RVers spent island time in Perry-dise . . . flip-flops optional . . . during FRVA’s 112th International Convention & RV Expo.
By Robbin Gould, Director of Communications
May-June 2026
Attendees who registered for Family RV Association’s “Changes In Latitudes – RV Beach Party” convention may have wondered how a tropical theme would work in the heart of the Peach State. The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry offers great photo opps around its picturesque lake and clock tower, but where are the sand and palm trees?
No worries. To many RVers, the event, March 18-21, 2026, was a smash hit. “This year the Perry convention exceeded all expectations,” FRVA national president Paul Mitchell said.
Convention planners dove in to rock the “RV Beach Party” theme. They channeled the late, great Jimmy Buffett, whose tropical rock music and island persona have captivated fans for years. Special events paid homage to his songs and lyrics: the “Fins To The Left” Parade, the “Fins To The Right” Chapterfest, and the “Come Monday” Meet and Greet.
Great entertainment. The unmistakable sounds of Caribbean steel band music at the meet and greet set the island vibe early on. Evenings of country and classic rock followed. In the daytime, FRVA’s Frustrated Maestros ensemble outdid themselves, performing songs from all genres and eras during Roadmaster Coffee Hour and the Miller Insurance Ice Cream Social.
When Hotel California – The Original Eagles Tribute Band took the stage on opening night, fans of “Take it to the Limit” and “One of These Nights” enjoyed these and countless other country rock hits from the legendary 1970s band. Another cool vibe came from Kazual, a four-man quartet, who put their spin on R&B, pop, and hip-hop songs, many performed a cappella.
Nothing says “beach party” like a playlist of Jimmy Buffett tunes. Parrotheads (fans of his music) were in full force, and costume, for a rollicking concert by A1A – The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show. Before it began, attendees batted beach balls, keeping them high above their heads. During the show, they sang along with the band, danced, and formed a conga line around the arena.
Kevin and Patrice McCabe, who host the “RV There Yet?” travel series on the Discovery channel, welcomed attendees to their aptly named Discovery Zone. This busy marketplace featured Winnebago towables from Southland RV; hour-by-hour seminars presented by Kevin, Patrice, and other RV-savvy folks; and merchandise displayed by their member partners. The McCabes took part in other convention activities also. For example, during the Orientation for First-Time Attendees, Kevin shared “The FRVA Song,” which he wrote and produced.
In a second building, the rest of the RV Expo buzzed with many more shopping opportunities: hundreds of RV components, accessories, services, resorts, and lifestyle products. Meanwhile, RVs and demo displays were parked outdoors for touring. Thanks to the exhibitors who donated prizes for the Beachcomber’s Treasure Hunt, a Margaritaville-themed scavenger hunt; the game winners thank you, too.
More than 100 seminars educated attendees on technical, operational, and general subjects RVers should know. Approximately 30 of these sessions took place in the FRVA Learning Zone, where member experts shared their knowledge.
The first-ever convention Towing Rodeo, hosted by the FRVA Towable Committee, exceeded expectations, according to Steve Raye, who ran the event with 20 other volunteers. Eighteen two-person teams took turns maneuvering through an obstacle course – one drove a golf cart and trailer; the other gave directions. The audience filled the bleachers for this entertaining contest.
Some of the convention’s fun and games raised funds for FRVA’s Driven To Care program, which benefits a selected organization at each convention. Proceeds from a silent auction, the Magic Mile run/walk, pie auctions, and other donations raised $5,168 for HALO Group, which assists young adults with developmental disabilities and autism.
Thank you, thank you. Volunteers gave life to the “Changes In Latitudes” event. We appreciate the hundreds of folks who helped with parking, security, information, seminars, mentoring, and so much more. And many of you were first-time attendees!
Next: a patriotic party. Join us for FRVA’s “250 Years of Red, White & Blue” convention, July 1-4, 2026, in Sedalia, Missouri. Then stay on afterward for the Midwest Area Rally, July 5-6. For details, visit frva.com.