The 2024 Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association Convention (PCOA) took place Dec. 9-12 at the Doubletree Pittsburgh-Cranberry in Mars, Pa. Centered around the theme “Forged in Steel, Defined by Innovation,” the yearly gathering served as the pinnacle event for the association.
Attendees from 61 campgrounds participated in engaging workshops, motivating presentations, and valuable networking sessions. The event provided a platform for members to reflect on their achievements, exchange fresh perspectives, and gear up with renewed energy for the upcoming camping season.
13 Workshops
The educational workshops presented were:
- Glamping Up Your Rentals by Cathy Reinard
- Developing for Tomorrow’s RV Guest by Ed O. Bridgman, presented by Jason Vaughan and Tyler Grim
- Practical AI: Enhancing Campground Operations with ChatGPT by Travis Gere
- How to Work with Your DMO & Effective Marketing Tips by Jean Ruhf, Ann Nemanic and Ginny Jacob Colella
- Don’t Kill Your Golden Goose – Protect & Perpetuate Your Business by Larry Oxenham
- Your Legal Tool Kit by Christine Taylor
- The Glamping Industry: Growth and Demand by Amber Difabio
- Finance Your Vision by Jessica Tice, Rick Strait & Dan Nead
- Hiring Outside the Box by Derrick Donnell
- Opioid Prevention & Overdose Training by Rich Walmsley
- Personality Styles by David Loshelder
- QuickBooks 102 by Don Bennett
- Fugitive in the Restroom: A Lesson on Leadership and Legacy by Rev. David Anderson
- 3 Easy Steps to Overcoming Criticism by David Loshelder
There were also two Crackerbarrels, Man Cave Topics moderated by Randy Quinby from Twin Bridge Campground and Activity Topics by Melinda Koehler from Driftstone Campground. A product showcase was held on Wednesday when Heather Gere from campersAPP highlighted her company’s services.
12 Round Tables
Round table topics that were offered and their moderators were:
- ATMs – Charlie Vakiener
- Honey Wagons – Randy Quinby
- Reservation Systems – Tyler Grim
- Quiet Hours & Security – Melinda Koehler
- PCOA Opportunities – Jed Wood
- Franchises – Dan & Michele Socola
- Free Money – Brett Holmes
- WiFi Systems – Cory Grim
- PCOA for You – Jed Wood
- Dog Parks – Sonya Zacker
- PAC – Ryan McFarland
- Mini Golf Courses – Bruce Serio
Trade Show – The show consisted of 85 booths. There was great variety of products and services including apparel, advertising, food distributors, software providers, furniture sales, security, online reservation systems, cabins, water treatment solutions, and souvenirs, website design, plus many more. They reported excellent sales.
Auction -The Pennsylvania Auction raises funds for educational endeavors, including the National School of RV Park and Campground Management, college courses and professional development. Thanks to the generosity of the vendors and campground owners, a total of $12,260.00 was raised for the Association and the Education Foundation. Also $1,525.00 was raised for the Care Camps Foundation, which is the official charity of the association. A big thank you to Corey Grim and Melinda Koehler for all the work they put into coordinating this event. The auctioneer was Beth Hillmar of Hillmar Auctions, who did a great job.
Scholarship Winners Announced – During the Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, the winners of the 2024 Scholarships were announced. Winner of the Industry Innovation Scholarship was Sonya Zacker of Clayton Park Campground who will attend the George O’Leary National School of RV Park and Campground Management. The $1,000 college scholarship was awarded to Joan Wood of Blue Rocks Campground. Winning $500 for professional development was Kierney Shook of Buttercup Woodlands Campgrounds.
Convention Attendance – There were 61 campgrounds in attendance, some traveling from other states. Five PCOA campgrounds attended for the first time. There was excitement to see several parks with new owners and managers as well as second and third generation owners in attendance.
Activity – On Wednesday evening, two buses took the attendees to downtown Pittsburgh where they boarded the Gateway Clipper and did a river boat dinner cruise that included an exciting Trivia game. Following the cruise, many took the option to stop at the Duquesne Incline up Mount Washington where a panoramic view of the city was enjoyed.
A special thank you goes to Randy Quinby of Twin Bridge Campground, PCOA Education Committee Chairperson.
SPONSORS
PCOA extends a big thank you to the following generous sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors:
- Wilcor International
- Merchantry Tourism/Andersons Brochure Distribution
- Utility Supply Group
Gold Sponsors:
- Acrisure Insurance
- Newbook
- Away Together
Silver Sponsors:
- JVES/Hospitality Connections
- AGS/TxAD Internet
- Good Sam
- Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance
Bronze Sponsors:
- Strait Web Solutions
- The Towne Law Firm
- Danielle Windus-Cook Properties, LLC
- Mini Melts of America
- Firefly Reservations
- CKG
- Natural Carbon
- RV Life
- Campground Views
- Campground Studios
WINNERS – TICKET TO WIN INCENTIVE PROGRAM
CAMPGROUND DRAWINGS
- One Free Registration for the 2025 PCOA Convention – Buttercup Woodlands Campground
- $200 to be used at any trade show vendor – Blue Rocks Campground & Clayton Park Campground
- Free Featured Listing on the PCOA website – Blue Rocks Campground
- Free 1/2 Piggyback Program for 2025 – Hickory Hollow Campground
- $250 Cash Prize – Rose Point Park Cabins and Camping
- Passport Drawing – $200 to be used at any trade show vendor – Clayton Park Campground
VENDOR DRAWINGS
- Free booth at the 2025 Trade Show – Utility Supply Group
- Quarter-page ad in one issue of the PCOA News – Firefly Reservations
- $200 cash award – It’s All About Satellites
INNOVATION AWARDS
The following awards were given to celebrate innovative contributions to campgrounds, their communities and the industry:
- Buttercup Woodlands Campground for the Innovative Operations Strategies Award
- Silver Canoe Campground for the Innovative Customer Service Award
- Mountain Creek Campground for the Innovative Community Relations Award
- Deb Yeager, Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping for the Bev Gruber Industry Spirit Award
The Venue – This was the first time PCOA returned to the Pittsburgh area for a convention since 2005. The newly-renovated Doubletree was beautiful, and the staff was first rate. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meals.
Annual Meeting & Election
The PCOA annual meeting was held on Tuesday evening. The following board members were elected by their regional attendees for a two-year term:
- REGION 1 Andrew Confer Presque Isle Passage RV Park & Cabin Rentals
- REGION 2 Brett Holmes Benner’s Meadow Run RV Campground
- REGION 3 Jolynn Runkle Hemlock Campground of Potter County
- REGION 4 Randy Quinby Twin Bridge Campground
- REGION 5 Sonya Zacker Clayton Park RV Escape
- REGION 6 Christine Letch Shady Grove Campground
PCOA is excited to announce that the 2025 Convention and Trade show will be returning to the Kalahari Resort Poconos on Dec. 8-11. The association is looking forward to once again going to this fun and exciting venue.
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