The Northeast Florida Chapter of the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) is hosting the state’s annual convention from Thursday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 10 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach.
“It’s been nearly a decade since the Jacksonville area has played host to the convention, so we’re very excited to show off Northeast Florida to our colleagues throughout the state,” said local Chapter Board President Ken Loyd. “We’ll host more than 200 attendees, who will be visiting our area and taking part in workshops over the four-day conference, so the convention represents a significant economic impact for the area, as well.”
The theme for the 2017 annual conference is “RVs – The New Frontier,” with the FRVTA using space-themed activities throughout the conference. Attendees include keynote speaker Jason Hewlett, who will deliver a message on keeping “The Promise,” along with RV Dealers Association President Phil Ingrassia and Recreation Vehicle International Association President Frank Hugelmeyer, who will both provide their respective RV industry updates.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, who is an announced Republican candidate for next year’s governor’s race, will make a special appearance during the Friday morning session and provide a legislative update to attendees.
According to FRTVA Executive Director Lance Wilson, this annual convention takes place as the RV industry is enjoying a resurgence in sales and the growth of younger buyers.
“I’m sure the tone will be very upbeat among the RV dealers and RV vendors as well,” Wilson said. “Nationally, sales surged to 430,000 units last year, a 40-year high, and the fastest-growing customer demographic is 35- to 44-year-olds – which bodes well for the future of our industry.”
For more information or for registration information, visit the association’s website at www.frvta.org.
Area RV dealers and vendors will be taking part in the St. Johns County RV Show from Oct. 12-15 at the St. John County Fairgrounds in Elkton. Northeast Florida RV dealers will also host the Jacksonville RV MegaShow at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center in February.
