The annual conference of the Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC) has just concluded, and executive director Dee Witting pronounces it a tremendous success in bringing together campground owners, industry experts, and exhibitors for robust engagement and informative sessions.   

Held February 8-11 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the 21^st annual conference celebrated “Team Spirit: Uniting for Success” and incorporated football analogies into its social events, playing on the overlap with the Super Bowl LIX broadcast.

“I am thrilled with this year’s event,” Witting said. “We had a packed house, with close to 130 attendees representing 65 campgrounds and companies in the outdoor hospitality industry. The trade show sold out with 52 exhibitors on hand and a waiting list to get in. We had 29 generous sponsors that contributed to our success!”

Witting continues, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone that made this conference a success. This includes our incredible line up of expert speakers covering key industry topics including several facets of marketing, industry advocacy, teambuilding, making data-driven decisions, engagement strategies, and wastewater needs. We’re thankful to our 29 generous sponsors that helped underwrite the many activities. And most importantly, we’re grateful to the campground representatives and industry leaders that joined us.”

A highlight of the conference included the two-part keynote session presented by Kelly Jones, VP of Operations for Great Escapes RV Resorts. Jones presented a workshop on effective teambuilding that included exercises in teamwork, communication, trust, and problem solving.

Another conference highlight was the advocacy panel moderated by David Basler, CSO/SVP of Government Affairs for OHI. Panelists included Witting as well as campground owners that were devastated by Hurricane Helene or have been lobbying on issues related to electric metering. The panel also covered issues relating to the Credit Card Competition Act.

New this year, conference attendees were able to download and utilize a mobile app, developed by conference sponsor App My Community. The app provided easy-to-navigate details on the conference schedule and maps. Users could also keep current with messaging about ongoing events, prize drawings, and other in-the-moment news alerts.

Witting reported the conference app was especially helpful in providing a check-in platform for donors and bidders participating in CARVC’s annual live and silent auctions during conference. The auctions raised $15,000 for the association and its programs.

Many parks in the Carolinas were affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene last fall and continue to wade through the rebuilding process. Knowing that some operators might need fellowship and networking more than ever, CARVC created a scholarship fund to help those affected.

“We were able to provide six scholarships for park operators that took advantage of the opportunity to come to conference,” said Witting. “The scholarships covered their registration, meals and lodging. CARVC is blessed with members that embrace the concept of ‘Carolina Strong,’ helping their neighbors when they need it most.”

The next CARVC Conference & Trade Show is slated for February 1-3, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Full details about the 2025 conference, including the schedule, speakers, and sponsors can be found at www.campingcarolinas.com.  For further assistance reach out to Dee Witting at carvcmembership@outlook.com or (803) 569-1986.

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The Carolinas Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (CARVC) is a trade association promoting the use, growth, and improvement of privately operated campgrounds and RV parks in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.  For more information, visit www.campingcarolinas.com.