TexasCampgrounds.com • Awards Plaque presented at the TACO Show • $100 Gift Card

Easy Digital Entry on TACOAwards.com

Deadline: 3/1/24

Legislative Update: 2023 Wins & Prep for 2024 Next Session Initiatives

Ron Hinkle TACO Consultant Austin, TX

Michael More TACO Assistant Executive Director Crowley, TX

TACO had a fantastic legislative session, passing two important bills that will ultimately assist RV Park owners in their provision of water and billing. We also passed important RV Park liability protection. We will be covering the specifics and how these affect you at the TACO Spring Show.

One other piece of legislation regarding establishing the National Fire Protection Association 1194 standards for current and future RV Park construction and/or expansion did not pass the Senate. We will discuss this at the TACO Spring Show so that effort can be taken up in the 2025 Texas legislative session.

We worked tirelessly on commercial property tax relief – lower rates & caps on appraisals. We achieved a modest 20% annual cap though we sought 5%. We will be discussing this at the TACO spring Show so we can continue that fight now and in the 2025 session.

TACO not only worked with key legislators and leadership to pass good legislation, but also worked with legislators, House committees and stakeholders on killing bad legislation intended to redefine RV Parks as a hotel for taxing on all RV sites. At the TACO Spring Show, we will discuss other potentially harmful items affecting your business.

Official filing for the 2024 elections began on November 11th and ended Monday, December 11th at 6:00 p.m. While Governor Abbott has said he would let the electorate decide if legislators vote against school vouchers, he isn’t waiting for the “final vote” to recruit candidates. Somewhat out of character, the Governor is openly supporting some opponents to current Republican House members because they did not support the Governor’s legislative priority for school vouchers, known as Education Savings Accounts. This may affect some TACO issues and we will discuss that at the TACO Spring Show.

Attorney General Ken Paxton is openly targeting some of the House Republicans who voted for his impeachment. As

Brian Schaeffer TACO CEO Crowley, TX

Randall Dally TACO President Brookland, TX

you recall, the Texas Senate voted to exonerate the Attorney General in a trial that captivated both political and public interest. This may affect some TACO issues and we will discuss that at the TACO Spring Show.

The March primary election is where most elections will be settled. We’ll know some of the players who will affect the TACO agenda and we will discuss that at the TACO Spring Show.

Please bring your concerns/issues to the TACO Spring Meeting so they can be noted and discussed. This is the #1 TACO member benefit – government affairs.

2023 Legislative Show Recap

SHOW ACCOMMODATIONS Homewood Suites by Hilton Conroe 3000 Interstate 45 North • Conroe, TX 77303 Phone: (936) 703-6000 Homewoodsuites.hilton.com Group Code TA2 Web link on tacospringmeeting.com/accommodations Book early as this block will sell out! *The closest airport to the venue is the George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

For RV park information in the Conroe area visit TexasCampgrounds.com

BUY TICKETS AND WIN! BUY ENOUGH TICKETS TO SPIN THE WHEEL AND WIN EVEN MORE TICKETS!

The TACO Raffle supports our legislative initiatives.

Sponsored by Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance

Cowb oy Casino Fun Night April 30th, 2024

AN EVENING OF FUN

Blackjack Tables • Craps Tables Texas Holdem Tables • Slots Photo Booth • Live DJ/Music

WE NEED YOUR HELP! To fight government intrusion in your business and to put common sense laws in place.

TACO Silent Auction

April 30th & May 1st • Last Call May 1st at 12:30 pm.

Bring your auction items, then bid early and bid often!

Typical items will include: state & national directory ad space, antiques, fresh lobsters, Texas themed items, tools, home decor, office & campground supplies, Texas fine wines, a bunch of lottery tickets and lots of other goodies!