The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has rebranded the organization to OHI. The company said the change solidifies the organization’s role as the leader in advancing the outdoor hospitality industry.
The rebranding was announced in a special presentation at the organization’s annual conference, the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE).
Paul Bambei, president and CEO of OHI, said, “In an era of booming outdoor recreation, the expectation for our organization to direct the bright future of outdoor hospitality for all our current and future members is higher than ever. Whether you are the ultimate stop on a journey, an overnight stay, or the starting point of a larger adventure, a state association supporting these businesses, or one of our industry partners offering new innovations and opportunities, all of outdoor hospitality creates incredible experiences and lasting memories for the campers, RVers, and adventurers our members serve every day.”
The rebranding was the culmination of more than a year of work that included member surveys and interviews, ideation workshops, hours and hours of thoughtful collaboration, high-level research, and testing and evaluation from all angles.
David Basler, chief strategy officer of OHI said, “Last year, we embarked on this project to better understand how our organization should show up, evolve, and elevate our brand for this exciting time in our industry, and of course, our members. We assembled a workgroup representing every aspect of our industry—single park owners, multi-park owners, suppliers, state leaders, people new to the industry and those who have called this industry home for decades. This group, along with the staff and board of directors, worked with a wonderful agency partner, Mekanic—a group extremely knowledgeable in nonprofit and association branding—and we sought out opinions throughout the year to understand member needs, goals, and vision for our industry’s future.”
The last time the industry’s national organization looked to retell its story was 1992.
“Our industry back then was experiencing an evolution too and it was decided that National Campground Owners Association no longer represented the entirety of the industry at that time. So the name was changed to National ARVC to include the initials ‘RV’,” Basler said. “Our industry is ever-evolving and from the surveys and interviews Mekanic conducted this past year, nearly 80% of participants felt the name National ARVC did not represent the breadth of the industry, where it is today, and—especially—where it will be in the future.”
To watch OHI’s brand launch video, click here.
