The OHI Foundation announced the recipients of the OHCE 2026 scholarships. Made possible through the generous support of OHI members, industry partners and donors, these scholarships help emerging leaders and dedicated professionals access valuable educational and networking opportunities that strengthen the future of outdoor hospitality, OHI said in a recent release.
The Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), taking place Nov. 9-11 in Fort Worth, Texas, is a premier event for professional development, networking and innovation. Attendees gain access to expert-led education sessions, industry insights, peer connections and the latest products and services shaping the future of outdoor hospitality. Preconference programming on Sunday, Nov. 8 includes POW!, the Prospective Owners Workshop and the Outdoor Hospitality Innovators Summit. Takeaway Tours are back Thursday, Nov. 12 for a behind-the-scenes look at local parks.
The recipients of the OHCE 2026 scholarships are:
- Nicole Burrell – Sun Outdoors Frontier Town in Berlin, MD
- Michelle Fleming – Spacious Skies Campgrounds
- Lilly Gilbertson – Whiskey Creek Family RV Park in Sparta, WI
- Allison Holcomb – CRR Hospitality Management in Plymouth, MN
- Stacy Kobielusz – Eagle Canyon Hideaway in Brule, NE
- Jeff Miser – Jellystone Park Plymouth in Plymouth, IN
- Dustin Palma – RiverWest Properties in Columbus, OH
- Shannon Powell – Riverbend on the Frio in Concan, TX
- Lilly Pritchett – Aspen Grove RV Park in Tremonton, UT
- Ashley Rogers – Greensport RV Park and Campground in Ashville, AL
- MaKayla Wells – Lone Mountain Riverfront Campground in Andover, ME
Several recipients shared what this opportunity means to them:
“Winning this scholarship means a great deal to me, both personally and professionally. I am especially excited for the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, and bring back new ideas, tools and connections that will benefit my team and our property,” said Lilly Pritchett. “I look forward to growing through this experience and continuing to contribute to the advancement of our industry.”
“I am very grateful to be able to win this scholarship this year,” said MaKayla Wells. “It is very rewarding to know that after the judges reviewed my application, they knew how beneficial this conference was to myself and the continuing growth of my campground.”
“It’s a blessing to have this great opportunity to learn, make a difference in the outdoor hospitality industry and improve my guests experience with the offerings at OHCE,” said Jeff Miser.
The OHI Foundation said it remains committed to supporting individuals in their pursuit of professional growth and leadership within outdoor hospitality. Through scholarship opportunities like these, the Foundation helps ensure that passionate professionals have access to the education, connections, and resources needed to drive the industry forward.
For more information about the OHI Foundation, visit ohi.org/ohi-foundation.
If you haven’t registered for OHCE yet, you still have time to access early bird pricing until June 30. To register, visit ohi.org/ohce.
