Date and Time
Monday Sep 28, 2026
Schedule of Events (subject to change)
9am-10am: Registration/Supplier Showcase/Continental Breakfast
Start the day with coffee and light fare, meaningful connections, and innovative ideas at the Supplier Showcase Breakfast Crawl. This interactive networking experience transforms the traditional registration hour into an engaging opportunity for attendees to connect with industry suppliers, discover new products and services, and build valuable relationships before the day’s programming begins. Continental breakfast provided.
10am: Welcome from Senator Daniel G. Stec, 45th Senate District
10:15 AM: Looking Ahead to 2027: The Business & Legislative Landscape for New York Campgrounds
Ashley Ranslow, NY Director, National Federation for Independent Business; Deborah Stevens, Director, Greenberg Traurig
As the 2026 camping season comes to a close, this timely session will look at the economic and legislative landscape facing New York businesses as campground owners begin planning for 2027. Ashley Ranslow, New York Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), will provide an update on the current operating environment for small businesses in New York, including key economic trends, workforce challenges, rising costs, taxes, regulations, and other issues that could affect small businesses heading into the new year. Deb Stevens of Greenberg Traurig will then bring that broader perspective into focus for the outdoor hospitality industry, highlighting the legislative and regulatory issues that are particularly relevant to New York campgrounds. She will discuss current advocacy priorities for the association, issues being monitored in Albany, and what campground owners should be watching as the 2027 legislative session approaches. Together, the speakers will provide a practical look at the forces shaping New York’s business environment and how broader small-business issues intersect with the unique challenges and opportunities facing campgrounds and outdoor hospitality businesses.
11:15am: Energy, Infrastructure & Incentives: A CONY Think Tank
Megan Davis, Energy Efficiency Consultant, National Grid
What’s on the horizon for campground energy systems—and what resources are available to help you plan and invest? This interactive session will begin with a brief update on 2028 GMI (Ground Monitor Interrupter) compliance requirements and what campground owners should be aware of as new RVs and electrical infrastructure continue to evolve. A representative from National Grid will then lead an informal think-tank discussion focused on the programs, incentives and resources available to campground operators. Rather than simply presenting what National Grid offers, this session is designed around what campground owners need. Bring your questions, upcoming projects, energy concerns and ideas for where additional support or information would be helpful. Attendees will have the opportunity to share what they are working on—from electrical upgrades and infrastructure improvements to energy efficiency, new construction and other projects—while learning about potential National Grid programs and incentives that may apply. National Grid will use the feedback and questions raised during the session to identify opportunities for additional information and follow-up with CONY members in the months ahead. Come with questions, projects and ideas—the goal is to start a conversation that continues beyond the conference.
1:30pm: Supplier Networking & Mentorship Program Intro Meeting
2pm: Maximizing Camp Store Revenue: Products, Partnerships & Profit Opportunities
Your camp store can be more than a convenience for guests—it can be an important source of revenue and an opportunity to enhance the overall camping experience. This practical session brings together industry suppliers Vistar, Hunt Brothers Pizza, and Wilcor to share strategies for making the most of your camp store operation. Learn how to evaluate your product mix, identify high-demand items, create profitable food and beverage offerings, and develop supplier partnerships that can help streamline purchasing and increase margins. Speakers will also share insights into current guest buying trends, merchandising strategies, and ways to turn everyday camper needs into additional revenue opportunities. Whether you are looking to refresh your existing camp store, expand your food offerings, or simply increase profitability, this session will provide practical ideas you can put to work at your campground.
3pm: Supplier Networking & Coffee Break
3:30pm: Plenary Panel- The Next Generation of Outdoor Hospitality: Emerging Leaders Shaping the Future
Ari Adler, Nomadic Influence; Alan Lehman, Hickory Hill Campground; Christine Taylor, Esq, Goldberg Segalla and Catskill/Gilboa KOA; Moderated by Josiah Brown, The New York Sherpa
A new generation of campground owners, operators, and industry leaders is bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives to outdoor hospitality. This engaging conversation will explore how emerging leaders are evolving the campground experience while building on the traditions and values that have made the industry successful. Hear from a campground owner, legal counsel, and content creator as they share their perspectives on modern marketing and branding, social media, technology, guest expectations, workforce culture, infrastructure, and operational innovation. The discussion will also explore the legal and risk considerations that come with evolving campground businesses—from new amenities and guest experiences to contracts, employment issues, regulatory compliance, and protecting the business while pursuing new opportunities. Whether you are a next-generation owner, preparing for succession, modernizing an established campground, or simply looking for fresh ideas, this session will offer practical insights and inspiration for navigating the future of outdoor hospitality.
5pm: CONY Networking Reception & Annual Dinner, Silent Auction & Awards Program (including 2026 Best Of Winners!)
7:30pm: Event Close
Northeast Campground Association (NCA) 2026 Great Escape Event! *Separate registration per person is required.
Location
Fort William Henry Hotel Conference Center (separate building from the main hotel)
48 Canada Street
Lake George, NY 12845
Fees/Admission
CONY Member Registration Future CONY Member Registration Suppliers - Learn More & Register Here! *Display Tables SOLD OUT*
CONY Fall Conference & Annual Meeting Only - $249 (includes continental breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks, reception, dinner, educational sessions, networking, and supplier meetings)
CONY Fall Conference & Annual Meeting AND NCA Great Escape - $348
CONY Annual Meeting Only - $349 (includes continental breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks, reception, dinner, educational sessions, networking, and supplier meetings)
CONY Annual Meeting & NCA Great Escape - $448
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Description
Join us for the CONY Annual Meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake George. This one-day event brings together campground owners and operators, supplier members, and industry partners for a dynamic day of connection and collaboration. Attendees will gain insights through engaging educational sessions, meet with valued suppliers and industry partners, network with fellow campground operators and owners, take part in the annual business meeting, and begin looking ahead to 2027. We’ll also celebrate the successes of the 2026 camping season and proudly announce the 2026 Best of Camp New York Award winners!
Even as the camping season is still in full swing, this mid-week gathering offers the perfect chance to step away briefly. Recharge, reconnect with peers, and prepare for the busy Columbus Day weekend and the upcoming process of closing your campground for the season.
**The 2026 Fall Conference & Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the 2026 Northeast Campground Association Great Escape event, taking place September 29–30th.
A room block has been secured at the host hotel, Fort William Henry Hotel for a discounted room rate of $199.00 per night, valid Sunday 9/27-Wednesday 9/30. Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis and not guaranteed. Cut-Off Date - August 13, 2026. Call the hotel's reservation department directly at 1-800-234-0267 and mention Campground Owners of New York to secure the reduced nightly rate.
As part of the NCA Great Escape Event, host property, Lake George Escape Campground, is generously offering event block rates to include: WES 30/50 sites at $40, Premium Cabins at $95 plus tax (linen included), and Lofted Premium Cabins at $105 plus tax (linen included). These rates are open to CONY Fall Conference attendees, even if you are not attending NCA's Great Escape event. To reserve your accommodations, please call the resort directly at 518-623-3207 ext. 4 and mention the CONY/NCA group to receive the discounted rate. (Be sure to dial extension 4 to reach the campground team directly.)
