Date and Time
Wednesday Oct 1, 2025 Friday Oct 17, 2025
Submissions Due by October 17, 2025
2025 CONY Awards and Recognition
Description
Supplier of the Year Award
The Supplier of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding business partner whose products, services, and support have made a significant positive impact on campground operations, guest experiences, and the overall success of our industry. Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Exceptional Service & Support
- Demonstrates consistent, reliable, and responsive customer service.
- Provides technical assistance, training, or after-sales support that goes above and beyond expectations.
- Supplies products or services that directly improve campground operations, efficiency, profitability, or guest satisfaction.
- Contributes solutions that address unique challenges of campground businesses.
- Introduces new products, technologies, or services that benefit campground owners and enhance the camping experience.
- Shows leadership in advancing industry standards or best practices.
- Builds strong, long-term relationships with campground owners and managers.
- Actively participates in association events, programs, or initiatives to support the industry as a whole.
- Demonstrates ethical business practices and high standards of professionalism.
- Earns trust and respect from peers, customers, and the association community.
- Supports the mission of the association through membership, sponsorships, advertising, or volunteer efforts.
Excellence in Campground Management Award
The Excellence in Campground Management Award recognizes a campground owner or manager who exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to delivering exceptional camping experiences while advancing the mission of the association and the outdoor hospitality industry. Nominations can be submitted by staff, ownership, management and/or suppliers and will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Leadership & Vision
- Demonstrates strong leadership in campground operations and team management.
- Sets clear goals, inspires staff, and fosters a positive workplace culture.
- Shows vision in adapting to industry trends and future challenges.
- Consistently maintains high standards in safety, cleanliness, and facility upkeep.
- Implements efficient systems and practices that improve day-to-day operations.
- Balances financial sustainability with long-term growth and reinvestment.
- Provides exceptional customer service and creates a welcoming environment for campers.
- Develops creative programs, amenities, or activities that enhance the camping experience.
- Builds a reputation for quality that leads to strong guest loyalty and positive reviews.
- Adopts innovative practices, technology, or amenities to improve the campground and guest satisfaction.
- Demonstrates adaptability to changing consumer expectations, market conditions, and industry challenges.
- Actively contributes to the local community and tourism economy.
- Participates in association activities, advocacy, or industry initiatives.
- Serves as a role model and resource for fellow campground owners and managers.
- Shows commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
- Promotes respect for natural resources and outdoor spaces.
- Educates guests on responsible camping and conservation.
Excellence in Marketing Award
The Excellence in Marketing Award recognizes a campground or outdoor hospitality management firm that demonstrates outstanding creativity, strategy, and results in promoting their campground, enhancing the guest experience, and contributing to the growth of the camping industry.
Nominations can be submitted by staff or ownership/management and will be evaluated on the following criteria in 2 categories - Project Cost Under $5k; Project Cost Over $5k
Creativity & Innovation
- Uses original, engaging marketing campaigns or strategies to attract new guests.
- Incorporates unique branding, storytelling, or digital content that sets the campground apart.
- Applies innovative approaches across multiple channels (social media, email, website, advertising, etc.)
- Demonstrates measurable success in attracting and retaining campers, increasing bookings, or raising brand awareness.
- Uses data or analytics to inform marketing decisions and improve campaign performance.
- Shows a clear connection between marketing efforts and business growth.
- Creates campaigns that enhance the overall camping experience or foster guest loyalty.
- Builds strong communication with guests before, during, and after their visit.
- Encourages community engagement and positive guest interactions online and offline.
- Exhibits clear marketing objectives aligned with the campground’s overall business goals.
- Implements marketing initiatives consistently and professionally.
- Demonstrates adaptability to industry trends, seasonal variations, and changing guest expectations.
- Shares best practices or marketing insights with peers, the association, or industry events.
- Promotes camping and outdoor hospitality in ways that benefit the broader community.
- Enhances the reputation of campgrounds through ethical and responsible marketing practices
- Creates campaigns that enhance the overall camping experience or foster guest loyalty.
- Builds strong communication with guests before, during, and after their visit.
- Encourages community engagement and positive guest interactions online and offline.
- Exhibits clear marketing objectives aligned with the campground’s overall business goals.
- Implements marketing initiatives consistently and professionally.
- Demonstrates adaptability to industry trends, seasonal variations, and changing guest expectations.
- Shares best practices or marketing insights with peers, the association, or industry events.
- Promotes camping and outdoor hospitality in ways that benefit the broader community.
- Enhances the reputation of campgrounds through ethical and responsible marketing practices.