LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. — October 2, 2026 — Campground Owners of New York (CONY) brought campground owners, operators, outdoor hospitality professionals, and industry suppliers together in Lake George on September 28 for its 2026 Annual Meeting and Conference, a full day focused on education, advocacy, networking, and preparing New York’s campground industry for the 2027 season.
Held at the Fort William Henry Hotel Conference Center, the event provided attendees with opportunities to connect with industry experts and suppliers while exploring the economic, legislative, operational, and business issues affecting campgrounds across New York.
The day opened with a Supplier Showcase Breakfast Crawl, giving attendees an opportunity to meet with participating industry suppliers, discover new products and services, and build connections before the day’s educational programming began.
The morning program focused on the business and legislative landscape ahead of 2027. Senator Daniel G. Stec, representing New York’s 45th Senate District, welcomed attendees before Ashley Ranslow, New York Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and Deborah Stevens of Greenberg Traurig discussed economic trends, workforce challenges, rising costs, taxes, regulations, and legislative issues affecting New York businesses and the outdoor hospitality industry.
Energy and infrastructure were also a major focus of the conference. Megan Davis, Energy Efficiency Consultant with National Grid, led an interactive CONY Think Tank addressing campground energy systems, electrical infrastructure, upcoming compliance considerations, and potential programs and incentives. The discussion allowed campground owners to share current projects, concerns, and questions directly with National Grid.
“Conversations like these are valuable because they give campground owners a chance to talk openly about the challenges they are facing and the projects they are planning,” said Ann Flach, Marketing & Communications Manager. “It also gives our industry partners a better understanding of where campground owners need support and resources.”
Following the CONY Annual Business Meeting and State of the State, attendees continued the day with supplier networking and an introduction to CONY’s Supplier Networking & Mentorship Program.
The afternoon program turned toward campground business development and revenue opportunities. Representatives from Vistar, Hunt Brothers Pizza, and Wilcor shared strategies for maximizing camp store revenue, including product selection, merchandising, food and beverage offerings, supplier relationships, and identifying opportunities to better serve guests while increasing campground revenue.
The conference concluded its educational programming with a discussion about the future of the outdoor hospitality industry. The plenary panel, “The Next Generation of Outdoor Hospitality: Emerging Leaders Shaping the Future,” featured Ari Adler of Nomadic Influence, Alan Lehman of Hickory Hill Campground, and Christine Taylor, Esq. of Goldberg Segalla and Catskill/Gilboa KOA, moderated by Josiah Brown, The New York Sherpa.
The panel explored how a new generation of campground owners and industry leaders is approaching marketing, branding, social media, technology, guest expectations, workforce culture, infrastructure, and operational innovation. The conversation also addressed legal and risk considerations as campground businesses evolve and introduce new amenities, experiences, and business practices.
The event concluded with CONY’s Networking Reception and Annual Dinner, which included a presentation recognizing the year-to-date funds raised for Camp Good Days and Special Times, a silent auction, and the presentation of the 2026 Best of Camp New York Awards.
The second annual Best of Camp New York Awards recognized outstanding CONY member campgrounds across a variety of categories celebrating the guest experience, including campground communities, amenities, scenic locations, glamping and rentals, tent camping, RV camping, family-friendly experiences, pet-friendly camping, waterfront experiences, and more.
The 2026 awards program saw significant participation from the camping community, with 3,218 responses and more than 10,000 votes submitted during the nomination and voting process.
“The Best of Camp New York Awards have become a great way for campers to recognize the campgrounds that make their experiences special,” said Emily Simmons, CEO/President. “It was exciting to celebrate these campgrounds in person and recognize the work they do every day to provide memorable outdoor hospitality experiences.”
The conference also featured a strong lineup of industry suppliers, including App My Community, Beardsley Architects + Engineers, Bike RX, Brand Lab Gear, Campground Brokers of America, CampLife, Campspot, C.T. Male Associates, Danielle Windus Cook Properties, Dura-Bilt Products, Genesee Valley Agency, Goldberg Segalla, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance, Metzler Forest Products, Overit Media, and Wilcor International.
CONY’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Conference provided members with an opportunity to reflect on the 2026 season, discuss the issues affecting their businesses, strengthen industry relationships, and begin looking ahead to another year of growth and change in New York’s outdoor hospitality industry.
About Campground Owners of New York
Campground Owners of New York (CONY) is a statewide trade association representing independently owned and operated campgrounds throughout New York. CONY works to promote, improve, and support the growth and development of New York’s private campground industry through advocacy, education, professional development, marketing, networking, and member services.
For more information, visit www.campnewyork.com.
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Ann Kielbasa-Flach Marketing & Communications Manager
- October 02, 2026
- (585) 586-4360
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