RVIA Offers Wrap Up of Leadership Conference in Phoenix – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The 2025 Leadership Conference wrapped last week in Phoenix, and between record attendance, an abundance of networking and engaging presentations from a variety of people— the Conference was considered a resounding success, according to a report on the RV Industry Association (RVIA) News and Insights Page.
The conference featured keynote addresses and panels, impactful networking, and leadership development. The conference sessions and panels nurture talent, foster a deeper understanding of critical industry issues, and offer opportunities to connect with the next generation of leaders in the RV industry.
There was even a friendly putt-putt competition that involved donating food to a local food bank. Because networking that involves doing good is the best kind of networking!
The Leadership Conference also received positive coverage from RVBusiness, including:
- Record Turnout Marks ‘Fantastic’ RV Industry Association Leadership Conference: The 2025 RVIA Leadership Conference in Phoenix drew record attendance, fostering crucial networking. President Kirby emphasized industry unity amidst challenges, citing joint board meetings with RVDA. Key sessions included David Epstein’s insights on diverse expertise, a CEO panel on leadership, and policy discussions moderated by RV Industry Association Vice President of Government Affairs Jason Rano.
- Workshops covered market analysis by Bernd Loher of Germany and Stuart Lamont of Australia, and “Decoding the American RV Owner.” Attendees praised government affairs updates, while others highlighted the value of intimate networking and diverse speaker content, such as the horseback riding social event.
- RV Industry Association Advocacy Efforts Paying Off Amid Partisan Politics: Given the current political climate, advocacy efforts on behalf of the RV industry can best be described as quiet discussions in the hallways – and that strategy is beginning to pay off, according to the men and women who lobby on behalf of the RV industry and the greater outdoor recreation arena.
- RV Industry Association Panel Discussion: RV Industry will ‘Survive & Thrive’. “Despite the challenging and uncertain times at the moment, the RV industry will “survive and thrive,” said Forest River CEO Doug Gaeddert. Moderated by Association President and CEO Craig Kirby, this panel covered a broad range of topics, including each panelist’s leadership style and the influences that shaped that style, their company’s culture, challenges facing the industry, and advice they would offer others.
- Kropf, Pouliot, Lippert Honored with RV Leadership Awards: Now in its second year, the RVBusiness Leadership Awards look to recognize those companies and individuals that have excelled in providing exceptional contributions to the greater good of the RV industry. Trevor Kropf, Mary Pouliot, and Lippert Components Inc. were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
