Advertise on podcast: Glamping Americas Podcast

This episode offers a taste of the energy waiting for you at Glamping Show Americas, along with a fascinating interview with Neil Dipaola, CEO of AutoCamp. In 2012, he drove deep into the California desert after a Craigslist ad and bought five battered, 60-year-old Airstreams for less than $1,000 each. He meant to turn them into affordable housing. Then the neighbours started asking whether their in-laws could stay the weekend. One offer of $300 a night, when rents in the rest of the park were $400 a month, changed everything.  In this episode, Neil tells Sarah how that happy accident became the world's largest owner of Airstreams, with close to 1,000 in its fleet and over a million guest stays. He describes the surreal day Airstream's CEO called because a five-room hotel in Santa Barbara was getting the brand more press than it had had in a decade. He explains why listening to guests led to nine redesigns of the AutoCamp suite, and why red Radio Flyer wagons beat a bellhop every time.  Most of all, Neil believes there has never been a better time to get into this industry. Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt have all moved into outdoor lodging, and Airbnb's most successful hosts run unique outdoor stays. At the same time, people glued to their phones need the outdoors more than ever. If you've been thinking about starting or growing an outdoor hospitality business, Neil's message is simple: now is the moment.  Neil Dipaola – CEO AutoCamp  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-dipaola/   https://autocamp.com/  __________     MarsDome   MarsDome is a glamping dome - an insulated composite dome for resorts, retreats, and holiday stays. Unlike fabric tents and thin-shell domes, it's built as a solid, one-piece monocoque shell with 4-inch (106 mm) continuous insulation rated R-35.   That one design decision solves the two complaints glamping operators hear most: noise and condensation. The dense shell cuts storm noise by roughly 35 dB, and the continuous insulation keeps the inside dry - no water dripping onto guests.   MarsDome installs in an afternoon with three to four people and is designed to last 50 years.   Contact: [email protected] or WhatsApp +86 137 7533 8243, or learn more at https://marsdomes.com     __________     Sarah Riley, Podcast host - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction      Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com      Glamping done-for-you marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/     __________     Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

You got into glamping because you love the personal side of it. Chatting with guests when they arrive. Giving them your own local tips, not something off a leaflet. Being the person who makes their stay feel like it was made just for them. But what happens when the phone is ringing, and questions are coming in by email from potential guests who might move on to the next property if you don't pick up? Who answers the phone when you're not, and what's the cost of missing that conversation because you're too busy on site? So today I'm talking to Todd Sabo, Chief Growth Officer at Grevon, an AI booking platform built for hospitality and outdoor operators. In this episode, I explore how this AI tool helps you secure bookings and increase revenue, without losing the human touch. So if you're curious about how AI can help you deliver a better service today… than you did yesterday… and make more money while you do… this episode is definitely for you. For more information, please contact: Grevon.ai  Sell the experience, not just the stay, with https://grevon.ai/  Free 14-day trial available Todd Sabo - Chief Growth Officer https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddsabo/  __________    MarsDome  MarsDome is a glamping dome - an insulated composite dome for resorts, retreats, and holiday stays. Unlike fabric tents and thin-shell domes, it's built as a solid, one-piece monocoque shell with 4-inch (106 mm) continuous insulation rated R-35.  That one design decision solves the two complaints glamping operators hear most: noise and condensation. The dense shell cuts storm noise by roughly 35 dB, and the continuous insulation keeps the inside dry - no water dripping onto guests.  MarsDome installs in an afternoon with three to four people and is designed to last 50 years.  Contact: [email protected] or WhatsApp +86 137 7533 8243, or learn more at https://marsdomes.com   __________ American Glamping Association Ruben Martinez https://americanglampingassociation.net/  __________    Sarah Riley, Podcast host - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction     Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com     Glamping done-for-you marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    __________    Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Collin from Pacific Yurts to trace these structures from their Mongolian origins as the 'ger' or 'gur' to their modern role in glamping and hospitality. We cover why these circular, historic homes create such a distinct feeling for guests, what goes into building a yurt that can withstand snow loads and coastal storms, and the real economics behind them, including client stories where yurts paid for themselves in months, not years. Collin also gets candid about the two biggest mistakes new glamping operators make: skipping proper site planning and underestimating permitting, which can quietly unravel a business years after launch. If you're considering yurts for your glamping site or retreat venue, this conversation is full of practical, honest guidance for you to apply to your own glamping business ventures.  For more information, please contact: Collin Miller - Director of Sales, Pacific Yurts, Direct - 458-298-2612 Email: [email protected]  Website: https://yurts.com  __________   MarsDome MarsDome is a glamping dome - an insulated composite dome for resorts, retreats, and holiday stays. Unlike fabric tents and thin-shell domes, it's built as a solid, one-piece monocoque shell with 4-inch (106 mm) continuous insulation rated R-35. That one design decision solves the two complaints glamping operators hear most: noise and condensation. The dense shell cuts storm noise by roughly 35 dB, and the continuous insulation keeps the inside dry - no water dripping onto guests. MarsDome installs in an afternoon with three to four people and is designed to last 50 years. Contact: [email protected] or WhatsApp +86 137 7533 8243, or learn more at https://marsdomes.com  __________   Sarah Riley, Podcast host - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction    Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com    Glamping done-for-you marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________   Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

What if everything you've been told about building a successful glamping business is backwards? What if adding more amenities isn't the answer... What if discounting isn't the answer... And what if the secret to charging three times the average nightly rate has nothing to do with having a bigger budget? In this fascinating episode, Sarah Riley sits down with Janice Wilson, software engineer, hospitality innovator and founder of Menizei, a boutique glamping retreat that's quietly becoming one of the most talked-about businesses in outdoor hospitality. Janice approaches her business like a scientist. Every decision is an experiment. Every marketing campaign is measured. Every guest interaction is tested. And, unlike most entrepreneurs, she openly shares both the successes and the failures so others can learn from them. In this conversation, you'll discover: • Why Janice deliberately removed amenities that most operators consider essential, and why guests love it. • How she's able to command premium prices without competing on features. • The surprising guest behaviour data that's reshaping her entire marketing strategy. • Why she believes hospitality businesses should stop trying to be "better" than the competition and instead become a category of one. • How AI is helping independent operators build tools and systems that were once only available to the world's largest hotel brands. • Why the future of luxury hospitality isn't technology… it's unforgettable human experiences. Whether you're planning your first glamping business, looking to increase profitability, or simply fascinated by the future of hospitality and AI, this episode is packed with ideas that will challenge conventional thinking and leave you inspired to look at your own business in a completely different way. Janice will also be speaking at The Glamping Show Americas, where she'll be sharing her framework for creating a true hospitality unicorn… a business so distinctive it no longer competes on price or amenities. If you're ready to stop following the crowd and start building something remarkable, this is an episode you won't want to miss. _________ More Information: Janice Wilson  [email protected]  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicewilson/ Wilson Studio https://wlsn.studio/ Menizei https://www.menizei.com/ Territori https://territori.io/ _________   Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction   Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com   Glamping done-for-you marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________   The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado  https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

What do Taylor Swift, a sold-out concert, and a 71-acre property in rural Indiana have in common? More than you might think. When Maggie Klein secured tickets to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, she unknowingly set in motion a chain of events that would completely change her family's future. With the house needed for concert guests, her husband Mark suddenly found himself with an unexpected free weekend and one simple task: find somewhere else to stay. Instead, he found something much bigger. What started as a casual scouting trip to explore potential investment opportunities quickly became an emotional connection to a piece of land that neither Mark nor Maggie could ignore. Just days later, they found themselves asking a very different question—not "Should we do this?" but "How are we going to make this happen?" In this episode, we meet Mark and Maggie at the very beginning of their journey. There's no polished success story yet. No completed resort. No ribbon cutting. No grand opening. Instead, you'll hear the raw, honest reality of what it looks like to stand at the start of a dream. Together, they share how they discovered a remarkable 71-acre property near Indiana's famous Turkey Run State Park, why they believe nature itself is the greatest amenity, how they're balancing family life, careers, and business development, and the lessons they're learning as they navigate feasibility studies, financing, planning, and the countless decisions that come with building a hospitality business from scratch. If you've ever dreamed of creating a glamping site, retreat, or nature-based business—or you're simply fascinated by how big ideas become reality—this conversation offers a rare opportunity to follow a project from its very first steps. Because sometimes the most exciting stories aren't the ones that have already been written. They're the ones that are just beginning. __________ Mark & Maggie Cline Website: https://www.theparkeatturkeyrun.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparkeatturkeyrun/  __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction    Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com    Glamping done-for-you marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________   The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

In this fascinating conversation, Sarah Riley interviews Leslie Martin, founder of the breathtaking Lagom Retreat in the Texas Hill Country... a Swedish-inspired glamping, wellness and events destination that is already turning heads across the hospitality world.  What makes Leslie's story even more incredible?  She came from the tech industry with zero hospitality experience.  Now she's creating one of the most unique outdoor hospitality experiences around, featuring extraordinary cabins from across the world, immersive wellness experiences, dark-sky stargazing, saunas, cold plunges and unforgettable design-led accommodation.  In this episode, you'll discover:  How Leslie transitioned from a 26-year tech career into glamping and wellness hospitality  Why creativity, nature and hosting people became the foundation of her business vision  The story behind her wildly unique structures from Spain, Austria and the Netherlands  How wellness goes far beyond hot tubs and saunas  Why glamping experiences can create lifelong memories and transformations  The importance of design, emotion and attention to detail in hospitality  How taking risks helped her stand out in a crowded market  This episode is inspiring, honest and full of visionary ideas for anyone dreaming of creating a lifestyle business rooted in nature, wellbeing and unforgettable guest experiences.  Prepare to feel inspired… because this one could seriously make you rethink what's possible.  _________  Leslie Martin - Lagom Retreat   https://lagom-retreat.com/  [email protected]   _________   Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction   Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com   Glamping done-for-you marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________   The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

What if starting an outdoor hospitality business didn't require land, cabins, permits, or a six-figure investment? In this episode, Sarah Riley speaks with Adam Odgaard from Isabella Camping about the Camp-Let tent trailer… a clever Danish invention that has been popular across Europe for decades but is only now arriving in the United States.  We explore how this lightweight trailer (just 595 lbs) unfolds into a surprisingly spacious camping setup with sleeping cabins and living space, and why it's attracting attention as a new business opportunity in the outdoor hospitality industry. They discuss:  The fascinating 70-year history of Isabella, a family business founded in Denmark  How the Camp-Let trailer bridges the gap between camping and glamping  Why its lightweight design works perfectly with electric vehicles  The growing opportunity for mobile outdoor hospitality businesses  How some operators in Europe already use these trailers as rental units on campsites  A potential low-cost entry point into the outdoor hospitality industry  Adam also shares example numbers showing how a Camp-Let setup could potentially reach break-even in around a year, opening up new possibilities for entrepreneurs who want to help people experience nature without needing to own land.  If you're interested in glamping trends, innovative outdoor accommodation models, or creative ways to start a hospitality business, this episode will definitely get you thinking… and may even change the way you think about going camping.  ________  Adam Odgaard - Isabella Camping - Camp-Let Trailer  isabellacamping.com   [email protected]  _________   Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction    Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com   Glamping marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________   The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]  Join us at the next show in Colorado!

What does the future of glamping and unique hospitality really look like? In this episode, Sarah Riley speaks with Nathan Mayfield, President of ResNexus, about the major trends shaping the future of glamping, campgrounds, and unique stays… from AI and automation to guest expectations, direct bookings, data, and digital marketing.  With years of experience and a broad view across the hospitality sector, Nathan shares the kinds of insights operators rarely get to see from inside just one business. This is a valuable conversation for anyone who wants to understand not just what is changing, but what actually matters.  Inside this episode, we explore:  How AI is beginning to influence hospitality across guest communication, marketing, pricing, reviews, fraud prevention, and demand forecasting  Why social media is becoming the new search engine for travel inspiration  What changing guest behaviour and shorter patience levels mean for operators  Why direct booking tools, automation and email marketing matter more than ever  The growing challenge of tech stack costs and how operators can avoid unnecessary complexity  How to use technology to save time behind the scenes while protecting the human side of guest experience  What smart businesses are doing now to prepare for the future of outdoor hospitality This episode is full of practical insight, big-picture thinking, and honest reflections on where the industry is headed next.  If you run a glamping site, campground, holiday park, or unique short-stay business, or you simply want to understand where hospitality is heading… this is a conversation worth hearing.  Because the future may be more automated… but the best hospitality will still feel deeply human.  _________ Nathan Mayfield, President, ResNexus https://www.resnexus.us/  _________   Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction    Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com   Glamping marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________   The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]  Join us at the next show in Colorado!

In this episode, Sarah Riley talks with Chris Jeub of Monument Glamping… a familiar name in the industry and one of the early voices helping landowners turn beautiful properties into outdoor hospitality businesses. Chris shares the remarkable story of how a simple idea in 2019, of moving his bedroom into a hunting tent during a home remodel, unexpectedly became a fully-fledged glamping operation that now spans two properties and dozens of permitted units.  Together, Sarah and Chris dive into the realities behind building a glamping business from scratch: navigating county regulations, dealing with neighbour complaints, expanding with container homes, and turning backyard tents into a six-figure enterprise. Chris also explains the powerful mindset shift that allowed him to reposition his offering, double his nightly rates, and transform Monument Glamping into an experience-led brand rooted in reconnection and simplicity.  If you're curious about organic growth, overcoming regulatory hurdles, or how everyday landowners can create profitable, meaningful glamping stays, this episode is packed with honest insights, hard-earned lessons, and plenty of inspiration.  More Information:  Chris Jeub - Monument Glamping and  Your land Is Gold Skool  Email: [email protected]   Website: https://monumentglamping.com/     _________      Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction    Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com   Glamping marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________      The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

In this episode, Sarah Riley talks with Tyler Watts, a civil engineer turned real estate developer who's transformed raw land into thriving outdoor hospitality businesses, using creativity, strategy, and seller financing instead of deep pockets.  Tyler shares how he scaled from single-family homes to multi-million-dollar apartment portfolios, then pivoted into glamping and RV resorts... all while leveraging partnerships, other people's capital, and a clear vision for long-term growth.  Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial advice. We are not financial advisors. Please consult with a professional to determine what may be best for your individual needs. In this episode, you'll learn:  How to use seller financing and creative funding to grow your glamping or hospitality business.  The skills you need to be good at attracting the right seller and sealing the deal.  The power of combining RV, cabins and glamping units in one destination.  Why diversification and design-thinking are reshaping the outdoor hospitality market.  And how to turn a small idea... and someone else's capital... into a dream project that guests can't stop talking about.  This is an inspiring, practical episode that proves you don't need to be rich to build something remarkable... you just need to be resourceful.  More Information:  Tyler Watts - Broad River Campground, North Carolina  Email: [email protected]   Website: https://broadrivercampgroundnc.com/   _________   Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction    Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com   Glamping marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________   The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

Today, we're stepping into the world of Walden Retreats, a breathtaking riverside escape in the Texas Hill Country that reimagines what it means to live well, simply, and with intention. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's timeless work Walden, this is a place where luxury meets philosophy, and where the modern traveler can pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.  Thoreau spent two years in a cabin by Walden Pond, exploring what it meant "to live deliberately." His reflections on simplicity, self-sufficiency, and harmony with nature became a cornerstone of American thought, and today, that same spirit echoes through the vision of my guest, Blake Smith, founder of Walden Retreats.  Blake and his wife have created more than a destination... they've built a living philosophy. A place that reminds us that great hospitality isn't about building the most luxurious property… it's about building the most intentional one.  A space where guests aren't just offered comfort, but clarity. Not just an escape, but a return... to themselves, to stillness, to meaning.  In this episode, we explore how Blake turned an idea rooted in literature and mindfulness into an extraordinary guest experience. We talk about the power of defining your mission, vision, and values, and how that foundation can shape every decision, from design to guest experience to long-term success.  If you've ever wondered how to build a brand that feels as good as it looks, or how to infuse your glamping or retreat business with soul, you're going to love this episode.  More Information  Blake Smith, Walden Retreat  Website: https://waldenretreats.com/   Email: [email protected]   _________      Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction       Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com   Glamping marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________      The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

What does it really take to build an outdoor hospitality business from the ground up, and do it in record time… even with a full-time job? In this episode, we sit down with the founders of Nature Nook Acadia, who went from a construction site to hosting their very first guests in less than four months.  They share the behind-the-scenes reality: the long days of building, the unexpected challenges, the trade-offs and tough decisions, and the exhilarating moment when the first guests finally arrived. This is a story of determination, resourcefulness, and a vision brought to life at speed… through effective project management and a bit of good old-fashioned luck!  If you've ever dreamed of creating your own guest retreat, or you're curious about what happens when passion meets pressure, you won't want to miss this inspirational conversation.  More Information:  Edoardo Centioni, Nature Nooks Acadia https://naturenooksacadia.com/  https://www.instagram.com/naturenooksacadia/ @naturenooksacadia  _________   Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction    Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com   Glamping marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   __________   The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

What really happens when the glamping industry's brightest minds, boldest creators, and most passionate operators come together in one place? In this lively and insightful episode, Sarah Riley and Steph Curtis-Raleigh relive the energy and inspiration of Glamping Show Americas, sharing their favourite moments, key takeaways, and the behind-the-scenes stories you didn't see on stage. From Bolt Farm Treehouse's insider tips and Camp Ferncrest's creative financing breakthroughs, to AI-driven guest experiences and even a few hilarious "what not to do" moments (yes, drones and robotic dogs make an appearance!), this conversation captures the innovation, community, and creativity shaping the future of unique hospitality. Expect laughter, honesty, and ideas you'll want to steal for your own business, all wrapped in the warmth of two friends reflecting on an unforgettable event and what's next for glamping in 2025. Listen if you want to: Learn what's really working for glamping and retreat operators right now Discover new trends in funding, guest experience, and technology Feel re-energised about your own hospitality project Get a sneak peek at what's next for Glamping Show Americas   More Information:    The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]   __________    Steph Curtis-Raleigh Upgrade Publishing and Eco-Resort Network https://www.ecoresort.network/  __________    Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction   Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com  Glamping marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/  __________    Intro credit: Chris Jeub, Glamping Guy, YouTube Individual credits: Brendan Riley, Marmora Retreat, Kyle - Virgin Islands, Kristy - Okanagan Vallley

Today, we uncover a detail many overlook, but one that has the power to transform your guest experience... furniture and layout design.  My guest, Mike Waring, founder of Mustang Home Goods, blends Japanese joinery, North American architecture, and timeless craftsmanship to create sustainable, ergonomic, and story-driven furniture perfect for glamping sites and boutique retreats. You'll hear:  How Mike's journey from the Navy to furniture design shaped his philosophy of "design as an experience."  Why conversational spacing and thoughtful layouts build deeper guest connections.  How sustainability, craftsmanship, and even the golden ratio can elevate your spaces and your brand.  Whether you're launching your very first glamping site or refining a long-standing resort, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical ideas to help you create unforgettable guest moments.  And if you're attending The Glamping Show Americas on 29th September, be sure to stop by and meet Mike, who would love to help you design a space that delights your guests.  More Information:  Mike Waring – Mustang Home Goods  https://www.mustanghomegoods.com/  [email protected]   505-418-8070  _________  Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreat events, and guest attraction   Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com  Glamping marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/  __________  The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]

What if the future of travel isn't about going farther, but going deeper? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the shift from surface-level escapes to soul-nourishing journeys and experiences that reconnect us to people, place, and purpose.  Joining me is Whitney Scott, strategist and co-founder of Walden Insights. Whitney helps hospitality leaders navigate toward regenerative intelligence: a forward-thinking approach that weaves sustainability with story, and design with deeper meaning.  Together, we unpack what it means to build travel experiences that don't just impress but truly resonate. From redefining luxury to regenerating the land, we explore how hospitality brands can lead with integrity, longevity, and soul.  Whether you're building a retreat, evolving your glamping business, or reimagining what your guests really want, this episode will inspire you to create with more intention, and design from the start with the future in mind.  More Information:  Whitney Scott, Walden Insights  https://waldeninsight.com/     Sarah Riley: Startup Support- Glamping Business and Retreat Events - The Glamping Academy https://glamping.academy hosted by https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/      The Glamping Show Americas, Denver, Colorado https://www.glampingshow.us  [email protected]