On the June 11th, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl of Insider Perks and Modern Campground led a vibrant discussion with a panel of industry experts on the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality. The conversation delved into crucial topics ranging from the practicalities of developing off-grid glamping sites to the profound importance of curating a transformative guest experience. The episode brought together recurring panelists and special guests, each offering unique perspectives from their respective corners of the industry, creating a comprehensive overview of current trends, challenges, and opportunities. The show welcomed back its knowledgeable recurring guests, who consistently provide valuable insights. Scott Foos, representing Horizon Outdoor Hospitality, a third-party management and consulting firm, offered his analysis on market trends and operational strategies. Zach Stoltenberg of LJA, a multidisciplinary design firm, shared his expertise on the planning and design of outdoor resorts. Joe Duemig, the owner of App My Community, brought his perspective on technology and guest communication within campgrounds and resorts. Joining the panel were two special guests, both operators of distinctive Canadian glamping properties. Elizabeth McIntosh, the co-founder of Back Forty Glamping in Ontario, provided a look into the world of creating a luxury, four-season dome resort from the ground up. Also featured was Sarah Cruse, the General Manager of the remote and exclusive Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island, who shared her passion for creating deeply restorative and nature-based experiences for guests. The conversation kicked off with Zach Stoltenberg identifying a significant industry trend: the increasing client demand for off-grid and remote resort sites. He explained this push is driven by both the economic desire to avoid costly infrastructure development and the experiential appeal of secluded locations. Zach highlighted innovative solutions like those from Electric Outdoors, a company producing self-contained units with their own power and water systems, which could revolutionize how operators utilize undeveloped land and create unique, low-impact accommodations. Responding to the off-grid theme, Sarah Cruse detailed the operations of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, a property that has successfully operated off-grid for 25 years. She explained how the resort, accessible only by floatplane or boat, is a self-contained village that recently invested in British Columbia’s largest solar panel installation to harness the power of nature. Sarah’s story underscored the immense appeal and viability of such ventures but also served as a caution, noting that the “wild west” era of development has passed and that securing permits for such a project today would be incredibly challenging. Elizabeth McIntosh of Back Forty Glamping echoed the sentiment regarding regulatory hurdles, sharing her own complex journey with permitting in Ontario. She explained how the process of trying to fit their unique dome structures into existing, conventional building codes ultimately shaped their business model, forcing them to pivot to a higher-end, luxury offering to justify the extensive investment in infrastructure like a massive septic system. Her experience illustrated a common struggle for innovators in the glamping space and highlighted how external constraints can define a brand’s niche. A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the art and importance of the guest experience, a topic Sarah Cruse spoke about with palpable passion. She described her role as stewarding a “heart property” where the goal is to facilitate a “transformational state” in guests by disconnecting them from devices and reconnecting them with nature and each other. She emphasized that true hospitality is “heart-forward,” starting with a happy, engaged staff who genuinely care, which in turn creates an authentic and...