ISSUE 10, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN GLAMPING ASSOCIATION APPS AND MAKESOLUTIONSSMSTOLIFEEASIER MARKETINGINFLUENCERINSIDER TIPS FROM HONEYTREK GLAMPING AS AN ADD-ON TO AN EXISTING BUSINESS THE OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDEALL EXHIBITOR ANDSPEAKER DETAILS INSIDE
Advertising sales: David Korse t: 1-805-258-2836 e: david@glampingshow.us Design: Melissa Douglass i for www.ifdetail.comdetail Instagramwww.glampingbusinessamericas.com @thisisglamping Facebook @thisisglamping Events: The Glamping Show USA w: www.glampingshow.us e: Thedavid@glampingshow.usGlampingShowUK w: www.theglampingshow.com e: dan.w@theglampingshow.com
W elcome to the show issue of Glamping Business Americas
glampingshow.us Glamping Business Americas
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Aside from the show details, we have some other fantastic features inside this our biggest ever issue. Learn about Septic Systems from Wes Combs - one of the biggest challenges often facing new glamping sites, find out about how to add glamping to an existing business such as a winery or hotel from Todd WynneParry, discover how the legend of the rare white bison influenced a new resort near Zion National Park and much more!
© Upgrade Publishing Ltd. Glamping Business Americas is published four times a year. No reproduction of any part of the magazine is permitted, nor storage in a retrieval system without prior consent of the publisher. No commercial exploitation is permitted. No warranty is implied in respect of any product or trader mentioned herewith. Prizes offered in competitions might be substituted with ones of similar value. Subscribe for free at www.glampingbusinessamericas.com
We are so excited to share with you details of all of the exhibitors and speakers at this year’s event in Colorado. The show this year is bigger than ever and visitor pre-registrations are way up again on last year, so it promises to be an incredible event. This year, we also have some new initiatives, such as on-site glamping and you cantry out a Magnum e-bike! This is also our one print issue of the year, so we hope you will be picking up a copy at the show!
We have some happy news to share with you - due to the demand for Glamping Business Americas, we are adding a 5th issue to land in December 2022. Thanks for all your support and to our fantastic contributors. See you at the show! Korse Director
David
Welcome CONTENTS 05 Letter from Ruben MartinezAGA co-founder 09 The Glamping Show USA floor plan 10 The Conference Program 15 Meet the 2022 Speakers 25 Exhibitors in detail 48 Elevated glamping - Zion White Bison 51 Hospitality success in 5 steps 52 Insider tips by Honeytrek: Influencer marketing 54 Septic systems needs for glamping 56 Threats and opportunities when glamping is an add-on 59 Automated SMS & customized apps and how they can help you Cover: Zion White Bison 52
Reporter/social media: Annie Hilton e: media@upgradepublishing.com
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Glamping Business Americas is published by The Glamping Show USA and Upgrade Publishing Address: 1129 Maricopa Hwy Ojai,B150CA 93023 USA Publishers: Upgrade Publishing Steph Curtis-Raleigh e: steph@upgradepublishing.com
Iwant to take a brief moment as everyone gathers in Colorado to reflect on the current state of all things glamping. There was a time when a legitimate and robust glamping economy was just an idea and more of an aspiration than a reality. At that time, the industry was at a stage where it could have gone in one of several directions as the travel industry at large was trying to figure out which bucket to put us in and what identity to give us. Investors were trying to sort through the best way to mitigate the risk they saw with these unique projects, and operators were grappling with how to move their businesses forward because their immediate circle could not fully understand the enormous potential of Theglamping.reality is that we have our own identity and we will define the future of glamping by ourselves as we have from day one. For those that have been around the industry for a decade or longer, you know what the climate used to be like and how using the term “glamping” back then would have guaranteed you funny looks and snarky comments. And now the glamping industry has proven to be the bright light in the travel space and attracting significant investment as we see record growth and truly inspirational project execution. I am humbled when I think about where the glamping industry stands today and I am grateful to each and every individual and organization that has put in the hard work and has sacrificed to move the industry forward. Year in and year out, October has proven to be my favorite month because at The Glamping Show USA I have the opportunity to reunite with old friends, meet aspiring glamping business owners and learn from the numerous fantastic organizations that show up every year and give more and more life to this industry.AsIreflect on where we are today it only ignites the excitement for the future of the glamping industry and for that I say, thank you! For more info please contact: info@americanglampingassociation.nethttps://americanglampingassociation.net/
“The glamping industry has proven to be the bright light in the travel space and attracting significant investment as we see record growth and truly inspirational project execution.”
Letter from AGA founder: BY RUBEN MARTINEZ
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FLOOR PLAN 2022 glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | 09
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Retreats, Events and Remote Workers
SEMINAR SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE
8:00 am – 9:00 am Continental Breakfast 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Glamping Investment Connection
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Conference Attendee Lunch
2:15 pm -2:45 pm White Duck Outdoors Fireside Chat in Booth #1200 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm How to Increase Online Bookings
2:15 pm -2:45 pm White Duck Outdoors Fireside Chat in Booth #1200 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm The “Scoop” on SBA and USDA Loans
8:30 am – 9:00 am Conference Continental Breakfast
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Glamping Business Basics
8:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration
5:00pm – 6:00pm Networking Reception
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2022
9:00 am – 10:00 am How to Grow Your Business with Influencer Marketing 10:00 am – 4:00 pm EXPO OPEN 11:00 am – 12 noon New Technologies 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Conference Attendee Lunch
PRE-SHOW WORKSHOPS
8:00 am – 4:30 pm Registration open
7:30 am – 5:00 pm Registration 8:30 am – 9:00 am Conference Continental Breakfast 9:00 am – 10:00 am Glamping: From Niche to Mainstream 10:00 am – 5:00 pm EXPO OPEN 11:00 am – 12 noon Investigating Off-Grid Solutions
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2022
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Growing Your Business Through Growing Your Brand
CONFERENCES 10 | Glamping Business Americas | glampingshow.us
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Workshop Attendee Lunch
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022 -
Find out about those “check list” items that every glamping business must complete before opening for business to site selection and finance options and more. You’ll also hear from experts---and those who have been in your shoes---who will share information and personal stories that will make your glamping business adventure easier and more successful.
Glamping Business Basics
Find the information and capital to propel your dream forward. The Investment Connection is an in-person event designed specifically to assist businesses in the glamping industry hone their pitches to obtain access to capital and resources for new and existing glamping projects. We have arranged for active investors in the glamping and outdoor hospitality space to listen to a selected number of pitches from qualified businesses and give valuable feedback to help them refine their quest for capital. Even if you’re not ready to pitch your idea, but would like to learn how others prepare their plans for funding, this half-day program can serve as a tuto Pre-Showrial.
Glamping Investment Connection
Founders Stories: Hear how two operations began with small steps to achieve their glamping vision.
Hospitality Law 101
Financing Options From bank loans, to equity investment, inventory financing to friends and family. Learn where and how to tap the various potential sources of capital. Property Purchase or Land Lease? The ins and outs of site selection is covered here as well as how to weigh the options of purchasing or leasing land for your business.
Whether you’re a small or large operation, it’s vital to learn how to protecting you and your business from the various legal risks in the changing hospitality environment.
What you need to do and know before jumping into your new venture. Topics include risk mitigation, ADA, disaster management, insurance, permitting and more.
2022 GLAMPING PRE-SHOW PROGRAM MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022 CONFERENCES glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | 11
Workshop 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
The program includes: “State of the Industry” Report Presented by Ruben Martinez of The American Glamping Association. An update on the growth of the glamping industry and where it’s headed.
Start-Up Checklist
Glamping Investment Connection
Pre-show Workshop: BRAND NEW FOR 2022! 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speakers: Ruben Martinez, American Glamping Association; Blake Smith, Walden Retreats; Irene Wood, The Fields of Michigan; David Smith, Outside Capital; Virginia Gray, Collective Retreats; Reed Raskin, Director of Development, Collective Retreats; Christine Taylor, Partner, Towne Law Firm, P.C.
Whether you are in the planning stages or ready to launch, make sure you have your important business basics covered. This session is designed as an overview of those business areas that you will encounter in your journey.
This session, organized by the American Glamping Association, is a must for everyone thinking about or ready to launch their glamping vision. Don’t miss this chance to learn from others who have been on your journey.
From Concept to Launch and Beyond: What you need to know to start a glamping business. Launching and running a glamping business is more than setting up tents and a website.
Investigating Off-Grid Solutions
Special Keynote Presentation 9:00 am –10:00 am
Come with questions and prepare to learn something new.
GLAMPING CONFERENCE PROGRAM TUESDAY,
OCTOBERTUESDAY,(FREEPRESENTATIONSEXHIBITORTOALL)4,2022
Showcasing Terramor’s Glamping Research for the first time, COO Whitney Scott will blend new glamping specific data with recent and historical real-life findings from both Terramor and KOA in this can’t miss keynote presentation.
White Duck Outdoors Fireside Chat: Starting a Glamping Business 101 Join White Duck Outdoors along with a special industry guest in the Outdoor Expo to learn tips and tricks to launching your own glamping business. Check back soon to find out which glamping trailblazer will be addressing the crowd.
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For a word that was just introduced in the dictionary 5 years ago, glamping has taken the hospitality world by storm. Learn about the evolution, trends, perceived expectations and experiences that define the world of glamping.
Growing Your Business Through Growing Your Brand: Lessons Learned from AutoCamp
11:00 am – 12 noon
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
Whether your glamping site is in a remote location or not, off-grid options for power, and even water and wastewater, might be on your radar as a consideration to be more eco-conscious or fiscally prudent. Thissessionwill bring together operators who have come up with solutions to taking some elements of their businesses off-grid. Find out the advantages they’ve experienced and gather info on what your options may be in tackling the challenge of moving toward a partial or total offgridComebusiness.hear what they’ve done and discovered with regard to battery and solar technology, costs and permitting, water, wastewater and more.
Find out if an SBA or USDA loan is a fit for your new or existing business. You’ll learn what the loans are available for and the criteria to qualify for this type of funding---from loan amounts to what makes you the ideal candidate and how to pre-qualify. Whether you’re in the market for capital now or will be in the future, grab this chance to learn about a possible funding option for your glamping business.
Speakers: Whitney Scott, Chief Operation Officer of Terramor Outdoor Resort and Chief Marketing Officer of Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
Speaker: Bruce Hurta, VP Government Guaranteed Lending, Ameris
Glamping: From Niche to Mainstream
CONFERENCESBank
If you’ve wondered what “branding” is, why brand development is important to your business and how to start, this session for you. Even if you have already started on your “branding journey,” pick up tips from a company who has been successful in building their brand. This session will cover some of the basics and more: • Brand equity and value alignment • Brand design, touchpoints, and consistency • Long-term growth of brands and how to take yours to the next level
Location: Booth #1200 OCTOBER 4, 2022 glampingshow.us
Moderator: Ben Quiggle, Editor, Woodall’s Campground Magazine; Panel: Antonio Gonzalez, Co-Founder and COO, Jupe, Lauren Roth Venu, Principal, Roth Ecological Design International and Louis Thompson, Founder & CEO, Nomadic Resorts 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Speaker: Taylor Davis, VP Marketing, Autocamp 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm The “Scoop” on SBA and USDA Loans
Moderator: John Hayden, President, The Dyrt. Panel: Vinny Cuneo, Autocamp, Natalie Binder, CampV, and
What is the best use of your limited time to drive your business? We’ll talk with different operators to find out what they have learned works best.
Join Kathleen Walsh, CEO of Advanced Outdoor Solutions as she explains how the industry has “Grown Up,” and now offers technology and integrations that are light years above what it had just a few years ago. Reservation systems and OTA (Online Travel Agent) will be addressed and there will be ample time for Q&A.
Get the inside track on influencer marketing and discover how niche content creators can elevate your glamping operation. In this talk led by Mike & Anne Howard, the travel influencers behind @HoneyTrek and authors of the glamping book Comfortably Wild, find out how to connect with the right influencers, work with them on the ground, and make the most of the content they create. No matter your marketing budget (even $0), there is an influencer out there to improve your photography assets, grow your social media presence, and level up your glamping business.
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm How to Increase Online Bookings
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Moderator: Steph Curtis-Raleigh, Editor and Publisher, Glamping Business Americas Panel: Greg Sheldon, Regenr8.ai, Todd Wynne-Parry, Horwath HTL Oregon and Josh Lesnick Collective Retreats.
White Duck Outdoors Fireside Chat: Moving Towards a More Sustainable Glampsite
Sustainability doesn’t just protect the ecosystem, it can also be the best business decision for your glampsite. Join in the White Duck Outdoors Fireside Chat to discover how you can more towards a more sustainable outdoor hospitality enterprise.
Speakers: Anne and Mike Howard, Honeytrek 11:00 am – 12 noon New Technologies for The Outdoor Space Technology can not only streamline your operations, but it can also save payroll dollars, predict demand, and assist in targeting your marketing to the markets that matter.
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
PROGRAM
Location: Booth #1200 glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas
GLAMPING CONFERENCE
How to Grow Your Business with Influencer Marketing
What are the opportunities offered by different types of group bookings? Following lockdowns, groups are looking to reconnect in natureincluding ex-office workers who now work from home who wish to reconnect, or digital nomads for whom the world is now their office. Then there are weddings and other celebrations that were cancelled that are being rescheduled in the open air. Steph Curtis-Raleigh and panel explore the opportunities and drawbacks of these types of bookings and what special requirements these guests may have.
Even the perfect camping spot needs effective marketing to maximize bookings and a healthy return on your investment. With so many methods to attract campers, you need to focus on what’s most effective, from building your own website, to partnering with OTAs, to managing online reviews.
OCTOBERWEDNESDAY,(FREEPRESENTATIONSEXHIBITOR2022TOALL)5,2022
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5,
Speaker: Kathleen Walsh, Advanced Outdoor Solutions 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Retreats, Events and Remote Workers
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CONFERENCESmore.
STEPH CURTIS-RALEIGH
PUBLISHER, INTERNATIONAL GLAMPING BUSINESS Steph is the editor and publisher of Glamping Business USA and a Director of Upgrade Publishing, whose other titles include; International Glamping Business and Glamping Business Americas. She also founded Eco Resort Network, which aims to bring people together from all over the world, in order to share best practice and inspire one another, Steph has organised a number of online and in person events, alongside World of Glamping and No Footprint Consulting for this audience. She is a regular judge for the Rural Business Awards in the UK and is keen to promote alternative tourism as a way of boosting local economies and encouraging people to consider the environment in their travel and buyingStephchoices.hasbeen a magazine editor for 20 years in the trade press and also runs a small PR and marketing agency.
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RUBEN MARTINEZ CO-FOUNDER, AMERICAN GLAMPING ASSOCIATION & GLAMPING HUB Ruben is the Co-Founder of the American Glamping Association & GlampingHub. The American Glamping Association is the only industry association in North America and it drives growth opportunities for new and existing glamping businesses through tools, resources and education to create a stronger glamping community. GlampingHub is the largest transactional glamping booking platform with properties listed worldwide. GlampingHub now offers over 35,000 listings with offices in Denver and Seville, Spain Ruben completed both his Undergraduate degree and his MBA with a focus in International Business at Regis University. He is an affiliate faculty member at Regis University teaching Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the MBA program. Ruben resides in Colorado with his wife and two daughters. glampingshow.us
MEET THE 2022 SPEAKERS SPEAKERS
We’ve gathered glamping experts from around the world to share their experiences and knowledge on a wide variety of glamping topics to help you with your business.
GREG SHELDON CO-FOUNDER, REGENR8.AI Greg Sheldon has more than 22 years of experience designing and executing corporate sales incentives and employee recognition programs. He has helped Fortune 100 companies such as Google, Cisco, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, Pfizer, and Intel implement incentive travel programs, employee recognition solutions and experiential events at global scale. Being an avid outdoors person and environmentally conscious, Greg has been intrigued by the opportunity to align the mega trends of glamping, eco-sustainability, and wellbeing with the $200 Billion corporate meetings & incentives industry. In 2021 Greg co-founded Regenr8 as the first company to pair corporate incentives, retreats and recognition programs with the glamping and eco-hospitality industry. Regenr8’s offerings include programs that feature glamping and eco-resort experiences include incentivizing improved corporate selling and service performance, booking corporate meetings and team retreats at glamping and eco-resorts that align with clients’ sustainability mission and their business goals, larger scale bespoke glamping experiences for client’s employees, partners, or customers and more.TheRegenr8 suite of technology and professional services are tailored for the technology, financial services, automotive, biopharma, and healthcare industries.
SPEAKERS
TODD WYNNE-PARRY MANAGING DIRECTOR, HORWATH HTL OREGON A seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, Todd has over 30 years of hotel development experience, having held senior leadership positions at several major hotel brands and most recently AutoCamp and Commune Hotels & Resorts which became Two Roads Hospitality. A dual-citizen of the US and Australia, Wynne-Parry has traveled to 54 countries and lived and worked in the U.S., Asia, Australia and the United Kingdom. He was instrumental in the brand development efforts for IHG, Starwood and Marriott in the Asia Pacific region and for Commune and Two Roads Hospitality globally. He began his career as a hotel consultant in the San Diego office of Laventhol & Horwath, the predecessor to Horwath HTL.
Todd earned an MBA from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management and sits on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Development Trust for Scotland’s University of Aberdeen, where he studied briefly as an undergraduate. He sits on the advisory council of the American Glamping Association and is a regular contributing article writer for the Glamping Business Americas magazine. In his spare time, Todd enjoys sporting clays, fly fishing, woodworking and exploring the western US in his 1953 Airstream. He is a proud father to his three children, Tara, Conor and Ethan.
Natalie has a diverse background in real estate, hotel development, luxury property management and has worked with established hospitality companies such as Caesars Palace, lumiere, Telluride, Exceptional Stays and opened locations in Mexico, Spain and Switzerland. Her family has deep roots in Southwest Colorado and the mining era, so it was only natural she landed in Naturita, Colorado to create CampV.CampV(originally named Vancorum) by the Vanadium Corporation of America was built in 1942 to house the engineers who worked in the nearby Uranium industry. The 120-acre desert oasis on the San Miguel River with 14 historic cabins was in need of restoration and has been transformed into a unique glamping and camping destination with emphasis on art and outdoor community. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Airstreams or camp spots.
LAUREN ROTH VENU PRINCIPAL, INTERNATIONALECOLOGICALROTHDESIGN
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NATALIE BINDER CO-FOUNDER, CAMPV
Lauren Roth Venu is an ecopreneur, a TEDx speaker, a published author, who is passionate about developing strategic, innovative solutions to build water resiliency. She was named Top Emerging Designers by Pacific Edge Magazine (2014), Top Forty Under Forty Business Leaders by Pacific Business News (2014) as well as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year for Clean Tech by HCVA. In 2006, she formed Roth Ecological Design International that provides integrated water resource management planning, green infrastructure design and delivery of innovative solutions for onsite water management to build water security and resiliency for both public and private sectors. Her continued passion in climate resiliency drove her to form 3Rwater, Inc that develops software and data platforms to help municipalities and private properties to adapt to climate change by increasing the accessibility and equity to green infrastructure solutions. Lauren holds an MSc in Oceanography from University of Hawaii and a BA in Environmental Science - Water Resources from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is also a fellow of the Water Environmental Federation (WEF) Leadership Program and the United Nations University /East- West Center’s ProSPER.net Leadership Program and is certified by WEF as a National Green Infrastructure Certification Program Trainer. She has served on a variety of board of directors, committees and advisory groups over the last decade for non-profits, the state of Hawaii, and city and county of Honolulu to support water resiliency measures.
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Blake Smith is founder and CEO of Walden Retreats, a luxury camping experience located along the Pedernales river in the Texas Hill Country. A Dallas native, Smith earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the Acton School of Business in Austin, TX. He cofounded Aokola Jewelry, a social enterprise providing education and income to women living in rural villages in eastern Uganda. There he met his wife, Sarah, and was inspired to create Walden Retreats in 2017. From design and construction to guest experiences and marketing, Smith aims to redefine the outdoor experience, and bring a unique, unforgettable getaway to Central Texas. Smith is a third generation Texan who resides in Austin with his wife Sarah and their two boys. He is an avid cyclist, skier, BBQ enthusiast and lover of the outdoors.
It is wonderful to be a part of an organization that promotes an appreciation for the outdoors in individuals; it’s an exciting time.”
ANTONIO GONZALEZ
WHITNEY SCOTT COO OF OFCMOOUTDOORTERRAMORRESORT/OFKAMPGROUNDSAMERICA,INC.
BLAKE SMITH FOUNDER & CEO, WALDEN RETREATS
SPEAKERS
Whitney oversees operations, business growth and development for Terramor Outdoor Resort, as well as all marketing efforts for Kampgrounds of America (KOA). Whitney manages a multi-million-dollar budget while directing brand architecture, strategy and partnerships, as well as marketing technology, digital media, loyalty programs and international marketing. She also oversees the marketing and brand development for the KOA’s Owned and Operated Campgrounds. A Montana native, Whitney received a degree in PR from Boston University while concurrently earning a gemology technical degree from the Gemological Institute of America. She went on to receive an MBA from the University of Montana. Whitney honed her marketing skills working for a variety of diverse businesses including The International Diamond Exchange and TerraEchos, a government contractor that developed big data solutions for security applications. In 2013, she joined KOA, quickly rising through the ranks and was named CMO of Marketing in early 2021 and COO of Terramor Outdoor Resort later that summer.
Whitney was instrumental in the concept and launch of Terramor Outdoor Resorts.
“We’re focused on honoring the traditions of camping while also reinvigorating the business with new technology, innovative ways to make the outdoors accessible for everyone and new thinking.
As interest in outdoor experiences continue to accelerate, Whitney is excited about the future.
CO-FOUNDER & COO, JUPE.COM Antonio is Co-founder & COO at Jupe, a dwelling unit inspired by the stars, designed for new frontiers beyond the city and off the grid - it isn’t just a quick place to stay - it’s a gateway to the outside world. Prior to Jupe, he ran several companies in the outdoor travel and hospitality space, which resulted in a board seat at the US Department of the Interior focused on outdoor ethics and land conservation. Antonio resides in Texas where he spends as much time on his gravel bike finding back country roads and exploring unchartered lands.
Rooted in a deep love for the great outdoors and providing environments for people to create memorable experiences in, Smith has created something that combines the two. Named after Henry David Thoreau’s classic novel Walden, the property showcases Smith’s love for the countryside and how he hopes Walden Retreats can be a place of solitude, relaxation, and comfort for guests. This is the first of Blake’s anticipated portfolio of luxury camping properties, which will all have the common goal of providing a welcomed escape from the city. of Terramor Outdoor Resorts. As interest in outdoor experiences continue to accelerate, Whitney is excited about the future. “We’re focused on honoring the traditions of camping while also reinvigorating the business with new technology, innovative ways to make the outdoors accessible for everyone and new thinking. It is wonderful to be a part of an organization that promotes an appreciation for the outdoors in individuals; it’s an exciting time.”
BEN QUIGGLE EDITOR, CAMPGROUNDWOODALL’SMAGAZINE
AUTOCAMP Vinny Cuneo heads up Group Sales, Revenue Management and Reservation Sales for AutoCamp.
BRUCE HURTA SMALL BUSINESS LENDING SPECIALIST
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Bruce has a Finance degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He started his banking career as a bank examiner for the State of Texas Banking Department. Bruce has a long career in Houston banking including two community banks where he served as president. Throughout his career, Bruce’s focus always remained on small business lending. Bruce served as past president of the Houston Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders. He is an Advisory Board Member of Houston SBA SCORE. He is a past board member of the Houston chapter of the Texas Association of Business Brokers, as well as the University of Houston Small Business Development Center. All of Bruce’s marketing efforts are aimed at educating small business owners and their advisors about the SBA and USDA loan programs by blogging, public speaking and networking with small business advisors. Bruce is married to wife, Susan, since 1986.
Bruce Hurta is a small business lending specialist. For the last 25 years, Bruce has promoted the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) government-guaranteed loan program for several lenders including banks, licensed nonbank lenders, and a credit union. Bruce offers not only the SBA loan program for small businesses, but he also offers the USDA Business & Industry loan program for businesses in rural areas, and the USDA Community Facilities loan program for non-profits in rural locations.
AutoCamp is a growing brand of outdoor hospitality properties focused on simplifying adventure by connecting its guests and visitors with the great outdoors. Prior to joining AutoCamp Vinny spent time in Senior Revenue Strategy related roles with Noble House Hotels and Resorts, Pacific Hospitality Group and the Oxford Hotel Group. Vinny started his career in Hospitality with what at the time was known as, Destination Hotels and Resorts, spending a few years in Operations and Group Sales before shifting over to the Revenue Strategy side of the Hospitality Business.
VINNY CUNEO
Susan is a consultant and former special education administrator. Their son is an attorney in Houston, and their daughter is production coordinator for women’s apparel in New York.
KATHLEEN WALSH CEO, OUTDOORADVANCEDSOLUTIONS
Kathleen Walsh, CEO and Founder of Advanced Outdoor Solutions, has been at the forefront of outdoor hospitality since 2003 when she developed her first multi-million dollar beachfront property. She has since developed and managed over $180 million in RV Park and Campground investments across the country. Kathleen served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer for a large RV development company before branching out on her own. Advanced Outdoor Solutions is a full-service management company specifically focused on the outdoor hospitality industry. She is a highly soughtafter speaker and thought leader in the industry.
Ben is the editor of Woodall’s Campground Magazine (WCM) and its affiliated website WOODALLSCM.com, which provides news and information on the outdoor hospitality industry. With a background in both TV and newspapers, he has experience working in a variety of mediums, including video and social media. He lives in Michigan with his wife, Ferron, and their four children, two cats, four rabbits, 6 chickens, a beehive, and a dog.
A lifelong hospitality executive, Josh Lesnick leads the sales, marketing, and retreat operations for Collective Retreats. Prior to joining Collective, Josh has served as the President & CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels, a leading global meetings and incentives sales force representing over 400 luxury hotels. He has also served as the Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer of Wyndham Hotels Group, President & CEO of Audience Rewards-the Official Rewards Program of Broadway, Vice President of Hotel Marketing and Customer Loyalty for Starwood Hotels, and Director of Product Development for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Josh has a passion for creating innovative customer experiences and has led the development of several award winning loyalty programs, including Starwood Preferred Guest, Wyndham Rewards, Hyatt Gold Passport, and Audience Rewards. Earlier in his career, he was named a top 40 under 40 Marketer of the Next Generation by Fortune Magazine and is a graduate of the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University.
Traveling for the last 10 years across 63 countries, Mike and Anne Howard are travel experts with a glamping specialty. They launched HoneyTrek.com to chronicle their journey, and have since written National Geographic’s bestselling book Ultimate Journeys for Two and the first guide to glamping in North America, Comfortably Wild. Earning a Lowell Thomas Journalism Award for their book and a seat on the American Glamping Association Board of Advisors, they are committed to the success of the glampingBusinessesindustry.from budding glampgrounds to established tent manufacturers have partnered with the Howards for their skills as photographers, writers, influencers, and consultants to improve their guest experience and share it with the world. glampingshow.us
| Glamping Business Americas | 23 OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE: VIRGINIA GRAY, COLLECTIVE RETREATS JOHN HAYDEN, THE DYRT REED RASKIN, COLLECTIVE RETREATS DAVID SMITH, OUTSIDE CAPITAL CHRISTINE TAYLOR, TOWNE LAW FIRM PC LOUIS THOMPSON, NOMADIC RESORTS IRENE WOOD, THE FIELDS OF MICHIGAN
JOSH LESNICK PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING COLLECTIVEOFFICER,RETREATS
SPEAKERS
Taylor is AutoCamp’s Senior Director of Marketing responsible for brand level and property marketing strategy, innovation, and execution. Under her leadership, AutoCamp has grown to a national brand and media favorite, with regular articles in Forbes, USA Today, and Conde Nast Traveler. Before joining AutoCamp and venturing into hospitality, Taylor worked in community building and network effects, B2B technology marketing, and lifestyle journalism, with bylines in publications such as Santa Barbara Seasons, Edible Magazines, Montecito Magazine, The Bold Italic, and more. In fact, she wrote a piece covering the opening of the first AutoCamp property in 2013. Taylor resides in San Francisco where she’s always searching for the next best cup of coffee or next dozen oysters.
TAYLOR MICAELA DAVIS SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, AUTOCAMP
ANNE AND MIKE HOWARD HONEYTREK
Booth:AccessParks226 2869 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, US accessparks.com
Our mission is to drive growth opportunities for new and existing glamping businesses by creating a strong community and network which provides education, tools and resources to your one of kind business. The association serves those that are thinking of starting their first glamping business all the way up to the industry leaders. We provide access to a strong network that becomes the key foundational element to all organizations. Built by industry leaders to help elevate each and every new business to reach their full potential. Ameris Bank Booth: 213 1412 Castle Ct, Unit C, Houston, TX 77006, US 281-384-2595 brucehurta.com Ameris Bank offers the SBA and USDA federal small business loan programs nationwide for financing RV parks, campgrounds, glamping resorts, marinas, RV/ boat storage facilities, and other Outdoor Hospitality properties. These loans have lower down payments and longer repayment terms than conventional bank loans. We offer SBA loans from $400,000 to $5 million, and USDA loans from $500,000 to $25 million. Loan proceeds may be used for: • Business acquisition • Business expansion • Partner buyout • Business startup including new construction • Refinance existing business debt for better repayment terms. App My Community Booth: 326 60 Fourfield Drive, Troy, MO 63379, US 636-459-5161 appmycommunity.com App My Community is a customized mobile app provider for Resorts and Campgrounds. Features include: push notifications, activity listings, and customized forms that can include photos and digital signature. Other features include an In-app store, time-booking tools, and searchable maps. Guests will download your app by your property name on both Android and Apple. Need to announce the pool is closed due to weather? Want to offer guests the ability to book recreation equipment? Looking to increase your firewood sales? Put all of your seasonal forms in one easy-to-find place!
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas
AccessParks is the premiere managed services provider (MSP) of Broadband to outdoor hospitality, serving 30 million annual guests. The company is the exclusive Broadband concessionaire to the National Park Service and California State Parks, and is partnered with many of the largest private RV park brands in the US. Through a unique combination of 16+ years experience, superior engineering, 5G technology and proprietary systems the company’s solution delivers increased guest satisfaction and tangible ROI. Advanced Outdoor Solutions Booth: 109 P.O. 344, Matlacha, FL 33993, US 800-579-9796 advanced-outdoor.biz
Booth:BookOutdoors325 11448 E. Parker Rd, Parker, CO 80138, US bookoutdoors.com
Booth:Autentic1213 , 1217 Charles de Gaullestraat 7, Ronse 9600, BE 495-355-875 autentic.world Autentic is a Belgian tent designer and manufacturer, crafting luxury cotton canvas glamping tents which bring new and captivating outdoor experiences to discerning outdoors enthusiasts. The Autentic collection is a series of premium and colorful canvas tents, created to be extraordinary in every possible way. Our designs are refined, designed with an eye for detail and extensively tested for performance, to deliver an extraordinary tent experience. Autentic is a brand from World of Tents, a company with over 100 years of experience in the design and manufacture of tents, from scouting and disaster relief tents to some of the most exciting new brands in glamping, camping, and temporary shelters for major events. While our six brands cover diverse markets and user groups, they all share the common values of craftsmanship, design, performance and consciousness for which the World of Tents Group is renowned.
At BookOutdoors we believe nature is a healer and that the future is brighter when everyone spends more time outdoors. So, we’re reimagining outdoor travel by making planning and booking outdoor trips a joyful, seamless experience. Search and book thousands of campsites, RV resorts, cabins and glamping sites, all with no membership or booking fees. Plus, you can earn points with every booking to unlock amazing rewards.
Boutique Camping Booth: 1101 , 1103 , 1105 2G Union court, 20 -22 Union Rd, London, SW4 6JP, GB www.belltent.com Our beautiful tent range is now available for all USA and Canada customers. The one-stop shop for all your camping needs; from festival glamping, exciting family holidays, weddings and summer playrooms, our range of luxury bell tents will make your camping experience unforgettable. Enjoy the great outdoors in comfort with our epic range of bell tents - your new home from home. Browse our extensive and exclusive range, we have camping tent’s suitable for any occasion. Bushtec Safari Booth: 1000, 1004 7076 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcros,s GA 30071, US 770-884-2462 bushtecsafari.com Bushtec Safari is synonymous with outstanding quality, sheer luxury, innovative design and unsurpassable expertise. We turn dreams into reality. As part of the Canvas and Tent group, we are the world’s leading tent manufacturer and supplier of luxury canvas
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Advanced Outdoor Solutions is a full service Consulting and Third Party Management Service specifically focused on Outdoor Hospitality. AOS is lead by a team of professionals committed to your resorts success. Coming out of the Marriott world, we take hotel thinking and practices into the great outdoors. Check out our website to see all AOS can bring turn your “Dreams Into Destinations.”
American Glamping Association Booth: 102 1745 Shea Center Drive, 4th Floor, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129, US 720-641-4622 americanglampingassociation.net
EXHIBITORS 2022
Arizona Association of RV Parks & Booth:Campgrounds112 2158 N Gilbert Rd #116, Mesa, AZ 85203, US 480-351-7178 gocampinginarizona.com
Booth:CCLOA/KPOA/SDCOA308 Erie CO 80516, US 970-573-0320 Cedar Booth:Bound808 5741 Wildlife Drive, Duluth, MN 55803, US 218-216-7959 www.cedarbound.com
EXHIBITORS 2022
Campground Views Booth: 212 514 E Grand Ave, PMB 405, Laramie, WY 82070, US 805-341-3828 campgroundviews.com
National Campground Lender that offers Real Estate financing for acquisition, construction and expansion of campgrounds and RV parks.
Looking for glamping structures with serious wow-factor & big ROI? Welcome to Cedar Bound! We design & craft innovative year-round tented cabins for resorts, glampgrounds, and outdoor retreats. Our unique structures bridge the gap between modern cabin + luxury tent, offering creature comforts while still providing connection to nature and design-driven indoor-outdoor living space. Engineered insulation panels and durable, weathertight materials allow for all-climate use, including snow + cold. Start with one of our buildable cabin kits, and finish the interior to suit your brand + vision. Cabin kit assembly typically takes 7-12 days with a crew of 2-3 people, based on kit selections. Simply prep your site and platform before assembling your kit, using our supporting construction docs. For orders of 1-2 units, we offer full service Cabin Kit Assembly, and for orders of 3+ units, we offer complimentary. On-Site Build Consultation to assist your build crew with assembling the first structure. Each cabin kit is handcrafted from scratch, using locally-sourced & American-made materials at our Duluth, MN home base. Learn more and download our catalog at www. cedarbound.com.
Cavco Park Models, Cabins, and Tiny House RV’s Booth: 1109 1366 S. Litchfield Rd, Building 6, Goodyear, AZ 85338, US 602-763-5488 parkmodels.com As a family of home builders and home service companies, Cavco Industries is a leading builder of Manufactured Homes, Modular Homes, Park Model RVs, Commercial Buildings and Vacation Cabins in the United States. We build and sell the most widely recognized brand names in the industry including Cavco Homes, Fleetwood Homes, Palm Harbor Homes, Nationwide Homes, Fairmont Homes, Friendship Homes, Chariot Eagle and Destiny Homes. Our manufactured homes, modular homes, cabins and park model RVs are precision built in controlled indoor environments at an attractive value and within shorter completion times than on-site construction methods. Our homes are available to the public through independent local dealers and company-owned retail model centers across the country. We customize styles and specifications for the exclusive use of land/lease communities, subdivision developers, resort properties and workforce housing.
CCF Booth:Bank113 8425 State Hwy 38, Caledonia, WI 53108, US 715-577-2320 www.ccf.us
Our company specializes in providing financing for new and existing RV Parks and campgrounds using SBA and USDA loans and equipment financing. Glamping structures can be financed using either an SBA loan if the property is unencumbered or using equipment financing if there is mortgage on the property. Byer of Maine Booth: 209 74 Mill St, Orono, ME 04473, US byerofmaine.com Since 1880, Byer of Maine is the oldest supplier of quality folding wood tables, chairs, stools & wood cots for your glamping business. California Outdoor Hospitality Association Booth: 210 PO Box 5648, Auburn, CA 95604, US 530-885-1624 campcalnow.org
businessfinancedepot.com
After years of research and development we have released the solution to your single biggest customer problem… information. Campers want to see your park, see the sites and know what they are getting in to (why do you think they belong to all the different clubs). Campers even visit you regularly “just to drive around” or call and ask tons of questions. Our virtual tour technology was built on the same underlying tools that have generated: • 244% increases in online reservations (Natural Springs Resort) • 40% drops in call volume (Natural Springs Resort) • 2x the average length of stay (Bakersfield River Run RV Park) Visit us here to schedule a consultation: campgroundviews.com/easier-bookings/https://www.
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | 27 glamping tents. Manufactured in our state of the art factory in South Africa, our tents are spread around the globe in well-known resorts, safari camps, luxury lodges and other exciting destinations. We have a team of visionaries, unwilling to compromise on quality, dedicated to innovation and committed to delivering above and beyond – within budget, and in a short timeframe. Forget about cumbersome building permits and choose from one of our standard designs or customize your own design. Our tents are built for all climates and conditions – snow, rain or high winds. We understand your needs, so – for the ultimate luxury tented solution Business Finance Depot Booth: 303 7029 Norne Lane, Mount Nora, FL 32757, US 800-788-3884
• Loan Amounts from $2 MM to $30 MM • Loan to values up to 70% with typical amortizations 20-25 years • Flexible fixed rate options from 5 to 10 years and terms from 5 to 25 years Our professional team has more than 35 years industry experience and can help provide the capital and resources needed to help your park grow and expand.
The California Outdoor Hospitality Association is one of the nation’s leading associations for RV park, campground, outdoor resort, and glamping establishments. As a non-profit, CalOHA relies on member support to as we leverage our frontline knowledge of the industry to provide our constituents with the tools, resources, and programs they need to be successful, while promoting growth and development of the outdoor hospitality industry. Through extensive member promotion, education, cost-saving programs, and legislative advocacy, CalOHA is here to serve its members as they provide a positive RV and camping experience to the camping consumer.
EXHIBITORS 2022
Diamond Brand Gear Booth: 1009, 1011 602 Holt Lane, Asheville, NC 28803, US 828-209-0322 diamondbrandgear.com
Diamond Brand Gear of Asheville, NC isn’t content to lean on its 140 year legacy. This innovation-minded company is dedicated to creating unique spaces designed to spark your next big idea and help build memories that matter. With sustainability always top of mind, Diamond Brand Gear builds a cyclical lifecycle into their products, transforming both retired products and scraps from their cutting floor into new gear. Learn more at DiamondBrand.com
Since 1955 we have been manufacturing tents and hunting elk here in Colorado. Our years of experience in the field have helped us to determine the key features needed to make quality outdoor tents and gear. So whether you call it a canvas tent, wall tent, hunting tent or outfitter tent you can rest assured because we have been making tents and other canvas related products to the highest of standards for over 60 years. Make your home away from home a davis wall tent. Davis Tent has earned the reputation as a trusted and dependable manufacturer of canvas tents. We have been a leader in the canvas wall tent industry for decades and we still strive each season to improve our products. 100% cotton – quality weave, Sunforger protective treatment.Proven toughness in all weather. Located in Denver, Colorado all of our tents & gear are made in the USA.
De Waard Tenten Booth: 902, 904 308 41 St. SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 2L8, CA 17808870675 ejhevents.ca/de-waard/ EJH is Delighted to be the sole distributor of De Waard Tents for business purposes across the United States and Canada. De Waard tents have been found on Dutch campsites for over 70 years. An iconic brand. Not only because of its high quality but also because of its striking and unique design. De Waard Business has been known for years for its unique tents and accommodations for campsites, glamping, holiday parks, events, and festivals.
Creekside Mallow Co. Booth: 330 111 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, IN 83605, US 208-571-4974 Davis Booth:Tent101 4635 Jason St, Denver, CO 80211, US 877-355-2267 davistent.com
More than just a tent - A De Waard tent is a tent for life. Whether you’re at the same campsite every year or whether you are traveling around the world, unzipping a De Waard tent feels like coming home. Our range of beautifully designed, unique, and handmade tents offer unmatched manufacturing quality, producing one of the most durable leisure tents on the market. Seasonal Install and Campsites - De Waard Tents are perfect for seasonal installs at campsites across Canada and the United States, with some products able to be used year-round.
The Crossover Lodge is a product registered by Creative Structures B.V. Creative Structures designed a unique and luxurious glamping/lodging structure; the Crossover Lodge. The Crossover Lodge offers an unforgettable outdoor experience with the comfort of a luxury hotel room. This permanent tent is the first TÜV certified lodging structure and is weather- and stormproof.
Conestoga® Wagon + Shower Houses + Canvas Tents = Glamping Resort. Our Company designed the Conestoga® Wagon for Glamping in 2015 and it has become a successful accommodation across the US in 26 states. Our wagons can be configured with a king size bed for couples or families with the addition of one or two sets of bunk beds. We also offer turn-key Shower Houses delivered to you on a flatbed truck ready to hook-up to your existing utilities. Our Luxe Glamping Tents have an attached turnkey luxury bathroom. We make it easy for start-ups or for existing Resorts to make additions. Read all the details of our superior craftsmanship and materials here: www.conestogawagons.com. For the Glamping Resort seeking a unique way to stand out in a highly-competitive industry, adding our handcrafted luxury products is sure to enhance awareness of your property and attract new business.
Creative Structures Booth: 910, 912 Minervum 7049, Breda, 4817 ZL, NL +31(0)762100401 crossoverlodge.com Since 2009 Creative Structures has been a global player in the production and distribution of tent structures, furniture and flooring within the hospitality, leisure and event industry. We offer distinctive, high-quality and innovative products with an eye for design and safety.
Guests will enjoy their stay in a fully furnished lodging accommodation, with all the comfort to satisfy their needs. It has room for 5 people, a luxurious bathroom and stylish kitchen. The Crossover Lodge offers a partially covered terrace with plenty of space to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. We offer various packages and setups for a 2 person to 5 person accommodation.
28 | Glamping Business Americas | glampingshow.us Century Chemical Corp. Booth: 211 28790 County Rd 20, Elkhart, IN 46517, US centurychemical.com
Show Specials and Bulk Orders - De Waard are delighted to be offereing a show special of 10% off all orders made before the end of 2022.
Go green off-grid with new enzyme-based SUPREME GREEN toilet/tank cleaners and Blue Max Glitter Glamping Edition! Our products are proudly manufactured at our facility in Elkhart, Indiana. From our innovative Bio-Tab® septic solution to our flagship Travel Jon® line, we provide sanitation solutions using the highest quality standards. Whether it’s for RV, Marine, Aviation, Charter Buses, Septic Systems or Portable Sanitation, Century Chemical Corporation has the products you can trust. Century Chemical is also a specialty chemical manufacturer, offering a wide range of custom blending, contract packaging, and private labeling solutions. We offer turnkey programs with liquid fill capabilities from 1/4 oz. bottles to 275 gallon tote tanks, as well as custom dry bulk blending. Booth:Clockwork127 423 Delaware Suite 102, Kansas City, MO 64105, US 785-550-4919 Colorado Campground & Lodging Owners Association Booth:(CCLOA)308 970-573-0320
Spring through to Fall offer the perfect amount of time for De Waard tents to be both easy to maintain and profitable for your campsites, glamping resort, or hotel.
Conestoga Wagon Company Booth: 1102, 1104, 1106, 1100, 1108 46 East 2nd North, Bloomington, ID 83223, US 307-277-0525 conestogawagons.com
glampingshow.us
Domos Geodesicos Cosmotec/East Domes LLC Booth: 1010 Josefa Ortiz De Domínguez, Santin, 50205 San Diego De Los Padres Cuexcontitlán, Méx. Toluca, Toluca C.P. Estado de México 50205, MX domosgeodesicos.com.mx
Empresa 100% mexicana dedicada al diseño y fabricación de estructuras geodésicas con las mas altas normas de calidad y seguridad. 100% Mexican company dedicated to the design and manufacture of geodesic structures with the highest quality and safety standards.
Flatspot Rental Services provides temporary flat surfaces with a permanent look. Add profitable space to your business or expand the functional area of your property without the need for permits, down time and the commitment of new construction. Our platforms
Eco Structures Australia Booth: 801, 803, 805 24 Marine Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160 Australia, AU ecostructures.com.au Eco Structures Australia designs, manufactures, and supplies cost-effective, environmentally sustainable glamping accommodation. Each structure is designed to help resort owners and operators capitalize profitably on the rapidly growing glamping industry while delivering the modern traveler a luxurious, one-of-a-kind experience. Booth:Ekodome1210 124 Kane St, Brooklyn NY 11231, US 646-847-5167 ekodome.com Don’t settle for less; be creative! Ekodome offers the glamping world everything to do with style, comfort, luxury, and experience. Based in Brooklyn, NY, and manufacturing in Istanbul, Turkey, Ekodome is proud to deliver the ultimate experience worldwide with the fastest-to-install, everlasting, customizable dome frames with inspiring beauty. The flexibility to change the exterior design of an Ekodome seamlessly makes it the perfect choice for glamping professionals. After 12 years of experimenting with various approaches, Ekodome designs and manufactures state-of-the-art aluminum geodesic dome frames that can be covered with any solid material without professional support. Unlike glamping tents, Ekodome frames can be covered with sustainable materials, connected with other domes to create larger areas, and they can withstand hurricanes. See the world’s new glamping choice in more than 20 countries and indulge your guests by building better spaces with Ekodome. Let’s build better spaces together!
Drop Booth:Structures915,917, 919 565 41st St. N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 7B6, CA 587-787-1656 dropstructures.ca
FDomes Glamping Booth: 1113 Kolbaskowo 148 Kolbaskowo, Kolbaskowo 72-001, PL 502-217-917
| Glamping Business Americas | 29
FlatSpot Rentals Booth: 134 120 Latrobe Dr Suite 270, Charlotte, NC 28211, US 980-219-4799 flatspotrentals.com
East Domes LLC/Domos Geodesicos Cosmotec Booth: 1008 Miramar FL, US 954-394-2531 eastdomes.com East Domes LLC is a company dedicated to the importation and distribution of geodesic domes from Mexico across the United States and the Caribbean. All of our domes are manufactured by the company Domos Geodesicos Cosmotec and adhere to the strictest quality control standards. Each dome comes equipped with a galvanized steel frame, a premium PVC cover, Three Porthole-Style Windows, Door Frame/Entryway, Curtain, and Floor Anchorings. We also offer insulation, chimney’s, stoves, and other accessories at an additional price so you can customize your dome as you wish. We are Cosmotec’s exclusive representatives in the United States and as such we will make the process of getting your dome as easy as possible.
Drop Structures offer pre-fabricated, turnkey structures across North America. Everything began with a simple desire – to have a modular, backyard home office that worked. From that desire, we created the Mono which started everything. From those humble beginnings, we’ve designed, built and placed DROP Structures across North America for clients with a variety of dreams and ambitions. We’ve delivered art studios for children, prebuilt glamping cabins for mountain bike resorts, and even created a modern shed for wrenching on motorbikes. Though the people we work with come from diverse backgrounds and have different needs, each one we’ve met, talked with and delivered to have come to us for two reasons. From the very beginning, these were our focus. We knew there were a lot of options out there for people, but what we found was the design was often lacking – either it wasn’t beautiful or it wasn’t functional. But we were set on delivering it all – prefab luxury units designed for you to imagine the space as your own. With the right DROP Structure, you can create your space to dream. This passion for creating beautifully-designed spaces has opened doors. Not only have we been able to work with interesting people, but we’ve been able to make connections with brands and businesses that we have long been fans of. Dwell was one of the first media outlets curious enough about what we were doing to write an article about us. When we saw our Mono was featured in the pages of a website that we frequented, it was surreal. Since then, we’ve been honored to be featured in multiple publications, like: Wall Street Journal, Lonely Planet, Uncrate, Food 52, Cool Material, Elle Decor, House and Home, Design Boom, Hiconsumption. As the company has grown we have shifted our focus to use our experience to serve the short stay prefab market. Our clients include resorts ranging from 5 - 40 units to AirBnB owners starting with 1 and expanding their land to take more structures.
Booth:EscapeNStay123 26262 Via Juanita, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, US 949-500-5365 escapenstay.com We saw the need in the Glamping and outdoor hospitality space, where there is a lack of hospitality experts with the relevant operational and scaling experience as well as prior know how to guide owners/ founders/developers to transform their vision into a seamless guest experience and business opportunity. We understand guests/hospitality/cutting edge technology and can leverages them to curate the proper experience that flows best with your concept’s brand standards.
Fireside Lodge Furniture Company is the nation’s largest manufacturer of handcrafted rustic furniture. We’ve helped hundreds of campgrounds and resorts in creating unique guest experiences. With multiple lines designed specifically for the hospitality industry, we also offer great wholesale pricing to help meet your budget. Call or email us for your dedicated project manager today.
EXHIBITORS 2022
Fireside Lodge Furniture Company Booth: 1007 4772 Morehouse Drive PO Box 665, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472, US 218-568-2431 firesidelodgefurniture.com
Glampitect are the turnkey solution for anyone looking to start a glamping business, having worked on over 700 glamping projects across the world. We guide aspiring glamping site owners through the whole process of starting a glamping business, from checking their zoning, to feasibility studies, site designs, permit applications, supplier recommendations and more. For anyone looking to take their first step toward becoming a glamping business owner, Glampitect should be your first call.
When used as designated paths our units protect environmentally fragile areas and can be made ADA compliant. We operate out of Charlotte, NC where we also offer outdoor rental equipment such as roll-out walkways, lightweight fans and KSO furniture.
Glamping Supply Company Booth: 208, 1107 318448 8th LIne NE, Melancthon, ON L9V 2K3, CA 888-923-9813
glampingsupplycompany.com
EXHIBITORS 2022
We manufacture complete wooden yurts for simple, comfortable, and affordable tiny living. Go from kit to cabin in 3 to 5 days! Discover the benefits of wood walls, log rafters, real windows, full insulation, and other unique features. Glamping Hub Booth: 115 990 S. Broadway Cuesta del Rosario 8 Casa 1. 4ª planta, Sevilla Sevilla 41010, ES 415-404-6444
Glamping Hub is the leading booking platform that specializes in luxury and unique outdoor accommodations across the globe. List your property with Glamping Hub, for free, and get connected with guests looking for unique outdoor experiences and places to stay like yours! We also offer a complete package with funding and ongoing growth services for your glamping business to give you high-quality structures, more revenue, and peace of mind through our Develop with Glamping Hub program. Be part of the Glamping Hub community of unique hosts and guests with worldwide exposure and share your glamping business with over 258K+ strong social media community.
Freedom Yurt Cabins Booth: 1111 3200 Rd 101 Bldg. 10, Sidney, NE 69162, US 417-861-7196
Booth:FlowerHouse914 PO Box 595, Clio MI 48420, US 810-287-6000
The Glamping Supply Company brings a collection of products sold to the glamping industry by Dundalk LeisureCraft Inc. Our signature indoor and outdoor leisure products can now be customized to meet your unique glamping needs. We can custom building glamping barrels or structures, yurt furniture and seasonal glamping furniture including outdoor showers, sauna, wood fired hot tubs and gazebos. We look forward to working with you to create your own glamping oasis.
Your Glamping Experts At Factory Direct Pricing!
freedomyurtcabins.com
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | 31 can be used for tents, RV parking or campsites, as well as elevated flooring for seating and dining applications.
glampinghub.com
Booth:GlampingFinance.com104
We have anything from farms to wineries, ski resorts to golf courses, even breweries and distilleries. Stop by booth #122 to learn more about how you can sign up to become a Host.
Mattresses • Wipe Downs • Mattress Protection • Futon Frames and Mattresses • Pillows & Linens • Sleep Sofas • Outdoor Furniture Great American Direct grew out of more than forty-five years of experience owning the Williamsburg KOA. When we couldn’t find products and solutions to fit our needs, we partnered with mattress industry professionals to design and manufacture top-quality mattresses. Our products are tested on our campground. We only sell what works. We go directly to the manufacturer for the best products at the best prices. With Great American Direct you can provide great comfort to your guests which will mean a great vacation for them and great reviews and increased business for you. Harvest Hosts Booth: 122 1300 N Frontage Rd #1594, Vail, CO 81657, US harvesthosts.com
1321 Murfreesboro Pike, Suite #335, Nashville, TN 37217, US glampingfinance.com Helping you finance a glamorous camping environment with ease! GlampingFinance.com (Powered by Koala Capital Group) provides business owners, hospitality businesses, and equipment vendors the funding for the essential materials they need for their glamping business model. We work with start-up & existing glamping sites, hotel/resort owners, campsites, RV Parks, Airbnb owners, wedding venues, outdoor food & entertainment venues and more. Ready to start or expand your glamping business? Stop by booth #104 - we’re happy to answer any questions you may have!
Harvest Hosts connects over 225,000 self-contained RVers to a network of thousands of small businesses (“Hosts”). Hosts simply offer RVers a one-night stay on their property, and, in return, RVers patronize the business while spending the night through the purchase of goods, services, or experiences. Our program is a cost-free opportunity and 100% of the money spent onsite goes straight to the Host. We have over 4,000 businesses on our platform already and are looking to continue to add more unique properties to our platform.
Glampitect North America Booth: 320 STE. 1018 19 West 34th St, New York, NY 10001, US (646) 586-2330 glampitect.com/us
Glitzcamp USA Booth: 1014, 1016 405 Via Chico Suite 1, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, US 310-567-5618 glitzcamp.com Glitzcamp USA is a dedicated manufacturer providing high quality glamping tents for campgrounds and resorts. Our parent company, Shelter Structures, is a world leader in manufacturing clearspan tent structures designed for a wide range of projects and events. We bring our expert manufacturing allowing Glitzcamp to create some of the most unique glamping structures in the industry. Give us a call to further discuss your glamping project! Global Glamping Booth: 809, 811, 813, 815, 817 5191 Eastside Hwy, Stevensville, MT 59870, US 406-369-5439 Great American Direct Booth: 117 115 E Bulifants Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23188, US 757-229-0567 greatamericandirect.com
2022
Booth:Impulsify305 3575 Ringsby Ct. # 326, Denver, CO 80216, US 303-883-2335 impulsifyinc.com We are a well hydrated, health conscious, snacking society who demands convenience and technology in nearly every aspect of our lives. lmpulsify embraces these consumer facts and creates technology driven, creatively designed, self-service retail markets for a variety of commercial industries including, hotels, glamping sites, multifamily and more. Our self-service kiosks and inventory management solutions allow practically any business to offer retail convenience to their residents, guests or members. No retail experience necessary!
Horwathhtl.com We are committed to serving the outdoor lodging and boutique hotel sectors of the global hospitality industry. Our team of advisors provide strategic guidance and tactical support to owners, investors and branded operators. Stop by booth #1006 outside - we would love to meet you!
Traveling for 10.5 years across 65 countries on all 7 continents, the “World’s Longest Honeymoon,” Mike & Anne Howard are global travel experts with a specialty in glamping. They launched HoneyTrek.com to chronicle their journey and have since written National Geographic’s bestselling book “Ultimate Journeys for Two” and the first travel guide on glamping in North America, “Comfortably Wild.” To write the glamping book, they took their experience from reviewing over 220 boutique hotels around the world and traveled 73,000 miles across 9 countries to find the best glamping destinations in North America. Their original research, on everything from the history of glamping to this travel style’s scientific benefits, earned them a Lowell Thomas Journalism Award for guidebooks and a seat on the American Glamping Association Board of Advisors. In 2020, the Howards launched their Glamping Consulting and Creative Services to help more companies stand out in this competitive space. Budding and established glampgrounds and tent manufacturers have worked with the Howards for their multifaceted skill set as photographers, journalists, social media influencers, and glamping consultants to improve their guest experience and share it with the world. Learn more about their glamping workshops, creative services, coffee-table books, and their global adventures @HoneyTrek across all social media platforms and www.HoneyTrek.com/
glampingshow.us Glamping Business
Hotel Booth:Bookkeepers116 Salt Lake City UT 84106, US 385-246-3918 hotelbookkeepers.com Hotel Bookkeepers specializes in the Hospitality and Tourism industry, giving business owners actionable insights into their financials to promote profits and improve efficiencies. Our team of experienced accountants reduce the time and stress of tediously managing your books, propelling you toward your financial goals. We believe building authentic relationships based on timely communication and honest feedback enables our clients to truly “own” their business (and not their business owning them!). You started your business because of your passion to provide a one-of-akind guest experience, not to reconcile bank statements. Your personal team of dedicated bookkeepers will be the experts on the unique intricacies of your specific hospitality business, gifting you the time to focus on your personal zone-of-genius. From AP to AR, payroll to sales tax, 1099s, full balance sheet recons, and fractional CFO services, Hotel Bookkeepers is the solution to all your financial needs. For attendees at the Glamping Show, we’re giving away FREE comprehensive book reviews (normally $99)! Find us at Booth 116 or email us at info@hotelbookkeepers.com. Hotel Emporium, Inc. Booth: 310 13724 Harvard Place, Gardena, CA 90249, US hotelemporium.com Hotel Emporium Inc. is a direct manufacturer of premium hotel amenities with a mission to elevate the sustainable standards of the hospitality industry. We are a certified minority and family-owned company with a passion for providing premium products, attentive customer care, and unrivaled pricing. As a family-owned business we want to preserve and protect our planet for generations to come, which inspires us to continue developing innovative, eco-friendly amenity collections, like our revolutionary ECOPOD that was crafted with the needs of ecotourists and glampers in mind - producing a one of a kind, groundbreaking and 100% waterless personalcare amenity. While pioneering a new road to a zero plastic future, Hotel Emporium is committed to elevating the hospitality industry to reach higher standards of excellence in order to inspire our children’s children, for years to come!
honeytrek.com
Americas | 35
EXHIBITORS
Booth:Jupe 911, 913 12321 Cutten Rd, Houston, TX 77066, US jupe.com Jupe is a dwelling bedroom inspired by the stars, designed and engineered by SpaceX engineers as a vessel for exploring new frontiers in the deepest realms of nature. Jupe’s luxurious Baltic birch interiors are machined to the millimeter, wrapped in the highestquality weather resistant canvas, and have aluminum masts are milled to perfection. With an included bed frame and headboard, luxurious queen mattress, butcher board end tables and stools, and an expansive 6’ x 8’ weather-treated deck, Jupe arrives on site, move-in ready. Jupe’s include dimmable LED track lighting, continuous double-battery system, flexible storage compartments, bedside USB charge stations and outlets integrated throughout. Add-on features include a solar package, a toilet and meteor shower, Starlink satellite internet, and exterior LED ground effects. No power grid? No problem. Jupe isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a basecamp for exploring this world.
Jamestown Advanced Products is a premier womanowned sheet-metal manufacturer with over thirty-five years of experience and growth in Chautauqua County, New York. Jamestown Advanced specializes in a diverse catalog of commercial-grade site furnishings specifically targeted toward campgrounds, outdoor spaces, parks, universities, and municipalities throughout North America. Our catalog includes a diverse selection of benches, fire rings, grills, receptacles, and power solutions. We have recently launched our ipe-finished Empire Collection and our Level 2 EV Charging Stations, catering to the modern traveling experience. Jamestown Advanced is proud to offer a complete catalog of highquality American site furnishings for every outdoor experience. Our experienced Sales Team looks forward to quoting your next new build or expansion!
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Booth:HoneyTrek1211 Nomadic NY 10018, US 212-239-1013
GlampingExperts Horwath HTL Booth: 1006 60755 River Bend Drive, Bend OR 97702, US 415-728-6777
Jamestown Advanced Products Booth: 323 2855 Girts Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701, US 800-452-0639 jamestownadvanced.com
36 | Glamping Business Americas | glampingshow.us
glampingshow.us Business Americas Kansas RV Parks Owners (KPOA) Booth: 308 Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance Booth: 222 942 14th St, Sturgis, SD 57785, US 800-525-2060 lrhi.net
Helping outdoor recreation business owners navigate their insurance needs for over 35 years, Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality focuses on insurance protection for the Glamping Industry nationwide. Our years of service-oriented experience and our ability to help you succeed in your industry make Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance the natural choice. We are backed by “A” rated insurance companies; the strong reputation of our co-owners, the Leavitt Group; and members of numerous regional and national campground associations. Life Booth:inTents1015, 1017 10100 SE Main St, Milwaukie, OR 97222, US 971-220-8368 lifeintents.com
Mattress Firm’s commercial division is proud to partner with countless Glamping, Camping and RV resorts around the U.S. We offer a solution to all your bedding needs by providing a robust mattress selection, wholesale pricing with no minimum requirement and nationwide delivery, just for starters. Come visit us, say hello. We’d love to meet you!
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Our Approach - We represent owners and
Montana Canvas Booth: 1110 110 Pipkin Way, Belgrade, MT 59714, US 800-235-6518 montanacanvas.com
At the 2020 HotelTechAwards, Mews was voted Best PMS by industry peers, and in 2021 ranked 24th in the FT 1000 fastest growing European companies.
NAI Outdoor Hospitality Brokers Booth: 309 334 Sopris Circle, Basalt, CO 81621, US 970-409-4885 naiohb.com
EXHIBITORS 2022
Booth:Mews 322 mews.com/en
Founded by ex-hoteliers, Mews is a next-generation hospitality cloud for hotels, hostels, apartments and more. Mews gives hoteliers the power to provide a remarkable guest experience while improving the operations and performance of their property, thanks to smart automation and an innovative, user-friendly set of products and features. Mews serves over 3,000 properties across more than 70 countries in all five continents and works with a huge number of hotel tech companies to provide hoteliers with an unbeatable platform – no other solution offers as many integrations.
The craftsmanship and materials used in our 4-season cotton canvas bell tents creates a shelter that is both a beauty and a beast. The brute strength and natural fabric provide a durability and elegance that can’t be matched by another tent in the wild. We like to call our quality adurable (adorable + durable). We’ve used the strongest cotton canvas and treated it to keep you and your guests protected from the rain, driving wind, and small flames. Plus, the versatile double walls can be opened around the entire perimeter to let through a breeze during warm days and nights. For chilly weather our tents include a stove jack exit allowing for adding a wood burning stove to keep the inside cozy and warm. The durability of our tents is matched by their beauty. The natural light color of the canvas and the details of the bamboo and wood poles will beckon your guests to take and share selfies throughout their stay. The elegance, comfort and simplicity make our bell tent the perfect investment for generating lasting income and/or memories. Life inTents bell tents could secure between $125-$200 of rental income per night when furnished well and essential amenities provided (a good view doesn’t hurt either). Our spacious 5 Meter canvas bell tent covers a 16’ 4” diameter footprint, creating 225 square feet of living space that can hold up to 2 queen beds. We take pride in helping to create Joy, Connection and Comfort with all those whom we cross paths with. Do not hesitate to ask us for advice on creating your own glampsite – before or after your project starts. And rest assured that an investment in our tents is secure for Life. Wholesale pricing available starting at orders of 3 or more tents. Basecamp in Portland, Oregon. Learn more by visiting us at www.LifeinTents.com Living Intent Yurt Company Booth: 814 12146 Charles Drive Suite #9, Grass Valley 95945, US 207-359457 Loll Booth:Designs810 5912 Waseca St, Duluth, MN 55807 US 218-461-8282 lolldesigns.com Based in Duluth, MN, Loll Designs is a designer/ manufacturer of durable, all-weather, outdoor furniture and accessories made with HDPE (high density polyethylene), partially from recycled plastics like milk jug containers and shampoo bottles. Using thoughtful, original designs and unique materials, Loll creates innovative, fun and high quality products proudly crafted in the USA. Lonesome Yurts & Treehouses, Inc. Booth: 1007 31190 Edgewater Farm Dr, PO Box 665, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472, US 218-587-8733 lonesomeyurts.com
Elevate your glamping experience with Lonesome Yurts & Treehouses. We supply campgrounds and resorts ready-to-build kits at wholesale prices that help you “up” your glamping game. With both soft-wall and hard-wall options, we offer customizable packages that will meet your needs – all year round.
Our Experience - NAI Outdoor Hospitality Brokers is a leading national outdoor hospitality brokerage team with over 27 years of brokerage industry experience and over 200 closed transactions throughout the United States. Our experience and knowledge allow us to assist our clients in reaching their short-term and long-term investment goals while providing excellent customer service.
Mattress Firm Booth: 118 10201 S Main St, Houston, TX 77025, US 516-861-7347 mattressfirm.com/commercial-sales
Montana Canvas produces the highest quality Glamping Wall Tents, Aluminum Frames, Vinyl top flys, Outdoor Gear, and Tarps made in the USA. We provide our customers with the highest quality products backed up by our legendary customer service. Our products are extensively field tested by experts and professionals who rely on our gear to provide them the best experiences for themselves and their customers. We have been in business in the Gallatin Valley of Montana for 35+ years supporting the community and providing an excellent work environment. All of our Tents, Frames, Flys, and Tarps are manufactured in our production facility in Belgrade, MT. Big Sky Country is the premier home for outdoor enthusiasts making this the perfect place for Montana Canvas!
38 | Glamping Business Americas | glampingshow.us
Piana Technology is an innovation powerhouse that is replacing polyurethane foam with 100% sustainable and recyclable fiber. We build sustainability into all our products. We solve our customers’ common problems with uncommon solutions. We are offering a mattress for the Glamping Industry that is 100% recyclable and will never need to go to the landfill.
R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. / Pilot Rock Booth: 317 PO Box 946 (mailing), 5648 US Hwy 59 (physical), Cherokee, IA 51012-0946, US 800-762-5002 pilotrock.com R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. is the designer and manufacturer of the Pilot Rock® brand of park, street and camp site equipment, including: park benches, athletic benches, picnic tables, wheelchair accessible tables, trash & recycling receptacles & lids, bear proof trash receptacles and food lockers, bike racks, utility tables, lantern poles, charcoal grills, campfire rings, planters, wayfinding signs, custom signs & banners, ADA compliant products, and more. Made in the USA since 1959. investors in the acquisition and disposition of properties, focusing on the brokerage of glamping resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds for sale or purchase. We strive to be a member of our client’s team, assisting them in the valuation and analysis of properties, disposition and acquisition services, debt placement, and advisory services throughout the ownership cycle. Why Us? - Our industry contacts and extensive brokerage network, along with our energetic and proactive brokerage approach allow us to achieve superior results for our clients. Nomadics Tipi Makers Booth: 216 17665 Snow Creek Rd, Bend, OR 97703, US 541-389-3980 tipi.com We make Native American Tipis for personal use as well as small glamping retreats. All our tipis are hand crafted and hand painted in Bend, Oregon. We offer a custom model with an oversized door entrance that has a zipper /screen door and can be locked. Our sizes range from small to large enough to put two king size beds or even a bathroom section in it. Tipis come unfurnished and are therefore much more affordable than completely furnished package options - It leaves you to create a unique and truly individualized interior that reflects the serenity, beauty and reverence that this structure exudes. We are looking forward to talking with you to see if a tipi is the right structure for your glamping project. Tashina and Justin from Nomadics Tipi Makers North America Mattress Corp Booth: 329 11235 SE Hwy 212 PO Box 2109, Clackamas,OR 97015, US northamericamattress.com
North America Mattress Corp. manufactures mattresses for the Waterproof mattress in the Glamping industry, as well as; Hospital, Semi-Trucks, RV’s, Home, and more! When it comes to specialty industries we are one of the leaders. Utilizing technology to ultrasonically weld seams, pressure test designs for maximum comfort, plus compressing mattresses for reduced shipping cost.Each mattress is handmade in our Clackamas, Oregon facility with attention to detail and product quality. We are a veteran owned company. Orenco Systems Booth: 221 814 Airway Ave, Sutherlin, OR 97479, US
glampingshow.us Glamping
Welcome to the world of Outstanding! A world full of luxury safari tents, fully equipped lodges and the fastest service. That is what you get from us, while your guests get their well-deserved vacation. With us you can choose what you want: big or small, a lot of or little luxury, with or without a slide, box bed or maybe an extra floor. We take care of you from start to finish. Whether you want advice on which tent is best for your campsite or want us to build it as a turnkey delivery.
Pitstop Outdoors LLC Booth: 114 340 Bowers Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530-9410, US 610-682-6540 pitstopoutdoors.com PlainsCraft Covered Wagons Booth: 900, 916 435 NW Independence Ave. Suite B, Topeka, KS 66608, US (785) 748-4588 plainscraft.net When you first step foot in a PlainsCraft Covered Wagon, there’s something you feel immediately: a sense of awe. And there’s a reason for that. They’re built to be unforgettable. And most importantly, they’re built to help your business grow. Our company creates beautiful, full-sized, fully-outfitted covered wagons for outdoor hospitality providers, adventure travel destinations, campsites, agro-tainment venues, and pretty much anyone who seeks to offer a one-of-a-kind overnight experience visitors will never forget. Made right in the heart of Kansas along the origins of the Oregon Trail, our wagons can be customized to include full bathrooms and interior design. If you’re ready to create unforgettable glamping experiences, talk to us and let’s build something together.
Booth:Ploptown214 880 Harrison St SE, Leesburg, VA 20176, US 571-286-0926 ploptown.com
Business Americas | 39 EXHIBITORS
Booth:PriceLabs121 73 W Monroe St 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603, US 872-216-7152 hello.pricelabs.co PriceLabs is an easy-to-use revenue management solution that maximizes your vacation rental business revenue by combining human control with best-inclass automation and insights from market data. With our data-driven approach, automation features, and extensive customizations, PriceLabs customers can significantly increase their revenue while saving hours in the process.
• Lifespan of 10 years • Fast delivery as our tents consist of separate parts • Personal advice: from design to realization • Good price/quality ratio Piana Booth:Technology314 220 South Erwin St, Cartersville, GA 30120, US 678-431-9004 piana.tech
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Providing durable and economical housing solutions through up-cycled shipping containers. Our homes are built off site then plopped into place. They are semi-customizable to taste and may be bought fully furnished providing a true “One Stop Plop” for a seamless customer experience.
2022 Outstanding Tent Booth: 1012 Marchandweg 45, Barneveld 3771 MN, NL +31(0)641532719 outstandingtent.com
All canvas products and frames are made in Montana.
glampingshow.us
We are proud to be serving the Montana and the Rocky Mountain region since 1945. We offer the highest quality and craftsmanship in the construction of all our products.
Booth:Regenr8.ai804
EXHIBITORS 2022
Booth:RedAwning.com312 224 Weller Street Suite C, Petaluma, CA 94952, US host.redawning.com/glamping
President 3123 N. 20th St, Tacoma, WA 98406, US 253-213-8868
The Eagle yurt, our premium, luxury model is the most beautiful and reliable yurt on the market. Size options range from 16’ to 33’ diameter. Rafters are made from hand-selected Douglas Fir. Side walls are constructed in individual sections, making them easily interchangeable onsite. Doors are pre-hung with a natural finish; full size at 80” tall, ADA approved up to 60”. All fabrics, side wall and roof membrane, are resistant to UV rays, water and mildew resistant and flame retardant. Soft windows are made of 30 mil. Strataglass vinyl. Hard windows are thermal, double pane, LOW-E glass available up to 60” wide. The standard Eagle yurt can reach up to 210 psf, and is engineered to withstand 115+ MPH wind. The Raven yurt is built to the same standards as the Eagle, but value engineered for affordability. The Raven comes in sizes from 16’ to 30’ diameter. Rafters are made from Douglas Fir wood, kiln-dried, sanded smooth and finished with natural oil. The side wall is one continuous piece, requiring window placements to be determined at time of order. All fabrics, side wall and roof membrane are waterproof, mildew resistant and flame retardant. Standard soft window material is 20 mil. clear vinyl with hook-and-loop adjustable opening. Hard windows are thermal, double-pane, LOW-E glass. Standard Raven yurts can reach excess of 150 psf, and are engineered to withstand 115+ MPH wind.
Rainier Outdoor Booth: 201 18375 Olympic Avenue South, Tukwila, WA 98188, US 866-449-3246
RedAwning is the highest ROI and most comprehensive platform for vacation rental marketing, distribution and management. With one contract, we put your properties in front of all guests on all channels, with industry leading channel-specific optimization approaches. Our participating property managers are the most successful in their regions, and for our exclusive partners we even guarantee your results! Visit https://host.redawning. com/glamping to find out more or email us at sales@ redawning.com.
Regenr8.ai helps glamping operators maximize occupancy, average daily room rates, and ancillary revenue by attracting corporate incentive travel and offsite retreat business. We work mostly with technology and electric vehicle companies to help them engage employees, channel partners and customers through incentive and recognition programs featuring glamping and eco resort experiences. We’re the only company in the $200 billion+ incentives industry that features glamping as the primary reward option. Reliable Tent and Tipi Booth: 321, 1112, 1114 501 N 23rd St, Billings, MT 59101, US 406-252-4689 reliabletent.com Reliable Tent and Tipi is located in Billings, Montana.
More than 90% of our products are made in America from top-quality U.S. and imported materials. And, as a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, we practice sustainable design, making long-lasting furniture from responsibly sourced materials. Room & Board is proud to be an American Society of Interior Designs National Industry Partner and a member of the American Glamping Association, as well as an AGA Preferred Partner. Our National Sales Team looks forward to connecting with your team to learn about your projects.
Our Glamping designs come from years of working with resorts, ranches, and private owners to provide a unique glamping experience. We pride ourselves in unique design, attention to detail, and highest level of professionalism.
rainieroutdoor.com
Booth:ResNexus215 185 East 200 North, Salem, UT 84653, US 385-292-1518 resnexus.com ResNexus is an all-in-one property management software for any campground, vacation rental, or resort operating a reservation system. With unmatched support and industry innovation, ResNexus captures more reservations and gives you extra freedom to run your business efficiently and effectively.
Room & Board Booth: 812 4600 Olson Memorial Highway, Minneapolis, MN 55422, US roomandboard.com Room & Board Business Interiors incorporates the most durable, best-selling designs from Room & Board’s residential line with BIFMA-tested pieces and ACT® performance fabrics. We offer a wide range of in-stock products and custom capabilities; by-the-inch options in desks and tables; and customized storage configurations. All backed with five- and ten-year warranties. We provide tailored services for your project including flat rate $89 delivery, free warehousing and customized delivery solutions. We’re pros at managing complex orders and experts on our durable, commercial-grade furniture. American manufacturing is important to us.
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Handcrafted for Unforgettable Adventures.
Booth:rezStream207 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 800, Denver, CO 80210, US 303-872-0220 rezstream.com rezStream offers: Reservation Software, Online Booking, EngineWeb Site,s Digital Marketing (SEO, PPC, etc.) By using one or all of those services, rezStream empowers property owners with a Suite of Lodging Solutions and superior and personalized service that keeps you close to your guests. Our easy-to-use solutions provide a great value for any size and/or type of property looking to grow revenue and simplify operations. rezStream has over two decades of lodging industry experience, having served 1000s of properties in the US with reservation software and marketing services. We are passionate about making better lodging simplified. Bring automation to life, find more guests online, and generate more bookings with rezStream! Visit our product tab to learn more and schedule your demo today! Ric Booth:Technology120 3545 Lomita Blvd Unit G, Torrance, ON 90505, CA 310-880-7594
• Feasibility study for conversion of a mobile home park to a 150-site residency RV park in Texas Secret Creek Booth: 901, 903, 905 1227 Mayfly Drive, Montrose, CO 81401, US 970-240-2111 secretcreek.com
• Appraisal of a 400+ unit community with deeded RV sites, cottages and retirements homes in the Midwest
• Appraisal of a 250+ unit RV park in the Midwest to determine market value for potential sale
• Guaranteed Speed Broadband Internet • Wi-Fi with 100% Coverage (NO More Dead Spots!)
Sage Resort Appraisal and Consulting is a national leading provider of feasibility studies, market studies and appraisals in the outdoor resort industry. We specialize in recreational and leisure real estate, including glamping resorts, RV resorts and campgrounds. With decades of specialty expertise in this dynamic industry, we have the insight regarding the most current trends which drive supply and demand. Whether you are looking for an appraisal, feasibility study or market research, Sage Resort Appraisal and Consulting is your trusted expert for both existing and new outdoor resort development.
• Feasibility study for an existing golf course to be converted to an RV resort in western Canada
SLX Hospitality / Lodging Kit Company Booth: 311 13492 State Route 12, Boonville, NY 13309, US 844-672-2440 slx-hospitality.com SLX Hospitality specializes in providing unique OS&E products for the boutique, historic and luxury hospitality industry. Our delivery method Boutique In A Box® features all your OS&E conveniently unit packed by
• Feasibility study to evaluate demand for a new big rig RV resort in a specific Colorado market
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | 43 RVParkTV.com by It’s All About Satellites Booth: 228 10415 Comanche Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111, US 800-951-1979 rvparktv.com • TV Systems & Programming (Stream LIVE TV over Your Wi-Fi!)
Sky Web Network, INC Booth: 108 2710 State St, Saginaw, MI 48602, US 9897717515 skywebwifi.com Skyweb Networks is one of the leading Wi-Fi and AI Camera Infrastructure and service providers of the Camping Industry and service properties with our In house, patent-pending AI technology! Our patent-pending technology allows not 100s but 1,000s of guests to actively connect and use the services deployed at each property without interfering with one another! To date, we have had a chance to collaborate with over 500 park owners, management companies, and investment groups to provide a 100% Guaranteed Wireless Service and 97% accurate coverage for each property with NO data constraints. Moreover, our infrastructure allows you as the property owner and/ or manager to be completely hands-off with the Wi-Fi System by providing 27/4 monitoring of the equipment and guest call center support: Even during the holidays!! We would love to get a chance to collaborate with you and your team too, together serve your guests!
Our Sleeping Bubbles are a fun and unique glamping experience that offers the opportunity to get up close to nature whilst still enjoying all the comfort you’d expect to find in a luxury hotel. Our Sleeping Bubbles offer remote keyless entry doors for style and added security. The main room in our Sleeping Bubble offers stunning panoramic views with it’s completely transparent opening, allowing a peaceful nights sleep underneath the stars. Select from a range of accessories and equipment including, but not limited to; AC units, heating, custom bathroom options to choose from, along with beautiful wood vinyl flooring selections available. We cater to both business and consumer clients by making our Sleeping Bubbles available for direct purchase, or as a rental. Contact us today to speak to one of our Sleeping Bubble consultants and place an order for your Sleeping Bubble in one of our 5 beautifully crafted interior design styles custom made to your liking.
EXHIBITORS 2022
Secret Creek is the premier supplier of yurts, tipis, and luxury glamping tents to customers around the world!
Following are some examples of our recent work: • Appraisal of a proposed 700+ unit luxury glamping and RV resort in the western region
Sage Resort Appraisal and Consulting Booth: 111 6605 North Avenue Unit 1, Oak Park, IL 60302, US 312-291-1921 sageresortappraisal.com
Secret Creek: Makers of Colorado Yurts, Earthworks Tipis, and Destination Tents. We listen. We guide. We handcraft beautiful, versatile, durable structures. No other company offers a range of solutions for your glamping plans. When you call us or visit our website, you draw on over forty-five years of experience. Our success comes from making a quality product and treating people right. We believe in building customer relationships that grow over many years. Our sales guides ask the right questions and come up with the right solutions. Each structure will be right for your climate, budget, vision, and use. All products are hand-crafted in Montrose, Colorado by skilled craftspeople who take pride in their work. We ship our structures around the world, or we deliver to our local customers.
Sleeping Bubbles Ltd Booth: 1001 20140 Highland Knolls Drive 200-27, Katy, TX 77450 US 260-225-8368 sleepingbubbles.co.uk Sleeping Bubbles Ltd. was incorporated in October 2019 with travel buffs and experience seekers in mind! Based in Worcester, we are the UK’s first supplier of luxury inflatable bubble tents. Happy to announce our United States operations has launched with a home base outside of Houston, TX. Call or email us for more details at 260-BBL-TENT, or info@sleepingbubblesusa.com.
All of the materials used to build a bubble can be recycled or reused. Our material is made with the largest ecological impact fabric, PVC. For added peace of mind, we have a recycling solution for this material as well. We use less water and energy than a hotel room of a similar stature. The lighting used in our glamping locations have little to no impact on light pollution so that we can amplify the best projector - the night sky! We are committed to become a business that is low in carbon, climate neutral and 100% eco-friendly. We believe in a better world, and would love to welcome you on our journey of sustainability and preservation.
Since 1996 we have been dedicated to serving the outdoor hospitality industry and helping parks make your campers satisfied and engaged with the very best and most affordable TV systems and programming (including streaming TV options), guaranteed speed broadband access, and Wi-Fi networks. We not only take care of existing parks, we also provide engineering services for parks that are in the planning stage. You deserve fanatical customer service and we take our promise to provide it seriously. Our commitment to you is 24/7/365 technical support with remote system management capability. You can Also find us at RVParkBroadband.com and ItsAllAboutSatellites.com
44 | Glamping Business Americas | glampingshow.us
South Dakota Campground Owners Association SDCOA Booth: 308 Stout Booth:Tent800 1037 S. Craftsbury Rd, Craftsbury, VT 05826, US 602-845-0609 stouttent.com
Tempercraft / Div of Proactive Sports Booth: 223 1200 Southeast 2nd Ave, Canby, OR 97013, US 503-678-9348
The Booth:Dyrt301 5590 NE 25th Ave, Portland, OR 97211, US 510-423-1950 thedyrt.com
The Stout Tent brand is synonymous with high-quality products and exceptional customer care. Our canvas tents are treated for waterproofing, fireproofing, and UV agents to always work their best while staying breathable and sturdy. We offer tents designed for all levels of use - from backyard glamping to recreational camping and even full-time tent living. We are proud to say we set the industry standard in quality, service, and care! What started in 2013 as a small, pop-up bell tent event company now offers large tipi-style event tents, safari tents, and fully functioning custom bathrooms - all available for retail orders, event rentals, and wholesale purchasing. Stout Tent is a leading vendor in the outdoor event space, providing tents and basecamp essentials for events across the country. We offer quality accommodations for tented venues regardless of event capacity, location, or price point. We have something for everybody! Our tipi-styled tent, The Durango, serves as the perfect outdoor lobby and check-in area, while our bell and safari tents create a hotel-like lodging experience for guests. Our premium clients love our fully functioning bathrooms, luxury furnishings, and concierge services. Stout Tent is also proud to contribute to the glamping industry’s growth as a wholesale supplier. We offer wholesale pricing to businesses starting at just six tents per order. Airbnb owners, resort operators, event hosts, and more trust Stout Tent for all their tent manufacturing needs. We offer our wholesale clients more than just tents - we provide guidance on choosing the right tent for your business, beautiful product images, white labeling, and even custom design options. Stout Tent is a pioneer in the glamping industry and we work hard to uphold our reputation for premier service and quality products.
Award-winning British manufacturer of geodesic domes, TruDomes creates stunning glamping, event, and dining domes in the UK and Europe - and we are delighted to now supply domes to North America from our US warehouse. Discerning customers choose TruDomes for their award-winning, high-quality geodesic domes made from the finest materials and impeccable customer service. TruDomes frames are uniquely manufactured from environmentally-friendly, aircraft-grade aluminum that will not rust and last a lifetime. The TruDomes highquality PVC covers are flame retardant, weatherproof,
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | 45 guest-room making remodels, installations & new construction projects faster and more cost-efficient.
Then invest in luxury safari tents and glamping lodges. We work with our clients from design to implementation. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our luxury safari tents will be the centerpiece of any resort! Fully furnished to your specification with sanitation, heating and/or air conditioning. With our tents and lodges you can achieve a high occupancy rate throughout the season, helping you to build your business.
The Towne Law Firm, P.C. Booth: 327 500 New Karner Road PO Box 15072, Albany, NY 12205, US 518-213-0707 Booth:ThomasUSAF220 3060 Peachtree Road NW Suite 1855, Atlanta, GA 30305, US 678-936-2805 thomasusaf.com Thomas USAF Group, established in 1979, has made a name for itself as one of the nation’s largest originators ($4 Billion +) of government guaranteed loans. We provide financing to businesses via the USDA Business & Industry, Community Facilities, REAP, SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 government guaranteed loan programs. Our niche is providing access to capital in underserved rural markets.
Timberline Glamping Co. Booth: 124 745 Atlanta Hwy 206, Cumming GA 30040, US 866-854-5267
The Dyrt is a camping website and mobile app that gets over 20,000,000 visits per year from campers across the US. List your glamping property for free on The Dyrt today at https://thedyrt.com/. The Dyrt is the top ranked app for camping with over 1m crowd sourced camping reviews.
1800 E 4th St Ste 122, Austin, TX 7870,5 US 512-469-7660 tengointernet.com Industry leader, TengoInternet designs, builds, and supports custom outdoor WiFi and connectivity solutions for management groups and owner/operators in the outdoor hospitality industry. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Tengo has been serving the industry in North America with award-winning service for over 19 years, building over 3000+ networks and serving over 6 million connected devices each year. The types of properties we serve include private campgrounds, mobile home communities, outdoor malls, state and municipal parks, oil field housing, and smart cities. Not only is your network proactively monitored, Tengo assists with property and guest connectivity 24/7/365 with our US-based network operations center!
Booth:TruDomes806
Booth:TOKALI328 Avenida Santa Fe 449 Santa Fe, Cuajimalpa De Morelos Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico 05348, MX 552-343-9002
Booth:TengoInternet306
2010 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921, US 888-988-8368 tentmasters.com Tent Masters is the exclusive North American distributor for YALA Luxury Canvas Lodges based out of Knoxville, Tennessee. YALA has been around since 2009 and has been at the forefront of the glamping industry. YALA has paved the way for new innovations, designs, and luxury experiences. Together our mission is to bring their fantastic products to North America and to inspire outdoor enthusiasts to experience nature in a unique and comfortable way! Do you run a campsite or a resort and do you want to increase your turnover? Do you want to give your guests an experience they will never forget?
TruDomes 881 Baxter Drive STE 100, South Jordan, UT 84095, US 435-260-4489 TruDomes.com
Tent Booth:Masters1005
EXHIBITORS 2022
46 | Glamping Business Americas | glampingshow.us
Zook Booth:Cabins131 5075 Lower Valley Rd, Atglen, PA 19310, US 610-595-4650 zookcabins.com Zook Cabins is a manufacturer for quality Amish made Park Model Cabins. We offer anything from rustic to modern designed RV certified Park Models. We also custom designed Park Models. Please stop by our booth at the show for more information.
Virgin Experience Gifts Booth: 227 11101 w 120th Ave Suite 150, Broomfield CO 80021, US 616-301-4700
Zoeller Pump Company Booth: 315 3649 Cane Run Rd, Louisville, KY 40211, US 502-287-8258 zoellerpumps.com Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Louisville, KY USA, Zoeller Company is one of the oldest independently-owned, professional pump manufacturers in North America. Zoeller products cover a variety of residential, commercial and municipal water solution needs, including sump pumps, effluent pumps, wastewater pumps, pumping stations, customized water and sewage pumps, wastewater treatment, grinder pumps, water filtration, potable water pumps and reclamation applications. Zoeller Company has established itself as a leader in the industry of pumping equipment and water treatment systems through Quality, Service, Innovation and Integrity. Visit us at www.zoellerpumps.com.
whiteduckoutdoors.com
Yale Realty & Capital Advisors Booth: 106 3050 Biscayne Blvd Suite 402, Miami, FL 33137 US 877-889-9810 yaleadvisors.com Since 2012, Yale Realty & Capital Advisors has been nationally recognized as a leading sales and financing brokerage with access to the top buyers and lenders in the Manufactured Housing and RV industry. With over $4 billion in successfully closed sales and financing production, our experience and expertise are unmatched. We are the first true fully integrated firm with a dedicated representative in each region of the country to assist MH and RV owners and investors nationwide.
At White Duck Outdoors, we aim to give people a reliable way to spend time outside responsibly. When it comes to product design, we emphasize (1) quality and performance, (2) sustainability and responsible sourcing, and (3) ease-of-use and functionality. (1) Quality and performance: We only use the highest quality materials, from our proprietary, performance-driven DYNADUCK fabric for glamping tents, to industrial-strength poles and stakes for superior performance in various weather conditions. (2) Sustainability and responsible sourcing: We use exclusively BCI Cotton for the tent fabric, and all our treatments are PFC-free. We’re also part of the Climate Action Corps and are working to reduce our carbon emissions. (3) Ease-of-use and functionality: You never pay for additional functionality or features. Windows, stove jacks, mesh, pockets, electrical ports are always built into your glamping tent. We offer a complete range of glamping tents, including bell tents, wall tents and cabin tents. These are 4-season tents and are ideal for pitching for extended periods of time as glamping accommodations. In addition to this, our range of gear makes for essential add-ons to your glamping site. Log carriers make campfires that much easier, dog beds ensure your guests’ furry friends sleep well at night, our tarps are the best way to protect all your outdoor gear, and our Sunshade is an awesome way to create outdoor hang-out space. We’re always putting customers first, so all our glamping tents come with our White Duck Warranty, optional accidental damage protection, endto-end sales support, marketing collaborations and 24/7 chat support.
Universal Rocks LLC Booth: 1212 825 Shepherd Drive, Garland, TX 75042, US 972-762-5170
White Duck Outdoors Booth: 1200, 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209 1215 Livingston Ave Suite 4, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, US 609-904-3080
Utility Supply Group Booth: 231 26519 Bond Road NE, Kingston, WA 98346, US 360-355-3482
EXHIBITORS 2022
Recognized by the MH Institute as the Manufactured Home Community Lender/Broker of the Year in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 we take pride in our client-centric approach and are deeply committed to having True Regional Expertise and Relationships and in sustaining the future of affordable housing communities. We look forward to helping you close the deal that’s right for you. Yurts for Life Manufacturing Ltd Booth: 126 Town Mill Building, Mardle Way, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0AG, GB 795-757-8038 Zip Booth:Modular802 218 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127, US 754-232-7232 zipmodular.com
Our experienced team of quality control staff always ensures a high quality of materials and workmanship.
Our driving force is to have a new vision over the atmosphere of today’s housing. At iqoob, we base our work in the philosophy of building functional, attractive and accessible living units. We pride ourselves in delivering quality homes, no matter the size or quantity.
UV-resistant, antimicrobial, stain-resistant, and lacquered for easy cleaning and a luxuriously glossy finish. The TruDomes team are dedicated to helping glamping businesses succeed and are always on hand to answer questions and help create the ideal retreat for your guests.
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Elevated Glamping ZION WHITE BISON
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Zion White Bison’s sactuary is blessed and privileged to now have three white bison, two female and one bull. The team at the resort worked closely with the Native American people in their region and when they were made aware of the White Bison legend, they changed the name from the original Zion Weeping Buffalo Resort to Zion White Bison Glamping and RV Resort in respect for their support and to honor the history of the Theplace.’elevated’ glamping experience refers to the private en-suite bathrooms enjoyed by guests as well as the high-end facilities, which include heat and air conditioning, kitchens, hot tubs, fire pits, smart TVs.... all of the modern amenities that
The name of the site is extremely significant and it stems from an ancient Native American legend.
The resort has been open almost a year and McKell Davis heads up the marketing team at the resort alongside her husband. “Duan was initially inspired to build Zion White Bison Resort because he is a farmer from Washington and loves history, so when he was visiting Utah a couple of years back, he came across a piece of land that had a rich amount of history. He knew that he had to create something that was going to offer an unforgettable experience for people traveling through the area. He then brought in Jared who is from Southern Utah to help bring his vision to this piece of land, which is now called Zion White Bison,” says McKell.
The location of Zion White Bison Resort is nothing short of incredible – as it is situated just 15 miles from the Southern entrance to Zion National Park, making the park’s magnificent trails, breath-taking hikes, and stunning views all easily accessible. As soon as Jared, one of the resort’s owners found the land, he recognised the historic value and the opportunity to created what he and his business partner Duan dubbed ‘elevated glamping’.
“The white bison is an extremely rare and sacred animal and just a generation ago only one out of 10 million bison was born white. Currently, the figure is ten times greater and the return of the white bison represents the beginning states of the fulfilment of the legend,” says McKell.
ion White Bison offers Tipis, Covered Wagons and Cliff Dwellings (patterned after ancient Anasazi kivas). It also offers guests the opportunity to see real bison grazing the 200-acre pastures.
Z
Zion White Bison is a close drive to Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, St. George and lots of other local outdoor adventures. “As well as meeting the bison during their stay, guests can enjoy the site’s unique water feature, or play one of the many outdoor games. They can bike ride, roast S’mores, listen to the croaking frogs in the pond, enjoy the beautiful sunrises or sunsets and star gaze,” adds McKell. The site doesn’t currently offer food on site but has partnered with a local business, Balcony One for food service and delivery and also with its local grocery store for delivery or pick up. As for marketing the resort, McKell says that she has been hitting social media hard. “It’s very important! We’ve gained over 10,000 followers in less than a year on Instagram alone,” she says. “SEO, Facebook advertising and Google advertising are also vital. We just partnered with a channel manager as well.” The team has plenty of exciting plans for 2024. “Our RV sites are coming in the next year, along with glamping tents, an on-site convenience store, restaurant and hotel,” says McKell. “Our glamping accommodations are in the front of our property and our RV sites are going to be towards the back of our property. They are in two separate areas with different elevations, so no view is obstructed. We are looking forward to building on the success of the past 12 months.”
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | 49 King room you can think of to have a comfortable stay. The resort will also be home to over 100+ RV sites this coming year with plans to bring in glamping tents, a commercial store and hotel. The accommodation was built mindful of the environment and to protect against high temperatures and the risk of flooding. They were all designed with historical structures in mind but updated to withstand today’s environment and guests expectations.
“We wanted to keep everything in the resort authentic to how the pioneers and Indians used to live in the local area,” adds McKell. “That’s why we have brought in real bison to graze in their 200-acre pasture here on the property. Every detail and design has been authentically crafted and brought to life with modern-day comforts for a unique experience. Our guests love all of our accommodations but our most popular has been our tipis and we just opened our Cliff Dwellings (kivas) a couple of weeks ago, which are also very popular.”
McKell does not believe the pandemic has made a difference to guest booking behavior. “We haven’t noticed any issues. The business has been going great! We have been booked every weekend over the summer,” she says.
Double Queen Kiva
• Be experience-driven.
RELATE AND EMPATHIZE Your project is your baby, but make sure to have an objective perspective on what your guests utilize and value in the spaces and experiences you create. The fact is that sometimes our baby is not perfect and needs to learn and grow based on the ever changing environment. This is normal. Things you can do to help it grow:
When hiring, hire for personality and character, not skill set. Skill can be taught, personality and character cannot. Think of all the times you had a great hospitable experience. Sure, the amenities and physical location might have been exceptional, but none of that would have mattered if the service didn’t follow suit.
• When collecting feedback, keep the survey simple, then translate it into goals for the team.
REVENUE MANAGEMENT Saving money with cheap tools could mean leaving money on the table in the long run. Whether it is rule-based or AI-driven software, determine what works for managing your revenue. Your revenue management capabilities should always be evolving and matching the pace of technological
MAKE DATA YOUR ALLY
Santosh Kuruvilla is the CEO of Escape N Stay, a hospitality consulting firm that partners with businesses large and small to get results and stand out in the world of hospitality. Find him online at www.escapenstay.com. The ever changing climate of the travel industry means there’s room for creative ideas and none of them are wrong. Visualize turning your concept into a reality, go through it step by step, and don’t let the magnitude of the task intimidate you.
• Use feedback to pivot and refine the experience
“Without data collection and analysis, your company is flying blind. Determine what data points are important and how to collect them.”
Last but not least, understand your work with data analysis. Without data collection and analysis, your company is flying blind. Determine what data points are important and how to collect them. Use them to develop key performance indicators. Adjust as needed over time to keep up with changingThankfully,trends.data and trends point towards a bullish future and continued growth for glamping, camping, and RV glamping. Consumer demand is high and broad at different price points while National Park visitation is stable and more capital and institutional players are coming in.
HOSPITALITY SUCCESS IN 5 STEPS
• Understand and observe your consumer’s behavior and adjust accordingly.
For a product to be successful, you need to constantly ask yourself tough questions and be prepared for answers you might not like. The purpose of these questions is to expose potential weaknesses of your business structure before they become problems in the future.
ALIGN YOUR PRODUCT
BY SANTOSH KURUVILLA T
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STAND OUT Your glamping experience needs to create Unique Guests Emotion moments, or UGE for short. I like to ask clients to think about how their moms or dads would treat them when they come home after being away for a year. Your guests should receive that same treatment from you and your employees. Another good way to create UGE moments is to surprise and delight whenever possible. Get to know your guests, celebrate their stories, and establish those actions in your team’s culture. This creates a genuine caring atmosphere throughout your business and service culture.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
• Handle and address any complaints immediately. Do not let them fester.
KEEP IT SIMPLE Keep your business simple and pay attention to your service culture. Find people that you trust, people who come through under pressure.
• Engage with your guests at every touch-point to collect feedback both digitally and physically.
Positioning your product in the market place is essential to finding your place and distinguishing yourself. Ask questions about how your concept fits in the marketplace, who your customers are and how to find them, and how your product can evolve in an ever-changing landscape.
advancements. Make sure you are keeping an eye on your revenue and constantly optimizing it based on the metrics you use.
All that’s left to do is to turn your ideas into reality in ways that make sense for your business. Focus on experiential travel, differentiate yourself, and attract your target customer. Most of all, create UGE moments.
o be successful in the glamping industry, glamping operators need to realize a few things and know them by heart. To make it easy to remember, I’ve split up this article into five sections. In each section, I will highlight points that both aspiring and experienced glamping operators should consider.
creators that impress you with their quality of imagery and snappy text. Search hashtags like #glamping #luxurycamping #glampingnotcamping #glampinglife #couplestravel #familytravel. Follow those hashtags to see more posts like that in your feed and follow the accounts that catch your eye. Google around for bloggers that glamp or specialize in your region; they might have a smaller audience but more synergies with your guest demographics. Make a list of your favorite accounts and follow them closely. Notice the engagement each post receives. Are they getting quality comments or mostly robot-like responses? Comment on a few posts to see how that influencer responds to you. If all bodes well, direct message them to start the conversation.
BY MIKE & ANNE HOWARD HoneyTrek
• Do Your Social Media Research: Go down the rabbit hole of Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube looking for glamping, travel, and lifestyle content
With your marketing initiatives alone, you can only reach so many people. Influencers with sizeable, engaged audiences help you cast your net wider. And just like getting featured in a magazine, this coverage validates why your offering is so special.
WHY WORK WITH INFLUENCERS
WHAT ARE INFLUENCERS
• Partner With Your Tourism Board: Another effective strategy for finding qualified influencers (and journalists) are your county and state tourism boards. These government orgs have a budget to promote your area and they’re always looking for interesting places to highlight in their promo materials and press trips—like your camp! We wouldn’t have known about one of our favorite glamping properties, Cozy Peach, if we didn’t meet Visit Mesa at a travel trade show! Let the tourism boards know you are interested n hosting media and they’ll help send the right people your way.
on location at Isla Chiquita Glamping
Your property’s cachet, social media following, and bookings would grow exponentially. While the likelihood of an A-list celeb posting Instagram Stories about your camp is slim, the good news is that you don’t need luck or money to get those benefits. There are lots of talented influencers who can create impactful content and elevate your brand. With 350,000 social media followers and 11 years of storytelling experience, HoneyTrek has done influencer marketing partnerships with hospitality brands of all shapes and sizes. In this article we’ll show you how to find your ideal influencers, execute successful partnerships, and grow your business with this burgeoning marketing strategy.
I f Scarlett Johansson stayed at your glamping camp, what would that do for your business?
INSIDER TIPS BY HONEYTREK
Influencer Marketing
HOW TO FIND GOOD INFLUENCERS That’s the hardest part. Here’s how to get started:
Quality creators help capture your glamping offering in a fresh light and with a renewed energy. Depending on your agreement with that influencer (more on that below), a partnership can give quality marketing assets (photography, video, testimonials, etc) and SEO benefits for years to come. In the 2021 State of Influencer Marketing Study, influencer content outperformed branded content by 2.7 times and 71% of brands surveyed are planning to increase their influencer marketing budgets based on past success. While there are lots of great reasons to work with influencers, it’s important to ask yourself what you hope to gain from such a partnership. Is it a bigger social media following, beautiful photography, a marketing video, website traffic? The next step is to find influencers with the strengths that match your goals.
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“A person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting them on social media.” — Oxford Dictionary. Though to build on that broad definition, the social media experts at Sprout Social say, “An influencer is someone in your niche with sway over your target audience.” That focus is key because who’s the better fit for your brand…the biggest fashion Instagrammer in Miami or an contenttwophotographer-meets-mommy-bloggeroutdoor-withinhoursofyourcamp?Iftheyhavethetypetoyouloveandtheaudienceyouwantto attract, that’s the ideal influencer for you.
MAKE A PLAN & MANAGE EXPECTATIONS
• Put Out the Feelers:
Once you pinpoint a good influencer for your brand (and budget), reach out about a potential partnership and continue the conversation over a video conference call (it will give both parties an immediate vibe check and humanize the experience). Some influencers are happy to create content in exchange for a lovely room, meals, and activities (especially if they are newbies or already in the area), while others require a fee for their time and digital assets. Remember, the more you give them (be it money, room nights, or experiences), the more you’ll get in return… so be generous, it all comes around! Ask the influencer how they typically work with properties and, if you have specific goals, see what they can deliver in exchange for an awesome glamping experience and/or your budget. Make sure to have an email outlining the specific deliverables (from both parties) to help manage expectations and increase accountability.
Traveling for the last 10 years across 63 countries, Mike & Anne are travel experts with a glamping speciality. They launched HoneyTrek.com to chronicle their journey, and have since written National Geographic’s bestselling book Ultimate Journeys for Two and the first guide to glamping in North America, Comfortably Wild. Earning a Lowell Thomas Journalism Award for their book and a seat on the American Glamping Association Board of Advisors, they are committed to the success of the glamping industry. Businesses from budding glampgrounds to established tent manufacturers have partnered with the Howards for their skills as photographers, writers, influencers, and consultants to improve their guest experience and share it with the world. Visit HoneyTrek.com/GlampingExperts
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About Mike & Anne Howard Arapaho Valley Ranch, photo courtesy of Comfortably Wild HoneyTrekMendocinophotographingGrove
MORE TO COME Influencer marketing is not a silver bullet, but it is an important tool that nearly every successful brand is leveraging. It also shouldn’t be a onetime thing, as each influencer brings a completely different audience and creative flair. Continue to engage with this vibrant community of storytellers and get excited for what’s ahead! For more on how to grow your business with influencer marketing, be sure to attend our talk at the Glamping Show at 9am on Wednesday, October 5th and stop by the HoneyTrek Booth (#1211) to ask us any questions over a glass of mulled wine!
AMPLIFY THE CONTENT While it’s lovely to relish in a storyteller posting nice things about you, don’t just sit back and watch the imagery go by. Before they start posting, ask when their content will go live and remind them to tag your business so the name is clickable and you’ll be alerted when the posts happen. Offer them a promo code for a discounted stay or third night free to give something special to their followers. Comment on each post and share the content across your business and personal social media platforms. Ask your inner-circle (employees, relatives, friends, etc.) to engage with the posts to help boost the momentum. Follow the comment thread and chime in when people have questions. Celebrate the success of the campaign by including the content in your newsletter and featuring any articles or videos in the “press” section of your website.
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business
Let your website viewers, social media followers, and community know you are open to working with content creators. Our client Airydale Retreat added a Work With Us page to their site that says, “Are you a Photographer, Social Media Influencer, Blogger, or Videographer? Let us know if your interested in capturing the beauty of Airydale by filling out the form below.” As a result they’ve gained beautiful photography for their website, improved social media metrics, and made the most of unused room nights. If a content creator sees this call to action on your site, it means they’re already thinking about staying with you, so you’re already half way there!
THE STAY: SET THEM UP FOR SUCCESS Give them an Instagram-worthy experience! Make their stay as delightful as possible so it’s easy to say wonderful things about your property and show why it’s a must-see destination. Make sure they visit at a good time (nice weather, pretty foliage, adequately staffed, and no construction projects or group retreats going on). When they arrive, be there to escort them to their room. The space should make them go WOW, with inviting lighting, fresh flowers by the bed, a bottle of wine, hand-written welcome note, and other touches that make it feel uniquely theirs. This won’t only build good will but also give them props for better photos. (We can’t tell you how many times we’ve had to use our own stuff to style a room to make it photograph well!) Once they’re settled in, invite them to dinner, drinks, or a walk to get to know each other and give you a chance to naturally share your property’s story. Ask them what you can do to make their visit more enjoyable or photogenic. Point out the best places and times for sunset, sunrise, wildlife sightings, picnics, and the must-do experiences on- and off-site. Further facilitate that magic by arranging special meals and activities to help them create more robust storytelling. A word of caution: their audience will want to do these things too, so don’t offer experiences that you couldn’t replicate for normal guests. That said, coming up with creative offerings for this partnership could spark new ideas to improve your guest experience for all!
SEPTIC SYSTEMS NEEDS FOR GLAMPING
S
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ince many Glamping businesses are located in rural areas where municipal sewers are not available, a septic system or treatment system of some type will be needed for wastewater treatment and disposal. If designed, installed and maintained properly, a septic system can meet the wastewater treatment and disposal needs of Glamping facilities. Whether you’re already an owner of a Glampground or are in the process of searching for property that will become your new Glamping haven, it’s important to have a basic understanding of septic systems because in all likelihood, your facility is on one or will be on one. When soil and site conditions are acceptable, a basic conventional-type septic system can be used. Conventional systems use septic tanks for primary treatment and distribution devices, such as distribution boxes to distribute the septic tank effluent to the final dispersal portion of the system, which are known as leach lines or lateral lines. The soil dispersal system is where the final treatment occurs and the liquid portion of the effluent is dispersed into the soil. Conventional septic systems can require quite a bit of valuable space but when site and soil conditions are good, they can make the most sense to use because installation and maintenance costs are low.
To determine what type of septic system is needed, several key pieces of information are required. A site plan is needed showing the proposed layout of the property, along with the number and type of spaces, bath houses and any other water-using facilities such as laundry or restaurants. Another key component of a septic system is the soil and site evaluation, which is typically done by a soil scientist, local county health department, engineer or other qualified individuals to determine site and soil conditions.
Numerous characteristics will be evaluated during the site and soil evaluation and these will determine what type of septic systems can be used on the property. Total daily wasteflow must be calculated, which is typically a fixed value from either state or local regulations. It is expressed in gallons per day and is used to calculate the septic tank size and linear feet of soil trenches for final dispersal.Asgoodland becomes more difficult to locate, soil and site conditions may not be ideal or even useable for conventional septic systems. This is also true for existing facilities that are experiencing septic system failures. Experienced engineering companies, onsite companies, local health departments are invaluable when site and soil issues are encountered. They will be knowledgeable regarding alternative or advanced treatment systems that are designed to overcome restrictive site and soil conditions. These BY WES COMBS
Wes has been at Zoeller for 16 years and is curently managing their line of onsite wastewater components. A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor in Agronomy. He is a former KY state regulator where he was involved in many aspects of regulating onsite waste disposal systems in Kentucky. About Wes Combs
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restrictions can include a lack of available space for a septic system, heavy clay soils, high water tables, restrictive soil horizons, steep slopes, shallow rock and high groundwater. Alternative treatment systems such as aerobic treatment units (ATU), fixed film treatment units or other advanced treatment systems treat the wastewater to a very high degree before it is released to the final soil absorption system. These advanced treatment units can treat wastewater to 90-95% efficiency when compared to a septic tank which treats the wastewater to approximately 40-50% efficiency. Highly treated effluent allows for more flexibility when discharging to a soil absorption system than a conventional septic tank because there is less organic material for the the soil to treat. This allows systems to be installed in conditions where conventional septic systems can not be installed. In addition, many state and county regulations allow reductions in leach field amounts when using an advanced treatment system. Reductions of 20-30% are common which can be very important when available space is limiting, or if the owners wish to conserve space to add more spaces. It should be noted that advanced treatment systems are typically more expensive than conventional septic tank systems. This extra cost can often be justified because it allows the owner to have the additional spaces - which can generate more revenue.
In summary, if an owner is looking at new property for a Glamping destination, it’s very important they have a site and soil evaluation done before they purchase the property so they know what type of septic system options are available to them. If they purchase the property before a site and soil evaluation has been done, they risk owning property that may not support a septic system. At that point it’s important to know there are companies and resources available to the owner that may be able to design an alternative treatment system that will allow the use of the property.
BY TODD WYNNE-PARRY
W e in the glamping sector of the hospitality industry tend to view the business in its pure form as opposed to an add-on to other synergistic businesses. However, the reality is owners and managers of RV campgrounds and event venues such as wineries, regenerative farms, ranches, outdoor concert grounds, and wedding destinations see this product as a lucrative addition to their enterprise. The concern is: are they doing it right? In many cases they are not. This is sometimes due to a lack of funding to create a better glamping experience, but more often the issue is an approach that omits the additional hospitality that is expected with glamping accommodation. Therein lies both a threat and an opportunity.
• Contemporary check-in area with front desk, not a cluttered counter in front of a visible messy office.
THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES WHEN GLAMPING IS AN ADD-ON
The opportunities are to add glamping accommodation with its appropriate level of glamor or to upgrade existing facilities and amenities to become worthy of the description and then meet or exceed customer expectations. So, what are those expectations? The list below includes some of the basic elements that guests staying in RV campground accommodation or glampers at outdoor hospitality destinations expect.
• A modern merchandise shop stocked with camping related clothes and accessories, easy
The addition of accommodation to RV campgrounds or event venues is certainly not a new concept. This old chestnut has been a popular upgrade to these businesses for decades. However, the spike in demand for RV campground sites and outdoor hospitality in general has accelerated this practice over the last several years. Of course, as we all know, the pandemic threw strong gusts of demand wind into each of these sails. At the same time, the advent of a wide variety of accommodation styles, sizes and price points has made the decision to enhance an RV campground or event venue’s revenue by adding accommodation that much easier. Unfortunately, the addition of glamping accommodation does not always come with an increase in hospitality. Here is where we can say the quiet part out loud. Just because a property adds a safaristyle tent, vintage trailer, or rustic cabin to your property, does not mean it now offers true glamping per se. There are some in the outdoor hospitality world, that bemoan the word “glamping”. They conclude the term is used too loosely covering too wide of a range of properties and price points. To be fair, when you are promoting or designing outdoor accommodation with a $1,000 to $4,000 per night rate, sharing “glamping” as the description which is also used by a camper cabin for $50 per night down the road does make one re-think the term. The over-use of the word “glamping” to describe properties or accommodation units that have zero to limited glamorousness is an industry threat. Afterall, the “glamorous” part of this portmanteau is the aspirational hook that gets people averse to camping to glamp. So not providing some level of facilities or amenities to go along with the glamping style accommodation degrades the word and poorly manages customer expectations.
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• Indoor and outdoor lounge areas with shared seating and workspaces. • Inviting communal firepits.
• Bocce courts with and seating at each end of the court.
• Small sauna facility.
About Todd G. Wynne-Parry
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• Experience desk and a clearly identified launch point for experience bookings.
The management perception shift that needs to accompany the addition of glamping accommodation to an existing RV campground or event venue is from property management to hospitality. The move into providing accommodation means you now must manage guests’ needs more akin to a hotel. Glampers are generally unfamiliar with the outdoors, not as seasoned as RVrs, and tend to require a higher level of hand holding and assistance. Providing the facilities and amenities as mentioned above may fall short of 24-hour room-service, concierge desks, all day dining options or other items typically associated with hospitality, but they go a long way to recognizing the needs of the modern glamper. The absence of this hospitality approach is quickly noticed and then reflected in online reviews and social media.
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | to prepare in your unit meals, bbq items, easy to light wood bundles, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, treats (e.g., s’more kits) and hopefully some locally sourced goods.
• Dog off-leash run area with complementary dog wash station.
• Outdoor amphitheater or movie screen with lawn seating for live entertainment or night movie nights.
• Mountain bike or BMX pump tack, or
• Swimming pool and/or hot tub.
• In room guides to local attractions and recommended F&B outlets and experience providers.
In this list, it’s the guest amenities and facilities where you start to see the difference between a campground and a “glampground”. The typical RV campground has limited to no communal areas apart from a small pool or playground which really limits the opportunities of new interactions with fellow campers. The inclusiveness and communal nature of the outdoors should be reflected in the glamping experience. Adding some basic amenities and facilities that allow for more human interaction will lift the perception of the experience beyond just camping. In addition to the elements listed above the following items will greatly enhance the customer experience while limited additional labor costs:
• Guest amenities and facilities that increase overall guest experience.
• Indoor and outdoor event or meeting space, if possible. • EV charging stations.
Another opportunity that arises by adding accommodation to seasonal businesses, particularly when adding four season capable units, is an extension of the operating season or even operating year-round. While this move needs to pass the cost-benefit analysis of potential revenue vs labor cost, it may provide a significant boost to annual profits. This extension of the operating year allows the property to operate either on a nightly or monthly basis or both. For nightly rentals in the off-season the operation remains generally the same except obviously a much lower occupancy. Monthly rentals on the other hand provide for great yielding income given the limited labor requirement for these tenants. In more remote areas of the country, workforce housing remains in a deficit and this additional accommodation could be seen favorably by local authorities as it helps to solve for housing local or regional employees. The acceleration of outdoor hospitality and the way adjacent businesses have embraced it is a boon for people wanting more access to the great outdoors. At the end of the day, the mission is to get more people out into nature, have them commune with their loved ones outside of home and mix with people outside their comfortable community bubble. This provides an wide avenue to increase our collective respect for the environment and each other just a little bit more.
A seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, Todd has over 30 years of hotel development experience, having held senior leadership positions at several major hotel brands and most recently AutoCamp and Two Roads Hospitality.
• Clean and aesthetically pleasing accommodation such as tiny homes, resort cabins, vintage or aspirational trailers or glamping tents. These units need to be Instagram worthy on the outside and well-appointed on the inside. This is where the roughing it of camping ends and the comforts of home in the outdoors starts.
• Yoga Decks - located on vistas and/or points of serenity.
• Perimeter walking/running/biking trail with interpretive signage and exercise equipment.
• Communal BBQ area with picnic tables.
• Cornhole courts with weather proofed boards and sacks.
• State-of-the-art technology including high quality internet (wi-fi) and cellular access.
A dual-citizen of the US and Australia, Wynne-Parry has lived and worked in the U.S., Asia, Australia and the United Kingdom. He was instrumental in the development efforts for IHG, Starwood and Marriott in the Asia Pacific region and for Two Roads Hospitality globally. He began his career as a hotel consultant in the San Diego office of Laventhol & Horwath, the predecessor to Horwath HTL. He is now Managing Director of Horwath HTL and leads the Outdoor Hospitality practice for North America. Horwath HTL is the largest independent hospitality consultancy with 52 offices worldwide. Todd earned an MBA from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management and sits on the advisory council of the American Glamping Association. In his spare time, Todd enjoys fly fishing and exploring the western US in his 1953 Airstream.
• Hammocks or adult swings or unique seating areas.
Hopefully, the adaptation of an outdoor hospitality approach will lift the guest experience in all the businesses adding glamping for their customers.
Communications between guests and staff as problems arise leads to immediate guest satisfaction and curtails the number of negative reviews. Servicing problems that occur overnight can also be handled over an app. “Almost every one of our apps has a button included to report an issue,” he said. “That button leads to a form to fill out that goes immediately to staff and the problem can be fixed.” Apps and texts have become integral tools in the guest communication process at many camping and glamping facilities. “Our guests absolutely love the app created for our business,” said Vickie Fuller of Pirateland Family Camping Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “It has really helped us improve our guests’ experience. The participation in our activities has increased, and we have been able to communicate more effectively to our guests through the notification feature.”
Enhanced communication tools for campgrounds and glamping operations have been available for years, but such tools aren’t always on the “must have” list of amenities for glamping facility owners.
The outdoors isn’t always easy. Glamping guests often need help, and they need it right away. Otherwise, park owners run the risk of having unhappy glampers who post negative reviews. Enter on-site text messaging and customized apps.
“We have a lot of experience on traditional campgrounds, and we know guests just want a way to get the information they need right away,” says Joe Duemig, who with wife Rose created a company called App My Community. The Duemig’s company creates downloadable, customized mobile applications for organizations including campgrounds that allow owners to provide guests with not only information needed during their stay, but a way to communicate directly with staff about any issues they encounter.
A 2019 pre-pandemic study by hospitality communications software giant Medallia Zingle found 60% of survey respondents said they won’t wait online or on hold for more than 5 minutes to get a question answered. About 26% of those respondents also said they expect an answer in under 2 minutes.
‘NEW NORMAL’
glampingshow.us | Glamping Business Americas | 59
BY MIKE GAST F or many glamping guests, the Great Outdoors is also the Great Unknown. Simple tasks like securing tent flaps for the night or starting a campfire are outside their skillset.
AUTOMATED SMS & CUSTOMIZED APPS AND HOW THEY CAN HELP YOU
IMMEDIATE SERVICE RECOVERIES
The Duemigs say glamping is fertile ground for their company as well as other firms with the technology to connect owners and guests.
“We’ve found that the younger the guests are, the less likely they are to report problems directly to managers and staff,” Duemig said. “They’d rather communicate through a text.”
TEXTING & APPS BECOMING
That could be a serious omission when glampers are paying extra for a more luxurious, trouble-free outdoor experience. Glamping guests have also become accustomed to receiving immediate help via texts and apps while staying at many hotels. “Having a customizable app available for your guests really adds to that feeling of luxury,” said Rose Duemig. She said having most of their questions answered on an app or via texts frees owners of smaller glamping parks with smaller staffs from the burden of repeatedly dealing with the same problems.
Some glamping operators use texting as a way to provide “contactless check in,” providing guests with the security codes and other information they’d need to bypass the front desk and get directly to their accommodation. “It’s another way to directly deliver service,” she said. “The guests get the answers they want when they want them, and they want those answer now!”
The interior of a glamping teepee and the look of App My Community’s app for Mystic Quarry Resort near Austin, TX
5. Post-Stay Phase: Owners can use texts to send a quick feedback survey. Owners then have the chance to “filter” those direct responses and only encourage positive survey respondents to write full reviews for sites ike TripAdvisor. “We also collect birthday and anniversary dates and send texts then,” Mayfield said. A post-stay birthday text with a special offer can be very effective. “But you don’t want to annoy them with too many texts because once they hit ‘stop,’ it’s over with that customer.” Mayfield says texting has also become a vital part of many park owner’s emergency plans. “You can quickly identify everyone who is currently on your park and let them know what they need to know about inclement weather or other emergencies,” he said. “And of course, you can also promote things like happy hour.” Mayfield said glamping operators shouldn’t let their small size stop them from addng texting services to their marketing mix.
5 PHASES
Zingle works so well, the Nashville KOA Resort now uses text messaging instead of emails when communicating with guests. Williamson said about 50% of guests respond directly to the site’s initial pre-arrival text message, and 20% exchange texts with the site at some point during their stay.
“Our front desk supervisor loves it because it allows her to engage guests in a positive and friendly manner without them having to wait in line,” said Williamson. “Sometimes you have 3, 5 or 7 people in line in front of you, and you don’t have time. And a lot are asking simple questions. If Zingle can handle those questions, there are going to be less people in line. So, she has more face time for those guests who are checking in or out and it’s a better experience for them, as well as those getting their answers right away via text.”
4. Mid-Stay Phase: Here, owners have the chance to stay in touch with on-site guests and keep ahead of potential service failures that could lead to a negative review.
“You have your guest’s immediate awareness,” he said. “We have partners who leverage early check ins by offering an upcharged early check in via text to a guest who shows up at 8am when check in is at 4pm.” He said owners can also offer late check outs (at a small fee) to guests via a text.
“Our service is not a chat bot,” said Jeff McHugh, Senior Director of Hospitality Partnerships for Medallia Zingle. “There is human engagement in action here. Ours is a guest engagement platform.” Zingle’s texted “zings” are just one weapon. Zingle also uses popular social media channels like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, and can integrate with a park’s online app. “We act as a concierge in your pocket,” McHugh said. “We are investing heavily right now in glamping.”
The Nashville, Tennessee KOA Resort uses Zingle’s automated zings to handle frequent texted inquiries from guests. KOA Regional Vice President Aaron Williamson said at least four staff members monitor Zingle at most times, ready to step in with a direct answer if needed. Williamson said he expects guests to receive their answer within 60 seconds. That level of service has markedly improved the Nashville park’s service scores.
A CONTINUOUS CONVERSATION
3. Pre-Arrival Phase: During this phase, glamping owners can include maps and include discounted incentives in the automated texts to again “lock in” the guest.
McHugh says the ease in connecting with guests via texts opens a new world of revenue opportunities for glamping facility owners.
60 | Glamping Business Americas | glampingshow.us Keeping those guests happy can be a tall order when its 3pm and you’ve got a line waiting to check in at your front desk. That same survey found 52% of respondents expect problems to be resolved within 15 minutes. Only 1-in-5 guests said it would be OK for solutions to take up to a day. If your glamping resort can’t meet those expectations, 22% of the respondents said they “definitely” would not return and 55% said they would be less likely for a return trip and more likely to leave that negative review. And 35% said they are more emotionally connected to brands that solve their customer service problems. OF
2. Post-Booking Phase: This is a chance for owners to excite guests with possibilities for their stay, and firmly capture guests via texts who may be hedging their bets by making several reservations at different locations for the same dates. “You can use a text to help confirm the purchase,” Mayfield said. “It helps prevent ‘trip stacking’ and sets you apart again from the other places they may have booked.”
A glamper review posted on TripAdvisor about their stay at Nashville KOA Resort and the impact of their Zingle service.
COMMUNICATIONGUEST
Kampgrounds of America Inc. opted to use the Medallia Zingle service at several of its owned properties and encourage franchisees to follow suit. Medallia Zingle also counts outdoor hospitality industry heavyweights like Autocamp, Sunland Communities Under Canvas among their customer partners.
1. Pre-Booking Phase: Mayfield calls this phase “trip snacking,” when guests are researching where to stay, and glamping owners have a chance to stand out from the competition with timely texts.
“We were built for the small guy,” he said. “We started by servicing small bed and breakfasts with four or five rooms.” ResNexus’ services start as low as $59 a month and can be used by glamping owners with as few as one unit. “Consider that its less than most cellphone family plans, and you are running your whole business,” Mayfield said. “Think about how much time you are saving for you and your staff.”
Nathan Mayfield, vice president of top glamping communications provider ResNexus, boils down guest communications to five phases.
“You don’t want to annoy them with too many texts because once they hit ‘stop,’ it’s over with that customer.”
“I don’t care for the automated responses,” Duemig said. “If it isn’t set up perfectly, the customer will get frustrated.”
NEED MORE INFO?
Duemig said App My Community’s approach concentrates on providing nearly all the information guests will need via the customized app, along with a way to connect directly to owners or staff for additional questions. “Our goal is to get all of the information out there early on the app they will have on their phone, and still have ways for the guest to get additional information directly from real people.”
PICK YOUR PAY MODEL Similar to ResNexus, App My Community charges a set monthly or annual rate based on the size of the facility. Medallia Zingle charges are based both on the size of the glamping facility and the volume of texts being sent. “It’s a fixed cost for us to develop the app,” said Joe Duemig. “For us, it doesn’t matter how many sites you have; the minimum charge is $1,800 a year.” Larger parks with more than 250 sites would be charged $3,000, he said. Regardless of the service provider glamping site owners use, instant continuous guest communication needs to be part of their plans, Duemig said. “You have to communicate with guests in the ways they want to communicate,” he said. “They want to communicate with the digital devices they carry, and they want their answers right away. This is the best way to do it.”
62 | Glamping Business Americas | glampingshow.us McHugh also said there’s also money to be made by sending texts encouraging on-site guests to partake in perishable items like ice cream and other“Wefoods.even have a couple of KOA campgrounds that offer to shop for supplies ahead of arrival for glamping guests, for a fee,” he said. Also, the 2019 Medallia Zingle survey found 86% of travelers were willing to pay more for superior service – up to $50 more per stay.
“We know that glamping guests are a bit different than traditional campers and are even more likely to need information,” said Joe Duemig. “All of the facilities we work with are very different, so there is a big need to customize their content for their specific guest. The guests really want the information, and they want it delivered to their device. Nobody wants to walk around with a booklet of papers or handouts.”
App My Community’s Joe Duemig says while automated responses can play a role, he prefers a more personal touch.
Medallia Zingle prides itself on the ability to fine-tune automated responses to quickly discern a guest’s intent and provide the proper response via text. “With the use of Zings, we’re able to cultivate specific touchpoints throughout their stay that are unobtrusive while letting them know we’re here to do whatever we can to ensure they have an amazing family experience,” said Alex Ragazzo, Manager of Customer Experience for Great Wolf Resorts.
There is a plethora of companies currently offering different levels of automated guest service assistance. Here’s a few links to get you started. www.resnexus.com, www.appmycommunity.com, Mikewww.zingle.comGastwasthe
Vice President of Communications for Kampgrounds of America, Inc. for the past 20 years. Now, he’s on to new adventures, helping others tell their stories through his freelance company, ‘Imi Ola Group. You can reach Mike at mike.imiolagroup@gmail.com
“You have to communicate with guests in the ways they want to communicate. They want to communicate with the digital devices they carry, and they want their answers right away. This is the best way to do it”
AUTOMATED RESPONSES OR REAL PEOPLE?
