Slide Show II: More New Product From Hershey

Check out another round of new product that was on display during last week’s Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey. The event is considered a bellwether for the industry and host PRVCA reported steady traffic and sales.

Hershey Show Picks up Traction as Skies Clear

Overcoming media reports of widespread flooding, the 43rd Annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey saw steady traffic as the public days opened on Wednesday (Sept. 14) while event organizers reported that today’s gate  was on track for an even stronger showing. The event is set to run through Sunday at the expansive GIANT Center.

“The first two days we had a total of about 8,500 people,” Becky Lenington, executive vice president for the host Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), told RVBUSINESS.com late this morning. “We were fighting the national media which was reporting that we were under water. But it seems that word has gotten out that everything is OK. We have really seen a strong turnout this morning and it looks like we’re going to compensate for the past two days.”

Lenington noted that with some of the surrounding areas experiencing water problems, the GIANT Center had increased overnight parking at the facility to help accommodate visitors.

A shift in the weather may also have accounted for the uptick in attendees. “We saw some rain on Wednesday and Thursday, but today the sun is shining and it looks like the rain will stay away for the rest of the show,” said Lenington.

The Hershey Show, long touted as the industry’s largest consumer show, is regarded as a bellwether for the industry as manufacturers and dealers use it as a platform to introduce new product.

“We have over 1,050 brand new RVs on display for individuals to purchase,” said Heather Leach, marketing and education director for PRVCA. “There have already been some sales and a lot of the purchases were motorhomes.”

Leach reported that the vendor booth space was sold out with over 218 companies represented on site. “We have the vendors set up throughout the GIANT Center, including the concourse area and the lower level. All of the RVs are set up outside on the parking lot.”

There are also hourly seminars each day, beginning at 10 a.m. and running until 7 p.m., that have been well attended, according to Leach.

“We’re very pleased,” she said, “and with good weather predicted for here on out we’re looking for another great show.”

 

Hershey RV Show Opening on Schedule Today

The Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show in Hershey, Pa., will open as scheduled at 9 a.m. EST today (Sept. 12) for the first of two Industry Days.

Undeterred by torrential rainfall from Tropical Storm Lee, which inundated portions of central Pennsylvania on Sept. 7, show sponsors continued to move forward last week and over the weekend to get the 1,000 RVs on site for this morning’s opening.

“We were never hit by the high water,” stressed Becky Lennington, executive director of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), told Woodalls Campground Management. But she concedes “it was tough, sitting in last week’s rain,” and not knowing how it might affect the event, touted as the nation’s largest retail RV show.

Lennington said the only units that did not make it on-site were some of the 12-foot-wide park models, which were restricted by area road closings. The state of emergency has since been lifted and all major arterial roads are now open, she added, noting, “Half of them made it in, the rest will come in today.”

The weather forecast today is a good one with temperatures in the 80s and dry. “RV folks are tough. It’s another one for the books,” Lenningyon said.

Sponsors are still hoping that media reports of the bad weather will not stunt the expected crowd of 35,000 that is projected to attend the show’s Public Days, which begin Wednesday and run into the weekend. Like the rain, show advertising saturated outlets in the East, from which the show draws its major attendance. The show website also states in bold print: “The local flooding has had NO impact on the Show.” HGTV is also still scheduled to film its annual look at RVs during this event.

From a distance, few vestiges of one of central Pennsylvania’s worst flooding episodes remain, neighborhood upon neighborhood having returned to normalcy by weekend’s end, the Harrisburg Patriot-News reported. The Susquehanna River, which crested at a 25.17 feet Friday, had by Sunday night dropped to 15 feet and was to drop below 11 feet by midweek.

As of Sunday, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency was listing 13 deaths as possibly storm-related: three in Lancaster County, two each in Dauphin, Bradford and Lebanon counties, and one each in Chester, Luzerne, York and Philadelphia counties.

Gulf Stream to Showcase Innsbruck in Hershey

Gulf Stream Coach Inc.’s innovative 408TBS Innsbruck travel trailer will be prominently displayed in the Stoltzfus RV space (#513) during the Sept. 12-18 Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey.

According to a press release, the floorplan features eight-foot interior ceilings, three generous slideouts, 1 1/2 half baths and residential refrigerator and furniture. The release states “the 408TBS is a breakthrough in value and design that captures all the fun and adventure of camping in a lodge-style trailer that’s spacious, comfortable and impeccably crafted.”

“It’s no wonder Stoltzfus RV chose the 408TBS to anchor the center aisle of their display,” said Randy Baskerville, national sales manager for Innsbruck. “It’s a top-selling floorplan that never fails to impress retail customers. Mom and Dad love the huge Master Suite; kids love their own bedroom, half bath and entertainment center; and the whole family loves the generous “Great Room” main living area, with its double-width slideout and full-scale family-friendly kitchen.”

Gulf Stream will also be showing new products and floorplans at its own have display space (#513) at the Hershey show. For more information on the Innsbruck brand, visit www.gulfstreamrvtrailers.com or contact Randy Baskerville, national sales manager, at rbaskerville@gulfstreamcoach.com.

 

2011 Sponsors Announced for Hershey Show

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show, set to run Sept. 12-18 in Hershey, Pa., recently announced its 2011 sponsors.

According to the Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA), hosts for the annual event, the sponsors “add much value to the show, and the PA RV and Camping Show would like to thank them for their support.”

The 2011 sponsors include the following:

• Azdel Inc: Shuttle and Golf Cart Sponsor

• Cruiser RV: Golf Cart Sponsor

• DRV Luxury Suites: Golf Cart Sponsor

• Fulton Bank: Jim Kelly Meet and Greet footballs Sponsor

• Progressive Insurance: Champions Club, Cyber Cafe

• Reicharts Camping Center: Fold Down Camper Giveaway

• Rockwood RV by Forest River: Fold Down Camper Giveaway

• RVTraderOnline.com: Program, Video Board and Golf Cart Sponsor

• Sweet Life Realty: Red Carpet Gift Item

• WGAL: Fold down Camper Giveaway

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Education Foundation will also be acknowledging their sponsors at the show’s Annual Red Carpet Luncheon. The Education Foundation supports the RV Technician Distance Learning Program, RV Technician Apprenticeship Program and scholarships for the Distance Learning Program and Campground Management Program. Sponsors include:

• Keller Marine and RV: Bronze Sponsor

• RVIA: Silver Sponsor

• Stag Parkway: Silver Sponsor

For more information on the PA RV and Camping Show, America’s Largest RV Show, visit www.largestRVshow.com.

 

Hershey Show Sees Rise in Block, Booth Sales

Organizers for the upcoming 43rd Annual PA RV & Camping Show at the GIANT Center in Hershey are reporting that block space sales have risen above 2010 totals and booth space sales have exceeded the 2010 show by 21%.

According to a press release, one of the keys is that this year’s event is offering more products to view. Industry Days are scheduled for Sept. 12-13 with Public Days set to run Sept. 14-18.

The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA), hosts of the annual gathering also reported that HGTV will be returning to film RV 2012. The show will premier on New Year’s Day and feature the latest RV technology and accessories.

Some of the activities scheduled include:

• A slate of timely and affordable educational seminars ($20 for the entire education package). The education program has seminars is designed to help businesses grow and move forward in today’s economy. Many of the seminars also contain continuing education credits for dealers and campgrounds alike.

• Terry Cooper of the Mobile RV Academy will discuss how to get technicians trained without leaving the dealership. Walter Cannon from the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF) will offer a better understanding of how to match trucks to trailers and learn about weight and tire safety. Learn about the “Attitude of Troubleshooting” and “Packaging the Service Department” with RV Doctor Gary Bunzer.

• Recreation Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) President Bill Garpow will discuss how park trailers can fatten a campground’s bottom line. Grayson Schwepfinger will hold a seminar on how to make more sales by gaining trust from your customer and Bernie Jwaszewski offers tips on how social networking can help your business.

This year’s show features luncheons that will prove valuable to every aspect of the RV industry. Randy Sobel takes the stage on Monday with “Hiring Top Performers.” Tuesday’s luncheon features Scott McKain, who will provide insight on how to make a business stand out in a crowd.

There will also be an opportunity to meet football NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, formerly with the Buffalo Bills. Autographed footballs, photos and mini-helmets will be available for purchase.

An Industry Party is planned for Sept. 12, located at the HersheyPark with favorite thrilling rides, hors d’oeuvres, cold beer and wine and music by Copper Sky.

For more information, visit www.largestRVshow.com or call 888-303-2887.

 

PRVCA Tech Distance Learning Set for August

The next RV technician distance learning class at Northampton Community College, in partnership with the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), is set to start Aug. 22.

According to a press release, the RV ranges and cooktops class will run from Aug. 22 through Sept. 18. Tuition for the class is $125.

The course will provide a thorough understanding of ranges and cooktops for technicians new to the industry as well as experienced technicians. During this course the RV range will be broken down into its two main components, the stove and oven. Thermostat operation as well as flame structure is analyzed and studied. As with all LP appliances, safety precautions will continually be emphasized.

The importance of air to fuel ratios, applicable to all LP appliances, will be identified and exemplified during this course. Students can also earn credit hours toward RVIA/RVDA recertification.

PRVCA is running a special offer for all employees of PRVCA members for the 2011-2012 semesters. Upon successful completion of an NCC distance learning course, students will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition. For more information on the special offer, call the PRVCA office at 888-303-2887. PRVCA said it’s also a good time  for nonmembers to  join and take advantage of the savings on technician training.

To learn more about the upcoming courses, visit www.PRVCA.org and click on “Training.” To register for the course, call Northampton Community College at 877-543-0998.

 

More Product, Displays Set for PRVCA Show

Exciting things are happening in Hershey, Pa., as the 43rd Annual Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show prepares to roll into the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” according to a news release.

This year’s show, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) is scheduled for Sept. 12-18 with Industry Days on Sept. 12-13 and Public Days Sept. 14-18.

“Block space sales have risen above 2010 totals, and booth space sales have exceeded the 2010 show by a whopping 21% giving the No. 1 reason to attend the show – more product to view. And while there may be more product, there are no lines which allows you to spend quality time with your manufacturer representative – one of Hershey’s best kept secrets,” the release stated.

Show sponsors announced that HGTV will be returning to film “RV 2012.” The show will premier on New Year’s Day and feature the latest RV technology and accessories.

The show also offers a valuable education lineup. Offering inclusive, timely and affordable educational seminars ($20 for the entire education package), the education program has seminars that will help businesses grow and move forward in today’s economy. Many of the seminars also contain continuing education credits for dealers and campgrounds alike.

For dealers:

* Start your week off with Terry Cooper as he discusses how to get RV technicians training without leaving your dealership. Walter Cannon from the RV Safety and Education Foundation will be on the grounds to provide better understanding of how to match trucks to trailers and learn about weight and tire safety. Learn about the “Attitude of Troubleshooting and Packaging the Service Department” with “RV Doctor” Gary Bunzer.

For campgrounds:

* Bill Garpow from he Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) will discuss how park trailers can fatten your bottom line.

Other speakers include Grayson Schwepfinger, speaking on how to make more sales by gaining trust from your customer, and Bernie Jwaszewski providing tips on how social networking can help your business.

This year’s show features luncheons that will prove valuable to every aspect of the RV industry:

* Randy Sobel takes the stage on Monday with “Hiring Top Performers.” Learn how to re-build your business with a better foundation.

* Tuesday’s luncheon features Scott McKain who will give you insight on how to make your company stand out in a crowd. Registration for these events include lunch.

* After Scott’s message, don’t miss your chance to meet football hall of fame quarterback Jim Kelly. Autographed footballs, photos and mini-helmets will be available for purchase.

The free Industry Party held Sept. 12 will be at the park with thrilling rides, hors d’oeuvres, cold beer and wine, and music by Copper Sky. The event ends at 6 p.m. giving attendees more time to spend networking after the show or relaxing in Chocolatetown, USA.

Date Set for RV Tech Distance Learning Class

The next RV Technician Distance Learning Class at Northampton Community College in partnership with the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) is set to begin May 23.

RV Air Conditioners (BETA 6015) will run from May 23 through June 26. Tuition for the class is $325. RV Absorption Refrigerators (BETA 6016) will begin July 11 and run through August 14. The tuition is $270.

Not only will technicians who are new to the industry get a thorough understanding of air conditioner and absorption refrigerators, experienced technicians can take the course as a refresher and earn credit hours toward RVIA/RVDA recertification.

PRVCA is running a special offer for all employees of PRVCA members for the 2010-2011 semesters. Upon successful completion of a NCC distance learning course, students will receive a 50% reimbursement on tuition. For more information on the special offer, contact the PRVCA office at 888.303.2887.

To learn more about the upcoming courses, visit www.PRVCA.org and click on “Training.” To register for the course, call Northampton Community College at 877.543.0998.

2011 Pennsylvania Camping Guide Published

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) has released its 2011 “Explore Pennsylvania” guide. The directory and consumer magazine features 52 pages of RV and camping tips, according to a news release.

The publication spotlights 10 Pennsylvania destinations to explore with an RV, plus tips about tire care, green RVing and affordable RVing. Information about America’s largest RV show, held each fall in Hershey, Pa., is also included.

This guide contains a PRVCA membership directory connecting readers to campgrounds, dealers, suppliers, manufacturers and other services. The listings contain contact information and a brief description of available products and services. The dealerships and campgrounds are listed in five geographic regions for conveniently locating an RV dealer or campground. Manufacturers, services, suppliers and after market dealers are listed alphabetically by category. The guide also includes a schedule of attractions and events in each geographic area.

The magazine is available online by visiting prvca.org and then selecting “Explore PA Magazine.” To receive a free printed edition call the PRVCA office at (888) 303-2887.

« Previous Page — Next Page »