The Association of RV Park and Campgrounds of Michigan (ARVC Michigan) is moving forward with a planned in-person conference set for March 21-23 in Mount Pleasant, Mich., according to Greg Katt, the association’s executive director.
While the conference is set to be hosted in its traditional location — the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort — it will feature some nontraditional elements as the association plans to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
“We will be practicing social distancing, with fewer people allowed at dining room tables and masks requirements,” Katt explained to WOODALLSCM.com (WCM). “Soaring Eagle will be providing a buffet with plexiglass on the front and servers that are fully covered with masks, gloves…etc. will be distributing the food.”
Breakout sessions will be larger rooms that allow for attendees to spread out the required 6 feet, according to Katt, while the conference’s expo will be relocated to Soaring Eagle’s entertainment hall.
“That is a very large venue, and it will allow us to locate all booths 6 feet away from each other,” he said.
The association will also be providing colored bands to attendees that indicate the comfort level people are at when it comes to social distancing. Red means to keep a good distance, yellow means a person is generally OK with everything and Green indicates that a person is absolutely OK.
Katt noted that they have heard from a lot of vendors so far and that several new vendors are planning to attend.
“Some can’t come because their companies aren’t allowing travel at the moment,” he explained. “Hopefully they will still join as a supplier member so that they can be added onto our supplier list. Our rebuilt website will include a special section just for supplier members.”
The conference will also feature six breakout sessions. Highlights include a session with an arborist that will give updates on the emerald ash borer and Oak wilt. Campspot will also be leading a session on reservation software.
A campground owners’ panel will be focused on discussing how park owners are navigating the COVID crisis. Scott Everett, the association’s lobbyist, will also be giving an update on hot topics in Lansing.
To learn more about the conference and to register contact Katt at [email protected]
