‘America’s Largest RV Show’ is Ready to Unfold

With the opening of “America’s Largest RV Show” less than two weeks away, organizers are anticipating a banner edition for the annual event that traditionally provides a timely checkup regarding the RV industry’s overall health.

“The show has always provided a fine testing ground for new products, which the vast majority will be 2013 model year,” said Rebecca Lenington, executive vice president of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) which sponsors the show. “It’s truly a unique selling environment because it draws a mix of industry people and retail consumers. That hybrid format lets manufacturers not only intermix with dealers, but also get feedback from the end buyer.”

The event kicks off with Industry Days on Sept. 10-11, followed by Public Days Sept. 12-16 at the massive Giant Center complex in Hershey, Pa.

Lenington reported that display space square footage is up markedly for all categories from last year. Overall space increased 6.64%, broken down into an 11% gain for supplier booths and 6.88% for manufacturers. OEMs signing on for the demo lot, which allows attendees to take a test drive, are also up 3%.

“One of the real encouraging numbers is that, as of right now, we are going to have 1,092 units on display,” Lenington said. “And for our Industry Days, pre-registration shows 93 rolling stock dealerships, 23 aftermarket dealers and 47 campground resorts.”

Lenington said that the strong response had prompted organizers to consider expanding the available square footage for the 2013 show.

“This year, we’re going to have booth vendors all the way down the sidewalk leading into the Giant Center,” she said. “The concrete entranceway is also going to be packed solid. We have compiled a wait list, but I think we’re officially done, with the exception of companies that are already signed up that want to expand.

“After looking at the numbers, we realize we need to go up on the overall square footage. Next year we are thinking about adding an outside tent for exhibitors.” She added that judging by feedback from Facebook and other online sources, the gate could top last year’s 36,400 total attendance.

While product always takes center stage at the show, Lenington noted that “education is also a big part of what we offer.” This year’s seminar roster for Industry Days offers an expanded scheduled and a new format. “Before we had a lot of hour-long seminars,” said Heather Leach, PRVCA education director. “This year we will be holding clinics that run from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.”

Programs include:

• The opening day lineup includes an F&I Clinic with speaker Tim Spencer from Protective Asset Protection. This one-day training course focuses on the finance and insurance function in the RV dealership. Learn everything from the laws and regulations to creating a higher rate of customer satisfaction. Fee is $50 per person, which includes lunch.

• During a seminar offered on both Monday and Tuesday, Don Bary will explain how to get RV technicians certified without having to pay for costly hotels and travel expenses. The RV Technician Distance Learning Program allows students to study from the comfort of their home. Registration is free.

• Tuesday kicks off with an all-star morning at Chocolate World that includes a breakfast, inspirational message and “Meet and Greet” with former NFL running back Marcus Allen. Autographed footballs, mini-helmets and photos are available for purchase and benefits the PRVCA PAC fund. Allen will also share his secrets on how you too can become a champion. Fee is $25 per person, which includes breakfast.

• A service writer clinic, conducted by Chuck Marzahn, starts off a full education day at the Giant Center. The clinic will allow service writers, service managers and others a chance to look at the very basics of service writers and learn practical strategies to help their businesses. Fee is $50 per person, which includes lunch. Bonus: Earn 5 RVDA CEUs for attending this seminar.

• Bernie Jwaszewski will show how to navigate the sea of social networking. Learn how to make it work for your business with the help of Jwaszewski’s insight and experience. Registration is free. Bonus: Earn 1 CPO credit by attending this seminar.

• Ron Wheeler of Wheeler Advertising, which specializes in marketing for RV dealerships, will lead “How to Advertise in a Complex Marketplace.” Advertising in today’s world is a difficult job, especially with so many different choices. Wheeler will offer tips on understanding the world of digital, mobile social and traditional marketing. Fee is $50 per person. Bonus: Earn 3.5 CPO credits for attending this seminar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hershey RV Show Announces Sponsors for ’12

America’s Largest RV Show, set to run Sept. 10–16 at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., announced its 2012 sponsors. According to a press release, the “sponsorships enhance the experience for both consumers and exhibitors alike, providing additions to the event that welcomes or aids those in attendance.”

The 2012 sponsors include the following:

• Envirogencat: Registration coffee & cookies, Giant Center banner, Fence banner, press lounge, Red Carpet Breakfast, video board

• Fulton Bank: Marcus Allen Meet and Greet football and mini-helmets

• Camping World of Hanover: Camper Giveaway

• Keller Marine & RV: Red Carpet Breakfast

• Progressive Insurance: Giant Center banners, program, video board

• Protective Asset Protection Division: F & I Clinic

• Rockwood RV: Camper Giveaway

• RVTrader.com: Program, Video Board, Shuttle, Banners

• Tobin Agency: Golf carts, Industry Party hors d’oeuvres

• TruMark Dealer Services: F & I Clinic

• WGAL: Camper Giveaway

For more information about America’s Largest RV Show, hosted by the Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle & Camping Association (PRVCA), visit www.largestRVshow.com.

Display Space Filling Up For ’12 Hershey Show

Display space is filling up for “America’s Largest RV Show,” set to run Sept. 10-16 at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa.

As of Monday (July 9), organizers told RVBUSINESS.com that 45 manufacturers had signed on to display some 1,000 new models at the Hershey show and the list was still growing. The vendor count was 165 companies and space was virtually sold out.

“I expect to sell out shortly, as I am working with five manufacturers currently,” said Rebecca Lenington, executive vice president of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), the show sponsor. “Manufacturer space is currently 5.59% over 2011 and booth vendor space is 8.7% over 2011 for a total of 5.75 percent over 2011.”

“We’re tickled pink,” added Heather Leach, marketing and education director. “If someone comes in at the last minute, we’ll find space for them. We’ll have to make space for them.”

Dealers get their first look during Industry Days Sept. 10-11, followed by the public Sept. 12-16. It’s a complete show, offering a look at new RVs as well as thousands of accessories, countless service providers and free educational seminars.

 

Hershey Show Prepping for Record Attendance

America’s Largest RV Show, held in Hershey, Pa., is preparing for another record-breaking year, according to a press release.

“I am pleased to report that space sales at the time of this year’s show drawing for manufacturer space has not only exceeded last year’s show drawing, but total space sales from the 2011 show,” said Rebecca Lenington, executive vice president of the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Association (PRVCA), during the 44th annual show drawing.

The event, which gives manufacturer and booth vendor representatives the opportunity to select their company’s location in the show, was held on May 9 at the Hershey Lodge. The show, annually sponsored by PRVCA, is slated to run Sept. 10–16.

Forty-two manufacturers and 134 booth vendors have purchased 639,565 square feet and 31,650 square feet of space, respectively, which is 11.86% more than the space sold at the last year’s drawing. “There are a very limited number of spaces remaining,” Lenington reports. “We extended the display area deeper into the parking lot, but never expected this…what a great way to show how the industry is growing.”

America’s Largest RV Show incorporates both Industry and Public Days to create a true hybrid show. Industry Days provides dealers and manufacturers the opportunity to connect and concentrate on building relationships. “It also provides sales training opportunities,” states Nick Palm of Tiffin Motorhomes Inc.

The show is the first to debut the 2013 product. “Industry Days allow me to send half of my sales staff to the show on Monday and the other half on Tuesday,” states Dan Saltzgiver, show chairman and owner of Reichart’s Camping Center. “This way everyone gets to see the new product.”

New for this year is a trip giveaway to the Dominican Republic for dealership principals or campground owners. The business principals, owners or employees can register for the drawing (the more employees that are sent, the better your chance of winning). The prize will be awarded to the principal or owner, but it can be transferred to any employee. A winner will be drawn on Sept. 11 at noon. For more details, visit www.largestRVshow.com.

Industry Days will also feature several informational sessions available, including a full-day F&I Clinic by Tim Spencer of Protective, a full-day Service Writer Clinic by Chuck Marzahn of Marzahn and King, and a half day Advertising Clinic by Ron Wheeler of Wheeler Advertising.

The Red Carpet Breakfast is returning to Chocolate World with a motivational message by NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen who will also be for a meet-and-greet and autographs.

America’s Largest RV Show, which is sponsored by the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association, will take place at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., from Sept. 10–16. For more information visit www.largestRVshow.com.

PRVCA Begins Selling Show Space for Hershey

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) recently released America’s Largest RV Show’s 2012 Show Drawing Kit and the organization reported that space reservations are rolling in.

According to a news release, the deposit deadline to participate in the drawing is April 2 and the actual show drawing will be held May 9 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa. The show will run Sept. 10-16.

As the first show to display 2013 products, America’s Largest RV Show is an important event to the RV industry by providing valuable feedback to manufacturers from dealers about their newest products; and because the show is a hybrid, exhibitors get a feel for the consumer market as well.

With over 1,000 units being sold in 2011, the event is a strong indicator for the strength of the RV market. PRVCA continues to strive to improve each year and has reformatted the Industry Day education line-up to include F & I, Service Writer and Marketing clinics from the industry’s top educators. And as an added incentive, PRVCA will award one dealer principal or campground/resort owner a trip for two to the tropics in January 2013.

Click here to view this year’s Drawing Kit or visit http://www.largestrvshow.com/, select “America’s Largest RV Show/Industry Info at the bottom of the page, and then select “Space Sales.”