Ingrassia: What to Expect at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo
Phil Ingrassia
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following column was written by Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA). It was originally published in the October issue of RV Executive Today and is reprinted here with permission.
With strong dealer and exhibitor advance registrations, RVDA is gearing up for its major in person event of the year next month, the RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The RVDA U.S. Board and the Convention Expo/Committee, along with our partners at RVDA of Canada, continue to work hard to make the convention a valuable experience for all dealers – regardless of business model, number of locations, or annual sales volume.
A full schedule of events is a www.rvda.org/convention, but here are some highlights of convention enhancements awaiting attendees next month:
Dealer-Manufacturer Partners in Progress (PIP) meetings now listed in Dealer/GM workshop track. One of the major takeaways from attendee surveys in 2021 was the desire for networking. Some attendees said meeting with fellow dealers and top manufacturing executives during the PIP meetings is one of the main reasons they attend the convention, so these sessions have been expanded and incorporated into the Dealer/GM track to raise their visibility.
Vendor Training +Plus sessions now on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With higher sales, F&I, and service volumes, and the related systems needed to manage this growth, running a dealership has never been more complex. Vendor Training +Plus Sessions will now be held throughout the convention to allow dealers and vendors to take a deeper dive into a variety of dealership management, marketing, and product solutions.
RVDA Leadership Roundtable sessions replace Young RV Executives Program. The RV industry has experienced tremendous growth not only in total annual sales, but in the number of people employed at RV dealerships. This means the ranks of management have increased and with that the need for these new leaders to acquire additional skills. The RVDA Leadership Roundtable identifies special sessions of interest to up-and-coming managers, or experienced managers looking to improve their ability to lead their departments.
Super Sessions, Panels, and “Micro” Workshops. Continuing education remains a central part of the RVDA Convention/Expo experience, and the Convention/Expo Committee recognizes that different topics require different formats. Throughout the schedule, there are a number of super sessions covering leadership, fixed operations, and other topics. Several panels, including the popular Super Lawyers Session, will provide a variety of opinions on industry topics. There are also new 45-minute sessions, providing a concentrated look at marketing, HR, and other topics.
“After Hours” Events – In line with the desire for networking, there are several opportunities to meet with industry friends in the evening. On Tuesday evening, following the big reception in the Expo, RV Pro will host its second annual 40 Under 40 award reception. The RVBusiness Top 50 Dealer reception has become a fixture at the convention on Wednesday night. After a packed week of events, Thursday evening, attendees can enjoy Las Vegas nightlife, which is back in full swing following the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
I urge you to plan ahead using the RVDA Convention/Expo website schedule and bring additional folks from the dealership so you can get the full experience. Keep an eye on your email for updates . . . and I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
Source: https://rvbusiness.com/ingrassia-what-to-expect-at-the-rv-dealers-convention-expo/
