The Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC) successfully hosted its 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show from Jan. 31 – Feb. 3 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Despite significant weather challenges caused by Winter Storm Gianna, the conference demonstrated the resilience and dedication of the outdoor hospitality industry, according to a press release.
The NFPA 1194 educational add-on session, held at Myrtle Beach Travel Park on Saturday, Jan. 31, drew 25 participants. The session was led by instructor Al Johnson and received outstanding reviews from attendees.
Due to the storm, campground attendance was down approximately 20%, and Trade Show participation was impacted by nearly 30%. Several scheduled sessions required last-minute adjustments when speakers were unable to travel to Myrtle Beach. However, CARVC quickly adapted, ensuring that educational and networking opportunities remained strong throughout the event.
Keynote speaker Ken Corbin delivered two dynamic and engaging sessions that were highlights of the conference. Additionally, roundtable “cracker barrel” discussions and panel sessions proved especially successful, encouraging meaningful peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.
With the support of 52 Unlimited, CARVC’s social media partner, all conference sessions were professionally recorded and will be made available to both attendees and those who were unable to attend. This ensures continued access to valuable educational content.
The official conference app, provided by App My Community, played a vital role in keeping participants informed of schedule changes and updates during the rapidly evolving weather situation.
Executive Director Dee Witting shared her appreciation for attendees’ dedication, stating: “We cannot thank enough those who attended the conference, with many taking days to arrive due to canceled flights and others driving under hazardous road conditions. The conference overall was a huge success, showing the resilience of the industry.”
CARVC extends its sincere gratitude to every individual, sponsor, exhibitor, and speaker who contributed to making the 2026 Conference a success. The association also acknowledges those who were unable to attend due to travel conditions and looks forward to welcoming them in the future.
The conference was supported by the following sponsors:
- Access Parks (Show)
- Influence Digital Agency (Show)
- Staylist (Show)
- Utility Supply Group (Show)
- Campspot (Platinum)
- Danielle Windus-Cook Properties (Platinum)
- Electrical Works (Platinum)
- E-Z Treat, Inc. (Platinum)
- Hawkins, Inc. (Platinum)
- Storable Newbook (Platinum)
- CampLife (Gold)
- Good Sam (Gold)
- Lakewood Camping Resort (Gold)
- Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance (Gold)
- Myrtle Beach Travel Park (Gold)
- Ocean Lakes Family Campground (Gold)
- RV Life (Gold)
- Sweet-Haus Tiny Cabin Company (Gold)
- Lakeshore Aquatics (Silver)
- MacConnell & Associates, P.C. (Silver)
- Original Jumping Pillows, Inc. (Silver)
- ResNexus (Silver)
- RV Park Signs (Silver)
- Southeast Publications/MySites (Silver)
- Wilcor (Silver)
Attendees and CARVC members are encouraged to mark their calendars for the 2027 CARVC Conference, scheduled for Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2027, at the Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach.
For more information about CARVC events and programs, please visit the association’s website, CampingCarolinas.com, and download the Camping Carolina App.
