The episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosted by Brian Searl (Insider Perks and Modern Campground), opened with lighthearted chat about Brian's new "Irish look" before diving into industry matters with his recurring and special guests. The recurring panel included Mike Harrison (CRR Hospitality) and Sandy Ellingson (Sandy Ellingson, LLC), joined by special guests Sangeetha Ramkumar (Dunya Camp) and Hannah Terry (Wildwoodland Retreat). The discussion initially focused on major industry news, with Sandy Ellingson sharing the "uproar" over the new NEC 551 electrical code release. She clarified that AI-written articles had caused widespread panic by incorrectly stating campgrounds needed to immediately upgrade all pedestals. She assured operators that the requirements primarily target RV manufacturers (OEMs) and advised against immediate panic, promising a detailed paper and podcast with an author of the code to offer correct guidance. Mike Harrison then brought up the ongoing post-Glamping Show discussion regarding Marriott's Bonvoy Outdoor Collection announcement, calling it a "great evolution" for the space. He asserted that, regardless of how the properties are defined, this move will bring "incredible" awareness, distribution, marketing, and data to the entire outdoor hospitality sector, accelerating its evolution. Brian Searl and Sandy Ellingson briefly countered, questioning the collection's benefit to the existing glamping industry since Marriott appears to be strategically avoiding the word "glamping" to prevent confusion with older, less luxurious definitions of the term. Sandy noted that her research indicated the word "glamping" was originally confusing, leading hotel chains to prefer "Luxury Camping" or "Outdoor Hospitality." Sangeetha Ramkumar, with 11 years of experience at IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), confirmed this strategic avoidance, stating that large companies prefer not to "spend a lot of money to overcome existing meanings." She predicted that major hotel chains will not pursue deals with small, independent properties but will wait to acquire consolidated entities or purpose-built brands like Under Canvas or Postcard Cabins, suggesting that this acquisition strategy is the future for luxury outdoor hospitality. Sangeetha then introduced her property, Dunya Camp, a luxury glamping site in North Georgia. The camp was born out of a desire to reconcile her "inside cat" hotel background with her "outside cat" husband's love for camping. Her goal was to create a destination that felt highly "transportive" and "bespoke" through focused, crafted design, drawing inspiration from old-school luxury hotels, African safari camps, and Moroccan riads. The conversation shifted to the importance of operations in supporting the luxury experience. Sangeetha highlighted that maintaining the pristine condition of the property is paramount, as a ratty appearance can quickly destroy the first impression, even if the unit is clean. She revealed that Dunya Camp operates on a consolidated check-in schedule (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) to ensure efficient cleaning by crews traveling from Metro Atlanta and to maintain privacy and quiet for guests, treating the stay like a "show" with set start and end times. Hannah Terry then introduced her property, Wildwoodland Retreat in the UK, a tiny operation started 10 years ago to diversify her small family farm. Motivated by a need for self-sufficiency after a career-ending illness, Hannah used the money from selling her house to buy two Shepherd’s Huts instead of one costly treehouse. She spoke honestly about the hard work involved, running the operation herself while raising two young children, and the later decision to stop using tents due to the UK's rainfall causing mold, eventually pivoting to simple camping pitches which, surprisingly, have proven more financially successful than the glamping units. Hannah explained that the...
