ARVC Announces NY Times Bestseller Gretchen Rubin as OHCE2020 Keynote Speaker

The National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) announces Gretchen Rubin, one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature, will be the keynote speaker at the 2020 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE).  

Rubin‘s keynote will focus on resiliency and finding the positive attitude to overcome adversity—especially poignant topics this year, as RV park and campground businesses across the United States and Canada have faced a historic combination of unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID pandemic, while at the same time seeing record growth and interest in camping and RVing. 

In addition to her keynote address at OHCE, Rubin will also interact with ARVC members before and after the conference through interviews, videos and more to create a well-rounded conversation. 

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to talk the ARVC community at OHCE. These are strange times, and connection—whatever new forms it may take—is more important than ever,” says Rubin. “The anxiety, disruption and uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic have been a challenge for the country and the whole world. In my talk, I’ll highlight concrete steps we can take, as part of our ordinary routines, to help boost our resiliency and energy. Some simple steps—things that don’t take much time, energy or money—can make a big difference.” 

Rubin’s books have sold almost three million copies worldwide, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project, which spent two years on the bestseller list. It is through this knowledge that Rubin will provide valuable takeaways that campground owners and operators can start using immediately. 

“Gretchen Rubin is an outstanding speaker and we cannot wait to hear her keynote message. We think it is exactly what those in our industry need to hear and will help them navigate the troubled waters ahead,” says ARVC Executive Director of Education and Events Paula Horwitz. “Our industry is one that focuses on the happiness of our guests and providing that escape to tranquility that only camping can provide. We need to make sure we are ready for the challenges that will arise and have the right attitude to create parks and employees that deliver. Gretchen’s years of work in this field make her the perfect person to address our membership in November and to prepare our industry for another year.” 

A tremendous presenter and orator, Rubin also co-hosts a top-ranking, award-winning podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” where she discusses happiness and good habits with her sister Elizabeth Craft, a television producer and writer. 

She has been interviewed by Oprah, eaten dinner with Daniel Kahneman, walked arm-in-arm with the Dalai Lama, had her work written up in a medical journal, and been an answer on the game show Jeopardy! Learn more about Rubin at www.gretchenrubin.com, where you find her books, podcast, blog and more to familiarize yourself in anticipation of the keynote address. 

The virtual OHCE2020 will take place November 2-5, 2020—the same dates the in-person event was scheduled. You can view a full breakdown of the pricing and register for the conference at arvc.org/OHCE, including information on how to apply for ARVC’s new Hosted Buyer Program and attend OHCE for free. 

More details on the event will be announced soon, including virtual expo floor logistics and pricing, session speakers, virtual Takeaway Tours, learning tracks, new content and more. If you had previously registered for the in-person event, please contact the ARVC events department at 303-681-0401. 

OHCE2020, originally planned to be held in Daytona Beach, Fla., is typically a four-day event, including more than 40 educational seminars, a trade show with more than 120 vendors, tours of local campgrounds, ARVC’s Awards of Excellence program and more.