Mark Koep Leads Keynote Session at 2019 Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) Convention

From Woodall’s Campground Management:

The 2019 Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) Convention was held at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, Pa., from Dec. 9-11, with the theme, “Planting Seeds for Success,” according to a press release.

The annual event attracted more than 200, with informational workshops, inspirational speakers and opportunities to network for those in attendance. Members celebrated successes, shared ideas and recharged for the next camping season.

Back this year the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Campground Association (PRVCA), located in Camp Hill, Pa., PRVCA held both its winter board meeting and its show committee meeting during the convention and were present for the keynote address, as well as the trade show. Cooperation between PCOA and PRVCA strengthens Pennsylvania’s presence in the industry, according to the release.

The Keynote speaker was Mark Koep, CEO of CampgroundViews.com, who spoke about “Watching Our Industry Grow.” He shared that the campground industry is on an upswing with much growth anticipated in the next few years. New trends such as demand for “glamping” sites, and RVs that can run off the grid for extended periods are challenges campground owners are facing, but can be opportunities for providing campers with quality experiences that keep them coming back.

The annual trade show attracted 72 exhibitors with a variety of products represented, including cabin builders, shirt vendors, advertising, entertainers, food distributors, software providers, mattress and furniture sales, security, online reservation systems, water treatment solutions, and souvenirs.

The annual auction raised funds for educational endeavors, including the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ National School of RV Park and Campground Management. A total of $14,163.95 was raised.

PCOA also announced its annual scholarship winners. They included:

  • Carolyn Wise, Allegheny River Campground, and Roulette and Andrew Confer, Presque Isle Passage RV Park, who were awarded a full scholarship to the National School of RV Park and Campground Management in Myrtle Beach, S.C.;
  • Randy Quinby, Twin Bridge Campground, was awarded the “Young Professionals Scholarship” to the national school;
  • Isaac Grinnell, Farma Family Campground, was awarded up to $1,000 for a college or university course;
  • Stephanie Schmidt, Elizabethtown/Hershey Kampgrounds of America (KOA), was awarded up to $500 for continuing education.

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