Plant your palm trees, fire up those tiki torches, and join other beach-loving RVers searching for their lost shaker of salt during Family RV Association’s “Changes in Latitudes” convention.
By Doug Uhlenbrock, Executive Director | Director of Events
January-February 2026
RVers from throughout North America will converge in Perry, Georgia, the third week of March for the biggest rally of the spring. Imagine thousands of RVers gathering for five (or more) days of education, exhibits, and entertainment, all swaying to the laid-back, living-on-island-time musical score inspired by Jimmy Buffett.
That’s what’s in store for those who make the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter their “One Particular Harbour” for Family RV Association’s Changes In Latitudes – RV Beach Party convention, March 18-21, 2026.
As with all FRVA conventions, a primary focal point is education through the seminars presented during the event. RV industry and commercial representatives share their wealth of knowledge and expertise with attendees searching for answers and information. Who better to provide the most up-to-date details about a specific product or service than the people whose business it is to know?
In addition, beginning with the Perry event, FRVA’s Education Committee will roll out a new education initiative called the RV Learning Zone, a dedicated area for seminars deemed necessary for all attendees.
These designated rooms, located in the Roquemore Conference Center, will host instructional sessions on a variety of topics, including our popular workshops and roundtable discussions, tools and gadgets, solar energy, fire and safety, internet options, RV trip planning, tires, boondocking, and much more. Check the program — print or digital — for these learning sessions, which will be highlighted separately.
Convention exhibits
In addition to the learning opportunities offered through our formal seminars program, many attendees rely on one-on-one interactions with company reps stationed at their booths in the Miller-Murphy-Howard and Georgia Grown exhibit areas. FRVA conventions offer individuals the opportunity to shop for the products and services they want and need while getting the nitty-gritty details from vendors who sell and service their offerings. Make sure to check FRVA.com and the digital issue of the program for the latest list of exhibitors who will be in Perry.
Also be sure to schedule time to tour the display RVs brought by manufacturers and dealers. Looking to upgrade, perhaps downsize? You’ll find every option available in Perry. Who knows; you may leave in the RV of your dreams.
Kevin and Patrice McCabe, stars of the “RV There Yet?” series on the Discovery Channel, will join us in Perry once again to welcome attendees to the Discovery Zone, located in the Georgia Grown Building.
Stop by to say hi and get your picture taken; visit with vendors; attend daily educational presentations; play games; watch “RV There Yet?” episodes (including one spotlighting the 2025 Perry convention); and participate in whatever other activities this dynamic duo comes up with. They’ll also be front and center at daily convention events and activities.
Yes, you saw the word entertainment listed earlier, and we have a great lineup of first-class musical acts scheduled for your listening pleasure.
On Wednesday night, close your eyes and open your ears as Hotel California — The Original Eagles Tribute Band brings the timeless hits you know and love to life. For over three decades, the band has re-created the legendary sound of The Eagles, thrilling audiences with their renditions of hits like “Take It Easy,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Take It to the Limit,” “Hotel California,” and more.
A1A — the Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show
On Thursday evening, the fun moves to downtown Perry as Party Knights rocks the City Hall lawn with hits spanning the 1980s and ’90s. Visit the restaurants, food trucks, and shops before the show, then get ready to sing and dance to the songs of your young adult years. Transportation will be provided (if needed). Be sure to bring your lawn chair.
On Feeding Frenzy Friday, Parrotheads will be schoolin’ around for the Fins to the Left Parade, leading into the Fins to the Right Chapterfest and a concert by A1A — the Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show. This high-energy, trop rock experience will fill the night with Buffett’s famous tunes — “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Fins,” and more — plus reggae favorites and band originals straight from the beach. The night will culminate with a booming “Stars On The Water” Fireworks Show.
Saturday, back by popular demand, Kazual will dazzle the audience with their incredible singing and dancing. The family band — three brothers and a cousin from Atlanta, Georgia — mixes the sounds of R&B, hip-hop, and pop to captivate and invigorate your rhythmic senses. They’ve wowed FRVA audiences twice, and if you’ve seen them already, you’ll be back. If you haven’t seen this terrific group perform, don’t miss this opportunity.
Kazual
Plenty of other fun activities will be scheduled throughout the event. Beginning Thursday morning, visit the Town Center tent for Coffee and Doughnuts, courtesy of Roadmaster. We’ll do it again Friday and Saturday, too. Meet friends and make new ones during this social gathering. On Friday, we’ll reconvene at the Town Center for our traditional Ice Cream Social. Who can resist these frozen treats, compliments of our friends at Miller Insurance?
We will once again welcome FRVA’s own Frustrated Maestros for several performances during the event. This group of musicians and singers has been a convention staple for years with their selection of favorites and sing-alongs.
Following evening entertainment, be sure to drop by the McGill Marketplace to show off your singing skills — or just listen to the stylings of other vocalists — during Karaoke with a Keck. Join host Lamar Keck as other singers keep the fun going well into the night.
While the official convention days are listed as March 18-21, we squeeze in additional activities before the show opens, since most attendees are asked to arrive two or three days early.
First-time attendees and others will be asked to arrive on Monday, so, everyone is invited to an informal “Come Monday” Meet-and-Greet at McGill Marketplace, where you can get together with others for a relaxed night of games and conversation.
FRVA convention fun
On Tuesday, FRVA mentors will offer GNFA Walkabouts, brief walking tours to familiarize attendees with the various buildings and activity locations used during the event. Later that day, the First-Timer’s Orientation will be held in Reaves Arena. This presentation will offer highlights and must-do suggestions for those on their maiden convention voyage. Immediately following will be the Chapter Fair. Visit with chapter reps and discover the social side of FRVA in its purest form. Who knows, you might just find the travel group you’ve always been looking for.
Later that night — did you know it’s St. Patrick’s Day? — we’ll have other activities to get folks ready and raring for the official start of the event the next morning.
Plenty of other fun activities will be added between now and the kickoff to FRVA’s 112th International Convention, so stay tuned for more announcements as we get closer to the event.
RVers looking to change their attitude and who are okay “growing older but not up,” this is your chance to discover the fun and excitement of an FRVA convention. Sign up now by calling (800) 543-3622 or visit FRVA.com.
SADDLE UP FOR THE RV RODEO
How accomplished are you at towing a trailer? Test your skills during an FRVA convention first: the RV Rodeo on Saturday, March 21, in the Multipurpose Building. Participants will maneuver a golf cart-trailer combo through an obstacle course, which includes a pair of backing challenges that you’ll accomplish with the help of a copilot equipped with a handheld radio. Hit a cone during your run, and you’re out. Hit your marks, and you could be the very first RV Rodeo champion. This fun competition is open to all attendees. Signups begin on Tuesday, March 17, at the Info Center in the McGill Marketplace.