The 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) opening day included large crowds logged in on the electronic expo floor.
The RV Parks and Campgrounds’ annual event had more than 750 attendees registered. To make the virtual platform transition an easier process, ARVC debut its new Hosted Buyer Program to match pre-approved attendees with exhibitors.
“OHCE got off to a great start today and we are primed for a fantastic week,” ARVC President and CEO Paul Bambei stated. “Transitioning to a virtual event was necessary, but also challenging. We are so happy that our attendees flocked to the conference on this opening day and were able to have positive interactions and see the power of technology to bring people together for this event. Folks were able to login today and get familiar with the platform, to ready themselves for the busy, productive and fun week ahead!”
More than 650 pre-scheduled Hosted Buyer Program meetings took place during the first round. Attendees joined exhibitor meetings and got a sneak peek at the expo floor.
The chance to do business all week during the conference allows campground owners to find solutions to their park issues, while streamlining the process saves time and money, ARVC stated.
All registered attendees will have access to the expo floor 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Nov. 5.
ARVC worked with the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds to select virtual Takeaway Tour parks in the state. OHCE2020 was scheduled to take place in Daytona Beach, Florida, prior to the virtual event switch.
“The Takeaway Tours were an awesome start to the week, allowing us to virtually check out some parks in Florida,” ARVC Executive Director of Education and Events Paula Horwitz stated. “The videos gave attendees insight into how the parks worked and sparked some great discussion. We owe a huge thanks to all three parks for letting us virtually swing by. Gary Quigley was superb as host, getting into the details and asking the park owners detailed questions about their parks to help our attendees take lessons back to their parks!”
The conference’s second day takes place today, beginning with the Opening General Session which will feature Bambei taking a behind-the-scenes Jellystone Park tour in Larkspur, Colorado. The day will see the event’s two education sessions in the afternoon, with 16 speakers on the docket, along with a Q&A featuring eight representatives from top companies in the market.
Throughout the day, ARVC will be announcing the Small Park of the Year, Plan-It Green Parks of the Year and Supplier of the Year winners during sessions. All OHCE events are recorded, so attendees can access content on-demand during and after the event.
“As with any new event, we had a couple of issues to work out on day one, but we are now rolling into the week full speed ahead,” Horwtiz stated.
The ARVC Foundation Silent Auction also opened Monday and runs through Nov. 5, allowing bids on items worth over $35,000 combined to raise funds and awareness for those in need throughout the outdoor hospitality industry, specifically through scholarship and disaster relief grants.
