With the start of a new month comes a fresh MC Fireside Chats episode that will discuss emerging trends, understand the economic drivers, and anticipate how changing demographics and guest expectations are impacting your business. Gain critical market insights as we analyze growth patterns and forecast future developments in the camping and outdoor hospitality sector.

On April 2, 2025, at 2 PM ET, join host Brian Searl alongside recurring guests Mark Koep, Founder and CEO of Campground Views; Scott Bahr, President of Cairn Consulting Group; Simon Neal, Founder and CEO of CampMap; Miguel Huerta, President of the Mexican Glamping Association; and Rafael Correa, President and CFO of Blue Water Development Corp.

MC Fireside Chats is excited to feature special guests Emily Simmons, CEO of Campground Owners of New York, who will delve into strategies for optimizing campground operations during seasonal shifts in the Northeast. And joining her is Michael Moore, Assistant Executive Director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO), who will discuss how TACO supports the diverse needs of camping and outdoor hospitality businesses in Texas’s booming market.

March 27th Episode Recap

In a recent episode of MC Fireside Chats, Brian Searl convened a panel of industry leaders to delve into the pressing issues and evolving trends impacting the RV and outdoor recreation sectors. The discussion featured Eleonore Hamm from RVDA of Canada, Shane Devenish of the Canadian RV Association (CRVA), Greg Emmert, Phil Ingrassia representing RVDA, and Aaron Bannon from the American Outdoors Association. The episode tackled the complex landscape of potential tariffs, shifting consumer behaviors, and the innovative strides being made within the industry, providing valuable insights for campground owners, RV dealers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The discussion began with the potential impact of tariffs on the RV industry. Eleonore Hamm explained that RVDA of Canada is providing information and resources to its members regarding potential counter tariff measures. She highlighted the lack of a sufficient Canadian supply chain to meet the demand, with a significant portion of RVs sold in Canada being imported from the US. The tariffs, if implemented, would affect RVs crossing the border, potentially increasing costs for dealers and consumers. Shane Devenish emphasized the difficulty in keeping everyone informed due to the rapidly changing situation. He also clarified that the Canadian countermeasures would only take effect if the US imposes tariffs on Canadian goods.

Phil Ingrassia, speaking from Washington D.C., acknowledged the industry’s concern and stressed the importance of free and fair trade. He noted the interconnectedness of the US and Canadian RV industries.

Brian Searl raised the concern about the potential impact on private campgrounds if tariffs do go into effect. Eleonore Hamm responded that there could be a positive side for Canadian campgrounds as people might choose to camp locally. However, she expressed concern about the long-term impact on dealers and potentially on consumers.

Aaron Bannon provided an overview of the American Outdoors Association, which comprises organizations providing facilitated recreation experiences on public lands. He discussed the crossover between his members and the RV industry, noting that many guides live in RVs and that a robust tourism industry benefits outfitters. Bannon also mentioned trends like the increasing popularity of glamping and a shift towards shorter, less risky trips.

Greg Emmert and Shane Devenish weighed in on the trend of shorter trips, linking it to economic uncertainty and fuel costs. Shane Devenish shared anecdotal evidence of some people planning longer trips within Canada.

Brian Searl then posed a question about how businesses in different sectors could pivot in a moderately challenging economic scenario. Aaron Bannon suggested that outfitters might focus on attracting customers from nearby metropolitan areas and diversify their offerings. Greg Emmert emphasized the importance of partnerships and experiential offerings for campgrounds, particularly those near population centers. Eleonore Hamm said that Canadian RV dealers might focus more on pre-owned sales and service. Shane Devenish highlighted the challenges faced by parts suppliers and manufacturers on both sides of the border. Phil Ingrassia discussed the complexities of the situation for US manufacturers due to the sourcing of components and the impact of consumer sentiment on RV sales.

Phil Ingrassia then discussed the RVIA’s emerging leaders program, which aims to connect and develop industry professionals. Aaron Bannon spoke about similar programs within the Outdoors Association, emphasizing the value of fresh perspectives.

Phil Ingrassia also discussed Go RVing’s experiential events, which are designed to introduce RVing to people who may have little exposure to it. Eleonore Hamm added that Go RVing Canada also participates in similar events.

Brian Searl then brought up Pebble, an all-electric RV with advanced technology. Greg Emmert provided details about Pebble’s features, including its self-hitching, remote control maneuverability, and extended vehicle range capabilities. Phil Ingrassia noted that the company was founded by former Tesla executives and that these types of innovations may appeal to a new demographic of RVers.

In their final thoughts, Eleonore Hamm thanked everyone for the opportunity to speak. Greg Emmert stressed the importance of developing the next generation of leaders in the outdoor hospitality industry. Aaron Bannon highlighted the passage of the Explore Act and its potential to facilitate new outfitter businesses. Shane Devenish mentioned the CRVA’s 50th anniversary and upcoming special events. Phil Ingrassia expressed optimism about the upcoming season. Eleonore Hamm provided information on how to access the petition regarding tariffs on the RVDA website.

About MC Fireside Chats

MC Fireside Chats is a live podcast experience dedicated to the outdoor hospitality and outdoor recreation industries. Hosted by Brian Searl, founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground, the show offers engaging discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts shaping the future of camping, RVing, glamping, and outdoor recreation.

Airing every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), the show follows a structured weekly theme to deliver deep dives into the most relevant topics:

• Week 1: Industry Trends & Insights
• Week 2: Enhancing Guest Experience
• Week 3: Business Operations & Management
• Week 4: RV Industry, Outdoor Recreation & Activities

Each episode features a panel of recurring guests, complemented by 1–2 rotating special guests, including industry analysts, campground owners, technology providers, sustainability advocates, and more. Whether exploring the latest market trends or innovative guest experience strategies, MC Fireside Chats delivers thought-provoking insights for professionals and enthusiasts across the outdoor recreation spectrum.

To explore previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats.