RVTAA/NRVIA Expo Trains Over 450 RV Techs, Inspectors – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News

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ATHENS, Texas – The RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) and National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA) 2023 Expo concluded Oct. 6 with more than 450 RV technicians and inspectors attending 18 virtual sessions.

“I was very pleased with the level of attendance and how engaged our technicians and inspectors were with the material being presented,” said Gilda Mitchell, director of membership for the NRVIA and the RVTAA.

“Those participants who completed all 18 sessions earned 27 continuing education credits toward maintaining their certifications with the associations,” she added. “Any technicians and inspectors who were not able to view the virtual presentations can still listen to recordings of each session in order to receive the credits.”

This year’s presenters and topics of instruction included:

Mike Dickey, HVAC training and rally coordinator for Coleman-Mach and Maxxair, addressed 48-volt rooftop air conditioning units.
Mike O’Neil, Spartan RV Chassis technical trainer, spoke about air systems and brakes.
Jeff Hostetler, with Tom Manning & Associates, discussed AP Products and Bauer Locks.
Suzie Wallace, with HomeGauge, discussed a system to improve customer onboarding.
Brad Siedschlag, owner of Aladdin Certified RV Inspections, described ways to improve customer service with RV dealerships.
Art Horton, with Quality RV Inspections, offered insight regarding the importance of fluid analysis to evaluate the condition of motorhome engines and transmissions as well as generator systems.
Rich Scott, brand manager for Henderson’s Line Up/Super Steer, taught participants how to attract customers and close deals.
Tony Flammia, marketing director for NRVTA, joined Alessia Silvestri, with Foretell Consulting, to show independent business owners how to better market their companies.
Scott Beckman, with Beckman RV Services, discussed the ins-and-outs of using HomeGauge software.
Tommy Henderson, head of research and development for Henderson’s Line Up/Super Steer, provided an introduction to motorhome chassis inspections.
Scott Miller offered an update about changes at Miller Farrell Insurance.
Jeff Hostetler, with Tom Manning & Associates, described new products available from MORryde.
Todd Henson, director of education for NRVTA, discussed propane systems.
Wayne Bennett, a Dometic technician, offered tips for troubleshooting RV refrigerators.
Jeff Hostetler, with Tom Manning & Associates, offered training about Safe-T-Alert products.
Chandler Cooper demonstrated RV testers developed by his company, Skill Above.
Kris Spengler, Suburban service manager, discussed Suburban water heaters.
Chantal Hershberger, a customer service specialist with Truma, offered training about the company’s products.

“Participants found a great deal of value from all the presentations, but were especially appreciative of sessions conducted by other RV inspectors,” said Mitchell. “Leading a session at the NRVTA Expo also helped them because master certified RV inspectors are required to make presentations at a trade event.

“NRVIA and RVTAA are more than just organizations to connect people seeking RV service or inspections with people who can provide that service,” she noted. “The associations also exist to help technicians and inspectors to run more efficient and profitable businesses.

“We strive to provide a constant flow of information from the associations to our members,” Mitchell explained. “Things change so quickly in the RV industry that it is critically important for professionals working in the field to understand what is new and different.”

The 2023 Expo was sponsored by these organizations:

Tom Manning & Associates, a company representing 20 supplier firms which produce or sell components commonly found in RVs.
Miller Farrell Insurance Agency, which provides professional liability coverage for technicians and inspectors.
HomeGauge, which developed inspection-specific software to aid inspectors in completing final reports.
Henderson’s Line-Up, a family-owned company specializing in RV suspensions, steering, braking and towing.

“We really appreciate our sponsors for helping to cover the costs of the 2023 Expo,” said Mitchell. “Because of our sponsor’s financial assistance, association members were able to participate in the continuing education sessions at no cost to them. Non-members were able to take advantage of the four-day training for just $199.

“The sponsors made it very easy for busy RV technicians and inspectors to receive a great deal of information over a relatively short period of time remotely. Everything they learned in the training sessions will help to make their businesses strong, more efficient and profitable,” she added.

Dates for the 2024 NRVTA Expo will be announced next spring.

For more information about becoming a certified professional, inspectors can visit www.nrvia.org, email [email protected] or call (855) 472-9948. RV technicians can visit www.rvtaa.org, email [email protected] or call (903) 386-4466.

Source: https://rvbusiness.com/rvtaa-nrvia-expo-trains-over-450-rv-techs-inspectors/