Eastern RV Trade Shows Recap & Discussion
Join Us As We review A Few Popular East Coast RV Shows Headed Our Way This Year, Where To Go To Find The Latest Vehicle Releases And To Receive Show Discount Prices
In 2018, the New Year will see east coast recreational vehicle shows of interest to folks wanting to upgrade their recreational vehicles and where wanna-be RV'ers interested in discovering what is available can learn about the RV'ing world. Nationwide, RV shows are held year 'round. They offer opportunities to investigate the wide varieties of RV makes and models available. If you are interested in learning about RV living and camping activities, these are the shows that provide good information. At some shows, RV models are offered at show discount prices, often with on-the-spot financing. Other items showcased include RV accessories, tow vehicles and many other items and information of interest designed for great family RV fun. January East Coast shows of interest include two Georgia expositions: the Greater Atlanta RV Show, Jan. 5-7, and the largest “all-indoor” RV show in the state, the Atlanta Camping and RV Show, Jan. 26-28, while the “The largest RV Show in the country,” will be Tampa's 2018 Florida Super RV Show, scheduled for Jan. 16-21 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
The Greater Atlanta RV Show is one that has already occurred the first weekend of January. It showcased 150 top RV manufacturer makes and models while also offering daily seminars about RV'ing and family fun. Some of that fun included appearances by Marvel's “Super Characters.” Slated for Atlanta's Georgia International Convention Center, (GICC), this RV show featured a series of RV seminars geared both for veteran RV'ers, and those interested in becoming RV'ers. The seminar series was hosted by experienced RV enthusiasts Howard and Linda Payne of RV-Dreams.com. The topics covered: “Buying an RV–Choosing What's Right for You,” “Thinking About Full-time RV'ing,” “Working on the Road” and “Preparing to Full-time.”
Andrea Smalls, GICC director of event operations calls this a “RV show for RV enthusiasts.” She reports this showcase has offered “seminars, features and entertainment (that) set the show apart from all others in the state.” 150 of the latest RV makes and models from top national manufacturers were displayed in case you missed. Special factory discounts offered, along with “on-the-spot” financing for buyers. In addition, showcased at the show was what GICC's Smalls calls a “huge parts and accessories exhibit,” together with information about campgrounds and RV resorts; tow vehicles, “and everything needed for RV vacationing.”
Open “rain, shine, hail or snow,” this Georgia showcase was Friday and Saturday, Jan. 5-6, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday hours are usually shorter. Ticket prices normally $10 per person. Children can enter without charge. Parking cost is another $10. The only pets allowed are service dogs. Good Sam Club members automatically receive 50% ticket discounts for up to two persons with proof of active membership. For more information on this Atlanta show, visit www.gicc.com. And if you liked what you heard, be sure to travel to Georgia for this show next year!
Hardman Productions of Duluth, Ga., has charge of the Atlanta Camping and RV Show at the Atlanta Exposition Center South, 38850 Jonesboro Rd., S.E., located not far from Atlanta's international airport. This show will run from Friday to Sunday, Jan. 26-28. This showcase, which began in 1975, has grown to be one of the biggest combined RV dealer shows in the Southeast with nine of Atlanta's largest RV dealers being on site. All makes and models for outdoor camping and RV'ing will be represented, along with more than 80 exhibitors to provide information on ideas as well as deals, for short and long-term travel. Camping and RV resort destinations will be represented as will be outdoor adventure clubs. RV service companies will be there with RV accessories on display. The hours will be Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult tickets for those under age 55 is $10 per day; those 55+ is $9; children 6-16 pay $5, while there is no charge for children under age six.The Atlanta Expo Center does have overnight parking, electric hook up only, but you won’t find a dump station FYI. Overnight parking is $12 per night.
Reputed as the nation's largest RV show, the 2018 Florida RV SuperShow is set for Jan. 16-21, at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa. This multi-day event attracted more than 70,000 visitors last year, up from two previous years by some 10,000 attendees. The Florida RV Super Show will feature a fantastic display of 1,550 recreatonal vehicles spread over 26 fairground acres. Trams will shuttle visitors around the 26-acre grounds.
The Florida RV SuperShow will feature a fantastic RV display of 1,550 recreational vehicles spread over 26 fairground acres. Starting off with a Jan. 16 Industry Day on Tuesday, this 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event is designed exclusively for RV industry-related business and company representatives. Offered will be a day of networking with show exhibitors without the show's unusually large public crowds. This day is without charge to the RV business representatives. Industry Day visitors must pre-register with proof of industry affiliation.
Educational seminars are also scheduled. Booth exhibits will be open in two exhibit halls full of displays, featuring RV parts and accessories. Included here will be exhibits by campground and RV resort operators. Tourism information will also be featured. Shown, along with the latest innovative RV products and accessories, will be such items as towing supplies and accessories. Outside two exhibition halls, visitors will find all types of RV's, ranging from small travel trailers to big bus conversion luxury motorhomes. Also available will be daily entertainment. Trams will transport visitors around the fairgrounds.
Public Days are slated for Wednesday Jan.17 through Sunday January 21, which also continue the show's huge exhibits of RV's and displays by more than 140 vendors. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public Days' tickets are on sale at $10 per person and are good for a second day show return. Children 16 and under may enter free. Ticket discounts are available for Seniors' Day, set for Wednesday, Jan. 17. $1 off every day discounts are available for seniors, military members and first responders, although these are not offered in conjunction with any other show discount.
Handled by fairground personnel, parking will cost $6 per car and $12 per RV. RV'ers will be welcomed for self-contained overnights. RV parking will be $20, per night, for however many nights are desired. Cash only will be accepted for parking. Well mannered leashed pets will be welcomed with proper cleanups. This showcase celebrates 33-years of the RV SuperShow. For more information, visit the Tampa website at www.frvtpa.org where an “Official 2017 Show Program” is downloadable offering a better idea of what to expect at this big event.
Dollie Gull-Goldman
A veteran multimedia journalist who, now a senior, enthusiastically continues her RV travels, and she has worked as a photographer/filmmaker for early TV news, she spent some 20-years as a newspaper writer-editor/journalist. Dollie looks forward to even more RV on-the-road adventures.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Bay Bayou RV Resort, where you enjoy a variety of camping amenities, along with dining options, shopping and sporting events nearby. Join us in the spacious Clubhouse for scheduled activities and events or enjoy a swim in the heated pool or kayak in the Bay.
Features, Georgia, Industry Edge, Rv, Trade Shows & Conferences