From Pitch to Pontoon

What does success look like for hospitality operators in 2026? In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, we explore the shift into what we’re calling the Refinement Era, where smarter decisions around pricing, distribution, and operations are separating high-performing operators from the rest.Joined by Rentals United’s UK & Ireland Account Executive, John O’Gara, we break down key insights from the latest 2026 Short-Term Rental Outlook Report, including data from over 1.5 million bookings. Together, we unpack what’s really happening across the UK holiday park, marina, and lodge sector and what operators need to do now to stay competitive.You’ll learn:Why the UK is leading Europe in booking growth—and where the opportunity still liesHow shorter booking windows are reshaping pricing and operational strategyThe real impact of dynamic pricing vs static rates on occupancy and revenueWhy channel diversification beyond Booking.com and Airbnb matters more than everHow automation is becoming essential in a high-turnover, fast-paced marketWhat “revenue-first distribution” actually means in practiceIf you’re managing a holiday park, marina, lodge park or glamping site, this episode gives you a clear, data-backed view of where the industry is heading and how to respond.🎯 Whether you’re running a single-site operation or scaling a multi-location portfolio, this is your practical guide to refining your strategy for 2026.www.elite-dynamics.com

Is SEO dead in an AI-first world? Or is it more important than ever?In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, Calum sits down with SEO strategist Jason Pittock to unpack what AI search really means for holiday parks, marinas and service businesses in 2026.They explore:How Google’s AI Overviews are impacting website traffic and click-through ratesWhy discoverability now matters more than rankingsThe difference between SEO and AEO (AI Engine Optimisation)How reviews and online reputation influence AI search resultsWhy sentiment, authority and entity signals are becoming criticalWhat businesses should prioritise if AI became the main discovery channel tomorrowJason shares why we’re in the “golden age” of AI search, how LLMs pull information from Google, Reddit, YouTube and review platforms, and why reputation management may soon matter more than traditional keyword targeting.If you run a holiday park, marina, campground, or hospitality business this episode will help you understand what’s changing, what’s noise, and what to actually focus on.Elite Dynamics | Management Software for Parks & Marinashttps://jasonpittock.com/https://www.youtube.com/@JasonPittockMarketinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pittock/

Rising fuel costs are back in the conversation, but what does that actually mean for holiday parks and marinas?In this episode, Calum and Andrew talk through the potential impact on travel behaviour, booking patterns, and on-site spend. From shifting catchment areas to shorter stays and changing customer behaviour, they explore what operators might see in the months ahead.The discussion covers practical ideas around communication, pricing, data, and creative ways to keep customers engaged, whatever direction the season takes.www.elite-dynamics.com

If your marina systems “kind of work”… is that actually good enough?In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, Lisa is joined by Sean Conklin from 365 Vertical to explore what happens when marina operations outgrow spreadsheets, disconnected systems and manual workarounds.From multi-marina operators managing 30–40 locations through complex Excel sheets to finance teams relying on batch-level reporting, they unpack the hidden costs of “making it work” — and what changes when everything sits on one unified platform.Together, they discuss:The real impact of duplicate data entry in marina managementWhy multi-site marinas struggle with disconnected systemsHow Microsoft Business Central supports scalable marina operationsThe role of AI and Copilot in improving reporting and visibilityReducing month-end reconciliation stressWhy purpose-built marina software matters more than generic systemsWhat modern boaters expect from online booking and real-time availabilitySean shares why the marina sector is reaching a technology inflection point — similar to hospitality 10–15 years ago — and the key sign that tells operators it’s time to rethink their software strategy:When growth creates more manual work instead of clarity.If you're a marina manager, finance lead or portfolio operator questioning whether your current systems are holding you back, this conversation will help you recognise the moment when “kind of working” simply isn’t enough.

Revenue doesn’t always disappear in obvious ways.In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, we explore the silent killers of revenue in holiday parks and marinas — the small gaps in process, communication and customer experience that quietly chip away at profit.We cover:The impact of slow or generic inquiry responsesWhy automated emails need to nurture, not just acknowledgeMissed upsell and cross-sell opportunities during bookingsHow abandoned baskets can be recovered with the right automationThe power of customer data in driving repeat bookingsWhere disconnected teams create disconnected revenueHow small customer experience touches increase secondary spendFrom first enquiry to repeat stay, the details matter. Tightening these everyday moments can protect margin, improve cash flow and increase lifetime value — without major operational change.If you manage a holiday park, marina or leisure destination, this episode will help you spot the hidden revenue leaks and strengthen the full customer journey.Elite Dynamics | Management Software for Parks & Marinas

What makes a marina story worth telling and why do many marketing messages miss the mark?In this episode, Calum and Lisa are joined by Patrick Norén and Brianna Johan from Marina World for an honest look inside one of the industry’s most established publications and how it’s evolving in a changing media landscape.We explore how Marina World curates content across regions and disciplines, the role print still plays in building trust, and what marina operators and suppliers need to think differently about when it comes to marketing, brand awareness and storytelling.The conversation covers sustainability beyond the buzzwords, why “unique” needs to actually mean something, how media and suppliers can work better together, and what the future of marina-focused media looks like following Marina World’s acquisition by Superyacht Times.A thoughtful, behind-the-scenes discussion for anyone involved in marinas, marine services, or marketing to a highly connected, credibility-driven industry.www.elite-dynamics.com

After a year of contrasts across holiday parks and marinas, Calum, Lisa and Andrew kick off 2026 by talking honestly about what’s changing and what operators should be paying attention to next.The conversation explores how marketing is becoming less formal and more personal, why social platforms and influencers are shaping customer expectations, and how technology and AI can support smarter decision-making behind the scenes.They also discuss practical ways operators can improve efficiency, from smarter upgrade campaigns and better owner and guest communication, to reducing paper-heavy processes and making better use of the tools teams already have.Rather than predictions or hype, this episode focuses on real experiences, small changes that make a difference, and how parks and marinas can move into 2026 with greater confidence in their marketing, technology and day-to-day operationswww.elite-dynamics.com

In this Christmas special, Santa (Calum), Mrs Claus (Lisa), and Fred the Elf (Andrew’s proudly displayed festive companion) gather for a year-end episode that’s equal parts heartfelt and hilariously unhinged. From Calum’s failed Santa beard reveal to jokes about ransacked houses, the trio dive straight into festive chaos exactly the way a From Pitch to Pontoon Christmas should be. Between the laughs, they look back on six months of podcasting: the guests who inspired them, the stories that stuck, the episode that made them cry with laughter (and will likely never see daylight), and the unexpectedly touching moments that made listeners feel part of the family. There’s also unseen footage with the now-infamous debate over what to call their listeners (Pontooners? Pitches?), reflections on industry conversations, and a glimpse into everyone’s Christmas plans including Calum’s first tree in over a decade. Warm, candid and beautifully chaotic, this festive episode captures everything that makes the show what it is: real people, real stories, and a lot of genuine laughter. Grab a mince pie, settle in, and spend Christmas with the From Pitch to Pontoon family.www.elite-dynamics.com

In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, Calum, Lisa and Andrew dive into the emerging technologies that could shape the future of parks and marinas, from Microsoft’s research into holoportation to robotics, AI-powered drones, and advanced environmental sensing.The team explore which innovations could genuinely support operators, enhance safety and streamline maintenance, and which feel a little too close to sci-fi for comfort (Lisa is still not having robot housekeepers).Expect thoughtful debate, honest concerns, and plenty of laughs as the trio unpack what’s exciting, what’s unsettling, and what might soon be possible for real-world operators.www.elite-dynamics.com

Calum, Lisa, and Andrew are back together to share laughs, horror stories, and honest insights about customer service in the holiday park and marina world. From cold calling disasters to unforgettable guests, the trio unpack what great service really looks like and why communication is always the common thread. Expect real stories, plenty of banter, and a reminder that people, not processes, make the difference.

Join Calum and Lisa for a special on-location episode of Pitch to Pontoon, recorded in Venice at the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference. From canal-side chats to gala dinners, they share insights from marina professionals around the world, discuss AI and connected software, and reflect on what’s next for the industry — all with a touch of Venetian humour and sun-soaked storytelling

Every business has a backstory. In this special episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, founders Jamaine Campbell, Nicola Campbell, and Jack Vernon reflect on the leap of faith that created Elite Dynamics. From late nights with laptops on the sofa to winning their first customers and building a passionate team, they share the risks, the resilience and the vision that shaped the company over the past decade. Honest, down-to-earth and full of heart, this is the story of Elite Dynamics.

Budget season hits every operator differently, whether you’re running a holiday park or a marina. In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, Calum and Lisa share how two non-finance people approach planning for 2026.From cash flow around site and mooring fees to seasonal services, weather curveballs, and keeping investment realistic, they explore the realities of budgeting in parks and marinas, with a few laughs along the way.

In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, Calum, Lisa, and Andrew open with a frank discussion on the tough conditions facing the holiday park industry, from softening holiday home sales to rising costs and wage pressures.Calum then sits down with Stephen and Cerys from Lady’s Mile Holiday Park in South Devon. They share how their family-run park is tackling the realities of the national insurance rise, supporting staff, and using technology wisely, all while staying true to their values and keeping customers at the centre of the experience.

What happens when a holiday park brand starts from scratch with purpose at its core? In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, Calum, Lisa and Andrew sit down with the leadership team behind Ohana Mua the UK’s new family-first holiday park with an energy positive ethos.From rejecting dynamic pricing to embedding sustainability and wellness into every stay, discover how this ambitious startup is redefining staycations with mirror glass lodges, solar-powered infrastructure, and a path toward B Corp certification.Plus, stick around for a bonus segment where our own Marketing Director, Lisa Allan-Downie, shares her real-world journey of swapping Apple and Google for the Microsoft ecosystem and how Copilot, Planner and Loop changed her workday.If you care about purpose-driven travel, innovation in hospitality, or making the Microsoft switch, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

In this episode, Calum and Andrew kick off with stories of superyacht fires, boating mishaps, and the rise of liveaboard lifestyles. Then, Calum sits down with Paul Knox-Johnston, Sales & Marketing Manager at Haven Knox-Johnston, to dive into the realities of marine insurance, from evolving risks and new technology to why great customer service matters more than ever.

We sit down with Tim Mayer, Sales & Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, to explore how one of the UK’s leading marina operators is redefining the customer experience.From loyalty schemes and fitness clubs to digital innovation and community investment, Tim shares how MDL is evolving to meet the needs of today’s boater and why it's about more than just berths.Whether you’re in parks, marinas, or just passionate about building better guest experiences, this one’s packed with insight.

Harry Rix joins us to lift the lid on modern holiday home manufacturing, from factory floor to park feedback. We get into how Rix Group (Victory, Prestige, Atlas) is tackling rising costs, changing buyer behaviour, and the growing demand for smarter, more sustainable accommodation.If you're in parks, production, or planning for the future, this one's packed with insight you won't want to miss.

Think floating lodges are just a trend? Think again. Ian Watkins from Waterlodge UK shares how marinas are generating up to £50k per berth and why the model works.Calum, Lisa and Andrew zoom out: talking festivals, memberships, glamping and all the ways operators can grow revenue without growing their footprint.Packed with ideas. Well worth a listen.

In this episode of From Pitch to Pontoon, we sit down with Richard Dickson, co-founder of Play It Green, to explore what sustainability really means for parks and marinas—without the greenwashing or jargon. From small changes that make a big impact to climate-positive bookings and the role of AI, we unpack practical, credible ways operators can reduce their footprint and tell a better story. If you're looking to future-proof your operations, this one's for you.

In our first episode, Calum, Lisa and Andrew sit down to talk about how they ended up in parks and marinas, why this industry deserves more honest conversations and what From Pitch to Pontoon is all about. It’s a bit of an intro, a bit of a laugh and the start of something we hope you’ll want to be part of.

Welcome aboard From Pitch to Pontoon – your new go-to podcast for the people behind holiday parks and marinas.Join hosts Calum, Lisa and Andrew as they dive into the conversations that matter across the industry – from smart tech and guest experience to real stories from park and marina operators. Subscribe now and don’t miss your stop between the pitch and the pontoon.