“Networking, Educational, And Fun”: Why Industry Members Are Attending The Annual RV Aftermarket Conference And Why You Should, Too

Mark your calendars! The RV Industry Association's annual RV Aftermarket Conference will be held in-person, August 9-12 at the Embassy Suites at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The event, which is the 50th Anniversary of the conference, is open to all RV Industry Association members.

During the event suppliers and distributors meet in one-on-one "appointment sessions" to pitch new products while taking advantage of key networking opportunities. In addition to networking with colleagues with a proven track record in the industry, attendees will hear from thought-leaders on the state of the RV industry. The event is the perfect opportunity to develop strategies for expanding the market segment and discuss opportunities for future growth. Additionally, the conference focuses on supporting a great parts and accessory purchasing experience that will benefit supply chain members and the RV consumer.

We asked a few of our members for their thoughts on the conference. Their response? They’re attending, and you should too!

“For us at Northern Wholesale Supply, the RV Industry Association’s Aftermarket Conference is a great opportunity to meet with over 50 of our top suppliers to discuss the year just past and the ones ahead within the span of three days, saving both us and the suppliers the time and investment of meeting outside of the event,” said Steve Johnson, a Buyer at Northern Wholesale Supply. “The Conference is also a wonderful venue for networking with others including suppliers, other distributors, RV Industry Association staff, and agents to discuss the state of the industry, and learn how we can work together to keep it moving forward. There is also plenty of time in the evenings for socializing and relationship building as well. If you are serious about the RV aftermarket, this event is a must to attend.”

“Airxcel and its portfolio of brands have attended the Aftermarket Conference for many years,” added Piar Adams, the Vice President of Marketing, Aftermarket & International Sales for Airxcel, Inc. “There is no other forum where we can meet so many wholesale distributor partners and have productive, meaningful in-person meetings.  The event also provides many great networking opportunities with customers and industry peers.”

Robert Brammer, President of Stromberg Carlson Products, Inc., agrees: “This is the one stop for networking, building your brand and doing final checks with all your customers before the next season takes control.” 

“The RV Aftermarket Conference provides me with access to distributors and their perspective on the state of the industry I can’t find anywhere else," added Mary Pouliot, the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Thetford Corporation. "During the conference I am able to spend quality time with key customers and have strategic planning discussions. The RV Aftermarket conference is efficient and productive.” 

“I first attended the Aftermarket Conference in 1985 and last year was the first one I have missed since that time [due to cancellation of the event because of COVID],” said Tom Manning, the President of AP Products and Tom Manning & Associates. “With so many industry peers sharing the same facility for three days, something positive is going to happen. It’s networking, educational, and fun. Trust me, there have been many years I was reluctant to go due to my busy schedule. However, I can honestly say each and every conference was well worth the time and energy, and I am always glad I went.”Click here for more information and to register for the 2021 RV Aftermarket Conference.