Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is set to bring its first Virtual Convention to franchisees across the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 16-17.
KOA said moving the annual KOA Convention, originally planned to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, online has come with its challenges, but attendees can expect a unique, immersive virtual environment.
“COVID definitely made us switch things up pretty quickly,” stated Kama Humphrey, KOA’s director of training and events. “But I think that unexpected challenge really gave us a chance to be creative and innovate. While we’ll all miss the in-person experience, I’m really proud of what we’ve created.”
Knowing that this would be their first Virtual Convention, Humphrey tasked her team with attending as many virtual events as possible. Doing so allowed them to learn what worked and didn’t.
“If there’s one thing we realized quickly, it’s that just watching videos wasn’t the interactive experience we wanted to achieve,” Humphrey stated. “We want our owners and guests to have the same ‘wow’ experience they have when they join us in person.”
KOA’s Virtual Convention takes place in a 360-degree, immersive campground setting. The environment is a custom-built solution that brings a more familiar and fun feel to the online convention space.
“Attending our share of online conventions this year, we all agreed that virtual convention halls can feel pretty boring,” Humphrey stated. “Creating our own space from the ground up was a challenge, but I can absolutely tell you that in seeing the finished product we made the right decision.”
Just over 300 campgrounds are registered to attend the Virtual Convention; however, actual attendance will be much higher, KOA stated. This year’s format opens attendance to a wider group of managers and employees, and KOA said it expects record-breaking participation.
Daily general sessions featuring updates from key KOA personal, including President and CEO Toby O’Rourke, are on deck to discuss business results and new initiatives. KOA also will be hosting its Idea Xchange and annual awards program. This year’s keynote will be delivered by author and leadership expert Patrick Lencioni.
Typically, KOA offers 20 to 25 breakout workshops, but the Virtual Convention will offer more than 30 live and on-demand workshops.
Live workshops include:
- Effectively Manage Your Guest Complaints
- Campground Insurance Trends: The Impacts of Pandemics & Disasters
- Embracing Diversity Among Your Guests & Staff
- Get More Loyal Campers to Your KOA with Value Kard Rewards
- Improve Your Sites to Increase Revenue
- Building Campground Value in a Pandemic
- Managing Your Finances in Times of Crisis
- It’s Time to Replant KOA Kamp Green
- K2 New Functionality – Part 1
- Media & You: Targeted and Trendy
- Making Sure Long-Term Guests Aren’t a Long-Term Problem
- K2 New Functionality – Part 2
- Creating YOUR Action Plan for Success
- Navigating the J-1 Visa Work & Travel Program
- The Art of the Hot Deal
KOA’s annual Vendor Expo will have its own virtual space.
“Each vendor can really customize their booth to fit their needs and best highlight their product,” Humphrey stated. “You’ll be able to check out a video, read information, view product photos and even live chat right in our online space.”
Six networking lounges offer attendees the chance to connect in real time. Ultimately, KOA said the goal is to create a virtual experience that rivals the excitement of an in-person convention.
“Dialing into a webinar is easy. It was really up to us to rise to the challenge and create something truly engaging,” Humphrey stated. “We think we’ve done that and created a Virtual Convention that will easily rival anything offered.”
