The 2026 RV Industry Association Leadership Conference will feature a workshop led by retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Marquet, a former submarine commander known for his work on decentralized leadership and organizational empowerment.
The conference is scheduled for March 10–12 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas, and will bring together executive leadership and emerging leaders from across the RV industry, according to the association.
Marquet’s workshop will focus on leadership practices designed to empower employees at all levels of an organization, a topic organizers say is increasingly relevant as customer expectations rise and workforce dynamics grow more complex.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA on January 8, Marquet is best known for his command of the USS Santa Fe, a submarine that ranked last in the fleet in morale, performance, and retention when he assumed leadership, according to conference materials.
Rather than relying on a traditional command-and-control structure, Marquet implemented what later became known as Intent-Based Leadership, a system that encourages individuals at every level to take responsibility and make informed decisions.
Under that approach, the USS Santa Fe improved performance, morale, and retention, eventually ranking first in the fleet and developing a pipeline of future leaders.
During the workshop, Marquet is expected to translate those leadership principles into strategies applicable to the RV industry, including manufacturing, dealership operations, and campground management.
The session will examine how empowering frontline employees can strengthen accountability, safety practices, and customer-facing hospitality efforts.
The workshop will also address how leadership development at all organizational levels can support employee retention and long-term operational resilience.
The RV Industry Association positions the Leadership Conference as a forum for discussing critical industry issues while fostering professional growth among current and next-generation leaders.
In addition to Marquet’s workshop, the event will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and structured networking opportunities, according to the association.