Conventional Wisdom
Learn the ins and outs of attending an FMCA convention with this rally prep primer.
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Smith
FMCA’s “Minot Magic” convention is in the rearview mirror, and our sights are set on Tucson, Arizona. FMCA’s “Sunsets + Saguaros” International Convention & RV Expo will take place March 26 through 29, 2020, at the Pima County Fairgrounds. I am so excited about this event, which promises to be one of our biggest and best.
Since FMCA’s first convention in July 1964, roughly half a million people have flocked to these super-size rallies to learn about the RV travel lifestyle, to peruse and purchase the latest RVs and products, and to comingle with like-minded folks. Friendships have sprouted at these gatherings, some lasting until the end of the show, others for a lifetime.
Through the years, every one of these attendees had a couple of things in common. One, they all shared an interest in RVing. Two, they all started as first-timers with the same questions and concerns about their maiden convention: “Where do I park?” “How do I get around?” “Where are the activities held?” “How do I decide what to do?” It can be an overwhelming experience, even after reading through the information sent by FMCA and posted on FMCA.com prior to the event.
To give first-timers and other convention-goers some guidance about how this rally thing works, let’s take a brief tour of how to navigate an FMCA international convention.
Getting There, Getting Settled
Everyone who registers for the event receives a Confirmation Guide, either in the mail or by email if the registrant will be picking up credentials at Will Call. We encourage, insist, beg, and plead for you to read the Confirmation Guide. Especially the directions part (hint: it’s in the middle of the book). Trust me, if you follow the provided directions, you will end up exactly where you’re supposed to be.
A couple more points about your arrival. If towing a vehicle behind a motorhome, stop somewhere not far from the event facility to unhook the vehicle and have your partner drive it and follow you in. If that’s not possible, when you arrive you’ll be asked to pull into a separate lot to unhook before being staged to park. It’s also recommended that you show up with empty waste tanks and full water.
Have your parking credentials (included in the Confirmation Packet) affixed to the windshield when you arrive. Attendees who request that their credentials be held at Will Call will be emailed a “Will Call” sheet (PDF) to print out and place in the windshield. The credentials tell the parking volunteers what type of parking you requested and where to direct you.
It’s not unusual for parking delays to occur during the two major parking days leading up to the event. Consider that we will be filling a small, improvised city with thousands of new “homes” in just a couple of days. When a large number of RVs arrive simultaneously, staging all of those vehicles, leading them to specific lots, and parking them is a logistical and time-burning challenge. Be patient and understand that the volunteers are doing what they can to make your parking experience as quick as possible.
One last point about parking. Don’t expect RV park accommodations. You likely will be parked closer to your neighbor than you are accustomed, and you may not end up on a perfectly level concrete pad. You will be sharing a relatively small space with thousands of other RVers. So, consider this an opportunity. Get to know your neighbors or the folks across the street. Find out where they’re from, their occupations, and their interests. By meeting other attendees, you become an active participant in the event and not just an observer.
Parked! Now What?
Once you have parked, dropped the levelers, and extended the slideouts, it’s time for a little exploring. You’ll first want to note where you are parked and write it on the Locator Card that was included in your Confirmation Packet. Look for the signs at the end of each street that help attendees identify their location.
Whether you walk, ride your bike, or catch a tram, make your way to a Welcome Bag distribution location or to the Information Center to turn in your Locator Card and pick up your Welcome Bag. In the bag you will find the official event program, grounds maps, a pair of commemorative pins, and other convention “goodies.” Oh, and be sure to wear the convention badges that were included in your Confirmation Packet, along with your “First Time Attendee” ribbon.
If you haven’t already, start planning what you would like to do during the convention. The event program includes the schedule of events plus descriptions of the seminars and activities. If you’re eager to start planning before you arrive on-site, a link to the digital edition of the program is posted at FMCA.com several weeks prior to each convention. FMCA also has an event app for smartphones (both iPhone and Android) that includes the same information as the paper program, plus the app allows you to create your own personal schedule. I highly recommend that you download the app and use it. It’s a great way to stay organized and up to date.
One of the toughest parts about being a first-timer is deciding what to do. There are so many seminars, entertainment options, and other activities, it would be impossible to do it all. As you’re creating your schedule, decide what must be on your to-do list and fill in around those activities. You may need to make some tough decisions. Also, include some free time each day, allowing yourself a chance to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the event.
Getting Started
Before the convention officially begins, FMCA offers several activities specifically for first-timers that might also benefit other attendees.
One of these is our “Walkabouts.” These guided walking tours are conducted by FMCA Mentors (more about them in a minute), who show small groups of attendees the various buildings and locations where activities will take place. Consider it a practice run, so you’re not scrambling to find your first seminar five minutes before it’s about to start.
Another is the “Orientation For First-Time Attendees.” During this gathering, an FMCA representative provides an overview of what first-timers need to know about the convention. Plus, attendees can ask questions about convention operations, grounds services that are available, and other items of concern or interest.
During this meeting, first-timers will be introduced to the folks who make up FMCA’s Mentors program. These veteran convention-goers have volunteered to share their knowledge and experience with first-timers throughout the course of the event. Look for people wearing yellow “Mentor” buttons, and don’t hesitate to ask them questions — big or small — related to the convention. And don’t be surprised if one or more of them ask how your first convention is going and whether there’s anything they can help you with.
Let The Fun Begin!
The opening day of convention is always exciting. The seminar rooms fill with folks eager to learn. Attendees gather at the FMCA Town Center for a kickoff concert, followed by the opening of the RV Expo as smiling vendors welcome shoppers into the exhibit hall and RV exhibit areas. Later, entertainment of some sort takes place before attendees retreat to their RVs for a night of rest before doing it all again the next day.
Succeeding days begin with the traditional coffee (and doughnut) hour in the morning, featuring music provided by FMCA’s very own Frustrated Maestros. From there, besides attending seminars or circulating amid the exhibit areas, attendees can participate in games and other fun and frivolity; join social gatherings; and tap their toes or double over in laughter during daytime and evening entertainment. All while also finding a little time to make new friends and enjoy the company of other RVers looking to have a good time.
After a day or two, you’ll transition from nervous novice to confident conventioneer. At that point, you’ll be ready to do it all the next time you attend. That includes volunteering. We typically refrain from asking first-timers to volunteer. We want them to experience the event without worrying about working. But with a convention under your belt, you may find that volunteering is one of the best ways to become more involved and to meet new people. We’re always looking for a few (hundred) good men and women to help, which could include you.
Registered Yet?
If you’ve ever thought about attending a convention but weren’t quite sure, now might be the time to make the leap and join us in Tucson for FMCA’s 101st convention. We’re still putting plans together for the event, but I am happy to announce that we have a couple of big-name artists in the evening entertainment lineup. Country and gospel music star Josh Turner will perform on Saturday, March 28, followed by classic rock-and-rollers Three Dog Night on Sunday, March 29.
Incredible weather, big-name entertainment, hundreds of seminars, a huge RV Expo, and gobs of fun-filled social activities await those who point their RV to southern Arizona for the “Sunsets + Saguaros” convention in March. You’ll be glad you joined us.
Until then, enjoy the journey!
Spread The Word About FMCA: Reap Rewards
Just think . . . If every member were to recruit just one RVer to join FMCA, the association would double in size — exponentially expanding the buying power when FMCA negotiates new benefits. YOU reap rewards when your club grows.
The Rewards Keep Coming As You Keep Recruiting
FMCA members earn a $10 voucher for each new member recruited. Apply vouchers toward your dues renewal, event registration fees, business card orders, or FMCA Store purchases.
BONUS! For every new member you recruit through December 31, 2019, your name will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. Visit https://www.fmca.com/recruit-new-members-earn-rewards to learn more.
As the holiday season approaches, don’t forget that FMCA membership makes the perfect gift! Introduce your favorite RVers to the fun and fantastic benefits of belonging to FMCA by purchasing them a gift membership and you will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card. Visit fmca.com/giftfmca to get started.