Why COE Is Evolving
As we enter Year 6 of the Campground Owners Expo, COE has grown in both attendance and impact. What started as an affordable, connection-driven event has become a trusted space for campground owners to learn, share ideas, and strengthen their operations.
With that growth, we’ve taken a thoughtful look at how COE is priced — with three goals in mind:
- Keep COE accessible, especially for small and independent parks
- Ensure fairness across campgrounds of different sizes
- Support continued investment in education, networking, and attendee experience
The result is a pricing structure that is more flexible, more transparent, and better positioned for the future of COE.
What’s Changing in 2026?
Per-Person COE Registration
COE registration is now offered on a per-person basis ($129 per person), allowing campgrounds to register exactly the number of attendees they plan to bring.
This change:
- Makes it easier for smaller parks to attend without paying for unused spots
- Reflects the full value each attendee receives
- Allows COE to continue improving programming and experience year over year
Introducing COE Advantage
To pair with the new registration structure, we’re launching COE Advantage — a year-round value and savings program designed to support campground owners beyond the Expo itself.
COE Advantage is optional and is designed to complement — not replace — state and national campground associations.
COE Advantage | $199 per Year
Enrollment in COE Advantage includes:
- One complimentary COE registration
(Valid for the same year as enrollment) - Discounted COE registrations
Additional attendees from your park may register for $99 per person - Access to Hospitality Connections benefits
Including national discounts and savings programs available to campground owners – wondering what benefits you get? Click here to see! - Additional perks throughout the year
From time to time, COE Advantage participants may receive access to exclusive discounts, special offers, or added-value opportunities as new partnerships and benefits are introduced.
Our goal is to continue growing COE Advantage in ways that are practical, useful, and driven by the real needs of campground owners.
What HASN’T changed?
As always, we are committed to providing attendees from parks of all sizes with the best possible value for the money they spend to attend COE. All COE registrations include three and a half days of programming featuring nearly 50 education sessions, designed to provide practical, actionable insights for campground owners and operators. Attendees also gain access to countless networking opportunities, a top-notch expo hall showcasing the products and services campground owners need and want for their parks, and several hosted meals and events, including an Opening Morning Kickoff Breakfast, a Welcome Reception Dinner on the first evening, expo-floor appetizers, and additional food and hospitality throughout the event.
Why This Benefits Campgrounds of All Sizes
For Small & Independent Parks
- Pay only for the number of people you bring
- Access national discount programs that may not otherwise be available
- Gain education and connection without the cost of unused registrations
For Larger Teams
- Still encouraged to attend together
- Clear per-person value and predictable pricing
- Opportunity to save through COE Advantage preferred rates
For Parks Without a State Association
- COE Advantage provides access to education, connection, and meaningful industry savings
- Creates an additional avenue for support where local resources may be limited
Working Together as an Industry
COE Advantage is designed to work alongside state and national campground associations, not compete with them.
We strongly encourage campground owners to remain involved at the state and national levels, where advocacy and regulatory efforts are essential. COE and COE Advantage focus on education, peer connection, and practical tools that help campground owners improve operations and guest experiences.
When COE, state associations, and national organizations work together, our entire industry benefits — and so do the guests we serve.
Questions You May Have…
- Q: Why did COE move away from one flat registration price?
- A: The previous model worked well for some campgrounds but was less flexible for others. Per-person pricing allows smaller parks to attend more easily while creating a fairer structure as COE continues to grow.
- Q: Will COE cost more than before?
- A: For some campgrounds — particularly those bringing multiple attendees — the total investment may be higher. This change reflects the expanded value, education, and experience COE now provides in its sixth year, while still keeping pricing intentionally lower than many national industry events.
- Q: Is COE Advantage required to attend COE?
- A: No. COE Advantage is completely optional. Campgrounds may attend COE at the standard per-person rate without enrolling.
- Q: How does COE Advantage save money?
- A: COE Advantage includes one complimentary COE registration and discounted pricing for additional attendees. Many campgrounds will see immediate value through COE registration savings alone, in addition to access to Hospitality Connections benefits.
- Q: Is COE Advantage replacing my state or national association?
- A: Absolutely not. COE Advantage is designed to simply complement your existing association memberships by offering additional education, connection, and event-focused benefits. Advocacy and regulatory efforts remain the role of state and national organizations.
- Q: Will more benefits be added in the future?
- A: Yes, that is our plan! COE Advantage is launching with core benefits and will continue to evolve as new partnerships and opportunities become available. Our focus is on adding practical, meaningful value — not unnecessary complexity.
Our Commitment
COE was built to be welcoming, practical, and accessible — especially for small and independent campground owners. This updated pricing structure allows us to honor that mission while continuing to invest in the quality, connection, and value that attendees expect from the Campground Owners Expo.
If you have questions, please reach out to our office by email at campgroundownersexpo@gmail.com or by phone at (608) 525-2323, we’re always happy to help.