WHO WE ARE
The Campground Owners Expo (COE), is owned by Severson & Associates, a Management, Training and Consulting firm, formed to give campground owners from all sizes of parks, numerous networking opportunities
WHAT IS THE CAMPGROUND OWNERS EXPO?
The Campground Owners Expo is an annual event that brings together campground owners, managers, staff, and industry professionals from across the U.S. and Canada. It’s a four-day experience packed with:
- Interactive education sessions that relate to anything and everything within the campground and outdoor hospitality industry
- A full expo hall with the latest products and services needed to run a successful park
- Networking events and social activities with
- Real-world insight into campground behind-the-scene operations
- Access to campground/RV park employers actively hiring for the 2026 season
Whether you’re looking to get hired, grow your skills, or better understand the outdoor hospitality world—COE is the place to be!
WHO IS THE WORKCAMPER TRAINING EVENT FOR?
Are you currently workcamping—or dreaming of getting started? Whether you’re a full-time RVer, vanlifer, retiree, traveler, or someone curious about seasonal or full-time work in outdoor hospitality… this opportunity is built for YOU. Stand out from the crowd and land the best campground jobs by building your skills and connections at this event during the Campground Owners Expo (COE) in Branson, MO!
WHAT YOU GET – COMPLETELY FREE!
A value-packed experience to help you thrive in the work camper world:
- Online Education Course – Covers the basics of campground operations, guest service, and park management.
- FREE Expo Registration – Attend the Campground Owners Expo — a $249+ value, absolutely free to you!
- In-Person Educational Workshops – Three live sessions during COE (Dec. 3–6). Complete more sessions to earn a Manager Certificate.
- Deep Discounts on Camping & Lodging – Affordable options while you’re in Branson. Lodging details here!
- Hands-On Industry Insight – Learn about reservations, housekeeping, groundskeeping, activities, marketing, F&B, and more.
- Work Camper Networking Session – Meet campground owners from across the country hiring for the 2026 season.
- Legal & Financial Q&A – Sit down with attorneys and accountants who understand the work camper lifestyle and income structure.
- Get Matched with the Right Campgrounds – Understand campground owner personality types so you can find work that aligns with your values and lifestyle.
ARE YOU READY?
This is more than a free course — it’s your gateway to living the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. When you’re ready, click the button below and register online now!
Let’s get you certified, hired, and living your adventure.
WORKCAMPER SCHEDULE TRACK
The following are all opportunities that are open to you as a Workcamper attendee at the 2025 Campground Owners Expo!
TUESDAY – DECEMBER 2, 2025
- 8am – 4pm: RVTI One-Day Training – $25 per person (limited to 15 spots!), must pre-register. Click here for more information!
- Set yourself apart and boost your resume with valuable, hands-on RV maintenance knowledge! Workcampers are often the first point of contact when a guest runs into an RV issue — and being able to troubleshoot common problems can make a world of difference. This one-day training from the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) will give you practical skills to help guests safely get back on the road, improve their camping experience, and support the park you work for. Not only will you be learning directly from an RV Industry Association representative in a hands-on environment, but you’ll also be adding an impressive, industry-recognized skill set to your toolbox — one that makes you even more valuable to future employers and campgrounds.
Not interested in the RVTI training? No worries! We have other education options…
- 3 – 3:45pm or 4 – 4:45pm: Reservation Training with CampLife (Same presentation – two time options!)
- Looking to level up your campground skills and stand out to future employers? This hands-on training will introduce you to CampLife, one of the industry’s leading reservation systems used by campgrounds across the country. You’ll learn how to navigate the platform, manage bookings, handle check-ins and cancellations, and communicate effectively with guests — all while keeping operations running smoothly. Whether you’re new to CampLife or just want to sharpen your skills, this session will give you the practical experience and confidence to hit the ground running at any park using the system. Plus, having CampLife experience on your resume is a major bonus for workcampers looking to land their next great campground gig!
- 3 – 3:45pm: Workcamping Legal Q&A Cracker Barrel – with Attorney, Mark Hazelbaker
- Workcamping can be rewarding, but the legal side isn’t always straightforward. Join this open discussion led by an attorney who understands the unique challenges of workcamping. We’ll cover employment classifications, contracts, compensation models, taxes, and more. Bring your questions and leave with clarity on the legal aspects that matter most before you accept or continue a workcamping position.
- 3 – 3:45pm: Creating The Fun: All Things Activities! – with Carla Brown, Amber Mathison and Lori Johnson
- Learn how to plan and lead fun, engaging activities that make guests’ stays unforgettable! From themed weekends and crafts to games and bingo, this session will cover creative ideas, tips for organization, and ways to bring energy and connection to your campground. Perfect for workcampers looking to add “activities director” to their skill set!
- 4 – 4:45pm: Customer Service Essentials for Workcampers – with Sarah Krause
- Great guest experiences are at the heart of every successful campground — and workcampers play a big role in making that happen. This session will explore practical tips for welcoming campers, handling common guest questions, and resolving issues with professionalism and positivity. Learn how to create memorable moments that keep guests coming back year after year.
- 4 – 4:45pm: Dealing With Difficult People – with Lori Severson
- Whether it’s an unhappy guest or a challenging co-worker, tough situations are bound to pop up while workcamping. This session will give you practical strategies for staying calm, communicating effectively, and resolving conflicts with professionalism. Learn how to handle difficult people without letting them ruin your day — and turn potential problems into positive outcomes.
Next up is time for networking with campground owners!
- 5:30 – 7pm: The Opportunity Social – Your first chance to mingle with campground owners and make connections that could turn into potential jobs for next season and beyond!
- Kick off COE with a relaxed cash-bar gathering where campground owners and workcampers can mingle, reconnect with friends, and make new connections. It’s the perfect way to unwind, network, and start the week on a fun, friendly note.
WEDNESDAY – DECEMBER 3, 2025
- 8 – 8:45am: Event Kickoff and Welcome Session
- Get your positive attitude and mindset ready for the week! Hear a rundown of the schedule so you’re well prepared to make the best use of your time here at COE!
- 9am – 12:30pm: Workcamper 101 Workshop – with two 15-minute breaks
- Whether you’re brand new to workcamping or a seasoned traveler, this workshop is for you! Join the founders of COE and a panel of experts as we explore what makes workcamping such an important part of the outdoor hospitality industry — and how you can thrive in it. You’ll learn about common campground roles, commitments, and accommodations; get communication tips to help you shine in any position; and hear from experienced workcampers who’ve found great success on the road. Attorneys and accountants will also be available for general Q&A, helping you understand key legal and financial considerations. Come ready to learn, connect, and leave inspired to make the most of your workcamping journey!
- Hour 1: Campground and Camping Basics
- Learn the essentials of campground life, from different park types and layouts to RV hookups, cabins, and common guest needs. A great foundation for understanding where workcampers fit in.
- Hour 2: Roles & Responsibilities
- Explore the many areas workcampers support — from office and guest services to housekeeping, grounds, and activities — plus tips for thriving on the job.
- Hour 3: Legal and Lifestyle Considerations
- Understand the ins and outs of workcamping agreements, pay structures, and tax implications, along with practical advice for protecting yourself and balancing the lifestyle.
- Hour 1: Campground and Camping Basics
- Whether you’re brand new to workcamping or a seasoned traveler, this workshop is for you! Join the founders of COE and a panel of experts as we explore what makes workcamping such an important part of the outdoor hospitality industry — and how you can thrive in it. You’ll learn about common campground roles, commitments, and accommodations; get communication tips to help you shine in any position; and hear from experienced workcampers who’ve found great success on the road. Attorneys and accountants will also be available for general Q&A, helping you understand key legal and financial considerations. Come ready to learn, connect, and leave inspired to make the most of your workcamping journey!
- 1 – 5pm: Expo Hall Open
- Take a stroll through the Expo Hall to see the products, services, and solutions campground owners are excited about! It’s a great way to learn what tools and technologies parks are using — and to better understand the needs, challenges, and trends shaping the industry you work in. The more you know, the more valuable you become as a workcamper!
- 5 – 8pm: Welcome Reception Dinner
- This is your chance to mingle with campground owners, exhibitors, and fellow workcampers in a relaxed, social setting. We’ll have time for networking, a short awards program, as well as a charity auction. Make new connections, swap stories, and start building relationships that can open doors to future opportunities — all while enjoying a fun evening together!
**Please note: These are the only events workcamper attendees are allowed to attend. Thank you!