ORLANDO – The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) convention got underway today at the Renaissance Hotel Orlando at Sea World with FRVTA Executive Director Dave Kelly welcoming those in attendance, introducing his staff and thanking sponsors.
Kelly then introduced Harold Oehler, of Oehler Mediation, who presented a sequel to last year’s popular mock trial event. This year, “The Dealership Strikes Back” mock trial showed what happens when the dealership does everything right.
Prior to the convention opening, Kelly told RVBusiness that attendance is down a bit from last year.
“We kind of expected it the way things are, but we had a great reception last night and we have a good room full of people this morning for our general session.” he said. “People come to have a great time. They get a lot of useful information.”
He said travel and conventions can get put on the back burner for a lot of businesses during slower economic times.
“It’s the election year. It’s interest rates. We’re hoping that if they drop the rates maybe that will start spurring things,” Kelly said. “Someone said the biggest fear people have is uncertainty. Right now, we’re uncertain who’s going to be the president, we’re uncertain about the market, we’re uncertain about the economy.”
But regarding the conference he said, “We have some great speakers and great breakouts, and I think the people that are here are really going to enjoy it and get something out of it.”
On tap following Oehler’s presentation were updates from all facets of the RV industry including RV Dealers Association President Phil Ingrassia, RV Industry Association Vice President of Government Affairs Jason Rano, RV Technical Institute Executive Directory Curt Hemmeler and Florida RV Park and Campground Association President Bobby Cornwell.
Event sponsors are:
- Bronze – General RV, Keller Marine, Thor Motor Coach, Highstreet Williams and Stazzone Insurance
- Silver – FRVTA Region 1, FRVTA Region 3, M&T Bank
- Gold – Brown & Brown Dealer Services, FRVTA Region 7, Grand Design, Jayco, New Frontier Products, NTP-Stagg, Wells Fargo
- Platinum – Bank of America, Forest River, FRVTA Region 6
RVBusiness will have full coverage of the annual FRVTA conference on Monday.
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