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| The new North Wing was popular with exhibitors and attendees. |
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| Nearly 2,800 manufacturers exhibited the newest RV models at the Louisville show. |
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| Adventurer Barbara Hillary entertained with tales about her trek to the North Pole and unveiled plans to plant a Go RVing flag at the South Pole. |
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| Surprise guest and rock-and-roll legend Chubby Checker energized the crowd with the Go RVing Twist. |
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In spite of the shaky economy a total of 13,694 RV dealers, warehouse distributors, accessory store owners, campground operators and exhibitors attended the RVIA's 2007 National RV Show in Louisville. With RVs and accessories showcased over more than 920,000 sq ft of exhibit space, industry represetatives reported positive sales. The new renovations of the North Wing was also very popular and a huge hit among exhibitors and attendees.
Despite softening consumer confidence and reduced RV sales forecasts for 2007 and 2008, the National RV Trade show was a magnet for media coverage this year. Three major television networks aired live segments from the show floor, and The New York Times sent two reporters. In all, 128 media member from 58 publications attended the Louisville show - up from 91 and 38 in 2006.
The Times article forcused mostly on the high-end of the market, which appeals to the paper's upscale and sophisticated readership. The reporter balanced reporting on luxury products by mentioning products such as SURVs, $6000 "starter" RVs, and how the RV lifestyle creates camaraderie and builds friendships. The article also discussed the trend toward making smaller more fuel efficient motorhomes.
CNBC aired a live interview with Thor COO Dicky Riegel, which included mentions of how RV vacationers typically save money, the diverse array of products available to fit every need and budget, and that people are still purchasing despite high fueld prices. Riegel also discussed sustained growth over the past five years, and provided an optimistic view of the RV industry's future.
FOX Business News did a live report from the show floor and a walk-through of an RV, showcasing the array of new products effectively.
During live and taped interviews with local news stations in 15 markets around the country, RV industry spokesman Brad Herzog described the benefits of RVing for young families with children, and how RV manufacturers cater to consumers with a diverse array of products for every need and budget.
Over 1,200 attendees packed the KEC South Ballroom with record-breaking attendance which helped make Outlook's "Outlook 2008: Starring YOU!" the most successful in the event's history.
Carl Pfalzgraf, RVIA Chairman, hosted the event with featured speeches by Rulon Gardner, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Barbara Hillary, the first black woman to reach the North Pole. U.S. Interior Department Secretary Dirk Kempthorne brought the crowd to its feet with a talk praising the dynamic RV industry.
RVIA President Richard Coon recommended new directions for the RV industry to pursue, including reaching out to overseas markets during the presentation "YOU Have Potential".
Go RVing Coalition Co-Chairmen Don Walter pointed to Go RVing's continued success in boosting consumer interest in RVing - even in the recent tough market. Gary LaBella added, "Go RVing's ad effectiveness stats still speak for themselves. A 52% family awareness rate of Go RVing, and a 36% likelihood of purchase. This is certainly good news in a so-so year."
RVIA Public Relations Committee Chairman B.J. Thompson joined LaBella to offer an entertaining review of recent media coverage and recommendations for marketing strategies based on industry "roadsigns" for the coming year - both favorable and cautionary. Pointing to a favorable sign of what lies ahead.
Attendees were also treated to a surprise performance by rock-and-roll icon Chubby Checker, who had the crowd dancing to "The Go RVing Twist".
Kempthornelauded the RV indutry as "dynamic" and asked the standing-room-only crowd of industry representatives to lead efforts to reconnect Americans to the Great Outdoors. Kempthorne expressed concern about American children's loss of connection to nature and the increased obesity levels that stem from kids' spending to much time indoors playing video games like virtual football and fishing.
Kempthorne praised the RV community's success and achievements, and called on the industry to put its passion and enthusiam to work for the cause of connecting Americans to the outdoors, predicting the result would be "amazing".
The RV industry should be PROUD! 27
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