RVwest’s Amie Lubbers attends 52nd Annual RVIA Show in Louisville, Kentucky

Exhibitors and attendees celebrated the bright future of the RV industry at the 52nd annual RVIA Show held every year in Louisville Kentucky. This year the show was from Dec 2 - 4, 2014 where everything "RV" was in one place showcasing the very best products and accessories for the RV industry in 2015. Dealers from across the USA and Canada placed their orders with a wide range of units to fill their showrooms in preparation for the 2015 season.

Canada Night Awards Dinner

On the evening of Dec 1 RVDA of Canada hosted the annual Canada Award Night Dinner where attendees were treated to an exciting speech from guest speaker Jon Montgomery, winner of the GOLD medal for men's Skelton at the 2010 Olympics and host of the Amazing Race Canada. Mr. Montgomery spoke about the importance of setting goals and how to achieve them to catapult yourself to victory. He talked about Self-Efficacy and the secrets that helped him achieve the confidence to follow his dreams and how we can apply these strategies to our own goals and ambitions.

Gerard Dufrense of Caravanes de la Petite Nation in Gatineau, QC was the recipient of the prestigious Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award. RVDA press release noted, “Dufresne has been in the RV industry for over 20 years. During his career, he has demonstrated discipline and an attention for work well done. He has always been able to evolve at the industry’s pace and make adjustments year after year. This has enabled him to adapt his products in order to position his company among the best.”

Positive Outlook for 2015

Everyone was up beat and positive about the growth and outlook for the RV industry in years to come. RVIA President Richard Coon expects RV ownership to continue grow as more and more people learn how RVing is a cost-effective and fun way to spend time outdoors with family and friends. The RV industry’s shipments will total 361,400 units in 2015, a 3.9% increase above the projected 2014 total of 348,000, RVIA President Richard Coon announced at “Outlook 2015: Good Things Ahead,” the kickoff event to the association’s 52nd National RV Trade Show. “This is a great time to be part of the RV industry,” Coon told attendees during his presentation. “We’ve recovered from the recession with five consecutive years of growth, and we’re going to make it six in a row in 2015.” The foretasted total for 2015 is more than double the industry’s 2009 recession low, and results from innovative RV designs, a deep-seated preference of consumers for the RV lifestyle, and an improving economy. “Key economic indicators have been shifting in the right direction for the RV industry,” Coon said. “There’s still room for improvement in consumer confidence, wages and employment, and home sales, but the economy is strengthening in important ways for our continued growth.”

RVIA forecasts growth in every product segment of the RV market in 2015. Gains are expected to be strongest among conventional travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers. Shipments of towable RVs will rise to 315,200 units in 2015, an increase of 4.1%, with motor home shipments growing 2.0% to reach 46,200 units in 2015.

284 Manufacturers and Suppliers Showcase

Total attendance at the RVIA Show was 7525, including international delegates from Europe, Asia, Australia & South America who are looking to mirror the North American RV Industry because of it's success as they are wanting to encourage their residents to embrace the outdoor lifestyle. Over 750,000 sq ft of floor and exhibition space showcased 57 RV manufacturers and 227 suppliers to the industry. The RV Suppliers brought with them the latest in technological advancements to bring the amenities of home to your Travel Home.These products ranged from back-up cameras, satellite dishes, flat screen RV TVs, instant hot water tanks and products designed to make your camping season fun, relaxing and comfortable.

There were more then 900 RVs on display, when stacked on top of each other they would be taller then the Grand Canyon is deep! This showcased everything from travel trailers, 5th wheel, truck campers to luxurious motor homes. One example of the cool products on display was the Winnebago Brave. You could sense and feel the nostalgic flare this retro design brought back to the industry since it's first debut in 1967. The Winnebago Brave/Tribute was just named RVB's "RV OF the Year". 

Biggest Trends

The biggest trend manufacturers are seeing and working to accommodate is the shift toward more light weight, compact units that maximize the space and are easy on the gas mileage. Consumers also want more features on the outside of the unit such as outdoor kitchens and TV's to maximize the outdoor living experience. 

There is a shift in demographics for the RV industry, once mainly dominated by retirees RVing is becoming more and more popular with younger families. They want to connect with their kids while they are still young and RVing allows them to unplug and enjoy quality family time and discover the beauty of their own back yard or some other newly discovered landscape. People are discovering RVing is an extremely affordable activity the whole family can enjoy.

Recent Statistics for Canada (source Toronto Star)

• $14.5 billion (approx.) generated by the Canadian RV industry in 2011 (most recent data available)
• $3.1 billion spent at RV retailers (sales and services)
• $1.4 billion spent on RV storage, insurance and accessories
• $7 billion spent on goods and services by RV owners on the road
• $3 billion (approx.) in taxes generated in the Canadian RV industry
• 98,800 jobs associated with RV-related businesses in Canada
• more than 1 million RVs are on the road in Canada
• 67% of RVs are owned by people under the age of 55
• 40% of RV families have children
• 14% of Canadian households own an RV
• 90% of RV owners say it’s the best way to see the country
• 90% of Canadian RVs are towed and 10 per cent are motorized

My Louisville Experience

This was such an eye opening experience. The venue was so much larger then I imagined. In quoting Derald Bontrager, chairman of the RVIA, "The innovation and imagination on display is nothing short of amazing. Equally outstanding are the deals brokered and relationships formed in the exhibit halls and after parties." I have to agree. The networking opportunities the show provided and the relationships I was able to build are paramount to my personal growth and business development.

After many recommendations I took in GE Capital Solutions after party they hosted at the Seelbach Hotel, a historic icon in downtown Louisville. The ornate features of this beautiful hotel are definitely something to check out. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Redmond, founder of Bucars RV in Calgary and his sons Jeff & Kyle Redmond (past president of the RVDA of Alberta and past chairman of the RVDA of Canada). I was definitely feeling a little out of my league and these gentlemen graciously took me under their wings and showed me how down to earth professionals in this industry are.

I also attended the annual “All-Industry Extravaganza” at the Markers Mark Bourbon House & Lounge. Guest's feasted an array of hors d'oeuvres including the fabulously delicious bourbon balls (chocolate covered bourbon) and treated to a lively performance by the Louisville Bag Pipe Band's Amazing Grace Bagpipe salute. Derald Bontrager was correct in the relationships formed at the after parties are nothing short of amazing!

There were many more functions you could attend, these two I definitely recommend anyone attending future RVIA Shows, you will not be disappointed! I would like to send out a huge thank you to the RVIA, GE Capital Solutions and the Redmond boys for making my Louisville experience one to remember!

About Louisville:
      
         95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky
         The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi-style sternwheeler steamboat in existence- She turned 100 years old in 2014!
         There are 2500 restaurants in Louisville
         The largest collection of Victorian homes in the United States and the 3rd largest historically preserved district in the United States is located in Old Louisville
         Tourism is the 3rd largest service industry
         Tourism generates $200 million in state and local taxes annually Economic impact of direct visitor spending

Top attractions include: The Bell OF Louisville, Louisville Park System, Muhannad Ali Center, Historic Louisville Homes, Fourth Street Live, St James Court, Churchill Downs (Home of the Kentucky Derby), Louisville Slugger Museum, Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Bardstown Road, Louisville Zoo & Speed Art Museum