Image courtesy ARVCThe 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE), the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ (ARVC) annual conference, wrapped up on Thursday, with the virtual Expo taking center stage. According to ARVC, attendees and vendors “were able to replicate the feel of the virtual expo and the ability to interact one-on-one that makes the in-person expo a yearly highlight.”
“The 2020 virtual conference and expo was an amazing event,” said George O. Flint, an ARVC member in the process of building and purchasing new parks. “OHCE2020 was jam-packed with great information, contacts and the vendors were very helpful and diverse – many key connections were made. I am eager for next year’s event!”
According to ARVC, a large portion of the visits to the expo booths were made by participants in the new Hosted Buyer Program, who attended more than 775 one-on-one meetings during the week and received early access to the Expo floor. The organization said it plans to continue The Hosted Buyer Program at OHCE2021 is scheduled for Nov. 8-11 in Raleigh, N.C.
In addition to announcing the 2021 dates, Thursday’s installment also included a silent auction that featured more than 40 donated items sold to raise funds for those in need, as well as the election of ARVC Board of Director Area Representatives. The individuals elected will serve a three-year term on the ARVC Board of Directors beginning on Nov. 9.
The Board of Director Area Representatives are:
Area 1: Michelle Gustine, Nelson’s Family Campground, East Hampden, Conn. and Wolf’s Den Family Campground, East Hadden, Conn.
Area 2: Eileen Vaughan, OHM, Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Area 3: Jim Button, OHE, CPO, Evergreen Campsites & Resort, Wild Rose, Wisc.
Area 4: Michael Hobby, CPO, OHC, Moon Landing RV Park & Marina and Lighthouse RV Park & Marina, Cross Hill, S.C.
Area 5: Ed Miller, Rush No More Campground, RV Park and Cabins, Sturgis, S.D.
Area 6: Robert Rolle, OHC, Rolle’s Lynda Vista RV Park, Yuma, Ariz.
“We want to pass on our congratulations to the new Area Representatives and welcome them to ARVC Board of Directors,” said Paul Bambei, ARVC president and CEO. “We look forward to getting to work with them to continue to grow and improve ARVC and represent our members.”
Despite the challenge offered with a virtual event, ARVC said it was pleased with the turnout and engagement with the event and that it is “excited that all OHCE sessions and events were recorded so they can be accessed on-demand during and after the event.” For those unable to attend, recordings of the live events are available for purchase by contacting ARVC here.
OHCE2021 will take place in Raleigh, N.C., from Nov. 8-11, 2021. OHCE is a four-day event held annually by ARVC. This year’s event included more than 25 educational seminars, a trade show with more than 80 vendors, Takeaway Tours, ARVC’s Awards of Excellence, a Reservation Management Panel, the ARVC Foundation Silent Auction, and more.
Visit arvc.org/ohce for more info.
