From Rockhampton to Louisville USA: My OHCE Outdoor Hospitality Adventure
From Rockhampton to Louisville USA: My OHCE Outdoor Hospitality Adventure
Travelling from Rockhampton, Australia to Louisville, Kentucky in the USA, for the OHCE Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo was an experience I won’t forget in a hurry. Four connecting flights, more than 34 hours of travel, and a very confused body clock later, I finally made it. And honestly? It was worth every minute.
This wasn’t just another industry event. It was a chance to see how campground and outdoor accommodation operators on the other side of the world work, grow, and innovate… and how much we actually have in common.
A Completely Different Market — With One Shared Love
The first thing you notice about the USA outdoor hospitality industry is just how different the market is to Australia. The scale, the seasons, the styles of accommodation, it all operates in a very different rhythm.
But there’s one universal truth: 'People love to camp and explore the outdoors, no matter where they’re from!'
And that’s what made the trip so energising. Every single person at OHCE, operators, suppliers, manufacturers, tech providers, are genuinely passionate about helping people get outside and experience something special.
Networking at Its Best
OHCE was a goldmine for networking.
I had the chance to meet:
- RV Park owners (the USA equivalent of our caravan park owners)
- PMS operators and outdoor hospitality tech innovators
- Tiny home, cabin and glamping manufacturers
- App developers specialising in travel, camping and guest experience
- Waste treatment and utilities providers
- Outdoor industry governing bodies from across the world
- Insurance brokers
- Fishing and tackle suppliers
- Store merchandise companies
- Playground and outdoor equipment manufacturers
- And too many more to list!
It was incredible seeing just how broad the outdoor hospitality ecosystem is in the USA — and how willing everyone is to collaborate and share ideas.
Louisville: Where the Weather Does Whatever It Wants
Nothing prepared me for Kentucky weather. One day I was walking around in a T-shirt, and the next day a cold chill rolled in… and then it happened:
'I saw snow for the first time in my life.'
For someone from sunny Central Queensland, that’s pretty special. It also highlighted something unique about the US industry: 'Seasonality!'
Many RV parks and campgrounds only operate for half the year because of heavy snow and freezing conditions. That’s a huge contrast to Australia, where most parks can operate all year round with only mild seasonal adjustments.
History, Heritage & A Love for the Outdoors
Another big difference was the strong sense of history woven into American outdoor hospitality. They showcase it proudly — especially through their cabins and unique accommodation types.
One standout example: the traditional
horse-and-wagon style cabins. These wagons, inspired by America’s pioneering days, have been transformed into modern accommodation:
- Fully fitted out interiors
- Heating, cooling, bedding
- Modern bathrooms
- Luxurious finishes
It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and comfort — and you don’t see anything quite like it in Australia.
A Highlight: The USA Launch of Campfire Travel
Another standout moment at OHCE was seeing our DigitalRez International (RezExpert USA) team launch their new brand, Campfire Travel:
“Where great campgrounds get discovered.”
Campfire Travel is designed to support both sides of the industry:
- For campground owners: marketing support through a TV-style channel, e-magazines, social media, and more.
- For campers: an online booking portal that connects them directly with incredible outdoor stays across North America.
It was exciting to see the energy around the launch, and how strongly the industry responded. Campfire Travel is all about bringing great parks and passionate campers together, and OHCE was the perfect place to showcase it. Like to know more, click on the link below!
A Trip Worth Every Hour in the Air
Despite the jet lag, the cold snaps, and the marathon travel time… attending OHCE was one of the best professional experiences I’ve had.
It opened my eyes to:
- How differently (and cleverly) the USA builds their outdoor hospitality market
- How passionate operators are worldwide
- How much opportunity there is for collaboration and learning
- How universal the love of camping really is
I came home energised, inspired, and grateful... and very aware that while our industries may differ, our passion for the outdoors connects us all.
If you ever get the chance to attend OHCE, take it. The 34 hours are worth it.
