Myrtle Beach, SC, February 3, 2026
The recent CARVC Conference & Expo gathered campground owners and operators in Myrtle Beach, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in outdoor hospitality. With over 100 attendees from multiple states, the event focused on education, networking, and promoting best practices to strengthen local economies. The conference underscores the importance of private enterprise in nurturing the sector, while offering insights into leadership, legal issues, and campground development. Overall, it showcased the vital role campgrounds play in stimulating economic growth.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The Carolinas Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (CARVC) recently convened its 22nd annual Conference & Expo in Myrtle Beach, an event that underscored the significant role of private enterprise and collaborative engagement in fostering economic vitality within the outdoor hospitality sector. Amidst a backdrop of robust turnout, despite initial weather concerns, the conference served as a testament to the resilience and proactive spirit of campground owners and operators committed to elevating the experience for visitors and strengthening local economies.
This gathering exemplified how focused industry events, driven by local and regional associations, can be pivotal in sharing knowledge, promoting best practices, and facilitating crucial business connections. By empowering individual business owners with innovative tools and insights, CARVC helps cultivate an environment where personal initiative thrives, leading to tangible benefits for communities across the Southeast. The conference, held at the Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation, offered a comprehensive program designed to equip attendees with the expertise needed to navigate an evolving market and contribute to the region’s prosperity.
Fostering Growth in Outdoor Hospitality
The 22nd CARVC Conference & Expo, spanning February 1-3, 2026, united campground owners and operators from the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia under the theme “Keep the Campfires Burning: Rekindling Passion, Profit, and Purpose in Outdoor Recreation.” This theme highlighted the enduring enthusiasm and entrepreneurial drive within the industry. With over 100 attendees representing at least five states, including 50 registered campgrounds, the event saw a notable presence of first-time participants, indicating a healthy influx of new energy and ideas into the sector.
The association’s expanded marketing campaign, extending its reach beyond the Carolinas for the first time, aimed to engage a broader network of over 2,200 verified campgrounds and RV operators across the Southeast. This strategic outreach demonstrates a commitment to inclusive growth and shared success, fostering a larger community of professionals dedicated to outdoor recreation.
Insights from Educational Sessions
A cornerstone of the conference was its diverse array of educational sessions, meticulously designed to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by outdoor hospitality professionals. Topics ranged from essential business management to navigating complex legal and safety landscapes.
Key Areas of Learning:
- Leadership and Management Skills: Sessions focused on enhancing leadership and communication skills for park owners, emphasizing the importance of effective engagement in a fast-paced environment.
- Legal and Workplace Safety: Experts provided crucial insights into legal issues, workplace safety, employee topics, workers’ compensation, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, reflecting the importance of navigating regulatory frameworks.
- Substance Abuse Action Plans: A dedicated session addressed the critical need for creating substance abuse action plans, applicable to both employees and campers, highlighting a proactive approach to community well-being within parks.
- Campground Development and Technology: Discussions covered campground development strategies, leveraging social media and mobile applications for improved visitor engagement, data-driven decision-making, and optimizing website experiences for reservations.
- Infrastructure and Advocacy: Attendees gained knowledge on water and onsite wastewater needs, alongside updates on advocacy efforts by OHI (Outdoor Hospitality Industry) and CARVC, underscoring the collective effort to shape industry policies.
Additionally, a pre-conference NFPA 1194 training session was offered, providing specialized knowledge to help campground professionals navigate regulatory challenges effectively.
The “Spark Market” Trade Show and Networking
The “Spark Market” Trade Show served as a vibrant marketplace for innovation and partnership, featuring approximately 60 vendors showcasing products and services essential for campground operations. This direct engagement between park owners and suppliers exemplifies how private partnerships drive progress, allowing businesses to discover new tools and solutions without undue bureaucratic hurdles. The trade show floor was a hub for networking, facilitating connections that can lead to enhanced offerings and efficiencies at individual campgrounds.
A notable feature of the trade show included opportunities to tour park model cabins on-site, with companies like Sweet-Haus LLC debuting new models and Green River Cabins showcasing efficient designs. This hands-on experience allows park owners to directly evaluate products that can improve their amenities and attract more visitors.
Beyond the trade floor, the conference provided ample networking opportunities, including a “Spark the Flame” Welcome Reception, daily evening receptions, and a lively auction. These social events encourage camaraderie and the informal exchange of ideas, often leading to personal and professional growth through peer-to-peer learning.
Economic Impact on Myrtle Beach and Beyond
The presence of the CARVC Conference & Expo in Myrtle Beach translates into a significant, positive economic impact for the local community. Such events stimulate the local economy through direct spending on hospitality services, dining, retail, and transportation.
Campgrounds and RV parks are recognized as vital contributors to local economies Nationwide, fostering job creation and boosting local businesses. For every dollar spent by an RV park visitor, an estimated $10-$12 circulates throughout the local economy, highlighting a substantial multiplier effect. The outdoor recreation industry as a whole, including youth camps, makes a significant economic contribution, with the youth camp industry alone contributing $70 billion to the national economy annually. Furthermore, local park and recreation agencies generated more than $201 billion in economic activity and supported over 1.1 million jobs Nationwide in 2021.
The CARVC Conference not only brings direct revenue to Myrtle Beach but also equips its attendees—business owners from across the Southeast—with the knowledge and resources to enhance their own operations. This, in turn, strengthens the broader outdoor hospitality industry, an industry that consistently proves to be a robust economic driver for communities, fueled by individual achievement and consumer choice.
Conclusion
The 22nd CARVC Conference & Expo in Myrtle Beach stands as a clear example of how private associations and individual initiative are instrumental in driving community growth and economic prosperity. By providing platforms for education, networking, and direct engagement with suppliers, CARVC empowers campground owners to innovate, adapt, and lead in the outdoor hospitality industry. The success of this event, bringing together professionals from multiple states, underscores the power of collaborative effort and the benefits of a self-regulating industry that continuously seeks to improve through shared knowledge and personal commitment.
Readers are encouraged to support local businesses within the outdoor hospitality sector, explore the diverse camping opportunities available in South Carolina, and stay engaged in community development efforts that champion private initiative and responsible growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CARVC Conference & Expo?
The CARVC Conference & Expo is the annual gathering of the Carolinas Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, bringing together campground owners and operators for educational sessions, a trade show, and networking opportunities.
When and where was the 22nd CARVC Conference & Expo held?
The 22nd CARVC Conference & Expo was held from February 1-3, 2026, at the Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with a pre-conference session on January 31st.
What was the theme of the 2026 CARVC Conference & Expo?
The theme for the 2026 CARVC Conference & Expo was “Keep the Campfires Burning: Rekindling Passion, Profit, and Purpose in Outdoor Recreation.”
What types of educational sessions were offered at the conference?
Educational sessions covered topics such as leadership and management skills, legal issues and workplace safety, substance abuse action plans, campground development, social media and mobile apps, data-driven decisions, website experience, marketing, water and onsite wastewater needs, and OHI & CARVC advocacy.
What is the economic impact of campgrounds and RV parks on local communities?
Campgrounds and RV parks are vital contributors to local economies Nationwide, generating employment opportunities, boosting local businesses (like retail, grocery, restaurants, and gas stations), and supporting tourism. For every dollar spent by an RV park visitor, an estimated $10-$12 circulates throughout the local economy, creating a significant multiplier effect.
Key Features of the 22nd CARVC Conference & Expo
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | 22nd CARVC Conference & Expo (Carolinas Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds) | Regional |
| Dates | February 1-3, 2026 (with pre-conference session on January 31, 2026) | Local |
| Location | Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, S.C. | Local |
| Theme | “Keep the Campfires Burning: Rekindling Passion, Profit, and Purpose in Outdoor Recreation” | Regional |
| Attendees | Over 100 campground owners and operators from the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia | Multi-State |
| Educational Sessions | Covered leadership, legal issues, workplace safety, substance abuse, campground development, marketing, and advocacy. | Industry-wide |
| Trade Show | “The Spark Market” Trade Show with approximately 60 vendors and opportunities to tour park model cabins. | Regional |
| Networking Events | Welcome reception, evening receptions, auction, and daily breakfasts. | Regional |
| Economic Impact | Contributes to local economies through job creation, increased tourism, and boosting local businesses. An estimated $10-$12 circulates for every dollar spent by an RV park visitor. | Local, Nationwide |
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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.
