RV Aftermarket Committee Chair Piar Adams Reflects With Members

As the RV industry readies for the eagerly awaited RVX, Aftermarket Committee Co-Chairman Piar Adams took a moment to reflect on the positive impacts that have transpired since joining forces with the RV Industry Association just a year and a half ago.

Noting that there is still ample opportunity for aftermarket members on the horizon and the benefits the aftermarket sector provides beyond the annual RV Aftermarket Conference, Adams encapsulated his thoughts to his peers in a letter earlier this week highlighting some of the accomplishments, which are summarized below:

• Hosting our first RV Aftermarket Conference this past August with RVIA. The exit survey showed high levels of satisfaction for the event! We worked with RVIA to create an improved format for the individual business meetings that take place, offered insightful presentations and provided fun, interactive networking opportunities. I assure you, every bit of feedback was heard by RVIA, and that input is being addressed in the planning of the Conference set for August 12-15, 2019 in Denver.
• Conducted groundbreaking new research into the aftermarket segment. The first-of-its-kind study examined RVers’ experiences and thoughts about purchasing aftermarket parts and accessories, including what are the most popular outlets to purchase parts and accessories, a look at the in-store versus online buying experience, the most important elements of the buying experience and overall satisfaction with the buying experience. That research will be expanded and refreshed in time for our August event.
• Created “The Aftermarket Experience” to showcase the aftermarket industry at RVX. This exciting exhibit will feature a 2019 Thor Crossroads Volante 5th wheel showcasing the latest and most innovative products in the aftermarket segment. Dealers attending RVX will be able to tour the display to check out the added amenities and gather ideas on how to merchandise an OEM unit to showcase products and create additional revenue in their stores. Never has the aftermarket been so prominently featured at a national RV show – kudos to the many aftermarket partners who’ve spearheaded and supported this awesome initiative. There are real possibilities to expand this type of promotion into other industry, association and Go RVing events.
• Formed the RV Aftermarket Committee. This new, standing committee, has the same powers as all other committees and reports directly to the RVIA Board of Directors. The RVIA staff works for its members – if we need to get things accomplished this committee has the power within RVIA to dedicate resources – resources far more expansive than in our previous stand-alone position. Without this committee and the important voice we have within RVIA, the research and “The Aftermarket Experience” would not exist.

“As we navigate our second year of being part of the RV Industry Association, I hope you take a minute to consider what we’ve accomplished in a short period of time,” said Adams. “Further, I hope you agree with me that joining this Association was the right decision then and remains the right decision now. The RV Industry Association team has done everything they said they would – and the aftermarket is now much better represented throughout the industry.”

“We are no longer “just a conference” through this partnership,” Adams continues. “This past year-and-a-half has provided a glimpse of what we can do with the resources and staff of a larger national association – and there is much opportunity on the horizon.”