RVIA recently went into more detail on the events of the upcoming 2017 National RV Trade Show, which includes the debut of the Top Tech Challenge, the inaugural RV Industry Awards, the recognition of those leaders 40 Under 40 during the annual Outlook 2018, and more.
The show also will feature Supplier Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. The event is designed for RV manufacturer product managers and purchasing agents to meet with current suppliers while setting appointments and developing relationships with new suppliers at the show.
“RVIA is committed to supporting growth and collaboration within the RV industry,” said Liz Crawford, RVIA senior VP of trade shows and events. “We’ve designed Supplier Day to highlight the crucial role that suppliers play in the RV Industry.”
The show will feature over 275 trade show supplier booths. Suppliers will be showcasing new products while offering event specials to OEMs and RV dealers.
“After an industry-wide survey conducted this past year, it was apparent that the community was looking for more opportunities to deliver value and engage with industry peers, network with thought leaders, grow their skills and celebrate the industry,” said Liz Crawford, RVIA senior VP of trade shows and events. “We listened to these requests and have added world-class programming to this year’s line-up. As a result, the 2017 annual gathering is shaping up to be the best in recent years.”
The first annual Top Tech Challenge, sponsored by Airxcel, Dometic, LCI, and Thetford, pits experienced RV service techs against each other. Besides being crowned RIVA’s Top Tech, the winner of the challenge will be presented with a $10,000 grand prize. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27.
“This competition and opportunity to support the skills of RV technicians, is vitally important to the health and growth of the RV industry,” said Jeff Rutherford, event sponsor and president and CEO of Airxcel. “Mechanics and technicians keep RV’s on the road and traveler’s safe while they comfortably explore the country.”
The traditional Outlook 2018 breakfast, which provides an opportunity for RVIA leadership to share key insights on the trends poised to impact the industry in 2018 will launch the industry’s annual gathering. The meeting from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, will highlight the state of the industry and overview the Go RVing initiatives that are boosting consumer interest and sales.
Keynoting the Outlook 2018 breakfast is New York Times bestselling author Jeremy Gutsche.
“RVIA would like to extend a special thank you to our industry partners and brands that have helped make all these informative and fun events possible,” said Crawford. “The show is experiencing a revitalization and thanks to our generous event sponsors, we have been able to add programing and shape this year’s show into an industry gathering that not only serves as a platform to conduct industry business, but supports learning and allows for recognition and celebration of the industry.”
The new 40 Under 40 Awards, designed to recognize current and future leaders in the RV industry, is set to debut at this year’s gathering. Candidates were selected by their peers and represent the best of the best in the RV manufacturer, dealer, supplier, campground or media company. The freshman class will be honored at the Outlook 2018 breakfast session.
The inaugural RV Industry Awards will bring the RV Industry together for an evening of recognition and celebration. The event will honor the companies, people and vehicles that have showcased the RV Industry’s dynamic, innovative, inspirational and customer service focused businesses.
The networking will continue after the RV Industry Awards from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the “RVIA Rock n’ Roll Celebration” at Fourth Street Live.
For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Paul Semple at 916-880-5225.
