2. Beyond The Bank: Creative Funding Strategies That Actually Work

This session gives exclusive insights on the future of glamping investment, guest behavior, and business models in the USA. But the glamping industry is evolving rapidly, so it's essential to understand what’s really working now and will survive the next 5 years, and what’s likely to be left behind?

This powerful session cuts through the noise and reveals the real story behind the data. Discover where the smart money is going, how guest expectations are shifting post-2025, and which glamping business models are already showing signs of burnout. You’ll walk away with: 

• Insight into long-term growth opportunities across the USA
• A clear picture of changing guest behaviors and must-have features
• A wake-up call on what to stop investing in, and what to double down on 

 
If you want to build or scale a glamping business that’s future-ready, financially sound and aligned with what guests truly want, this session is your roadmap. It will help you future-proof your vision, protect your profits, and stay ahead of the curve. 

Learn how today’s glamping operators are launching big projects without just relying on traditional loans. 
Think you can only get a bank loan to bring your retreat vision to life? Think again.

In this empowering session, Nick Purslow (Posh Outdoors) and Leslie Martin (Lagom Retreat) share how they’ve raised capital and launched stunning boutique hospitality brands, without relying solely on the conventional financing route.  You’ll discover: 

• How seller financing, crowdfunding and revenue-share deals really work
• The pros, cons and potential of partnership-led capital 
• What to watch out for, and how to keep control of your creative vision

Whether you’re just starting or scaling your next site, this will give you the insight (and courage) to explore alternative funding paths and move faster without sacrificing ownership or authenticity.  

So, if you want to learn more about smarter funding, faster launches and more freedom to do it your way, make sure you attend this session. 

Demonstrating smart scaling with techniques used by top glamping operators to engineer demand, increase ADR, reduce OTA dependency, and take back pricing power.

What if you could engineer demand instead of always chasing it? 

In this advanced workshop, Ben Wolff, hospitality developer, operator, marketer and founder of a growth agency serving $1M+ revenue properties, unveils the architecture behind a modern, content-driven demand system built for serious operators.  

This is not surface-level marketing advice. It’s a strategic framework designed to increase revenue, strengthen ADR, and build long-term brand equity without over-reliance on OTAs.  

Drawing on deep operational experience across luxury outdoor hospitality brands, Ben will share a high-value perspective on the techniques used by high-performing properties to stay booked on their own terms.  
 
You’ll gain insight into:  

• How to build a positioning strategy that commands pricing power  
• Short-form storytelling that fuels demand  
• Strategies that integrate seamlessly with revenue management  
• When and how to use paid amplification strategically… not reactively  

Ben will also touch on how agritourism, farm hospitality and wellness are aligning with what the modern traveler wants now, and why these concepts are uniquely powerful for content-driven growth.  

If you are operating at scale, or planning to, and want to build a strong demand engine that gives you control over your bookings, brand and margins, this session with Ben will deliver serious value.