In this week’s MC Fireside Chats, glamping experts joined another discussion on pressing issues in the glamping industry. Recurring guest Ruben Martinez, the founder of Glamping Hub and the American Glamping Association, joined today’s show with Irene Wood of Fields of Michigan, and Mark Kirkendall and Kyle Koch, owners BaseGlamp ReVivify.
Martinez opened the discussion by sharing exciting news about the upcoming Glamping Show. Martinez added that vendors and participants are looking forward to the investment connection, where applicants will be selected to give a live pitch and receive feedback on their pitches from a panel of glamping industry experts.
BaseGlamp ReVivify owner Kyle Koch emphasized the importance of providing consumers the opportunity to connect with nature.
“One of our core missions is to connect people to nature and to give them the tools and opportunities not just to go outside but also to participate as humans in the ecology,” Koch said.
“People want to get outside and [want to] experience the world, and we give them a safe, inviting, comfortable place to do that.”
According to Koch, BaseGlamp ReVivify envisions marrying the idea of a paleolithic lifestyle with modern conveniences and helping people reconnect.
Wood, of Fields of Michigan, appearing on the show for the first time, posed the question, “How do we define the glamping industry?”
The discussion pivoted on how the industry defines glamping and how the consumer perceives this.
Wood shared her experience at Fields of Michigan, saying they define the glamping experience as providing value to guests, setting expectations, conditioning guests, sending guides on the things they do, what they need to bring, what they can experience, and what to expect while staying in the glamping facility, what they can see or feel.
Martinez highlighted that the beauty of the glamping industry is that it provides endless possibilities. He added that the definition of glamping is growing and that it should not be limited to a specific amenity, location, or offer.
“You don’t want to stunt the [industry’s] growth.” Martinez ended.