2025 Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association Outdoor Hospitality Convention and Expo
The NAI Outdoor Hospitality Brokers team is excited to announce that our very own Maria Piper will be attending the 2025 Florida and Alabama Outdoor Hospitality Convention & Expo, taking place May 6–9, 2025 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. This premier event brings together RV park and campground owners, operators, managers, staff, and suppliers for four days of expert-led seminars, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends, strategies to enhance operations, and innovative products showcased at the expansive Supplier Expo. Maria looks forward to connecting with industry professionals and sharing her expertise in outdoor hospitality real estate.
Maria would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you during the show. Please reach out to Maria (mariapiper@naiohb.com / (303) 912-3056) who will be happy to meet and answer any outdoor hospitality industry questions. Follow this link for more information on registering to attend the show.
Schedule At A Glance
Tuesday, May 6th
8:00am – 5:00pm: Optional Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Class (Day 1 of 2)
Join Terry Munoz to earn your Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) Certification. The CPO is accredited by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the industry’s most widely recognized and state-approved certification. Over 30,000 professionals earn this credential each year, equipping them with the skills to operate pools safely, efficiently and in compliance with regulations. Separate fee and registration required.
12:00pm – 5:00pm: Optional RV Tech & Maintenance Basics presented by RVTI
As a park operator or manager, you’re often the first point of contact when guests face technical issues with their RVs. Being equipped with fundamental maintenance knowledge can transform a potential vacation setback into a memorable stay. This program will provide you with these essential skills setting your campground apart with exceptional customer service. Separate fee and registration required.
2:00pm – 5:00pm: FRVCA Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 7th
8:00am – 5:00pm: Registration Opens
8:00am – 2:00pm: Optional Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Class (Day 2 of 2)
The certification exam will immediately follow the completion of the class.
9:00am – 12:00pm: Strategy & Research Mini Summit with Sandy Ellingson & Scott Bahr
Gain valuable insights and expert perspectives at this summit, where industry leaders Sandy Ellingson and Scott Bahr will share their extensive knowledge and experience in Outdoor Hospitality. This session is designed for RV park and campground owners and industry professionals seeking a deeper understanding of key challenges, emerging opportunities and the evolving landscape of outdoor travel.
10:00am – 12:00pm: The Cornerstone of Financial Security: Land Trusts Estate Planning with Mr. Land Trust
Learn about the need for privacy in creating a secure financial future and the asset protection that comes with privacy, and how protecting your assets can actually cut your cost of real estate investing.
12:00pm – 1:15pm: Lunch on your own.
1:30pm – 3:15pm: Opening General Session: RV Park Insurance Update & Panel Discussion with Austin Gaines
Insurance costs remain among the biggest challenges facing RV parks and campgrounds today. Since last year’s convention, the Florida-Alabama RV Park & Campground Association has been actively exploring the option of creating its own captive insurance plan. During this important session, we will discuss the current state of the insurance market in Florida & Alabama as well as the findings from a recent study conducted by insurance professionals and actuaries on the captive insurance market. This is your opportunity to learn about insurance options from Austin Gaines of Starke Agency and discover cost-saving solutions and tips, and what steps to take to ensure you are properly covered.
3:30pm – 4:30pm: Opening Keynote Session: How to Grow Your Business by Creating & Marketing Experiential Hospitality Utilizing Unique Stays with Ben Wolf
Attend this creative and valuable session to discover:
• The journey of building and developing an experiential hospitality firm.
• The vision behind creating unique luxury retreats and stays.
• What the modern traveler wants.
• Collaborative customer experience vs. traditional transactional experience.
• What it means to focus on the experience.
• How to market alternative and unique stays.
• Why you need to make your property shareable.
• Why Instagram will be the biggest booking platform by 2030.
5:00pm – 7:00pm: Welcome Reception & Networking Event
It’s time to kick off the party! Join us for some beverages and tasty hors d’oeuvres while networking and socializing with new and old friends. Everyone is invited!
Night on your own & networking opportunities.
Thursday, May 8th
8:00am – 5:00pm: Registration
8:30am – 10:00am: Industry Panel Breakfast: RV Park Trends, Analysis & Forecasts with Scott Bahr & Casey Cochran
Join us for breakfast and this valuable session revealing the latest data on the Outdoor Hospitality industry with specific breakdowns of the Florida and Alabama markets. Gain a better understanding of RV park trends, analyses and forecasts, and, most importantly, discover how to use this information to adjust your business strategies.
9:00am – 3:30pm: Exhibitor Set-Up (Trade Show opens to attendees at 4:00 p.m.)
10:15am – 11:15am: Keynote Session: Profiting from a Complaint-Free Workplace with world-renowned speaker & author, Will Bowen
People complain for one of five reasons remembered by the acronym G.R.I.P.E. – Get attention, Remove responsibility, Inspire envy, gain Power and Excuse their poor performance. Understanding the motivation behind any complaint and how to address each complaint will dramatically improve employee retention, workplace culture, customer relationships, sales and profitability. This enlightening and valuable session will show you how you can elevate your business, your staff and your life. Mr. Bowen will be available for book signing at the end of the session.
11:30am – 1:45pm: Chairman’s Lunch & Special Session: State of the Industry, Dignitaries & Legislative Report with FRVCA Chair Thomas Sparrow, Marc Dunbar & Rep. Richard Gentry (R-District 27)
Enjoy lunch while learning about industry updates, advocacy efforts and other valuable information about your Association and what’s happening on the legislative front.
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Breakout Session 1: Accessibility – Ensuring Outdoor Recreation for Everyone with Nichole Poisson
Join us for an enlightening discussion on ensuring outdoor recreation for everyone through accessibility initiatives. This session will explore innovative strategies, best practices and technological advancements to make outdoor spaces, particularly campgrounds, more inclusive and accessible to individuals of all abilities. Whether you’re involved in campground management, outdoor recreation planning or advocacy for disability rights, this session promises valuable perspectives and practical solutions to promote accessibility in your campground.
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Breakout Session 2: Acquisitions & Sales – Current Environment & Preparation for Success with Richard O’Brien
After strong demand from last year’s conference, this discussion will address the current capital markets environment and how to best position an RV park exit or acquisition. Learn about the consolidation trends, preparation to sell, underwriting, structuring and what buyers and sellers would want to do to position themselves for success. This will be a no non-sense talk and related dialogue.
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Breakout Session 3: Demystifying RV Park Accounting – Best Practices & Setup with Nic Gramstad, Clyde Yelverton & Amir Harpaz
Join us for an insightful panel discussion on best practice accounting for RV parks. Our experts will cover essential strategies for setting up your software and bookkeeping correctly, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and financial success. Making sure your Chart of Accounts is set up to recognized accounting standards and mirrored in your software. Let us walk you through USALI (The Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry) standards and how to set yourself up for success!
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Breakout Session 4: Park Development, Expansion & Redevelopment – A Case Study with Jayne Cohen & Emeka Nnadi
Journey through the process of building, expanding or redeveloping an RV park or campground – from an empty plot of land (or just an idea) to a fully-operational destination. Through the lens of an actual RV resort development, this session will provide practical insights, expert recommendations and step-by-step guidance to help you navigate the complexities of campground development. Learn the process’s what, when and how, gain valuable industry insights, and get answers to your questions in an interactive discussion. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing property, this session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to bring your vision to life. Open Q&A encouraged!
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Breakout Session 5: Maximizing your Profits with Revenue Management with Mike Harrison
Learn how to analyze your data and make decisions to enhance your revenues and bottom line. With attention and intention, utilizing these tools and strategy could result in 5-20% more revenue.
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Breakout Session 6: Three Key Insights to Drive Personalized & Seamless Stays with Travis Henriod
This impactful session explores key industry trends, opportunities, and practical strategies to optimize your operations. We’ll dive into three actionable insights: understanding your guests, auditing your booking process for conversions, and enhancing guest communication for a seamless experience. Leave with clear, practical takeaways to implement right away.
4:00pm – 6:00pm: Trade Show Open & Evening Reception
Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy a sneak peek tour of the trade show while networking with the vendors and fellow attendees.
6:00pm – 9:00pm: The MAIN EVENT: Awards Dinner & Auction
It’s everyone’s favorite night of the conference! Join us for dinner, awards, auction and entertainment.
9:00pm – ?: Social at the Hotel
Socialize and network into the night at Tobias Burgers & Brew located at the hotel. This welcoming gathering spot serves craft beers and bourbon.
Friday, May 9th
8:00am – 10:00am: Registration
8:00am – 10:00am: Breakfast & Keynote Session with Mike Boylan of “Mike’s Weather Page,” Plus Disaster Readiness & Response Panel
A valuable session on weather impacts through real hurricane stories and storm chasing and tracking. Learn to prepare your park and safely advise your guests when the next big storm hits.
10:00am – 2:00pm: Trade Show Open & EXPO Lunch
A showcase of the best industry suppliers and products in the nation! Over 90 vendor booths. Discover the latest products and services fueling the RV park and Outdoor Hospitality Industry, from reservation systems, Wi-Fi and the newest tech to insurance, pest control, marketing solutions, laundry equipment, park models and everything in between. Whatever your park needs, you’ll find it here. Plan for the upcoming winter season and take advantage of “show specials”. Lunch will be served inside the expo hall.
2:15pm – 3:30pm: Crackerbarrel Group Discussion
Join us for hot-topic discussions on RV park sub-metering, abandoned units, rules and regulations, rental agreements, HUD 55+ rules, credit card fees, liability waivers, insurance, evictions, tax issues and exemptions and more. This is the time to learn about all the issues every park owner faces and deals with daily. Come with questions and be prepared to walk away knowing a LOT more about the campground business.
3:45pm – 4:30pm: Industry Panel Discussion and Q&A: Tips for maximizing success
Hear first account stories on the successes and failures that other successful park owners have faced. This is a great opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others and take away some fantastic tips on how to grow your business and maximize your profits.
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Conference Wrap-Up & Final Q&A
Don’t miss your last opportunity to have all your questions answered and to discover valuable tips and suggestions you may have missed. There will be a prize drawing for those that stay to the end!
Click here for the full schedule. We look forward to seeing you at the show!