RV Conventions Across the United States

Conventions that celebrate the RV lifestyle are like no other. Whether you're a seasoned RVer or tempted to buy your first camper, an RV expo is a great opportunity to meet with industry professionals and like-minded individuals. Fortunately, there's no shortage of RV shows throughout the U.S. to attend.

This comprehensive guide includes a list of the most popular RV conventions held in the U.S., the benefits of attending these events, and how to prepare for them.

What to Expect: The Benefits of Attending RV Conventions

Of course every show will likely have its own unique theme and various offerings, but nearly every RV convention will allow you to meet local dealers and manufacturers, check out new gear and gadgets, and mingle with experts and fellow RV enthusiasts.

Meet Local Dealers and Manufacturers

If you've ever gone to a dealer's lot to check out RVs, then you probably understand the pressure that's involved—even if you're just window shopping.

At an RV show, you won't feel any of that pressure. You'll be able to look at your own pace without salespeople hovering over you. Because of the large number of people in attendance, the dealers will often hand you a business card and let you check out the RVs on your own.

Also, since many local manufacturers and dealers take advantage of RV conventions to showcase their selections, you can easily compare sizes, layouts, prices, and deals all in one location.

New Camping Gear and Gadgets

It can be hard to keep up with the number of new gadgets and gear coming out every season, especially if you're out on the road often. At RV expos, you can expect to find dealers displaying and demoing the latest gear. You may even get to try a new gadget out for yourself.

Get Exclusive Deals

You can find some of the best and exclusive deals at RV conventions. With so many dealers and manufacturers together at one show, many of them will have competing deals to attract attendees. Most times, these deals are exclusive to the RV expo, so if you've had your eye on a particular piece of gear or specific motorhome for a while, here's the chance to take advantage of a potentially great deal.

Learn From the Experts

If you're new to RV travel and want to fully embrace the lifestyle, you can get a lot of great professional guidance at RV expos. Most RV conventions offer educational seminars, workshops, and presentations, with topics ranging from technical advice on maintaining your RV to tips for living a full-time RV lifestyle. The best part? These presentations are usually free of charge!

Meet Like-Minded RVers

Want to be part of a community that lives a similar lifestyle? RV conventions are the place to be. Often, you'll find stands and groups representing RV clubs, travel networks, and online forums where you can meet like-minded travelers. By joining these groups, you may end up forming long-lasting friendships and even business partnerships you'd never have encountered outside the RV world.

Preparing for an RV Convention

Before attending an RV expo, there are several things you can do in preparation to ensure you get the most out of it. Here's a checklist to help you prepare for your next (or maybe first!) RV show:

Book Your Campsite Early

If you plan on staying within the showgrounds, it's best to book your campsite well in advance. While many conventions offer on-site camping, spaces can quickly fill up, especially if it's a large event. Alternatively, you can book a campsite at a nearby RV park or campground if want some peace away from the chaos of the convention.

Make a List of Must-See Exhibitors

Larger conventions can accommodate hundreds of booths and vendors. It can be overwhelming to visit every single one. You might even end up missing out on some of the most important vendors for your needs. This is why it's important to do your research before the RV show to see who will be attending and what booths are most relevant to you. Create a list of the exhibitors you're most interested in so that you can prioritize seeing them during your time at the event.

Keep Up With the News

Even after paying the entrance fee or booking a campsite on the convention's grounds, try to stay informed about any news on the event. For instance, there could be last-minute changes that may inconvenience you or exclusive deals that may make your experience even better. You can follow the convention's social media, subscribe to its newsletters, or occasionally check its websites for updates.

Pack the Essentials

Attending RV shows involves a lot of walking and talking. This can be extremely tiring, especially under certain weather conditions, such as hot temperatures, rain, or snow. Show up at the event prepared with these essentials:

• Comfortable shoes
• A portable chair or blanket for outdoor events
• A refillable water bottle
• Snacks, since available food vendors may be a bit pricey
• A notebook or device to take notes during seminars
• Strollers, if you have toddlers or babies

List of RV Conventions in the U.S. Organized by Month

As you can see, there are many RV conventions scattered throughout the U.S., at all times of the year—especially in the early months. See what's happening near you, and always double check the show's website to ensure the date is still accurate:

January

February

March

April