1998 Pennsylvania RV Show To Be Largest Ever

Rebecca Lenington, executive vice president of Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), said. "This show is growing at a phenomenal rate. We keep expanding as more space becomes available through the Harrisburg (PA) FarmShow building renovation program. As more and more families are choosing RVing as their vacation lifestyle, the public days of the show just keep getting bigger and bigger crowds."

Larry Mellot, show committee chairman of the PRVCA, said "We are celebrating the 30th anniversary of this show and the continued growth of the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show is astounding. This year's show, the largest ever, will be over 660,000 square feet with over 14 acres under roof."

The increase totaled over 35,000 square feet purchased by exhibitors. Manufacturers are on a waiting list for space, and supplier space is presently being sold on a first-come first-served basis.

The show opens its doors for Trade Days on Tuesday, September 8th with a variety of exhibits, seminars, and information. The show is open to dealers, campground owners, lenders, service/repair companies and the press. Industry credentials are required. Admission is by show badge.

A "Supplier Open House" in the Supplier Showcase will be celebrating the culmination of a twelve year project to enhance the sale of RV accessories by showing retailers the proper merchandising techniques. The largest display in history will be zeroing in on the superior presentation of products and services. The open house will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the large arena. The event will feature grilled bratwurst, cheese and ice cold beer plus comedy team Mad Dog & Merrill.

The PRVCA Annual "Red Carpet Breakfast" will be held at the Harrisburg Marriott Hotel Ballroom at 7:30 am on Wednesday, September 9th. The whole industry is invited to hear the keynote speaker, Joe Theismann who played 12 seasons for the NFL Washington Redskins and is currently an ESPN expert analyst of all the Sunday night nationally televised NFL games. Admission to this breakfast is by show badge, but advance registration is required.

As a PRVCA PAC fund raising event, Theismann will autograph twelve footballs to be auctioned to the highest bidders in a blind auction.

PRVCA president, John Roba, invites everyone to the industry party Wednesday evening at the Harrisburg Marriott Ballroom starting at 7:00pm. Entertainment will be provided by ventriloquist/ comedian Dan Horn and a comedy/magic act, Kohl & Co. Admission is by show badge.

In addition to the social events, the show offers a variety of educational opportunities.

A special seminar on merchandising for RV retailers and wholesaler will be held on Tuesday, September 8th from 12 noon to 2:30 pm presented by Greg Russell of Progressive Sales, Inc., entitled Modern Merchandising Methods for the RV Dealer.

The seminar fee is $25 and covers the seminar, materials, and box lunch. Advance registration is required.

The University of Idaho's Life On Wheels extension program will be offered again in Harrisburg September 7-10,1998. This program's focus is to educate those interested in the RV lifestyle, the technical aspects of RVs and RV lifestyle enhancement techniques. The Life on Wheels program offers over 30 classes taught by leading experts in the RV and camping industry.

Bill Garpow, executive director of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA) will be a speaker. Garpow will be featured during both Trade and Public Days of the show.

His topic for his Trade Days seminar, "America's Park Trailer" will cover who the Park Trailer Customer is, what is known about them and what they are looking for. He will present the latest industry research and statistics. His seminar entitled "America's Park Trailer .. the Best Kept Camping Secret" will be presented during Public Days.

RVN