Myrtle Beach, January 7, 2026
Myrtle Beach is set to welcome the 22nd Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds Conference & Expo, attracting professionals from the outdoor hospitality industry. With rapid occupancy of exhibitor spaces, this event highlights Myrtle Beach’s commitment to fostering economic growth and community collaboration. The conference’s theme, ‘Keep the Campfires Burning,’ aims to inspire campground and RV park owners from across the Southeast, making it a pivotal event for industry networking and development.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The vibrant spirit of enterprise and community collaboration is once again on full display in Myrtle Beach as trade booths for the upcoming Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC) Conference & Expo fill rapidly. This annual event, a cornerstone for the outdoor hospitality industry, signifies more than just a gathering; it represents the robust health of local initiative and the powerful draw of a destination that knows how to foster growth and connection.
The swift uptake of exhibitor spaces highlights the proactive engagement of businesses and underscores the efficiency of local event coordination. It reflects a dynamic environment where organizers and participants alike demonstrate a keen understanding of market demands, prioritizing personal initiative and collaborative success. Such enthusiastic participation is a testament to the belief in the sector’s future and the benefits derived from a streamlined approach to community and industry development.
Myrtle Beach Draws Regional Industry Leaders to Annual CARVC Conference
Myrtle Beach is preparing to host the 22nd Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CARVC) Conference & Expo from February 1-3, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort. This significant gathering for the outdoor hospitality industry consistently brings together professionals to foster learning, connection, and growth through valuable networking events and expert-led educational sessions.
The conference, whose 2026 theme is “Keep the Campfires Burning: Rekindling Passion, Profit, and Purpose in Outdoor Recreation,” aims to inspire campground and RV park professionals across the Southeast. In a notable expansion of its regional influence, CARVC is extending its reach beyond the Carolinas for the 2026 event, actively welcoming campground and RV park owners from Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. This strategic move is expected to drive record-breaking attendance and elevate the conference’s impact to new heights, illustrating a commitment to broader regional economic vitality.
Driving Local Economy Through Private Sector Engagement
The rapid booking of trade booths for the CARVC Conference underscores the critical role of private sector initiative in fueling local economic engines. Businesses are keen to participate in events that offer direct access to qualified decision-makers who are actively investing in growth and innovation within the outdoor recreation sector. This market-driven enthusiasm minimizes the need for extensive bureaucratic oversight, allowing for organic growth and responsive adaptation to industry trends. The conference schedule is packed with opportunities for education, networking, and exploring the latest goods and services from top supplier members.
These conferences contribute substantially to the local economy, drawing attendees who boost the hospitality sector and engage with local businesses. This symbiotic relationship, where private enterprise takes the lead in organizing and participating in key events, demonstrates how community choice and focused leadership can generate tangible benefits for Myrtle Beach and the broader Grand Strand area. The ongoing success of such gatherings highlights how local initiatives and industry-specific events reinforce the region’s appeal as a premier destination for both leisure and business.
Civic Innovation and Community Development
Beyond tourism-focused events, Myrtle Beach is a hub of civic innovation, with various initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents and diversify its economic landscape. The city actively supports programs that emphasize community choice and local leadership. One such example is the Partnership Grand Strand, a nonprofit affiliated with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. This initiative focuses on long-term economic growth, improving quality of life, diversifying the economy, and addressing key areas like infrastructure, workforce development, and downtown revitalization.
The city’s commitment to progress is also evident in the ongoing development of the Arts + Innovation District in downtown Myrtle Beach. This project, a result of collaboration among various stakeholders, aims to create a sustainable and walkable mixed-use urban environment that will serve as a hub for artistic, cultural, and civic activity. It embodies a vision for a vibrant, amenity-rich, and community-driven space that capitalizes on locational magnetism.
Fostering Entrepreneurship Through Limited Bureaucracy
A key aspect of Myrtle Beach’s approach to growth is its dedication to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. The city’s Living Lab program, part of its Smart Cities Initiative, exemplifies this commitment. This innovative public-private partnership is designed to support the development of emerging technology by encouraging entrepreneurs to use Myrtle Beach as a hub for prototyping and testing their innovations.
This program streamlines the process for new companies to engage with the city, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and allowing for more agile development and implementation of new technologies. It attracts companies like Civic Dollars, an innovative platform that incentivizes outdoor activity through rewards, and Liveable Cities, which focuses on smart city applications using advanced sensors and software. By minimizing red tape and promoting direct collaboration, Myrtle Beach encourages personal initiative and positions itself as a forward-thinking center for technology and innovation.
Cultivating Leadership for Future Growth
Investing in human capital is another vital component of Myrtle Beach’s community development strategy. The Leadership Grand Strand program, sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, plays a crucial role in this. This program is designed to cultivate a corps of informed, committed, and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for the Grand Strand area.
Through a comprehensive 10-month curriculum, participants gain broad-based leadership perspectives, learn about the community’s needs and opportunities, and develop essential skills. By nurturing local talent and encouraging civic involvement, Myrtle Beach is proactively preparing its residents to take on greater roles in community service, elected offices, and appointed boards, ensuring a steady stream of engaged and effective leaders for sustained growth and prosperity.
The consistent success of major industry events like the CARVC Conference, alongside local initiatives such as Partnership Grand Strand, the Arts + Innovation District, and the Living Lab program, clearly demonstrates Myrtle Beach’s dynamic approach to growth. By empowering local leadership, fostering private sector partnerships, and embracing civic innovation with a focus on efficiency, the community continues to build a resilient and vibrant future. We encourage everyone to support local events, engage with community development initiatives, and contribute to the ongoing success of our beloved Grand Strand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about the CARVC Conference and Myrtle Beach’s community initiatives:
What is the CARVC Conference?
The CARVC Conference is the annual Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds Conference & Expo, a significant gathering for the outdoor hospitality industry.
When and where will the 2026 CARVC Conference be held?
The 22nd CARVC Conference & Expo will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from February 1-3, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort.
What is the theme for the 2026 CARVC Conference?
The theme for the 2026 conference is “Keep the Campfires Burning: Rekindling Passion, Profit, and Purpose in Outdoor Recreation.”
What is Partnership Grand Strand?
Partnership Grand Strand is a nonprofit initiative affiliated with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, focused on long-term economic growth, improving quality of life, diversifying the economy, and addressing key areas like infrastructure, workforce development, and downtown revitalization.
What is the Arts + Innovation District in Myrtle Beach?
The Arts + Innovation District is an ongoing project in downtown Myrtle Beach, aiming to create a sustainable and walkable mixed-use urban environment that will serve as a hub for artistic, cultural, and civic activity.
What is Myrtle Beach’s Living Lab program?
Myrtle Beach’s Living Lab program is part of its Smart Cities Initiative, an innovative public-private partnership designed to support the development of emerging technology by encouraging entrepreneurs to use Myrtle Beach as a hub for prototyping and testing their innovations.
What is Leadership Grand Strand?
Leadership Grand Strand is a program sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to develop a corps of informed, committed, and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for the Grand Strand area.
Key Initiatives for Community Growth in Myrtle Beach
| Initiative Name | Primary Focus | Key Benefits Highlighted | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARVC Conference & Expo | Outdoor hospitality industry development and networking | Fosters learning, connection, growth for professionals; boosts local tourism economy; expands regional influence. | State-level (Carolinas, expanding to Southeast) |
| Partnership Grand Strand | Economic growth, quality of life, diversification | Addresses infrastructure, workforce development, downtown revitalization; strengthens local business community. | Local (Grand Strand area) |
| Arts + Innovation District | Cultural, artistic, and civic activity hub in downtown | Creates walkable, mixed-use urban environment; promotes community-driven and amenity-rich spaces. | Local (Downtown Myrtle Beach) |
| Living Lab Program (Smart Cities Initiative) | Emerging technology development and entrepreneurship | Supports public-private partnerships; encourages prototyping and testing of innovations; reduces bureaucratic hurdles. | Local (Myrtle Beach) |
| Leadership Grand Strand | Development of local leaders | Cultivates informed and committed leaders; expands knowledge of community needs; encourages civic involvement. | Local (Grand Strand area) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Golf Community Faces Fires Leading to Damage
2026 CARVC Conference & Expo to Take Place in Myrtle Beach
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
