The 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo concluded on November 15 at Paris Las Vegas, drawing 1,704 registered attendees, a 3.5% increase from the previous year.
The event, organized by the RV Dealers Association (RVDA), featured educational workshops, networking opportunities, and industry recognition, aiming to equip RV dealers and partners with insights to navigate challenges and opportunities in the year ahead. The final session, led by the RV Learning Center’s Tony Yerman, focused on fixed operations.
RVDA President Phil Ingrassia noted the significance of this year’s event in addressing current dealer challenges. “The RVDA Convention/Expo Committee, chaired by Chris Andro of Hemlock Hill RV, aimed to organize an event addressing the issues facing dealers right now,” Ingrassia stated.
He emphasized that industry support played a crucial role in the event’s success, with attendees gaining actionable insights for 2024.
One of the event’s key highlights was the RVDA’s annual meeting, where Larry Troutt III of Topper’s Camping Center in Waller, Texas, was elected chairman of the board for 2024-2025. Troutt, a long-standing member of the RVDA, expressed commitment to advancing the association’s mission during his tenure. His election marks a continuation of leadership aimed at fostering industry collaboration and dealer growth.
The meeting also served as a platform for recognizing significant contributions to the RV industry. The James B. Summers Award, RVDA’s highest honor, was presented to Ronnie Hepp in acknowledgment of his impactful service. Additionally, Chris Andro received the RVDA Special Award.
Outgoing chairman Ryan Horsey of Parkview RV Center in Smyrna, Delaware, used the occasion to honor six industry veterans with the Chairman’s Service Award. Recipients included Any Cripe of Wave Express, Curt Hemmeler of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), Corey Ruzicka of Priority RV Network, Shawn Moran of Brown & Brown, and Rick and Joy Horsey of Parkview RV Center.
Beyond the awards, the convention emphasized education through Vendor Training +Plus sessions and workshops. These sessions tackled a range of operational topics such as fixed operations, finance and insurance (F&I), digital marketing, and dealership management.
