The Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC) held its annual conference in Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Feb. 5-7. “Catch the Camping Bug” was the theme of this year’s conference, which was successful due to the 52 campgrounds and 45 supplier member trade show attendees, according to Dee Witting, the executive director of the association.
The conference kicked off on Feb. 4 with the Take Away Tours. The tour attracted 54 attendees and featured five area campgrounds, Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach KOA, Myrtle Beach Travel Park, North Myrtle Beach RV Resort & Dry Dock Marina, and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe’s. Attendees enjoyed lunch together at Myrtle Beach Travel Park and ice cream at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe’s.
On Feb. 5, the Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds and Georgia Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds both held board meetings. This was followed by the NFPA 1194 course held by Michael Hobby, the owner of two campgrounds in South Carolina and another session, Guest Experience & The ADA by Kelly Jones, vice president of operations for Great Escapes RV Resorts.
The evening wrapped up with a Welcome Reception and entertainment by April Dawn and Walter Finley.
Nicole Poisson, franchise development manager for Kampgrounds of America Inc., delivered the Opening Keynote Session on Trends and Insights in the camping industry. David Basler, from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), held the ARVC Session for members.
The trade show opened and featured 45 supplier members eager to talk and meet with campground owners and operators. There was a variety of vendors, apparel, advertising, marketing, software, online reservation systems, souvenirs and more.
CARVC offered three educational sessions for members to learn and grow, and one session on the new Camping Carolinas website.
- What Digital Marketing Is & How It Applies to Campgrounds by Josh Richardson
- Marketing Your Camp Store by Michele Burbridge
- How to Teach Team Building by Rebecca Murphy
- Update on Camping Carolinas Website by Brian McGuinn
Auction and Dinner
The live auction was held on Feb. 6 and raised $12,000 to be used by CARVC for lobbying efforts in both North and South Carolina. The Blackwater Band performed, and a special tribute was made to Barb Krumm, of Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, for her service on the CARVC Board since 2007. Barb is stepping down to fulfill her role as the Area 4 ARVC representative.
“I would like to personally thank all of the attendees and supplier members for making this conference such a success,” Witting said. “It was great to see all of us together building better relationships and we look forward to the future.” Mark your calendars for the 2024 conference back at the Embassy Suites in Myrtle Beach from Feb 4-6, 2024.
