RV Aftermarket Gathers In San Antonio To Further Segment And Build Consumer Marketing Strategies

Last week, RV aftermarket suppliers, distributors, manufacturer’s reps, dealers, industry publications, State Associations, and Industry Associations gathered in San Antonio, Texas for the 2022 RV Aftermarket Conference. The event featured nearly 2,000 individual meetings between segment leaders in a speed-dating format, where companies in the aftermarket segment use the time to network and discuss current and new products and services, and develop strategies for expanding their business in the coming year.

The conference’s goal? Support a great parts and accessory purchasing experience for the millions of RV consumers by working together to market and promote great RV aftermarket products and improve the RV aftermarket supply chain.

Beyond the business meetings, the Conference featured the RV Aftermarket Awards, recognizing high achieving individuals, suppliers, distributors, rep groups, and products. This year, the awards program also debuted two new awards, one recognizing the Rep Group of the Year and a second special award from the Aftermarket Committee Chair.

During day 2, the Conference featured marketing consultant and best-selling author of Duct Tape Marketing, John Jantsch. Jantsch shared ideas on the changing landscape of buying behavior, particularly in GenX and Millennial markets, during a lunch presentation. He then moderated an afternoon workshop on essential trends and practices in direct-to-consumer marketing. The workshop covered the following categories with relevant tools and examples for execution:

• Brand Affinity: Building a story around your business and products
• Customer Relationship: Capturing 1st party data, personalizing a customer journey, and product development
• Attraction: Micro-influencers, SEO, and Customer-Generated Content
• Social Selling: Social listening, sales outreach, and brand ambassadors
• Loyalty: Repeat customers, subscriptions, product extensions, and post-sales content

Also featured on day 2 was a special session about the Repair Event Cycle Time and an update on technician training from the RV Technical Institute. Garry Enyart, former Director of RV Business with Cummins, Inc., and Curt Hemmeler, Executive Director of the RV Technical Institute, led the session covering how aftermarket parts & accessories bridge the gap between repair events and positive RV experiences.

The Aftermarket Conference wouldn’t be possible without the support of title event sponsors AP Products, GE Appliances and Stromberg Carlson. Also supporting the event through sponsorships were ADCO Products, Airxcel, American Technology Components, ASA Electronics, BAL, Blue Ox Products, Creative Products Group, Mor-ryde International, RV Business Magazine, Pace International, Samlex America, Southwire Company, Thetford, Valterra Products, Walex Products Company, WFCO Electronics, and Wiper Technologies.

Want to join the industry for the 2023 RV Aftermarket Conference? To get your access, you must be a member of the RV Industry Association. So, check your membership and mark your calendars for August 7-10 in San Diego, California!