Glamping Business Americas | October 2021

I S S U E 4 , O C TO B E R / N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

GUIDE SHOW HING L A I C I F ERYT THE OF ITH EV !

DW KNOW PACKE EED TO N U O Y

It’s Time! w o h

S

SPEAKER AND EXHIBITOR PROFILES WHY RVERS MAY ALSO BE GLAMPERS!

ACTIVITIES AND FACILITATING FUN COMING BACK FROM DISASTER

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN GLAMPING ASSOCIATION

Glamping Business Americas is published

by The Glamping Show USA and Upgrade Publishing Address: 1129 Maricopa Hwy B150 Ojai, CA 93023 USA Publishers: Upgrade Publishing Steph Curtis-Raleigh e: steph@upgradepublishing.com

Welcome

W

elcome to our fourth issue and our Glamping Show exhibition guide!

For those who are able to make it to the show who will be picking up a print copy of this magazine - thank you for being with us here in Colorado. On behalf of our team, we can’t tell you how grateful we are to be back “in person”!

For those of you returning from our 2019 event, you’ll notice several changes. We’ve added a pre-show workshop sponsored by the American Glamping Association, we have 8 new conference sessions with amazing speakers, and the expo portion of the show has more than doubled in size since the last time we were together.

For those joining us for the first time, welcome. We hope you’ll benefit from the educational program, from the opportunity to interact with over 70 international exhibitors, and the chance to network with your peers.

And finally, for those that aren’t able to join us in Colorado, there’s still an opportunity to engage. We are happy to announce that this

Editor: Will Rusbridge e: editor@upgradepublishing.com Reporter/social media: Annie Hilton e: media@upgradepublishing.com Advertising sales: David Korse t: 1-805-258-2836 e: david@glampingshow.us Design: Melissa Douglass i for detail www.ifdetail.com www.glampingbusinessamericas.com Instagram @thisisglamping Facebook @thisisglamping Events: The Glamping Show USA w: www.glampingshow.us e: david@glampingshow.us The Glamping Show w: www.theglampingshow.com e: dan.w@theglampingshow.com © 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

year’s program will be available “On-Demand” from October 16th-31st. Access to the virtual expo is free of charge and on-demand access to our entire educational program is available for purchase. Please watch your email and our social media for the official announcement and instructions on how to register which will be sent right after the Colorado show.

David Korse

CONTENTS 05

Letter from Ruben Martinez -

45

Demystifying the Glamping and

AGA co-founder

RV guest relationship

07

The Glamping Show USA floor plan

48

Coming back from disasters

09

All the show exhibitors

51

Missing in action!

11

Exhibitors in detail

53

First US customers for Tentipi

27

The Conference Program

54

Glamping should extend to staff

says Eco Structures

56

Look to the skies!

35

Meet the 2021 Speakers

43

Guest experience by HoneyTrek:

Activities and facilitating fun

Cover image courtesy of Missing Hotel g l a m p i n g s h o w. u s | G l a m p i n g B u s i n e s s A m e r i c a s | 0 3

Letter from AGA founder: THE NEXT DECADE OF GLAMPING

BY RUBEN MARTINEZ As we begin to wind down the 2021 glamping year, it is safe to say that the past 24 months has been one that the industry will look back on for years to come. I believe that as we take some time to reflect, we now have access and insight to what the next decade in the glamping industry will look like and more specifically what key current conditions will continue to drive the future momentum and the success for all small and large, existing and new organizations in the space. Travel isn’t changing, it has changed. And here is what the next decade of glamping will look like.

TRADITIONAL HOSPITALITY WILL DIFFERENTIATE We will continue to see large scale investment in the outdoor space coming from large organizations and entities that would typically develop in the traditional sector. Covid hit their businesses hard and that trauma has taught them that unless they differentiate their product offering, such as glamping, their operation will feel vulnerable with the shift in consumer demand. It is no secret that hotels and traditional hospitality have been hit very hard during this pandemic and that they will not see a full recovery for some time.

They took note that the outdoor space was and continues to be the bright light in the travel space and will continue to act on that information.

GLAMPING WILL BE THE GATEWAY TO THE OUTDOORS For many travelers traditional camping will still feel like a stretch. Those that are used to vacationing in a hotel or urban setting can’t be expected to jump into the outdoors in the numbers needed to signal a shift. But what we will see over the next decade will be a large subset of travelers that are not ready to rough it and camp but want to experience the outdoors in a comfortable

manner. Glamping will prove to be the gateway to the outdoors for this emerging market and a jumping off point to other outdoor adventures.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES WILL BE MANDATORY New and existing operators will be spending more time on fine tuning their product offering and providing an experience that is truly unique and a brand to go with it. Gone will be the days of operators just throwing up any kind of structure and having automatic success because of supply constraints. The consumer over the next decade will have a more experienced outdoor lodging palette rooted in years of glamping stays and will not tolerate subpar experiences as more options emerge into the space and their options become more numerous and refined.

investment opportunities it will be more cost and time effective for them to buy instead of build and existing companies will be acquired and will merge.To date this is something we haven’t seen because of the relative size of the industry and the perceived limited options, but the shift is on horizon. Consolidation in the glamping space hasn’t happened like it has across other hospitality fields, but it will and when it starts it will set off a domino effect.

For more info please contact: https://americanglampingassociation.net/ info@americanglampingassociation.net

THERE WILL BE CONSOLIDATION IN THE SPACE Over the next several years we will continue to see investment into this space at a scale and speed that this industry has never seen before across several vertices within outdoor unique hospitality. With this appetite for growth, institutional capital will uncover that in many g l a m p i n g s h o w. u s | G l a m p i n g B u s i n e s s A m e r i c a s | 0 5

F LO O R P L A N 2 0 2 1

INDOOR EXHIBITS

OUTDOOR EXHIBITS

ENTRANCE ENTRANCE

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COMPANY

BOOTH NUMBER

COMPANY

BOOTH NUMBER

1946 Spartan Manor

V1

Harmony Domes

912

1949 Spartan Royal Mansion

V3

HoneyTrek

1959 Coastline (Pink)

V4

Hytropy Disaster Management

227

1961 Holiday House

V2

Impulsify

120

1006

Advanced Outdoor Solutions

111

Iqoob

311

American Glamping Association

100

Jupe

1000

Bubble Huts LLC

220

Kaplan Brokerage Group

309

Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance

314

Bushtec Safari

901, 907

Business Finance Depot

301

Life inTents

CampCalNOW RV Park and Campground Alliance

212

Lonesome Yurts & Treehouses, Inc.

231

CampgroundViews.com 332

Mattress Firm

222

Campspot

Mitsui Bussan I-Fashion Ltd. (DRIFIRE OUTDOOR)

1124

Montana Canvas

1201

Montare Hospitality Advisors

1018

110

Cavco Park Models, Cabins and Tiny House RV’s CCF BANK

1207 323

Cedar Bound

1106

NFP/Outdoor Insurance Group

125 223

CheckBox Systems

321

Nomadics Tipi Makers

Circhouse, Inc

305

Outstanding Tent

Colorado Yurt Company Conestoga Wagon Company

1112, 1118 1200, 1201, 1206

1012

1100

PlainsCraft Covered Wagons

900

Planetary Design

224

Crua Outdoors

114

R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. / Pilot Rock

124

Davis Tent

101

Rainier Outdoor

201

Reliable Tent and Tipi

119

ResNexus

104

De Waard Tenten

1101, 1107, 1113,

Diamond Brand Gear Domos Geodesicos Cosmotec/East Domes LLC Drop Structures East Domes LLC/Domos Geodesicos Cosmotec Eco Structures Australia

1212, 1218 1013 906 1019

Ron D. Beard & Associates

303

RoverPass 115 RRM-CLM Services, LLC.

218

Sage Resort Appraisal and Consulting

113

FDomes 322

Sleeping Bubbles Ltd

330

Fireside Lodge Furniture Company

233

SLX Hospitality

307

Freedom Yurt Cabins

312

TengoInternet

210

Glamping Hub

102

Tent Masters

Glamping Supply Company

215

The Dyrt

211

Glat Interiors

325

Utility Supply Group

326

Glitzcamp USA

918

White Duck Outdoors

Global Glamping

913

Gobi Heated Clothing

123

Yale Realty & Capital Advisors

118

Goodwood Products

1154

Yonder, PBC

122

Extreme Mist PCS LLC

Great American Direct

1001, 1007

rezStream 214

112

1219, 1225

1300, 1301, 1306, 1307, 1312, 1313, 1318,1319, 1325

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1946 Spartan Manor Booth: V1

1949 Spartan Royal Mansion Booth: V3

1959 Coastline (Pink) Booth: V4

1961 Holiday House Booth: V2

Bushtec Safari Booth: 901, 907

Cavco Park Models, Cabins and Tiny House RV’s Booth: 1207

7076 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Norcross, GA, 30071  770-884-2462  bushtechsafari.com

1366 S. Litchfield Rd.Building 6 Goodyear, AZ, 85338  602-763-5488

Business Finance Depot Booth: 301

CCF BANK Booth: 323

7029 Norne Lane Mount Nora, FL, 32757  Phone: (800) 788-3884  businessfinancedepot.com

8425 State Hwy 38 Caledonia, WI, 53108  (715) 577-2320  ccf.us

Our company specializes in providing financing for

National Campground Lender that offers Real

new and existing RV Parks and campgrounds using SBA and USDA loans and equipment financing.

Estate financing for acquisition, construction and expansion of campgrounds and RV parks. -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.

Advanced Outdoor Solutions Booth: 111

CampCalNOW RV Park and Campground Alliance Booth: 212

P.O. 344 Matlacha , FL, 33993  800-579-9796  advanced-outdoor.biz

PO Box 5648 Auburn, CA, 95604  530 885 1624  campcalnow.org

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.”

CampCalNOW is one of the nation’s leading associations for RV park and campground owners. CampCalNOW provides members 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, CampCalNOW is here to serve its members as they provide a positive RV and camping experience to the camping consumer.

American Glamping Association Booth: 100 1745 Shea Center Drive, 4th Floor, Highlands Ranch , CO, 80129  720-641-4622  americanglampingassociation.net

Bubble Huts LLC Booth: 220 5511 51st Ave Glendale, AZ, 85308  866-360-6370  bubblehuts.com Designer & Manufacturer of the ‘Bubble Huts’ Brand of bubble tents.

CampgroundViews.com Booth: 332 514 E GRAND AVE PMB 405 Laramie, WY, 82070  805-341-3828

Contact: Randy Isaacson Business Development Officer risaacson@ccf.us 715-577-2320 8425 Hwy 38 Caledonia, WI 53108 Chad Larson VP Commercial Banking clarson@ccf.us 715-514-9150 219 Fairfax Street Altoona, WI 54720 Brady Nagel Community Bank President bnagel@ccf.us 715-492-6997 219 Fairfax Street Altoona, WI 54720

Campspot Booth: 110 38 Commerce Ave SW Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI, 49503  616-226-5500

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Cedar Bound Booth: 1106 5741 Wildlife Drive Duluth, MN, 55803  (218) 216-7959  cedarbound.com We design and build unique luxury glamping accommodation for the adventurous at heart!

Our innovative cabin kits are part modern cabin, part traditional glamping tent. Each cabin kit is handcrafted from scratch, using locally-sourced & American-made materials. Based in Duluth, MN and available nationwide. Looking for glamping structures with wow-factor & big ROI? Let’s connect!

CheckBox Systems Booth: 321 PO Box 8118 Portland, ME, 04104  866-345-9434  checkboxsystems.net Jim Ganley: jganley@checkboxsystems.net

Circhouse, Inc Booth: 305 700 Monaco Parkway Denver, CO, 80220  970-846-7565  circhouse.com

Colorado Yurt Company Booth: 1112, 1118 28 W South 4th St Montrose, CO, 81401  970-240-2111  coloradoyurt.com Makers of Colorado Yurts, Earthworks Tipis, and Cimarron Tents We listen. We guide. We handcraft beautiful, versatile, durable structures.

No other company offers the 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, CO by skilled craftspeople who take pride in their work. We ship our structures around the world, or we deliver to our local customers. Colorado Yurt Company is the premier supplier of yurts, tipis, and tents to customers around the world.

46 East 2nd North Bloomington, ID, 83223  07-277-0525  conestogawagons.com 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.

40675 Cr 21 Ault, CO, 80610

308 41 street SW Edmonton, AB, T6X 2L8  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

Conestoga Wagon Company Booth: 1200, 1201, 1206

Crua Outdoors Booth: 114

De Waard Tenten Booth: 1101, 1107, 1113, 1125, 1127

for campsites, glamping, holiday parks, events, and festivals.

More than just a tent Tent Rental and Event Rental Separator 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 Tent Rental and Event Rental Separator 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.

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.

Visit our Virtual Showroom: my.matterport.com/ show/?m=3QM2K1K1aRd&qs=1

Davis Tent Booth: 101 4635 Jason St. Denver, CO, 80211  877-355-2267  davistent.com

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Diamond Brand Gear Booth: 1212, 1218 145 Cane Creek Industrial Park Rd Suite 100 Fletcher, NC, 28732  828-209-0322  diamondbrandgear.com Diamond Brand Gear of Asheville, NC isn’t content to lean on its 140 year legacy. This innovationminded 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

Domos Geodesicos Cosmotec/East Domes LLC Booth: 1013 Josefa Ortiz De Domínguez, Santin, 50205 San Diego De Los Padres Cuexcontitlán, Méx.

Toluca, Toluca C.P., Estado de México, 50205  52 722 470 8968  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.

Drop Structures Booth: 906 #3 3320 18th Ave N Lethbridge, AB, T1H 5J3  (877) 205-9124  dropstructures.ca 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 beautifullydesigned 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

Eco Structures Australia Booth: 1001, 1007

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. The addition of our Alpha Lodge, Holo Plus, Holo Off-Grid and Duo Plus have all been with glamping in mind. We want to bring functional art to every resort that we have the pleasure of working with.

out of Scottsdale Arizona. Our main product line was introduced to the camping and outdoor community as a 2-n-1 hydration backpack with a built in misting system for personal cooling and other portable outdoor misting applications.

ExtremeMist Personal cooling system backpack is like no other hydration pack on the market to date. Recover faster, and extend the life of any outdoor activity by drinking and misting from the same system. Our “Blue pump technology” atomizes water into mist at 170psi as it mimics sweat to help cool you down as it evaporates from skin contact. ExtremeMist (PCS) will allow you to recover faster and extend any outdoor activity by cooling the surrounding air temperature by 30 degrees.

East Domes LLC/Domos Geodesicos Cosmotec Booth: 1019

24 Marine Terrace Fremantle, 6160  ecostructures.com.au

Extreme Mist PCS LLC Booth: 112 10446 E. Jomax Rd. 105-2 Scottsdale, AZ, 85262  602-368-9625  extrememist.com ExtremeMist®: Portable misting experts featuring personal cooling and hydration systems based

FDomes Booth: 322

Miramar, FL  954-394-2531 East Domes LLC is a company dedicated to the importation and distribution of geodesic domes from Mexico across the East Coast of 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 1.5 inch galvanized steel frame coated with electrostatic paint, 24 Oz. Carolina Performance Blackout 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.

Kolbaskowo 148 Kolbaskowo, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 72-001  00 48 91 81 36 727  fdomes.com FDomes is a geodesic domes’ manufacturer providing deluxe outdoor lodgings that offer 5-star hotel-like standards. The brand was launched in 2016 as a branch of Freedomes which had been on the event market since 2008. FDomes products are manufactured from the highest quality materials, in own facilities in Poland.

The company offers a complex glamping solution for business and private use including: - Luxury FDomes Glamping - spherical tents with an option of the Vision Window to provide an indoor-outdoor experience.

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- Premium Modules of a bathroom, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a loft bed. All these in a plug & play and mix & match model available for all accommodation types.

- Designer SOFACOMPANY furniture sets adjusted for each dome size.

- Brand New LAGO Sauna in three different options to choose from: ground based LAGO, floating LAGO and LAGO on wheels (US PREMIERE!) FDomes products are a phenomenal choice for landowners, holiday parks, campsites, hotels, and resort owners to diversify and boost their business.

At the FDomes stand no. 322 you will also have a chance to find out more about the International Glamping Federation established to support glamping entrepreneurs and enthusiasts.

Fireside Lodge Furniture Company Booth: 233 PO Box 665 4772 Morehouse Drive Pequot Lakes, MN, 56472  218-568-2431  firesidelodgefurniture.com 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. Stop by our booth and meet your dedicated project manager today.

Freedom Yurt Cabins Booth: 312

Glamping Supply Company Booth: 215 318448 8th LIne NE Melancthon, ON, L9V 2K3  888-923-9813  glampingsupplycompany.com 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

Goodwood Products Booth: 1154

forward to working with you to create your own glamping oasis.

Great American Direct Booth: 221

Glat Interiors Booth: 325

4000 Newman Rd. Williamsburg, VA, 23188  757-229-0567  greatamericandirect.com

54 Rainey St apt 1109 Austin, TX, 78701  713-493-8592

405 Via Chico Suite 1 Palos Verdes Estates, CA, 90274  310-567-5618  glitzcamp.com

Global Glamping Booth: 913 5191 Eastside Hwy Stevensville MT, 59870  406-369-5439

Gobi Heated Clothing Booth: 123

Glamping Hub Booth: 102

525 W. Oak St Ft. Collins, CO, 80521  720-635-0378  gobiheat.com

825 Walker St #104 Watsonville, CA, 95076  408-857-2206 Jennifer Young jyoung@goodwoodproducts.com

Your Glamping Experts At Factory Direct Pricing! 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.

Glitzcamp USA Booth: 918

1330 Banner Sidney, CO, 80907  417-861-7196

990 S. Broadway 1745 Shea Center Drive, 4th Floor Highlands Ranch , CO, 80129  720-641-4622  glampinghub.com

offering some of the most versatile styles, sizes, heating capabilities for men and women in the industry, we’re confident everyone can find cold weather gear to transform the way they work and play in the cold.

Harmony Domes Booth: 912 5020 Acoma St Denver, CO, 80216  720-702-3663  harmonydomes.com

Gobi Heat® is a U.S. based, 100% female owned heated apparel company headquartered in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Run by a team of experts, Gobi Heat® is leading the charge in the heated apparel industry, delivering powerful heated apparel in functional fits and designs. By

Harmony Domes provides the entire United States with a Glamping experience like no other with unique luxury domes available for individual sales, event rentals and corporate functions. Custom Geodesic Domes, ideal spaces created for you to live in Harmony w Mother Nature — without any of the construction headaches. Based in Denver, Colorado.

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HoneyTrek Booth: 1006

Iqoob Booth: 311

PO Box 3372 Hoboken, NJ, 07030

218 NW 24th Street Miami, FL, 33127  561-818-7114  iqoob.com

Hytropy Disaster Management Booth: 227 PO Box 13498 Sacramento, CA, 95813  800-914-7634  reversedisaster.com/SearchResults. asp?Cat=2343 Hytropy Disaster Management is the unquestioned industry leader in outdoor hospitality disaster and emergency preparedness.

From hurricanes to earthquakes to floods to wildfires to active shooters to COVID-19, Hytropy’s custom disaster plans, equipment and training are the best in the business. We also have a mobile app where we will place your disaster plan, and provide all evacuation information so it is accessible to you at any time. Our 24/7 customer service, and our easy step-by-step makes it so that we take the full responsibility of completing your plan and getting you all the equipment you need. You hire us, you can forget about it. It’s done.

There are NO huge setup fees. Just a low annual price that any park can afford. And, when you’re at the show, ask us about our FREE DISASTER BACKPACK offer!

Impulsify Booth: 120 3575 Ringsby Ct. # 326 Denver, CO, 80216  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!

Modular company. 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. Our experienced team of quality control staff always ensures a high quality of materials and workmanship.

Jupe Booth: 1000 660 Maple Ave Torrance, CA, 90503  854-205-5873  jupe.com Jupe - an experience beyond anything on Earth.

Designed and engineered by the makers of the Tesla Cybertruck and SpaceX Starship, Jupe’s cosmos-inspired design and engineering includes an entire premium overnight stay experience, complete with a leveling foundation, queen bed, porch, LED lighting inside and out, off-grid solar, and IOT Smart Technology - all flat packed and easily transportable. Jupe: just add land.

Kaplan Brokerage Group Booth: 309 1225 17th Street, Suite 1800 Denver, CO, 80212  520-271-2304

Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance Booth: 314 942 14th St. Sturgis, SD, 57785  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 inTents Booth: 1012 3901 SE Naef Road Portland, OR, 97267  971-220-8368  lifeintents.com 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. 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. 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.

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Lonesome Yurts & Treehouses, Inc. Booth: 231 4772 Morehouse Drive PO Box 665 Pequot Lakes, MN, 56472  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.

Mattress Firm Booth: 222 10201 S Main St Houston, TX, 77025  516-861-7347

Mitsui Bussan I-Fashion Ltd. (DRIFIRE OUTDOOR) Booth: 1124 2-3-33, Nakanoshima, Kita-Ku Osaka Osamu Masuda o.masuda@mitsui.com

Montana Canvas Booth: 1201 110 Pipkin Way Belgrade, MT, 59714  800-235-6518  montanacanvas.com 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!

Montare Hospitality Advisors Booth: 1018 60755 River Bend Drive Bend, OR, 97702  415-728-6777  montarehospitalityadvisors.com/ We are committed to serving the boutique hotel and outdoor lodging sectors of the global hospitality industry. With more than 100 collective years of industry experience, our team of advisors provide strategic guidance and tactical support to owners, investors, branded operators and suppliers.

NFP/Outdoor Insurance Group Booth: 125 1371 E Hecla Drive, Suite E Louisville, 80027  303-951-5053  oigcorp.com

Nomadics Tipi Makers Booth: 223 17671 Snow Creek Rd Bend, OR, 97703  541-389.3980 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 Nicole from Nomadics Tipi Makers.

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Outstanding Tent Booth: 1100 Molenstraat 29 Renswoude, Gelderland 3927AB  +31(0)641532719  outstandingtent.com 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. ✔Lifespan of 10 years ✔Fast delivery as our tents consist of separate parts ✔Personal advice: from design to realization ✔Good price/quality ratio ✔Extensive experience: more than 601 projects in 50+ countries.

PlainsCraft Covered Wagons Booth: 900 435 NW Independence Ave. Suite B Topeka, KS, 66608  (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 oneof-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.

E X H I B I TO R S 2 0 2 1

Planetary Design Booth: 224

Rainier Outdoor Booth: 201

ourselves in unique design, attention to detail, and highest level of professionalism.

9088 B Bonner Mill Rd. Bonner, MT, 59823  406-880-7457  planetarydesign.com

18375 Olympic Avenue South Tukwila, WA, 98188  866-449-3246  rainieroutdoor.com

ResNexus Booth: 104

Planetary Design, a Montana-based coffeeware company, has something for everyone: coffee connoisseur, loose-leaf tea sipper, outdoor enthusiast, pet lover, avid traveler & more! Our BruTrek line of travel presses and drinkware are the quintessential coffee gear for all your adventures. They’re ultra-durable and designed to take anywhere & brew everywhere! Enhanced with Bru-Stop™ press technology, your brew won’t

Handcrafted for Unforgettable Adventures. 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

over-extract, become bitter or leave grounds in your cup. Keep your coffee beans and other dry goods fresh in our better-than-airtight line of Airscape® storage containers. Our new ethoz™ line takes our expertise from the past 15 years developing high-quality outdoor coffee gear to bring you an indoor coffee line that presents a hands-on, elegant and simple brewing experience.

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.

R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. / Pilot Rock Booth: 124 PO Box 946 (mailing) 5648 US Hwy 59 (physical) Cherokee, IA, 51012-0946  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.

Reliable Tent and Tipi Booth: 119 501 N 23rd Street Billings, Mt, 59101  406-252-4689  reliabletent.com

185 East 200 North Salem, UT, 84653  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.

rezStream Booth: 214 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 800 Denver, CO, 80210  (303) 872-0220  rezstream.com 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. Our Suite includes a cloud-based property management system and online booking engine, digital marketing, and a turn-key content management system website. Bring automation to life, find more guests online, and generate more bookings with rezStream! Schedule your demo today! https://calendly.com/jeff-hebrink/rezstreamproduct-demo

Reliable Tent and Tipi is located in Billings, Montana. 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. All canvas products and frames are made in Montana. Our Glamping designs come from years of working with resorts, ranches, and private owners to provide a unique glamping experience. We pride g l a m p i n g s h o w. u s | G l a m p i n g B u s i n e s s A m e r i c a s | 2 1

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Ron D. Beard & Associates Booth: 303

Sleeping Bubbles Ltd Booth: 330

SLX Hospitality Booth: 307

11203 Antler Lane Austin, TX, 78726  512-219-7688

Crabbe Tree Farm Unit S6 Besford Road Worcester, Worcestershire , WR8 9AN  +448000025698  sleepingbubbles.co.uk

13492 State Route 12 Boonville, NY, 13309  844-672-2440  slx-hospitality.com

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. Coming soon to The United States is our new Glamping Site located in Melbourne, Florida, contact us for more details. Our Sleeping Bubbles are a fun and unique glamping experience that offers the opportunity to get up close to nature whilst still

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 guest-room making remodels, installations & new construction projects faster, more cost-efficient and easier.

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. 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.

TengoInternet Booth: 210

For over 35 years RDBA has been providing full spectrum outdoor hospitality consulting services including feasibility, business planning, site & building design, design team management, valueengineering guidance, revenue enhancement strategies and much more.

RoverPass Booth: 115 5323 Levander Loop Austin, TX, 78702  512-903-7411  roverpass.com RoverPass provides RV parks and campgrounds with the best Central Reservation System tools that are perfectly suited for managing, tracking, and optimizing all of their business needs through cloud-based booking software. Park owners can accept reservations online, over the phone, or in-person and track availability in one place.

Professional marketing tools are also available to help campground and RV parks succeed online. RoverPass also powers the next great travel marketplace that gives travelers the ability to search and book an RV site or campground for their next amazing vacation, while also driving bookings and revenue for RV park and campground owners through roverpass.com and our expansive partner network.

RRM-CLM Services, LLC. Booth: 218 11811 N Tatum Blvd Phoenix, AZ, 85028  928- 310-8446

Sage Resort Appraisal and Consulting Booth: 113

1800 E 4th St Ste 122 Austin, TX, 78705  512-469-7660

Tent Masters Booth: 1219, 1225 1236 Parkway Sevierville, TN, 37862  865-250-5472

The Dyrt Booth: 211 5590 NE 25th Ave Portland, OR, 97211  510-423-1950 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.

6605 North Avenue Unit 1 Oak Park, IL, 60302  312-291-1921

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Utility Supply Group Booth: 326 26519 Bond Road NE Kingston, WA, 98346  800-800-2811  go-usg.com Utility Supply Group is the premier supplier of electrical materials and related components for RV parks & resorts, campgrounds, marinas, mobile/manufactured home communities, park management companies and contractors throughout the U.S. and Canada. We are now part of the RexelUSA Network of electrical distributors. At USG, we can promptly ship from 5 warehouses nationwide as well factory direct shipments. Everything we do is focused on the needs of our customers. We carry only the highest quality products to ensure your satisfaction, including our Heritage™ brand of RV electrical pedestals as well as Midwest, Milbank and Eaton.

We also offer metering, distribution equipment, wire, lighting, water hydrants, replacement parts and other related products. We can also provide our unique electrical layout assistance.

Most important, is our commitment to delivering unmatched levels of service. Our trained team of agents understand the unique needs of the industry and are ready to answer your questions and help you choose the right equipment for your facility. We can be reached at (800) 800-2811 or www.go-usg.com.

White Duck Outdoors Booth: 1300, 1301, 1306, 1307, 1312, 1313, 1318, 1319, 1325 1215 Livingston Ave Suite 4 North Brunswick, NJ, 08902  whiteduckoutdoors.com White Duck Outdoors was born from decades of experience in the outdoors. Our investment in the glamping space has helped propel the brand that has today become synonymous with the highest quality, durable and long-lasting products for the outdoors. Our products are meticulously designed to be easy to set up and quick to use, so getting outside and enjoying time in nature doesn’t have to be limited to the most experienced campers our outdoors people. This brings people of all backgrounds, ages and experience levels together to #reconnectnow with loved ones, family, friends or simply, the outdoors. With canvas tents at the core, the entire product line encourages people

to disconnect from the grind, stresses and any repetitiveness of day-to-day life, and reconnect with friends, loved ones, partners or themselves by getting outside. White Duck offers 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. We’re always putting customers first, so all our glamping tents come with our White Duck Warranty, end-toend sales support, marketing collaborations and 24/7 support.

Yale Realty & Capital Advisors Booth: 118 3050 Biscayne Blvd Suite 402 Miami, FL, 33137  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 $3 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. Recognized by the MH Institute as the Manufactured Home Community Lender/ Broker of the Year in 2018/2019, 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.

expand further into Europe throughout 2021-22.

Yonder was founded in 2018 by U.S. Montanabased Tim Southwell on the principles of connection, community and coexistence between people and the natural world. As a permaculture farmer and farm stay owner, Mr. Southwell was frustrated by mainstream booking sites underserving the farm stay community. This led him to discover the tremendous opportunity for a platform that not only connected guests to farms but to a diverse array of nature immersive experiences. All properties on the Yonder platform are thoroughly vetted for their access to nature, and over half of the properties that apply don’t meet the qualifications to list. The property owners and operators are referred to as Yonder Stewards, because being a ‘steward of the land’ is reflective to the commitment they’ve made not only to their properties but also the care of their guests. Yonder is focused on inspiring all Stewards to work towards being more regenerative, not just sustaining but restoring and regenerating the ecosystems around them. Stewards range from owners of rural properties to those who are actively regenerating their local ecosystems and supporting their communities. Yonder operates as a Public Benefits Corporation — a legal status that requires companies to place equal importance on creating both profit and positive societal and environmental impact.

Yonder, PBC Booth: 122 2455 Peavine Valley Rd Reno, NV, 89523  760-567-6005  onder.com Yonder is a US-based travel platform that invites people to reconnect with the natural world and everything it offers. Through the Yonder site and app, guests can book overnight accommodations at glamping locations, farm stays, ranches and other nature immersive escapes in the United States and United Kingdom — with plans to g l a m p i n g s h o w. u s | G l a m p i n g B u s i n e s s A m e r i c a s | 2 5

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CONFERENCES

GLAMPING CONFERENCE PROGRAM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2021 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Topics include:

(Pre-conference Workshop)

Glamping Business Basics

What you need to know to open and run a glamping business

• Organizing the Friends and Family Round of Investment Best practices of raising money ‘close to home.’

• Starter Kit to Risk Mitigation A basic guide to what you need to know and do to protect yourself and your business.

From insurance to disaster planning, don’t miss these important components of your business planning.

Speaker: David Smith, Seaforth Advisory Speaker: Dyana Kelley, CampCalNOW

If you are a start-up or just thinking about starting a glamping business, this session is a must.

Designed specifically for those in the planning and start-up phase offers a ‘big picture view’ of what you need to consider as you translate your glamping dreams and vision into a reality, and where to find the resources to help. A key element in the program is guidance in developing your business personal business plan.

Hear from experienced operators who have gone through the start-up process as well as experts in finance and funding. You will find out about various options and guidelines for financing your glamping business. And successful operators will share their own experiences to steer you through some of the decisions you will have to make.

This session is a great first step to make your glamping vision a reality or to add to your knowledge and inspiration if you’ve newly launched. You will meet others on the same journey and experts who will share their experiences and knowledge.

• Pitching it Right A financial model for glamping start ups and what’s important for raising capital Speaker: Shawn Bertini, Four Points Funding

• Maximizing Your Revenue with Embedded Experiences Learn why additional revenue streams add value

and how to seamlessly incorporate them at the

time of sale. You will get tips on how to partner

• How to Wear All the Hats and Maintain Your Sanity First time operators need to wear what seems like countless hats as they focus on raising money, acquiring land, picking structures, making land improvements, handling marketing, and much, much more. Hear advice on how to make this work and keep your sanity.

Speakers: Nathan Self, Rebeka Self, Timberline Glamping Co.

• Selecting the Right Structure With an abundance of great options to choose

from, learn the key factors in choosing the one(s)

that best fit your vision, budget and site. g l a m p i n g s h o w. u s | G l a m p i n g B u s i n e s s A m e r i c a s | 2 7

Gl

mping

BUSINESS americas

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE DIGITAL ISSUE AT GLAMPINGBUSINESSAMERICAS.COM

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CONFERENCES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 9:00 am –10:00 am Guest Experience: The Keys to an Unforgettable Stay Drawing from their 450+ nights at glamping camps and boutique hotels around the world, Mike and Anne Howard will pinpoint the details that make all the difference in the guest experience. They’ll walk through the elements of a great stay (checkin process, room enhancements, activity offerings, dining options, etc.) and ways you can make them shine—no matter your budget. The Howards will share examples taken from five-star resorts to pop-up camps, and tips to make them your own.

Full of inspiration and takeaways, this talk will help you build a camp that guests adore and cannot stop talking about.

Speakers: Anne and Mike Howard, Honeytrek

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

11:00 am – 12 noon

Breathe New Life into Your Social Media Strategy

How to Use Market and Feasibility Studies to Support Your Success Whether planning a new business or expanding one that is up and running, experience shows that careful assessment of your audience, location and your business model can make the difference for your success. A feasibility study will also put your best foot forward to potential financing entities and investors.

In this session, you will find out what goes into a market and feasibility study, why you need it and when you need it. Learn the various ways a study integrates with other steps in the process of developing or expanding your glamping project. Learn some tips and tricks about properly analyzing your competition. You will also learn about important financial metrics and how they measure up to investor’s expectations. This session will reveal some key considerations to success with your contemplated project.

Shari Heilala, Sage Resort Appraisal and Consulting

Are you flying by the seat of your pants when it comes to social media? Join Bailey Aro Hutchence, Co-Founder of Cedar Bound, for a down-to-earth session on social media. This session will not talk about ads or pay-to-play strategies. Instead, it will focus on:

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Adding Events to Boost Your Bottom Line Events are an important part of any glamping business, perhaps adding as much as 20% to your revenue. This panel of event-savvy glamping businesses will share what they have learned. If you are not doing weddings and other events now, or if you could use some new ideas, this program is for you.

Moderator: Todd Wynne-Parry, Montare Hospitality Advisors.

Panelists: Mackenzie O’Donnell, Mendocino Magic; Brandy Lamb, Life in Tents; Kelsey Sheofsky, Shelter Co.

• Generating organic buzz about your brand both online and offline

• Creating a sustainable social media strategy that fills your booking calendar

• Weaving your social media plan into your overall marketing strategy

• Implementing simple systems and routines to ensure long-term success

Pull up a seat and get ready to breathe new life into your social media strategy!

Speaker: Bailey Hutchence, Cedar Bound

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Click here to download our Expedition Camp brochure

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CONFERENCES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021 9:00 am – 10:00 am Technology to Move Your Business Forward With all the tools and resources available to run your business, what do you need, how do you best use them and what can they do for your business.

Everything from bookings, back end revenue systems to understanding business analytics in the glamping space will be covered.

What technology should you be using to organize your business. We’ll talk to different size operators to find out what is important to growing their business.

Moderator: Ben Quiggle, Editor, Woodall’s Campground Magazine.

Panelists: Vinny Cuneo, Autocamp; Natalie Binder, Camp V, Nathan and Rebeka Self, Timberline Glamping Co.,

11:00 am – 12 noon Governmental Hurdles and How to Maneuver Through Them Glamping dreams can become nightmares when working through the approval and permitting process.

Gray areas, code confusion, NIMBY neighbors,

and utility approvals are just some of the hurdles one might face.

Kathleen and her team have assisted owners across the US in getting their resorts over the goal line.

This informative session will cover:

• Code confusion and how to address it • How to win over your NIMBY Neighbors • Sewer Connectivity-What’s all the

stink about?

• Why utilities drive everything • Stand your ground without making enemies

in the process There will be plenty of Q&A time built into this session.

your operating model. At some point, chances are also good that you will want to sell that business, whether to retire or move on to something else.

This session explores the factors that create the most value and the ways in which you can best position your property for success if and when you decide to sell.

Find out what the factors that go into generating asset appreciation and the path to a successful exit. Find out whether there are options other than an outright sale and the ways in which institutional equity investors evaluate the asset class.

Whether you are actively looking to plan ahead or just want to be aware of options available to you, this session will provide you valuable insight into your business future.

Moderator: Ruben Martinez.

Speaker: Kathleen Walsh, Advanced Outdoor Solutions

Panelists: Bryan Auchterlonie, Destination Capital; Bobby Frisch, Firelight Camps, Steven Nunez, Whitman Peterson

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Building Asset Value. How to Build Your Business for Future Success

Land Planning and Site Selection

Chances are good that one of the reasons you started your business was to generate an income stream or grow asset appreciation by proving out

There’s more to it than meets the eye. The selection of your site is usually the first of many steps that sets the stage in achieving financial viability of your development, whether built-fromscratch or expansion. Besides the obvious boxes to check in selecting a site, such as location within range of your target market, utilities availability, proximity to attractions, setting vegetation, etc., this session will get you up to speed on the many other important aspects to consider from the start.

You’ll learn how to create a “roadmap” of financial viability, through a mix of accommodations, ongoing value-engineering, funding strategies and potential return on investment scenarios, all within your financial capability. This session ties all the steps together that bring your dream into focus.

Speaker: Ron D. Beard, Ron D. Beard & Associates

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SPEAKERS

MEET THE

2021 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.

RUBEN MARTINEZ

KATHLEEN WALSH

STEVEN NUNEZ WHITMAN PETERSON Steve is a Principal at Whitman Peterson and responsible for the oversight of the multifamily and lodging investment platforms. He led the underwriting and due diligence of the firm’s investment in AutoCamp and oversees new acquisitions and developments, operations, and business plan execution of investments in that platform. While at Whitman Peterson, Steve has led the underwriting and closing of nearly $2.5 billion in new investments. Prior to Whitman Peterson, Steve spent five years at Barings Real Estate Advisers where he was responsible for the acquisition of new investments in the Western U.S.

CEO, ADVANCED OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS

CO-FOUNDER, GLAMPING HUB

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.

Ruben is the Co-Founder of GlampingHub and the American Glamping Association. 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.

During his time at Barings, he was involved in the acquisition, underwriting, due diligence, and closing of over $2.0 billion in new investments.

Prior to Barings, Steven was an analyst at Center Square Investment Management where he worked in acquisitions and was involved in the oversight of a $430 million portfolio.

Steve is a licensed CA real estate broker and earned his MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He has a B.S. in Public Policy, Management, and Planning from the University of Southern California where he graduated magna cum laude.

In his free time, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter. He’s an avid sports car enthusiast, tuna fisherman, and overnight backpacker.

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SPEAKERS

ROBERT FRISCH CO-FOUNDER, CEO, FIRELIGHT CAMPS

BRANDY LAMB CO-FOUNDER, LIFE IN TENTS

Bobby is the co-founder and CEO of Firelight Camps, an experiential hospitality company that develops and manages luxury camping resorts.

Prior to Firelight Camps, Bobby and his wife Emma opened, managed, and sold a boutique hostel and restaurant in Nicaragua called “La Buena Onda.”

He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA ‘13 from the Johnson School at Cornell University, where he was a Roy Park Leadership Fellow and ran Cornell’s startup incubator as an ELAB fellow.

Robert was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua, and has provided hospitality consulting services for the National Parks Service, Itza Lodge in Belize, and the luxury tent rental company, Contentment Camping. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his wife Emma and daughters Ayla and Cora.

Brandy co-founded Life inTentsTM with his wife Alice-Kate in 2016. Life inTents was started to help make comfortable camping more accessible: initially focused renting out a VW van and vintage camping trailers to eager Oregon travelers. In 2017 LiT began furnishing bell tents to create temporary pop-up glampgrounds for wedding and festival guests. In 2018 Brandy redesigned the traditional bell tent to create versions that are more suitable for long-term use; both the Fernweh and the Stella tents. Brandy is committed to helping others experience Joy, Comfort, and Connection at outdoor hospitality events and semi-permanent campsites. Prior to LiT, Brandy helped to lead the marketing efforts for such brands as Mountain House camping meals, WD-40, and Chicken of the Sea. Today he lives in Portland, Oregon with his talented wife and their two kiddo campers.

ANNE AND MIKE HOWARD HONEYTREK Traveling for 9 years across 62 countries, Mike and Anne Howard are global travel experts with a specialty in glamping. They launched HoneyTrek. com to chronicle their odyssey and have since written National Geographic’s bestselling book Ultimate Journeys for Two and the awardwinning glamping guidebook, Comfortably Wild. As columnists for Glamping Business Americas magazine and advisors for the American Glamping Association, they are excited to share their expertise with the industry. Partnering with everyone from budding glampgrounds to established tent manufacturers, the Howards use their multifaceted skill set as photographers, writers, influencers, and consultants to improve their guest experience and share it with the world.

SHARI HEILALA, MAI PRESIDENT, SAGE RESORT APPRAISAL AND CONSULTING Ms. Heilala is passionate about the rapidly growing glamping industry. Her firm specializes in appraisal, feasibility studies and consulting services to the outdoor resort industry. Over the past 15 years, Shari has analyzed dozens of existing and proposed outdoor resorts throughout the North America.

Ms. Heilala has provided feasibility studies a wide

range of glamping projects ranging from $1 million to $80 million in cost. Shari has her undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a double major in Real Estate and Finance. She attended Northwestern’s Kellogg School for Management and is a member of the Appraisal Institute. In her early career days, she was a hotel valuation specialist at Cushman & Wakefield.

She has recent personal experience real estate development. Her favorite outdoor adventures include camping, kayaking, roller skating, cycling, wakeboarding and snowboarding.

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SPEAKERS

MACKENZIE O’DONNELL FOUNDER & CEO, MENDOCINO MAGIC CAMPGROUND Since 2013 Mackenzie has been managing this 600-acre campground space in Mendocino County, Northern California.

The former logging space and commercial fishery’s is home to one of the largest private reservoirs in the North Coast region, where thousands of happy campers visit every year.

The campground’s historical presence in the community is working with locals to continue strengthening the Mendocino county economy. In addition to camping and family recreation, the campground additionally hosts private events and weddings, and now features a farmstand, recreational paintball, and competitive fishing.

VINNY CUNEO AUTOCAMP Vinny Cuneo heads up Group Sales, Revenue Management and Reservation Sales for AutoCamp.

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.

BAILEY ARO HUTCHENCE

BRYAN AUCHTERLONIE

CO-FOUNDER, CEDAR BOUND Bailey Aro Hutchence is a multi-passionate entrepreneur from Duluth, MN. She is the co-founder of Cedar Bound, an up-and-coming company making waves with their unique luxury glamping cabins. In addition, she owns two other successful companies: Bailey Aro Photography and White Spruce Market.

Drawing from her 12+ years of experience as an entrepreneur, Bailey also coaches small business owners on social media, marketing strategy, client experience, productivity, and more. She offers a breath of fresh air by providing actionable wisdom and sustainable strategies that help business owners feel empowered and free.

Bailey lives in Duluth, MN with her husband and business partner, Hutch, and their two giant lap dogs.

FOUNDER, DESTINATION CAPITAL Bryan Auchterlonie is founder of Destination Capital and has more than 15 years experience in the traditional and non-traditional lodging sectors, with a particular emphasis on hospitality in resort destinations. Prior to founding Destination Capital, Bryan served as an executive with vacation rental company, Inspirato, where he led corporate growth initiatives. Bryan has extensive experience in high-profile resort destinations throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as product experience in shortterm rentals, master planned resorts, vacation clubs, fractional ownership clubs and mixed-use developments. Prior to Inspirato, Bryan worked with investment banks, East-West Financial Services and Houlihan Lokey, where he advised clients on a variety of assignments including mergers and acquisitions, valuation assessments, recapitalizations, divestitures and evaluation of strategic alternatives for both healthy and distressed companies.

Bryan received his B.A. from Kenyon College and his M.A. in International Finance from the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Bryan serves as Chairman for ULI’s Recreation Development Council (Red Flight), and serves on a number of advisory boards including Homes & Villas by Marriott, Outsite, and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Private Retreats. He lives in Denver with his wife and two boys. Bryan is an avid cyclist, skier, and loves to travel.

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SPEAKERS

DAVID SMITH

NATHAN AND REBEKA SELF

SENIOR DIRECTOR, WHITMAN PETERSON

CO-FOUNDERS AND CEO’S, TIMBERLINE GLAMPING CO.

David Smith is a Senior Director at Whitman Peterson, where he focuses on capital markets and growth initiatives for the firm’s portfolio of hospitality real estate assets. David was previously a Senior Director at RobertDouglas, where he advised on over $1 billion of hospitality financing and M&A assignments, representing leading ownership groups in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, including leading entrepreneurs and start-ups in the outdoor hospitality sector. He also previously worked in corporate finance at Macquarie Group in New York City.

David is a graduate of the Master of Management in Hospitality (Real Estate) degree at Cornell University and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia. He has also studied at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He is a member of the Cornell Hotel Society, the Urban Land Institute, and the advisory board of Saira Hospitality.

He is currently based in Southern California, where he enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors and in the ocean.

TODD WYNNE-PARRY MONTARE HOSPITALITY ADVISORS

Nathan and Rebeka are a husband and wife team who started Timberline Glamping Co. in early 2018 with one location and two tents. They had a simple vision in mind, to bring families and friends back together, enjoying the outdoors without everyday distractions and without sacrificing luxury, comfort and style. They have grown and expanded rapidly over the past few years, and currently have two locations in the 2021 season with several new locations coming in the 2022 season.

Nathan worked for more than a decade in the Oil and Gas Industry as well as the Department of Defense, specializing in technology. He spent years globetrotting around the world and has a unique perspective on how imperative it is for us to unplug and focus on what is truly important.

Rebeka gained her degree in International Business from Oregon State University and has a background in international law and education.

She grew up in Oregon, camping with her family which began a lifelong love for the great outdoors.

Rebeka and Nathan enjoy being a part of the growing Glamping community here in the U.S. and around the world and have a passion for helping other entrepreneurs get started in the space.

Todd is founder and CEO of Montare Hospitality Advisors, an M&A advisory group dedicated to the glamping and boutique lodging sectors. Todd has more than 30 years of hotel development and acquisitions experience at several major hotel brands and most recently as Chief Growth Officer at AutoCamp. A dual citizen of Australia and the U.S., Wynne-Parry 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 Commune and Two Roads Hospitality globally. Todd earned an MBA from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management and his BA from Alma College. He is the treasurer of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Development Trust for Scotland’s University of Aberdeen and is an advisor to the American Glamping Association. As a devout outdoorsman and fly fisherman, he resides on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, but prefers the open road towing his vintage Airstream Flying Cloud.

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SPEAKERS

RON D. BEARD RON D. BEARD & ASSOCIATES For more than 35 years RDBA has been providing nationwide full spectrum outdoor hospitality consulting services including feasibility, business planning, site & building design, schematic site utilities & grading, design team management, value-engineering guidance, revenue enhancement strategies and much more. Ron is an architect, land planner and business consultant based in Austin TX, has owned an RV & cabin resort, has done construction management and provided interim management of resorts. Ron brings a “global perspective” of the Outdoor Hospitality business.

OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE: SHAWN BERTINI, FOUR POINTS FUNDING KELSEY SHEOFSKY, SHELTER CO. NATALIE BINDER, CAMP V

DYANA KELLEY PRESIDENT, CAMPCALNOW An avid outdoor enthusiast from birth, Dyana took her first RV trip as a newborn baby. At only a week-old mom and dad, packed her into a banana box and took her on a trip to Crowley Lake, Ca for the opening week of trout fishing season.

She grew up in the outdoors of the Eastern Sierra and spent many a summer in a hand-built log cabin on Upsata Lake in Montana. This truly set the stage for a lifetime of passion in the outdoor recreation industry.

Dyana has traveled by RV to the 48 contiguous states (Alaska is still on the bucket list), visited 26 national parks, and hiked many of California’s most beautiful trails, including portions of the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail.

She holds an associate degree in Recreation Management; Parks and Leisure, is a Certified California Naturalist, and maintains a Wilderness First Aid certification. Professionally, she has worked as an outdoor recreation guide for REI, started and

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run multiple businesses in the fitness industry, has a seat on the board of CalTravel and serves on the Government Relations Committee.

ANC Tiny Houses, photo from Comfortably Wild

GUEST EXPERIENCE BY HONEYTREK:

ACTIVITIES &

Facilitating Fun

BY MIKE & ANNE HOWARD

Y

ou don’t need an activity director or a ropes course to offer incredible experiences. Just by being in nature, immersive activities abound (stargazing, bird watching, hiking, foraging, meditation, campfires, etc), you simply need to hone your camp’s strengths and how to best offer them up.

Of the hundreds of glamping camps and resorts we’ve stayed at during our 9-year HoneyTrek, we find the most successful activity programs are those that have enough fun free things to do onsite and a menu of excursions to level up our adventures. Apply these tips below to stave off boredom and foster unforgettable experiences.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR PROPERTY’S BEST FEATURES Most people go glamping to enjoy nature, so pinpoint the most enjoyable aspects of your land and how to enhance them. Owners often focus on perfecting the common areas, but overlook the ways their entire property can be explored and adored. At Panacea at the Canyon, we were hiking their swath of the Oregon high desert and loved that hammocks unexpectedly appeared in a grove

of trees. At Schnepf Farms, we couldn’t help but bike across their hundreds of acres because we knew there was a secret library tucked deep in the pines. Where is your best viewpoint, grove, birding area, or sunset spot? Enhance those locations with inviting seating areas, games, books, binoculars, or whatever will make them a delight. A great way to help guests tap into your camp is to make a handdrawn map and check list of the must-do activities and selfie-spots to keep them exploring.

GAMES, CRAFTS & DIY ENTERTAINMENT No matter your budget or staffing constraints, every camp should have games. If you’ve got a patch of grass and $100, you can offer a lively combination of cornhole, ladder ball, bocce, horseshoes, washers, croquet, and other lawn games to lend some laughs. To give people things to do on bad weather days have diversions available in the lobby and for check out. At the Sou’wester Historic Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort, their common area was a veritable toy chest. Not only did they have dozens of board games to choose from, they had a thousand music

De Pier, photo by HoneyTrek

records and VHS tapes with their respective players for guests to take back to their Airstreams and Spartans. Without them, I may never have seen Return of the Jedi or listened to John Coltrane on vinyl. Get your glampers’ creative juices flowing with an offering of art supplies, like sketch pads, coloring books, origami paper, and string for making friendship bracelets. You never know what talent is just waiting to be tapped. And remember when it comes to old-school entertainment, retro is in! Scour your local thrift stores, you’ll save money and likely find some gems.

NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES Evenings are an opportunity to bring your guests together and savor the day. Set the tone with a Friday night happy hour. Start a campfire 30 minutes before sunset, layout throw blankets, s’mores fixings, and a bottle opener to let guests know they have place to hang out together. Level up the experience with a guitar, telescope, guide to stargazing, and book of campfire stories. Ideally your camp host will be there to get the momentum going and be schooled in the basics (a couple songs, the main constellations, and a few tall tales)

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Catch a Canoe, photo by HoneyTrek

Grand Canyon Western Ranch, photo from Comfortably Wild

but even when they can’t be there, guests will have the tools to let the good times roll.

beloved wellness instructors and having them host retreats—they do the marketing, they bring the guests, and you share the profits.

your property, where you give a bit of history and point out your favorite flowers, birdsongs, and nuances of the grounds.

What bigger adventures could be had from your property? If you have a body of water, offering kayaks, fishing rods, or inner tubes will inspire

USE LOCAL TALENT

List out all your activities (even something as basic as board games) on your website and in-room welcome book so guests know how

people to jump in. We were just at Camp Kapapa on Flathead Lake, Montana and they brought in a bit of sand and lounge chairs to make their little piece of shoreline feel like a delightful beach.

Their tubes were complimentary and standup paddleboards were for rent, that way no matter people’s budget everyone could splash around.

Bikes could be a hit if you have an expansive property, a cute town nearby, bike-friendly roads, or an accessible trail system. Just weigh the costs and value to guests before you make that investment. As for hiking, developing one nature trail (even if it’s a quarter mile) with interpretive signs or a mini guide to the flora and fauna is a great way to endear guests to your property. If you are near public land, see about connecting to longer trails. Either way, give guests a list of the best local hikes so they have ample opportunities to fall in love with your neck of the woods.

When we were staying at Firelight Camps in upstate New York, we jumped at the opportunity to go on a wild foraging class with their local expert. Sarah met us on site and showed us the homeopathic and culinary wonders right under our noses (wild garlic for salads, cattail roots for antiseptic, dandelions for vitamin C, etc).

Mendocino Grove didn’t have kayaks or bikes on site, but their neighbor Catch a Canoe did, so we rented their redwood outriggers to ply the Big River Estuary. Playa Viva has many fantastic onsite activities to partake in, but what helps elevate them to a world-class resort is their roster of local boat captains, ATV guides, surfing instructors, historians, and naturalists that let guests experience the full bounty of Mexico’s Guerrero coast. Reach out to your local outfitters, be it river rafting, mountain biking, fishing guides, or whatever your region does best, to see if they’d be interested in receiving referrals.

ADVENTURES FROM CAMP You might not have the staff or facilities for a big adventure program, but your area likely does.

SEMI-REGULAR EVENTS Make at least a few weekends a year feel like must-see events. Be them centered around music, yoga, cooking, or heritage, give a reason for guests to come and for you to make a splash. Cassiar Cannery in historic Port Edward, BC is a mom and pop shop, but you’d never think that from their Songs & Stories of The Skeena series, when they hire a jet boat, local musicians, and historians to guide guests down the river for an actionpacked ride and catered dinner at their cottages.

Everyone needs help attracting guests during the off-season, even the wildly popular Treebones Resort in Big Sur, CA. Come winter, they offer live music on Monday nights and host midweek yoga retreats to keep their yurts and treehouses full through the chilly months. Another clever way many resorts are filling beds and building their popularity is by using the talent and followings of

SHARE A PIECE OF YOUR WORLD If there is something interesting that your staff does regularly, bring guests along. Every morning at Willow-Witt Ranch, Lanita milks the goats and feeds the babies (we would stay here again just to see this cuteness frenzy). Even though they were chores to her, they were unforgettable experiences to us. At Teton Wagon Train, a very unique outfitter featured in the “In Motion” chapter of Comfortably Wild, they groom the horses before each day’s ride and invite early risers to brush and pet their gorgeous Clydesdales.

At Mulroy’s Irish Acres, Jane makes farm-fresh apple cider once a week in fall, though she tries to time it with the arrival of guests who’d enjoy the hands-on entertainment and juicy souvenir.

Sharing a piece of your story with glampers could be as simple as a Saturday morning walk around

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much there is do and love at your camp. Most people are easily dazzled by glamping, but giving them the assurance that they will never be bored helps them take the leap into your world of fun.

About Mike & Anne Howard Traveling for 9 years across 62 countries, 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 (see advert on page 28 for info). Earning a Lowell Thomas Journalism Award for their guidebook and a seat on the American Glamping Association Board of Advisors, they work hard for the glamping community.

Budding glampgrounds to established tent manufacturers have partnered with the Howards for their multifaceted skill set as photographers, writers, influencers, and consultants to improve their guest experience and share it with the world.

Visit HoneyTrek.com/GlampingExperts

DEMYSTIFYING THE GLAMPING AND RV GUEST RELATIONSHIP

BY TODD WYNNE-PARRY

W

hile the Glamping and RV industries have experienced the same hockey stick pattern of growth over the past few years, there remains a mis-guided perception that these two consumer groups have little in common. Or alternatively, that if you are planning a Glamping operation, mixing the RV guest with the Glamping guest will be an undesirable clash of cultures.

The thinking is the modern high-end outdoor lodging guest, who pays significantly more per night than the RV guest, should have exclusive domain over the destination’s well designed and curated facilities and amenities. While in some instances this approach may be warranted, in reality, the mix of these styles of accommodations can provide both a lucrative revenue enhancement and an environment that promotes our many human commonalities.

THE TWO WORLDS The two worlds for the purposes of this article are really three. The Glamping guest being one market segment, but the RV campground guest is really made up of two sub-groups. First there is the traditional RVers, be they seasoned pros or newbies who caught the RV bug while avoiding the Covid one. These guests come in all ages, all economic backgrounds and in single, couple or family format. The other is the Nomads – the

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young digital remote workers, the van-lifers and the free-wheeling empty nesters. The Nomads are predominantly traveling in couple form.

I make this distinction only to highlight that the spending patterns, average length of stay, type of site required (dry, power only or full hookup) and remote working technology needs may vary between these two sub-groups. However, they both carry accommodation that requires a camp site.

The typical Glamping guest as Ryan Miller, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of AutoCamp puts it, “The Glamping guest is nature curious and camping hesitant.” He continues, “They want to experience nature but it needs to be easy, approachable and hassle-free.” This is probably the primary difference between the typical Glamper and the RVers and Nomads. The latter are completely fine with and sometimes even enjoy the labors of setting up and breaking down camp.

The Glamping guest may generally have a shorter length of stay 1-3 nights, but this is about where the differences end.

THE COMMONALITIES OUTWEIGH THE DIFFERENCES A few years ago while speaking with Lucas Nelson, the owner and developer of The Camp in Bend, Oregon, he expressed his concern over the potential clash of cultures that his new investment may create. His project has 32 well-appointed, full hook-up sites in the center of town. Included in that number are seven stunning vintage trailers that sell for north of $250/night. The property also has a communal fire pit and BBQ area. His fears were immediately laid to rest as night after night he would overhear guests from all walks of life

and from both types of accommodation chatting about their travels, the many local mountain bike trails or the best food truck/brewery nearby. Lucas quickly identified the foremost of the groups’ commonalities – these guests were all here to enjoy Bend as a hub for its variety of outdoor activities. Therefore, sharing the multitude of ways to experience the destination was paramount to any differences in age, appearance, social status or geo-political outlook. The intensity of the shared interest in experiencing nature broke the conversational ice and eroded any potential barriers to communication. To those new to the RV or van life these interactions can be transformative and have positive long-term effects on one’s own perceptions of those outside their geographic or socio-economic bubble.

The part of the RV and Van Life that is not familiar to the Glamper is the community factor that enhances the traditional RV campground experience. Many Glamping destinations, like AutoCamp, Collective Retreats and Firelight Camps, force the community experience GLAMPER on the Glamping guest • Zero or limited camping trips by having central parking • Prefers hotel and a pedestrian only level of service campus atmosphere • Uncomfortable along with plenty of outdoors inviting communal areas. This design forces close interaction with other campers on the interconnecting pathways and at communal

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gathering points. The delightful surprise of interactions with other fellow campers shows up consistently in guest comment cards. The community aspect of camping is no surprise to experienced RVers and Nomads. For some this is a key driver of their lust for the open road.

What new friends will they make around the next corner? What different perspectives on things will they learn through the lens of a stranger’s eyes?

One of the great things about experiencing a nature-based destination in the USA is it can still be done on a very modest budget. This makes camping and even Glamping in some instances available to a wide swath of the population. This brings up the miss-conception that these two groups have a wide disparity in disposable income.

The truth is they both have disposable income and have budgeted for experiences and F&B spend while out on the road. Just because one group travels with their accommodation in tow, does not

• Seeks outdoor experiences • Enjoys community • Disposable income • Singles, couples and families • Books in advance • Eager to learn the local destination • Appreciates higher level of design, maintenance and security

RV CAMPER • Experienced camper • Self reliant •Comfortable outdoors

mean they are not prepared to have a high daily spend. In the case of the Nomads they tend to stay longer and tend to have very similar spending patterns to the Glamping guest. In addition, the RVer family with the $800,000, 43-foot mobile mansion parked in the pull-through site staying for 2-3 days is not planning to skimp on merchandise, F&B offerings or guided experiences. They are.

If you do have RV sites at your property, taking the above into consideration should encourage you to dive deeper into your dynamic pricing model. That is, knowing a Nomad may stay longer and spend as much or more on your experiences or F&B options as a Glamper, perhaps looking at discounted weekly or monthly pricing schemes for shoulder or low- seasons and offering reliable WiFi will generate above expected revenues.

Speaking recently with Noah Ellis, COO of

property consistently trends above their competitors”. He noted that “this yield approach tends to appeal to those RVers and Nomads that appreciate the property’s high-quality designer facilities and amenities and have the ability to pay a bit more accordingly”. In this property’s case those paying north of $250/night for a vintage Airstream or a designer tiny cabin share a large pool, spa-like bathhouse, open air clubhouse and classic car drive-in movie theatre equally with RV guests. This purposeful mix of accommodation types allows for a wide range of price-points and sleeping experiences, but around the campfire all are looking at the same flame under the same stars and the price of admission to that moment is meaningless.

For those Glamping operations that would like to or do have a significant events business,

The exciting growth of both the Glamping industry and RV camping world is in lock step with the growth in the country’s desire to experience the great outdoors and all the amazing destinations that exist inside our own borders.

Therefore, as so many things in the media today seem to divide and separate us by groups, it seems incumbent upon this fledging industry to continue to create inviting outdoor destinations and design spaces that help break down barriers between all visitors to the outdoor world. Perhaps with that good mission, ironically, the great expanse of nature from sea to shining sea that physically divides us could become the place that once again reunites us.

Yonder Hospitality, he confirmed “the pricing model for the RV sites at their Yonder Escalante

the addition of RV sites can vastly enhance the profitability of this business. Shaun Bertini of Four Points Funding, owner of Camp V, initially was concerned about the potential interactions between his Glamping guests and the RV campground guests there for events. This forced “melting pot” of diverse people crescendos when events are as RV guest numbers increase. He confirms the RV sites give the property a wider pool of talent to draw from for their events and much higher guest counts than if only Glamping guest could attend. As Shaun puts it, “The diversity of guests is no longer a concern and in fact has added to the attraction of these events.”

The founder and CEO of Montare Hospitality Advisors (an M&A and advisory group dedicated to the Glamping and boutique lodging sectors), Todd has more than 30 years of hotel development and acquisitions experience, having held senior leadership positions at several major hotel brands and most recently as Chief Growth Officer at AutoCamp. A dual-citizen of Australia and the United States, 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 Commune and Two Roads Hospitality globally. Todd earned an MBA from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management and his BA from Alma College.

He is the treasurer of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Development Trust for Scotland’s University of Aberdeen and is an advisor to the American Glamping Association. As a devout outdoorsman and fly fisherman, he resides on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, but prefers the open road towing his vintage Airstream Flying Cloud.

Above and below: The Camp, Bend, images by @cmurillophoto

About Todd G. Wynne-Parry

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COMING BACK

FROM DISASTERS

BY MIKE GAST

Thomas Fire © Jeff Turner via Flickr Creative commons

If you operate a business in the outdoors, eventually Mother Nature will show you who’s really in charge. Glamping operations, no matter their locations, can’t escape the reach of devastating natural disasters.

A

successful rebound from devastating events seems to hinge on advanced planning, the right insurance, and an indefatigable spirit that ignites a comeback.

Here are the stories of two glamping operations completely wiped out by natural disasters in 2017, as well as what they learned on their journeys back.

FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN / VENTURA RANCH KOA RESORT, CALIFORNIA Just before Christmas 2017, Scott Cory was thrilled with the glamping accommodations at his Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday just outside Santa Paula, California. Glamping was luring an entirely new category of “non-camper” guest to the park bordering picturesque Santa Paula Creek, just east of Ojai. Business was booming.

But in the early evening of Sunday, December 4, 2017, something sparked a fire in the mountain brush just five miles from the campground.

Everything changed.

“I got a call from my maintenance person saying he could see flames in the hills,” Cory said. “We

were having 50-mile-per-hour Santa Ana winds at the time. I knew this could be a disaster.”

Those first flickers of flame became the massive Thomas Fire, at the time the largest wildfire to ever strike California. It eventually consumed 281,893 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 homes and structures.

Cory’s order to evacuate his facility had guests scrambling to leave. Luckily, it was a Sunday evening and most weekend guests had already departed. Those who remained were still leaving when firefighters arrived.

“It was chaotic,” Cory remembers. “We had one recreational vehicle leaving with its slide out still extended, they were in such a hurry.”

Firefighters arrived just 15 minutes before the flames. In the end, Cory lost 26 structures including 14 Deluxe Glamping Cabins, 12 teepees, 4 glamping tents, 150 trees and most of his underground utilities.

“Everything was flattened,” he said. “Fire temperatures reached 1,500 degrees. The coins in the washing machines melted together.”

The metal roofs on all glamping cabins warped and cracked and the concrete siding turned to dust. What had been a premiere California glamping facility had been completely devastated within a half hour.

ONE RESORT, TWO HURRICANES / CINNAMON BAY RESORT, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Pool furniture melted by fire at Ventura Ranch

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If you live in the Caribbean, sooner or later you will experience a hurricane. But the two back-to-back Category 5 storms that walloped the tiny island of Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands in September 2017 were a surprise even to longtime residents.

The storms completely flattened what had been

to make a phone call. It was a week before anyone showed up to help.”

Davis said what Irma didn’t destroy, Maria did.

“Everything was just devastated.”

RISING FROM THE ASHES

The aftermath of the hurricane at Cinnamon Bay

Cory said there was never a question of whether to rebuild his property near the California coast. By January 2018, he already had orders placed with glamping cabin manufacturer Cavco Industries. “We started the process not really knowing when we would be able to put them on the property,” Cory said. “By July, we were able to take delivery of most of the cabins, and we ordered new covers for our teepees.” By the end of 2018, Ventura Ranch had regained nearly 70% of its previously occupancy.

The rebuilding process was an exercise in patience. Seemingly each day, a new challenge presented itself.

“We were told to wait for help from FEMA, but that never came,” Cory said. “I knew we just had to get started.” Insurance was also a challenge since most of the underground utilities at the site had been melted by the fire. “Insurance companies had never dealt with damage like that before,” he said.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH ON THE BEACH

Econ structure prior to the storm

a thriving eco-tourist destination with a fledgling glamping industry.

One facility was the Cinnamon Bay Resort, a 50-year-old concession within Virgin Islands National Park operated under the direction of the U.S. National Parks Service.

Prior to the storms, Cinnamon Bay Resort was one of the few affordable vacation options on the island. It had 55 sturdy Eco Structures tents, 31 bare tent sites, and 40 cottage rooms. None of the structures was sturdy enough to survive the 185-mile-per-hour winds.

Managing Director Adrian Davis wasn’t working at Cinnamon Bay Resort when hurricanes Irma and Maria slammed into Saint John, but he was on the island.

“It felt like a nuclear bomb had gone off,” Davis remembered. “It took us three days to clear enough debris from the road just to get to town

The former concessionaire for Cinnamon Bay Resort eventually decided to sell his company, complete with the Virgin Islands concession contract, to a wealthy benefactor on the Saint John Island who hired Davis to start the rebuilding process.

“We started from scratch,” Davis said. “We built new concrete cottage structures instead of the wood-and-plaster structures that had been there. We also rebuilt the platforms for the Eco Structures and made platforms and added rain flys for all of the bare-ground tent sites to get everything off the ground.” Some of the new multi-unit cottages are also multi-story, allowing the facility to reduce the overall footprint of its structures.

The 50-year-old location kept presenting Davis with challenges. “When you have destruction like that, you keep finding other things,” he said.

Uprooted trees decimated the park’s water and sewer system. The old system turned out to have a small amount of asbestos, so it had to be removed. That added another year and $750,000 to the project.

“We had two ziplines, and now we have six zips and a 12-station ropes course for the public,” he said. “We’re going to continue to expand those courses.”

Cory also saw the fire as an opportunity to build things better. Several deluxe glamping cabins now have a second-story deck accessed by a spiral staircase. Inside amenities were also improved to add comfort to a guest’s stay. “We learned from what we had before and just kept adding to them,” he said. “We wanted something that no one had done before.”

There are now 20 new Deluxe Glamping Cabins, with four more on the way. “We are just seeing so much demand and I don’t see that slowing down,” he said. He’s now designing new “pod” groupings of glamping cabins that will allow group and family gatherings. On the lower campground, he’s also added four Conestoga covered wagons to his teepee area. The more “traditional” glamping safari tents were also improved, adding doors to the tents for added durability and security.

“Before, our average stay was about 1.3 nights,” Cory said. “Now, it is 2.4 nights. We got there by building nicer glamping facilities and adding more things for our guests to do.”

The activity features include a massive stone labyrinth designed to bring calm and renewal to those who walk its paths. The labyrinth is so massive, guests who walk the entire path both in and out will cover almost a mile.

At Cinnamon Bay Resort, what had been “merely a campground” prior to the hurricanes is now emerging as an affordable, entry-level glamping facility on the pristine sands of

Deluxe cabin before and after at Ventura Ranch

BUILT BOTH BACK BETTER At Ventura Ranch KOA Resort, Cory feels he has a much better glamping facility than he had before. g l a m p i n g s h o w. u s | G l a m p i n g B u s i n e s s A m e r i c a s | 4 9

Cinnamon Bay Beach. Guests in the Eco Structures tents will enjoy comfortable queen-size beds and linens, along with electricity and USB access that didn’t exist before the storm. The tents don’t have interior kitchens or private bathrooms (part of the challenge of operating under NPS concession rules), but guests will have access to outdoor kitchens with two-burner cooktops, coolers, storage boxes and gas grills. Clean and comfortable bath houses are clustered nearby.

There’s also a full-service restaurant on property that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Twenty of the Eco Structures have a bunk bed addition for families.

Davis is thrilled to offer younger, less-affluent travelers an affordable option on Saint John. “We aren’t able to add many of the amenities that you might find on higher-end glamping facilities because we are a national parks concessionaire,” he said. “We have to be sure to keep things affordable across the board.”

There won’t be any air-conditioned units at Cinnamon Bay Resort but, Davis said “the Caribbean breezes are free.”

“We are very honest about what we have here,” he said. “Most of the affordable accommodations on this island never came back after the storm. We think we have a glamping segment to serve that can’t afford to come to the Caribbean and rent a villa for a week.”

Eco Structure glamping tents will rent for $130 per night, and the new cottages will garner $155 depending on the season.

THE TAKEAWAYS Financial results at Cory’s Ventura Ranch KOA Resort prove he’s been making all the right moves.

Despite pandemic challenges, Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday has set new records every month of 2021.

Cinnamon Bay

“Right now, we are on track to finish the year about 20% above our previous best year before the fire and before COVID-19,” he said.

“The fire was indeed devastating, and I know we’d be farther along if it hadn’t happened,” Cory said. “The trick is to decide quickly that any disaster is an opportunity to build it back better than before.”

The Cinnamon Bay Resort’s new website (www.cinnamonbayvi.com) will come online in October, and the first guests are set to arrive by December 15, 2021 – more than four years after the hurricanes.

Although their disasters occurred more than 3,500 miles apart, Cory and Davis had the same advice for glamping facility owners everywhere.

“Above all else, be sure that you have the appropriate insurance and have enough to cover everything,” Davis said. “Many businesses on this island decided not to rebuild so they took their insurance payout and sold what they could from

The revamped Ventura Ranch pool, rope course and ziplines

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Cinnamon Bay

their business. Either way, the insurance provided them a means to move forward.”

Cory agreed that the right insurance is key, but owners need to look below ground, too.

“I didn’t know that our insurance didn’t cover infrastructure like underground pipes, electrical services and sewer lines,” he said. “Also be aware that commercial insurance doesn’t automatically cover the true replacement costs of your assets. If your policy says your Cabin is worth $50,000 but it now costs $75,000 to replace, insurance will only pay $50,000.”

Cory said owners also need to stay abreast of local building code updates. “When you rebuild, you may have to rebuild to upgraded codes for electrical and plumbing, and that will likely cost more. Nothing gets grandfathered in.”

Regardless of the size of a glamping operation, all should have disaster plans in place. Those plans need to include a “comeback” strategy.

“Disasters can happen at any moment,” Cory said. “If you’ve thought it all through, you’ll quickly be on your way back.”

Mike Gast was the 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.

MISSING In Action!

Missing Hotel opened in August of this year, to great acclaim. Owners Sam and Stephen Hopkins have taken a very hands-on approach in setting up their glamping resort and learned a lot in the process. They share their key findings with our Editor Will Rusbridge.

It will be tough…

Nobody expects it to be easy to set up a dream business but Sam and Stephen might not have anticipated it would be as tough as it turned out to be. “This was definitely a passion project for us,” says Stephen, “It took us three years to find

a property that met all of our criteria, then we had one hell of a year getting it ready to share!

We worked 12-14 hour days, seven days a week to take a beautiful, but overgrown raw parcel and turn it into something luxurious and fun to explore. We were extremely hands-on through the process and built most everything ourselves with an exceptional team of six people.”

“We could give others setting up around 100 pages of advice, but the key takeaway is that it will be tough. There will be far more telling you can’t or shouldn’t do something than you should, but this isn’t a reason you shouldn’t!” he adds.

think. Plan accordingly, both financially and in your timetable. This is a unique space of construction that not many general contractors or trades fully understand. Bringing a carpenter or electrician into an Airstream and you’ll soon find out! Focus as much on the lay of the land and site plan as you do inside. Be prepared to do much of the work yourself. The closer you are to the project, the better you’ll be able to make it what you want.

For us, that meant clearing the land and sitting on a machine for four months. Don’t be afraid to do something, just because you haven’t done it before. Get your hands dirty and work.”

It will cost more and take longer than you expect…

Under-promise and over-deliver…

“Given our hands-on approach to construction, our advice may trend this way. The only constants are it will cost more and take longer than you

MISSING has been a dream for both Sam and Stephen for around a decade, “We love traveling and have been fortunate to have visited over fifty countries. Along the way, we’ve taken note

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of the elements in places we’ve been as well and experiences that left an impact on us. Our hope is that we can incorporate the meaningful parts of those experiences and share them with our guests. One of our favorite parts of traveling is the “unexpected”. So, we’ve tried to help curate an experience for our guests that surprises them.

Our goal is to under promise and over deliver, so hopefully there will be some surprises during the guests’ visit that will leave them pleasantly surprised. We named our property the MISSING Hotel with the idea that guests will “go missing” for a while. They’ll disconnect and hopefully find something they were missing in them along the way.”

settings we’ve created. The last thing we want when we’re getting away is to be 20’ or so away from someone else. We’ve also really put so much into our interiors and decor. They are plush with private dip pools, high-end fixtures, and in-room bathrooms with full showers. We want our guests to be submersed in nature, but not sacrifice the elements common to a high-end hotel.

Our advice would be to make something that you’d want to go to, even if it’s a weird and wild idea. Unique is good. Location is key and knowing your land. “From a land acquisition standpoint, have a long due diligence period and treat it like a full-time job. Land and title can be complex.”

Keep on learning and improving…

Think about your location and your competition…

MISSING Hotel is located 45 minutes northwest of downtown Austin near Lake Travis, “Despite being so close to Austin, the uniqueness of our location is its seclusion. We’re surrounded by the 50,000- acre Balcones Wildlife Preserve,” say Sam and Stephen. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, “The Texas Hill Country region is very populated with glamping sites, however, we’ve really sought to make something very unique.”

Many would view the presence of competitive glamping sights nearby as a negative, but Sam and Stephen see things a little differently, “Find great mentors in the glamping space and get to know your competitors. I’ve always thought it surprising how we tend to think of competition as the enemy, all the while there’s no one that knows more of what you’re going through than them. The opportunities that arise may surprise you.”

“From a land acquisition standpoint, have a long due diligence period and treat it like a full-time job. Land and title can be complex.”

Create somewhere you would like to stay yourself…

Having spent years searching for the perfect location, Sam and Stephen settled on a site with dramatic topography and expansive views of the surrounding canyon, “We were adamant that we keep our accommodations private and with 100 acres to work with we have ample room to do so.

We’re proud that we’ve not sacrificed the secluded

MISSING opened their doors to the public in the middle of August this year (2021). Having been open for around a month, Sam and Stephen are already looking for ways to improve the experience that they offer, “We are thrilled with the positive responses we have received from our guests and hope that now that the shelters are up, that we can work on the onsite experience for the guests. We want to have some spontaneous and hidden gems that they find as they explore the 100-acre property.”

MISSING began in the midst of Covid, but fortunately, like many glamping sites, seclusion and privacy were always high up on the list of priorities. This meant that it was relatively easy for Sam and Stephen to adapt their site to be safe for both guests and staff. “We have kept to our plan of distanced and private accommodation locations.

Our guest experience is completely self-check-in with a guided map and signage to ensure everyone gets to their shelter without the need to interact with our staff. We’ll continue this as guests are really seeming to want to interact less with us and come to get away and feel secluded.”

Offer privacy but the option of activities too…

So far, guests to the site have ranged in terms of demographics, but Sam and Stephen have noticed that “Generally our guests are local Texans looking to get away for a bit. Couples find a romantic getaway in a private setting to spend some time together. Many of our guests are celebrating a special occasion and looking for a unique getaway.

Given our proximity to Austin and as we’re in North Austin, we closer to Dallas, we have a lot of weekend getaways. We’ve found with the flexible work arrangements, we’re having far more people coming out for a mid-week stay.”

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With the site located within 100 acres, there is certainly a lot to explore. “Elvis and Presley, our mini cows are definitely local celebrities with the guests! We’ll be adding more hiking trails to explore as well as a natural swimming hole. We want the guest experience to be like a scavenger hunt of surprises along the way, so we won’t get too specific, but there are plenty of hidden treasures onsite now and in the works.”

With plans to open upwards of thirty total units at the 100-acre property, multiple phases of construction have been planned, “We’ll likely begin with the second phase of six to ten units this Fall and are currently working on creating the best secluded spots. We have several very unique ideas in mind, but right now it’s important to hear from guests as to what they want and maintain flexibility in terms of unit types.”

Guest responses have overwhelmingly been positive. It appears the details and attention spent on the finer elements are seen and appreciated which makes us feel so good. There’s nothing like sending your baby out into the world and others seeing what you do. Our hope in creating MISSING is to create an experience through the property that leaves our guests changed. Take some time to go missing and see what you find.”

For more information: www.missinghotel.com.

FIRST US CUSTOMER FOR TENTIPI

S

wedish tent manufacturer Tentipi, has recently launched its first dedicated glamping tent, the Aurum 33.

Tentipi is delighted to announce its first US Aurum 33 customers, Bodhim Farms, based in Bozeman, Montana.

Drawing on three decades of expertise, the Aurum 33 is made from the same quality materials that Tentipi use across the rest of its Event Tent range.

Two porches, at opposite ends of the Aurum 33 accommodate spacious entrances which provide lots of natural light and increased ventilation. Six windows and four clear porch panels maximise the

These innovative tents are pitched on locally milled decks complete with power, eco-friendly mattresses, comfortable furnishings and hammocks. They have been a huge hit with their guests.

Bodhi Farms converted two Aurum 33s into private bathrooms with hot water, flushing toilets and natural light coming in from the window panels.

Bodhi also have one Aurum 33 set up as a private massage tent alongside the creek and their larger event tent, the Stratus 72, also manufactured by Tentipi, which is used for their Yoga Shala, offering a lovely wellness component

light available. All are fitted with interior curtains for privacy.

Bodhi Farms launched a unique eco resort as a component of its organic farm and wellness facility in July 2021 using nine Aurum 33s. The luxe glamping tents are situated alongside a creek and surrounded by groves of aspen and cottonwood trees.

to the project.

Guests enjoy complimentary farm fresh breakfasts served on the beach of their private fly-fishing trout pond where they participate in feeding the fish & ducks each morning.

The Aurum 33s provide an authentic and luxe glamping experience in an eco-resort setting with gourmet farm to table meals.

“We made a decision early on to populate our eco-resort with Tentipi products. Not only are we thrilled with the sustainable products and level of support from their team, but our guests love the authentic experience these unique structures facilitate,” said Tanya and Rayner Smith, Founding Owners of Bodhi Farms.

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GLAMPING SHOULD EXTEND TO STAFF SAYS ECO STRUCTURES

R

etaining quality staff is one of the main secrets to success for hospitality providers. Leading accommodation supplier Eco Structures believes that staff housing on site should be as comfortable and attractive as possible, while extending the design ethos of guest accommodation.

According to Eco Structures Owner/Director, Karl Plunkett, it’s vital that employers can provide quality and affordable permanent accommodation for their workforce, particularly in remote or seasonal locations: “It’s a crucial element of any recruitment and retention strategy. However, it’s often left out of the initial design equation and becomes an afterthought in the planning process of new resorts and project developments,” he says.

Eco Structures has addressed the issue with the design of the ‘Workers’ Cabin and Accommodation’ solution. The unique fourtiered model, has been designed to assist

employers in attracting and retaining staff, across the agricultural, tourism, resource and small business sectors.

With the aim of creating a sense of home and place for staff and their families, working remotely, the innovative model includes four luxury Eco Cabin options - to reflect key Human Resource requirements and role responsibilities (including: General Manager, Operations Manager, Front Line Supervisors and Key Line Staff).

Each Cabin can be scaled up or down depending on budget and staffing, or seasonal requirements and features bespoke, tailored floor plans - which blend seamlessly with the natural

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surroundings, putting staff at the forefront of the design equation.

Designed to adapt to remote and diverse climates around the world, the Eco Cabins can be swiftly and easily assembled. The Cabin, is also configured around pre-fabricated modules, links, luxury bath pods and decks that interconnect, allowing clients to customise their living experience, maximise unattainable views and living spaces.

Each Cabin is compatible with the system and fully customisable - boasting the comforts and luxuries of home, such as: bedrooms, en-suites and dining spaces, balustrades, sliding doors and decks.

“In Australia and around the world, there is a rental crisis and prices are soaring. Our agricultural and tourism sectors are being significantly impacted, not only by the pandemic - but also, by the lack of quality and affordable accommodation in regional areas. Attracting staff is almost impossible. Our permanent Worker’s Eco Cabin, is a simple solution for those managing tourism resorts, seasonal farms, local businesses or industrial operations - and looking for an alternative to town rentals, or on site housing,” adds Plunkett.

“This helps to ensure that people stay longer than just one season and also contributes to improved productivity, staff retention and morale - along with many positive benefits to local communities.We believe that quality and stylish workers’ accommodation, is vital to the overall success of any business, and should be a top of mind consideration - when looking at a new project development, resort, or business,” he concludes.

LOOK TO

the skies!

BY SEAN CLARKE

S

atellite networks have existed for decades, supporting a variety of

industries ranging across Telecom, Military, and Energy. Many early adopters were huge institutions with substantial capital budgets that could easily justify the emerging technology. Now that technology has evolved, becoming more affordable and creating and enabling new sectors, such as GPS and residential broadband.

In fact, satellite technology has been enabling the National and State Parks for years and proven to be a valuable partner and service managing multiple sites for the Army Corp of Engineers supporting over 400 locations across the United States. I believe it has far-reaching benefits to the glamping sector too.

You may not think that the space industry, which has made the headlines recently thanks to high profile CEOs such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson, has much to offer a land-based business such as glamping but you would be wrong. As with any emerging technology, satellites evolved to shape untapped markets and inspire visionaries to push the industry beyond its comfort zones.

PROVIDE FOR THE GUESTS With the resurgence in the satellite sector, opportunities have been created to support new markets like the Glamping Industry, especially for sites residing in remote, off-grid locations in a similar way to the State and National Park locations.

Some will argue offering such technology runs counter to the ethos of the whole Glamping mindset! However, satellite technology offers guests access to basic, lifeline services that will enhance their stay and give everyone peace of mind. These include VoIP/WiFi calling in case of emergencies, accessing weather reports for a day hike, monitoring fire suppression activity/ evacuation notices, and providing basic access to the Cloud when the office calls. These are services

that satellite can reliably offer in the absence of cellular networks or point-to-point service.

through inclement weather, different times throughout the day/night, while stressing the

PROTECT THE ASSETS

system with concurrent devices and applications from phones, laptops, iPads, VoIP calls, and cameras. We found that the satellite system

In addition to offering lifeline services, property owners may find value with monitoring their sites given the large capital investment for the property’s facilities. In fact, for those sites that go “off-season”, monitoring becomes even more critical to ensure the assets remain safe from vandals, nature’s critters, or someone exercising squatter’s rights for the weekend.

Today’s satellite technology enables simple, web-based cameras for property owners and can be easily installed on the property without large capital investments, professional installations, or expensive monthly security charges. However, if a security monitoring service is preferred, then satellite technology can definitely support this, but that requires additional cost, licensing, installation, coordination with local authorities, etc.

If property owners maintain other onsite systems that require monitoring, such as powering the property by an alternative source, such as solar, then having the ability to monitor the system in terms of internet of things (IoT) greatly benefits the property owner from potential costly repairs/ maintenance by gaining visibility to those systems.

The same approach can be applied to other devices that are web-enabled, as satellite has the ability to support the applications.

required minimal powering, less than 1KWH/day.

Testing results were shared with several solar companies specializing in remote solar power buildouts to establish a baseline cost and architecture that fully supports the satellite platform.

To find out more about what today’s satellite systems could do for your glamping business, or to know more abut solar power requirements or applications, please reach out either at the Glamping Summit or visit www.dishpros.net.

About Sean Clarke Sean is Vice President/GM at TriLakes Consulting LLC. He has 25 years of experience working for several Fortune 500 companies in the Telecom/ Media sectors launching cable and satellite television, broadband, telephony, and streaming media services. In addition to his corporate experience, he has managed a consulting practice for the past 15 years advising Private Equity clients, consulting Hedge Funds, and distributing satellite broadband.

POWER THE SYSTEM As with any electrical device, satellite systems require constant power to communicate and in off-grid environments, managing power is critical.

In advance of this year’s Glamping Summit, our team at Tri Lakes Consulting conducted a series of user-acceptance tests to understand power requirements utilizing one of the industry-leader’s equipment.

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