The 2017 National RV Trade Show, the largest industry gathering of RV manufacturers and their component parts suppliers hosted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), will feature a revamped show schedule filled with new events and features. The show is scheduled to run Nov. 27-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.According to a press release, new programs for this year’s event include the debut of the “Top Tech Challenge”, the inaugural “RV Industry Awards”, and the recognition of new leaders during the “40 Under 40” as part of Outlook 2018, and more. New show highlights have been added as part of a new strategy to reshape the event to ensure the business imperatives of the RVIA members are being met.
“After an industrywide 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 vice president of trade shows and events. “We listened to these requests and have added world-class programming to this year’s lineup. As a result, the 2017 annual gathering is shaping up to be the best in recent years.”
The Top Tech Challenge, sponsored by Airxcel, Dometic, Lippert Components Inc. and Thetford Corp., pits experienced RV service techs against each other to determine the Top Tech of the year. Besides being crowned RIVA’s Top Tech, the winner of the challenge will be presented with a $10,000 grand prize. Opening round and event kickoff will take place on Nov. 27 from 4-6 p.m. with the championship round scheduled for Nov. 29 from 5-6:30 pm.
“This competition and opportunity to support the skills of RV technicians, is vitally important to the health and growth of the RV industry. Mechanics and technicians keep RVs on the road and traveler’s safe while they comfortably explore the country,” said Jeff Rutherford, event sponsor and president and CEO of Airxcel.
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 kick off the industry’s annual gathering. The meeting, which runs Nov. 28 from 7-9 a.m., will highlight the state of the industry and overview the Go RVing initiatives that are boosting consumer interest and sales. Outlook 2018 Breakfast and Program is brought to you by REV Group.
Keynoting the Outlook 2018 breakfast is Jeremy Gutsche., a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning innovation expert and the CEO of Trend Hunter – one of the leading trend firms in the nation. Over 500 brands rely on his innovation keynotes and consulting firm to accelerate innovation and make changes within their businesses, including Disney, Starbucks, Red Bull, Netflix, LEGO, Victoria Secret, Coca-Cola, IBM and Wells Fargo.
“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 RV Industry Awards event 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 industry’s dynamic, innovative, inspirational and customer service focused businesses.
Sponsored by Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) Nov, 29 beginning at 7:00 p.m., the RV Industry Awards program will host RVAA new members and feature awards from RVIA, RVDA and RVBusiness Magazine. Visit RVIA.org for award categories.
In recognition of the recently finalized partnership with the RV Aftermarket Association (RVAA), the National RV Trade Show, will formally welcome the members to the RVIA community at a reception prior to the awards ceremony from 7-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 29.
The networking and fun will continue after the RV Industry Awards at the RVIA Rock n’ Roll Celebration at Fourth Street Live from 9-11 p.m. Celebrate the RV industry and the RV lifestyle with food, drinks, games, prizes and the best cover band in the area, The Crashers. A cash cage stocked with thousands of dollars is up for the grabbing, will add to the festive vibe of the evening.
In addition to a jam-packed schedule of engaging industry events, RV Industry Week features a wide range of RV dealer sales, marketing training, technician training, service training and more.
For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Paul Semple at 916-880-5225.
Attendee registration for the 2017 National RV Trade Show is now open and can be accessed by visiting www.rviashow.org/
