Editor’s note: The following letter from RV Industry Association President Frank Hugelmeyer is presented in its entirety with only minor, news-style formatting.
Dear RV Industry Association Members:
Today’s consumer is changing, and the next generation of buyer is unlike anything we have seen to date. As we look ahead – and the potential challenges at retail – it’s time we ask ourselves some questions.
What do we know about today’s consumer and what are they looking for in a retail experience? Are we, as an industry doing enough to ensure we capture the growing base of consumers who are eager to embrace the outdoor lifestyle – not our competition? What is our industry’s market development strategy and how prepared are we to bring these consumers to our doorstep?
RVX is the one, all-industry event where these questions will take center stage. The first ever RVX will be held March 12-14, 2019, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and it promises to bring the entire industry together in a venue for learning – where all attendees will hear first-hand what the consumer of the future is looking for, learn how to spot and react to emerging consumer trends, and how together, we can attract new consumers to the lifestyle and convert them into lifelong customers.
All consumers are not all the same, they have different aspirations, interests and needs. The first-ever “Reveal” will unveil our industry’s best new products through nine consumer lifestyle categories designed to reach individual prospects in a more personalized way. From outdoor adventurers, to families, tailgaters and spare-no-expense travelers, The Reveal will excite these clearly defined consumer segments just as they are planning their spring and summer vacations. This event will drive purchasing decisions and market growth.
Go RVing’s research shows that 40 percent of the entire U.S. population’s lifestyle and leisure preferences fit the RV lifestyle. In fact, some 40 million American consumers have investigated purchasing an RV or have visited a showroom or dealership. As we better connect our industry’s products to the core lifestyle choices of outdoor enthusiasts, we have an opportunity to convert them into sales by connecting their lifestyle choices to the opportunities RVing provides.
Go RVing will use RVX to launch a multi-million-dollar media campaign that will highlight our industry and the new products unveiled at the event. This “Kickoff to Camping Season” is an unprecedented national media push for Go RVing, and it is all about building consumer awareness throughout the spring and summer and driving new consumers to our dealer partners.
The opportunities that this groundbreaking platform provides can’t be missed. Are you ready to embrace the changing landscape and turn potential into future sales? RVX is the time and place to start that journey together.
See you in Salt Lake City.
Sincerely,
Frank Hugelmeyer
President, RV Industry Association
