AURORA, Colo. — The American Glamping Association hosted a variety of sessions on Monday (Sept. 29) as part of its Pre-Show Workshops.
These annual workshops serve as an opening, to some degree, for the Glamping Show Americas, which runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colo., just 25 miles southeast of downtown Denver.
Out of the gate, a panel featuring Ann-Tyler & Brian Konradi (founders of The Yurtopian) and Kevin & Anna Gindlesperger (co-founders of Two Capes Lookout) discussed how these two glamping parks secured financing and highlighted some key considerations for prospective park owners.
The Konradis noted that they were able to quickly open a second Yurtopian location because they had their ducks in a row due to already owning a location.
Some of the “ducks” they encourage attendees to look at include profit and loss issues and making sure they know what regulations they would have to work with, especially when it comes to septic systems.
The Gindlespergers noted that they were able to secure investors to help them build out the park and that while they had originally dreamed of building treehouses, they went with a more conventional plan that included mirrored cabins and domes, something a local bank was able to finance.
Other issues that the panelists discussed included land entitlements, mentors and the tendency to want everything to be perfect.
“Sometimes you just have to do simple things to get going,” noted Ann-Tyler.
They also noted that seeking out the help of other professionals is key.
Matt Gaghen (CEO of Under Canvas) and Caitlan Cullen (vice president of real estate at Under Canvas) noted that passion is key to developing a glamping park during their session.
“You need to ask why you are doing this,” explained Cullen. “You want to find things that you are going to get excited about.”
Gaghen and Cullen both highlighted that glamping is people-intensive hospitality that meets real estate development.
“You need to understand how you are going to connect with people,” said Gaghen.
They both noted that Under Canvas is beginning to expand beyond just being located next to national parks, and is instead looking at other destination environments. Cullen explained that the regulation department can still be tough, though, because the understanding of what the industry is doing is not quite there yet.
During the session, both Gaghen and Cullen explained that to make a park project viable, it needed to show it would have strong market performance, that the proper due diligence is in place, and that it is in a market with demand for the product.
They also highlighted that it is key for park owners to balance guest satisfaction, pricing versus value and margins.
“If one gets out of whack, it can hurt growth,” said Gaghen.
They both noted that the glamping market still has a ton of room to grow, with many markets underserved.
“Glamping has always rewarded the unique,” explained Cullen.
In the final session of the morning, Tyler Watts (founder of Broad River Campground) highlighted how glamping can be integrated into traditional campgrounds and RV parks.
He told the journey of how Broad River Campground was developed, and also noted that while his park offers RV sites, it also offers a unique experience, which is something many campers are looking for.
