RV Dealers Convention Offers RV Retailers Opportunity to Learn from Peers RV retailers from across the U.S. and Canada will learn new business strategies and share their own success stories when they attend the 1998 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo, Sept. 24-27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnea-polis, MN. Brad Tarpley of Tarpley's RV in Durango, CO, attended the 1997 Convention/Expo and was impressed with the quality and value of the workshops and peer-exchange roundtables offered. "I came home feeling last year's convention was the best one yet," said Tarpley. "There was a lot about how to create a culture and environment in your dealership that lets you attract not only top people in our industry but also recruit and keep people from other industries." Tom Brown of Manteca Trailer & Camper Inc., in Manteca, CA, agrees. He said, "I went to as many workshops and roundtables as I could get to last year. I find them to be excellent refresher courses." At the RV Dealers University -- or "RVDU" -- RV retailers can choose from an extensive educational curriculum of 70 workshop sessions covering five management tracks -- general operations, sales, finance & insurance (F&I), rentals, and service & aftermarket. This year the Convention/Expo features more than 40 knowledgeable speakers from inside and outside the RV business over the course of the four-day event. Special roundtable and panel discussions led by industry experts give attendees valuable opportunities to interact with other dealers on important issues specific to the RV business. More than 130 exhibitors will display the latest in RV products and technology in the Expo and many will offer product-specific seminars and educational materials right in their booth. RVDA Convention/Expo Committee Chairman Lou Luttrell of Avalon RV in Medina, OH, said, "We're calling the education programs RV Dealers University because the Conven-tion/Expo offers dealers and their top managers a unique opportunity to learn more about all aspects of running an RV dealership -- all in one place. This is truly the one educational event of the year that can help dealers of all sizes improve their business." Convention/Expo attendees will also have a chance to relax and have some fun with their peers. An optional golf tournament to benefit the RVDA Education Foundation is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23. Other optional events include a day at the world-famous Mall of America, dinner and a night of comedy with nationally known comedian Susan Vass, and a cruise down the beautiful St. Croix River that borders Minnesota and Wisconsin. For complete registration information, RV dealers and other retailers can fax their name and address to RVDA at (703) 591-0734 or call RVDA at (703) 591-7130.
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