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Date and Time
Tuesday Apr 1, 2025
Subject To Change
8:30am - "Start the Fire" - Meet Your CONY Staff and Board Members
Meet your regional representatives!
9:00am - Plenary: State of the Industry, Scott Bahr, President & CEO, Cairn Consulting Group
9:45am - Hospitality Connections & Member Savings Program, Mark Schiavone & Jason Vaughn
Come learn about all of the great savings programs that are accessible through your annual CONY membership investment! From batteries to insurance, music licensing to background check programs - see how you can SAVE money this season!
9:45am - Campground Pond Management, Brad Bowers, Serenity Solutions Lake Management
Certified Aquatic Biologist, Brad Bowers, will discuss the benefits of proper pond management in your park. This session will focus on weed and algae control, fisheries management, biological options, and NYS rules and restrictions.
10:30am - Building Your Workforce, Megan Farry, New York Association of Training & Employment Professionals
During this session, Megan will share statewide resources for finding staff this season.
10:30am - Navigating Campground Conflict, Thomas Schin, Build Better Culture
Do you feel stressed about facing the daily challenges of managing diverse personalities and customer expectations? Our online session is meant to provide you with practical guidance and strategies for resolving employee and customer conflicts effectively. Our goal is to provide you with a few more ideas on how to create a positive, harmonious environment for your staff and guests. We want to empower you (and your staff) to handle tough conversations with confidence and build stronger relationships. Invest in your leadership skills and ensure a successful camping season.
12:00pm - Plenary: What is a Destination Marketing Organization? Moderator: Bob Provost, NYSTIA
1:00pm - Assessing and Managing Tress in Your Campground, Cali Fox, Davey Resource Group
Setting and Achieving Goals for Tree Maintenance
1:00pm - What You Need To Know: NYS Legal Updates, Christine Taylor, Esq., Goldberg Segalla
2:15pm - NYS Grant Opportunities and CONY's 2025 Legislative Agenda, Deborah Stevens, Greenberg Traurig
3:15pm - AI & SEO, Brian Searl, Insider Perks
In addition to the scheduled speakers, the program will include an exhibitor trade show, peer-to-peer chatrooms, and important resources like credit card surcharge guidance, NYS Sanitary Code, links to required certification programs like sexual harassment and human trafficking, and so much more!
Location
Get our official event app, Get the most out of the app and have a more productive experience! 1 NAVIGATE the event agenda and logistics, even without Wi-Fi or data. Access useful information like ridesharing and local attractions through the Community Board 2 NETWORK effectively. Plan whom to meet by exploring attendee profiles and sending out messages 3 PARTICIPATE in event activities through session likes, comments, ratings, live polling, tweeting, and more
Fees/Admission
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Description
This first-of-its-kind virtual gathering is designed to bring together campground owners, hospitality professionals, and industry leaders for a dynamic day of learning, networking, and strategic preparation for the upcoming camping season. A new twist on the CONY spring Zone Meetings, Fire Up Forum meets campground owners and operators wherever they are and whatever their schedule may be. Join us as we get "fired up" for the 2025 season!
Attendees will gain expert insights into critical industry topics, including workforce development, New York-specific updates, key trends, and more—all from the comfort of their location of choice and option to watch at their convenience. With the ability to connect with vendor members for necessary purchases before the season kicks off, participants will leave feeling inspired, informed, and ready for success.
