A new association is being formed, the Campground Owners Association (COA), and a major campground industry trade show targeting 14 Midwestern states will debut Dec. 15-18 at the Branson Convention Center Hotel in Branson, Mo.
The COA is being organized by Lori Severson, owner of Severson & Associates and executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO), and Bud Styer, owner of Bud Styer Associates and operator of 14 campgrounds.
The COA will be hosting the Branson show, which is set to be a four-day event targeting park operators in the entire midsection of the country.
“Some states don’t have a strong association for their campground owners, and others don’t even have one in place,” Severson told WOODALLSCM.com, adding, “I wanted to provide those owners with all the priceless experiences we’ve gained over the years, and this show is a fabulous way to do that.”
Severson is well known in the campground industry for her tradeshow management expertise, noted the release. During the 20 years in which she has managed WACO, she has built the Wisconsin tradeshow into the largest campground industry tradeshow in the country.
Severson said she has already discussed the concept of the COA show in December with several vendors, all of whom are enthusiastic about the upcoming show and its potential.
The Branson show will include daily educational seminars covering specific topics, such as marketing, social media, and campground rental accommodations, with specifics on park model RVs, cabins, yurts, trailers, and other sessions.
Styer noted that Branson is in the entertainment business, much like campgrounds, and park operators who attend the December tradeshow will have much to learn and discuss while enjoying Branson’s festivities at Christmastime. December tradeshow attendees, in fact, will receive backstage access to several Branson shows, which will provide crossover learning opportunities involving marketing, price management, and employee management, which park operators can apply to their own businesses.
“It’s like having your strategic business planning session while attending a tradeshow,” Styer said.
The December tradeshow is open to everyone in the campground industry. However, Severson also encourages park operators to consider joining the COA.
“In these trying times,” she said, “we would like to give you the information and knowledge we have acquired for campgrounds around the U.S. Whether you already have a state association and need help growing it or don’t yet have an association in your state, we can help. With our association, you’ll find an inviting environment with forward-thinking campground owners who are looking to improve their bottom line.”
According to its website, the COA’s mission is to provide all campground owners with meeting space for their states, so they can:
- Build a robust state association;
- Learn about the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC);
- and attend a first-class trade show and receive industry-specific education while enjoying a unique experience touring first-class backstage productions, learning about professionals who have built their businesses for many years.
For more information about the Campground Owners Association and its December tradeshow, visit www.campgroundownersassociation.com or call (608) 525-2323.
