The second annual OHIConnect event took place at Jellystone Park Watts Bar Lake in Loudon, Tenn., bringing together campground owners and operators for a day and a half of networking and learning. The event was designed to combine practical workshops with opportunities to explore strategies and share experiences in a collaborative setting. Attendees arrived on March 30 and jumped right in with a park tour, allowing them to settle in and make new connections before the evening's casual happy hour and dinner.
March 31 was a full day of engaging activities, featuring hands-on workshop sessions facilitated by s. The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to break away from their daily routines and engage in meaningful conversations about revenue, operations, staffing, marketing, and technology tools used in the industry. The setting allowed participants to be fully present and part of the discussion, making it an invaluable experience.
The OHI Connect event was praised by attendees as a valuable opportunity for networking with peers in the industry. Carl Caudle, co-owner of Buck Hill Campground in Newland, N.C., noted that the event provided both educational content and opportunities to implement new ideas into their operations immediately. This year's theme focused on finding ways to work more strategically about business success, encouraging real conversations and workshops to address real challenges.
The event's focus was to provide attendees with multiple opportunities to think more strategically about the success of their businesses. David Basler, OHI's chief strategy officer, emphasized the importance of bringing people together like this, where new ideas can take shape. This collaborative approach is exactly why events like OHIConnect are valuable in driving innovation and growth within the industry.
The event registration was structured to be affordable, with a buy-one-get-one option allowing campgrounds to bring two team members for $175 per person. This pricing strategy made it easier for campgrounds to attend without breaking the bank, giving them the chance to gain diverse perspectives and attend different sessions. Attendees praised this approach, feeling that it was friendly to their budget and allowed them to fully engage with the content.
Christopher Caudle, co-owner of Buck Hill Campground, shared his experience of attending OHI Connect for a single price, which made it possible for him to attend multiple sessions without feeling the need to check his email. He noted that each session was engaging, and being able to share this experience with others has been invaluable in terms of networking opportunities.
The optional half-day 'Strategy Lab' session on Day 2 offered a smaller group setting with a more focused approach. Attendees worked through a SWOT framework and spent time thinking through retail ideas and ways to elevate the guest experience. This session provided a chance for attendees to slow down and think critically about how ideas could be translated back into their own parks.
The collaborative nature of OHIConnect allowed attendees to share experiences, learn from peers, and gain valuable insights that can be applied to their businesses. By bringing together s and campground owners in a collaborative setting, the event provided a unique opportunity for growth and innovation within the industry.
Overall, OHIConnect '26 demonstrated its value as an industry event, providing a platform for campgrounds to connect, learn, and grow. The event's focus on strategic thinking and collaboration will likely have a lasting impact on attendees' businesses, driving innovation and growth in the years to come.
Attendees shared their experiences of learning from peers and s in a collaborative setting.
