OHI’s Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) handed out some more awards on Wednesday (Nov. 12) morning to honor leaders in the outdoor hospitality industry.
Wednesday marked the final day of OHCE in Louisville, Ky. The event was highlighted by a steady expo floor and busy educational sessions, along with fun networking events.
Jim Button, chair of OHI’s Board of Directors, handed out the Board Chair Awards. The awards are given to individuals who go above and beyond in their service to OHI.
Those honored included:
- Brian Saunders, Pinewood Lodge Campground
- Lisa Courtney, Camp Jellystone
The inaugural Jeff Sims Advocacy in Action Award was presented to Pete Hagen, owner of Pride of America Camping Resorts, for his efforts to help push along legislative items and support OHI’s advocacy efforts.
Finally, the David Berg Unity Through Generosity Award was presented to Rob Schutter, Camp Jellystone, for the work he has done to support the OHI Foundation and for his history of giving in the outdoor hospitality industry.
ANNUAL MEETING
Along with presenting awards, OHI also highlighted what the association has been working on over the past year during its Annual Business Meeting.
Paul Bambei, CEO and president of OHI, told attendees that recent wins in Wisconsin and on the national side showed why it is important for the entire industry to work together.
OHI also swore in new board members, including:
- Robert Bouse, OHE – VP Operations, Travel Resorts of America (re-elected to second term)
- Selena Kelly Irvin, OHM – RV Park Manager, Ko-Kwel Casino Resort RV Park
- Abigail James, OHP – Manager, Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins
- Katie McLeod, OHP – Owner/Operator, Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park
- Lance Pitre – Owner, Lakeview Park & Beach (re-elected to second term)
Jeff Hoffman presented OHI’s annual financial report. You can access the report here: OHI’s 2025 Annual Financial Report.
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
OHI also highlighted its recent advocacy efforts during a special lunch panel that included Bambei; David Basler, chief strategy officer at OHI; Ashley Cary, owner of Hidden Acres Family Campground; Andrew Mills, government affairs lobbyist; Jen Molesworth, GM of Resort at Erie Landing; and Lori Severson, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners.
Recent legislative wins include:
- Federal estate tax exemption increased to $30 million per couple
- A permanent extension of the 20% qualified business incole deduction
- Protected public lands
Focuses for the coming year include:
- A continued push to help park owners with credit card fees through the Credit Card Competition Act
- A focus on creating a 90-day cure period to allow park owners to correct ADA website issues if threatened with a lawsuit
Educational sessions were held the rest of the afternoon on Wednesday, with Storable/Newbook hosting its Outdoor Hospitality Innovators Summit (OHIS). You can read more about that here: https://woodallscm.com/newbooks-third-summit-tackles-industry-data-and-trends/.
In 2026, OHCE is set to be held in Fort Worth, Texas, from Nov. 9-11.
To learn more, go to https://ohi.org/event/ohce/.
