#53: From Campsites to Canberra: Stuart Lamont on Powerful Advocacy and National Campaigns

In this episode, Olena sits down with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, to uncover the secrets behind building powerful advocacy and consumer campaigns that drive value for the entire industry. Whether it's holding direct conversations with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, garnering personal support for his campaign from Scott Morrison, or inviting John Howard to speak at his conferences, Stuart seems unstoppable. His approach reflects a unique mindset: “The answer is always ‘yes’ until it’s ‘no’.” This relentless optimism fuels initiatives like the wildly successful “Road to a Million” campaign on Channel 7, incentivising Australians to explore the outdoors. Stuart’s approach is refreshingly straightforward: “Give policymakers a reason to fund you. Don’t chase money; chase solutions that make an impact.” From actionable advice on building authentic relationships with the government to unique member-value strategies, Stuart offers a practical roadmap for association leaders eager to elevate their influence. This episode is packed with inspiration for those looking to amplify their advocacy, provide real member value, and make a lasting impact on their industry at a national scale. And if you'd like to hear from Michelle Weston, CEO of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland on how state associations put consumer-centric strategy into life, listen to our episode #29.