OHI’s Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) was highlighted by peer-to-peer learning opportunities on Monday (Nov. 10) as the annual event got underway in Louisville, Ky. It runs through Nov. 12.
OHI’s Chief Strategy Officer, David Basler, welcomed attendees by noting that the association had selected Louisville because of its energy.
“We are advancing outdoor hospitality for everyone, and OHI is a community of people that supports each other,” he noted. “Teamwork and a never-quit spirit are at the heart of OHI, and it is at the heart of the conference’s theme, ‘The Race to Greatness.'” We hope to help everyone understand how to get from point A to point B, because we are all in a race every day, either through interactions with guests or while working to fix things at a park. Together, we can run faster and better.”
That was the perfect lead-in for the conference’s keynote speech from Damien Harmon, president of North America for Subway, who focused on how every attendee was in their own individual race, whether they acknowledged it or not. For those who do acknowledge the race, he noted that it was key for everyone to set goals.
What are some types of races people may be running?
- The perpetual rat race
- A race to just get through the day
- Training for a marathon, but the finish is not in site
- The endless loop of home-work-campground-repeat
- All of the above
Harmon noted that it was important for attendees to know their plan and maintain focus as they run the race towards their goals.
“You have to leverage your strengths and stack the positives,” he explained. “You need to retrain your brain and keep things in perspective.”
Finally, as a business owner, it is key to leverage the people around you to help open doors and persist through challenges, while improving.
“Greatness is not only found at the finish line,” explained Harmon. “It is discovered in every decision to keep going when stopping would be easier.”
Monday’s Campfire Sessions brought professionals together by region and role, offering a space for real conversations, shared experiences and fresh perspectives. Owners, managers and guest-facing staff attendees found their “tribes” and fueled meaningful dialogue around the campfire, according to a press release from OHI.
The Awards of Excellence Luncheon was a highlight of the afternoon. You can read more about the award winners by clicking here.
OHI hosted its race-themed welcome reception on Monday evening, with a chance for attendees to decorate their own derby hats, take part in a horse racing game, listen to live music and more.
Today (Nov. 11), OHI will continue to focus on networking and educational sessions. The expo opens later this morning, with numerous “Fireside Chats” being held during the expo that give attendees more chances to hear from experts in a host of fields.
Tonight, Campspot is hosting a dueling pianos reception, while the Young Professionals group is preparing for a fun night at Ovrdrive.
To learn more, go to https://ohi.org/event/ohce/.
