HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA
September 13-17, 2023
Giant Center

Ticket on Sale in June
Industry Attendees

Speakers

Hershey America’s Largest RV Show® offers seminars included with your admission to the show. Professionals working in the industry and those actively living the RV lifestyle will present the sessions. There are no registrations for the seminars. Seating is limited. Please check back for the latest information on show speakers and seminars.
fire extinguisher
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RV Fire Safety

Presented by: Steven Raye, Phoenix Fire & RV Training
Sessions: Wednesday – Sunday 10 – 11 am
Champions Club | Main Concourse

Enjoying your RV safely is always your goal. In this seminar, you will learn how to help prevent and be prepared in the event of a fire.

Understanding RV Appliances

Presented by: Steven Raye, Phoenix Fire & RV Training
Sessions: Wednesday – Sunday 1-2 pm
Power Play | Main Concourse

RV appliances are different than home appliances. They are not only smaller, but they work differently. Some are propane, some use 120-volt house power and most require 12-volt battery power. This seminar will explore proper usage and care of RV appliances. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish on your appliance maintenance.

 

Innovation Tire

Why Is a TPMS A Safety Item You Need?

Presented by: Innovation Tire
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday  10 – 11 AM
Power Play | Main Concourse

Sunday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Press Room | Rink Level

Learn about Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for RVs. This beginners’ guide will help you understand the TPMS and why it is a vital item for all RVers.

FlexSolar logo

Cancelled

SOLAR KITS & OFF-GRID CHARGING SYSTEMS FOR RVs

Presented by: FlexSolar
Sessions: Wednesday – Sunday 10 – 11 a.m.
Green Room | Rink Level

This seminar will discuss the current available solar kits and off-grid charging systems for RVs, the installation process for mountable solar panels, and how to connect multiple solar panels. You will also learn how to use the Solar-Ready connector on the RV, and the two types of solar charge controllers on the market: PWM and MPPT.

Patti and Dan of RVLife
Patti and Dan Hunt, RVLife

RV Trip Planning – Traveling the Keystone State and Beyond

Presented by: RVLife.com
Sessions: Wednesday – Sunday  10 – 11 a.m.
Press Room | Rink Level

Full-time RVers and international speakers Dan and Patti Hunt, of the YouTube Channel “Exploring Through our Lens”, will share their knowledge and experiences of living on the road. Weekender, full-timer, or in the market for an RV, this seminar will show you how you can make the journey through Pennsylvania and beyond as memorable as the destination. Learn planning tips from start to finish and every stop along the way using life experiences and stories to prove the journey can be as important as the destination.

Website: www.rvlife.com

Chris Dougherty

HOW TO PURCHASE AN RV

Presented by: Chris Dougherty, Dougherty RV Consulting LLC
Sessions: Wednesday-Saturday  11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Champions Club | Main Concourse

Buying your first RV? It can be a daunting process buying what can be one of the largest purchases you will make. Chris will introduce you to the RV buying process, which is quite different from any vehicle or real estate transaction. He will look at the process as you will experience it at the Hershey show, and you’ll know what to expect, what options you have, what questions to ask, and more. This seminar will also discuss financing, insurance, service contracts, and what extra costs to expect.​

America's Mailbox

CHOOSING A HOME BASE

Presented by: America’s Mailbox
Sessions: Wednesday & Thursday 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
and Sunday 1 – 2 p.m.
Press Room | Rink Level

An America’s Mailbox presenter will help attendees determine the best choice for a state of residency. Topics will include what it takes to establish residency, the new laws about renewing or getting a driver’s license, vehicle registration and the inheritance tax.

Mike Sokol
Mike Sokol, RV Electricity
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RV Electricity

Presented by: Mike Sokol, RV Electricity
Sessions: Wednesday-Sat. 1 pm – 2 pm
and Sunday 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Champions Club


Mike Sokol will discuss testing a campground pedestal, including how to plug into shore power; how much power is available from 20-, 30- and 50-amp outlets; using dog-bone adapters and extension cords for shore power. He will also discuss surge protector basics and why you need one, and testing for hot-skin/stray-voltage and what to do should you find one.

Freedom in a Can - Maine
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Shari and Hutch - Freedom in a Can
David Hutchison & Shari Galiardi 
Freedom in a Can

LIVING ON THE ROAD

Presented by: Shari Galiardi and David Hutchison — Freedom in a Can
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
and Sunday 1 – 2 pm
Champions Club

Is a big road trip in your future? Planning to go full-time? Excited, terrified…don’t know where to begin? Shari & Hutch will share lessons learned, strategies, life hacks, and cautionary tales gleaned over a decade of traveling the country with their vintage travel trailer.  This fun, interactive seminar (or open forum) will cover everything from tips for downsizing your life to finding low-cost camping/boondocking to practical concerns about medical insurance and receiving mail.  Bring your questions, dreams, and the concerns that might be holding you back from taking the plunge!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR EXPLORING AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS

Presented by: Shari Galiardi and David Hutchison — Freedom in a Can
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday 4pm – 5pm
and Sunday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Champions Club 

Do you dream of exploring America’s national parks with your RV? We have been lucky enough to visit nearly all within the contiguous 48, while living and traveling full-time in our tiny home on wheels. We’ll share tips, tricks, and resources for getting the most out of your visit to our national treasures, accompanied with our stunning images. Topics include: when to go, how to choose which parks to visit, what to do there, where to camp, what to bring, how long to stay, and even how to volunteer. You’ll be ready to hit the road and start stamping your passport book!

RVSEF - Trucks for 5th wheel
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Properly Matching Trucks to 5th Wheels and Trailers 

Presented by: Trey Selman, RV Safety & Education Foundation
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday  11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Green Room | Rink Level

Trey Selman from the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF – RVSafety.com) will provide a better understanding of the language, concepts and standards used by truck and trailer manufacturers. Consumers will have a better understanding of truck and trailer ratings. For the safest possible travel, and RV enjoyment it is important to properly match a truck and trailer while staying within vehicle ratings. 

Weight and Tire Safety

Presented by: RV Safety & Education Foundation
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday  1 -2 p.m.
Green Room | Rink Level

Trey Selman from the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF – RVSafety.com) will provide attendees with the knowledge required to assure that their RV is operated within the weight safety limitations established by the manufacturer, as well as the importance of the information found on weight labels. The information in this class is designed to assist owners in understanding and managing their existing weight. The tire portion of the seminar relates to maintenance and care of tires for optimum safety and durability. 

Personal RV Safety

Presented by: RV Safety & Education Foundation
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday  2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Green Room | Rink Level

The RV Lifestyle is known to be a very safe environment. Personal safety is much more than potential crime. Personal safety encompasses health concerns, weather conditions, driving, emergency road side procedures, and other travel and recreation concerns. Awareness is a primary safeguard when it comes to safety.  Trey Selman from the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF – RVSafety.com) will review and discuss some of the basics to mitigate risk and prepare for various circumstances that are part of the challenges of life. 

Garden RV Community logo
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RV Retirement Options

Presented by: Gardens RV Village
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday 4 – 5 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Power Play

This seminar has been a game-changer for hundreds of RVers and might be for you too, as you organize your retirement plans. As the developer of an upscale RV housing community, Tim Wilson has met with thousands of RV owners heading into retirement. Using his three decades of experience, he will touch on your lifestyle options including full-timing, snowbirding, relocating, and more. He has created a presentation to help RVers make better-informed decisions. If you are an avid RVer and are retiring, this seminar will help you formulate plans to find the healthiest and most affordable solutions for you.  

Up Close RV logo
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: A Layman’s Introduction to RVing

Presented by: Michael Lockwood, president & CEO and the team, Up Close RV
Sessions: Wednesday – Sunday 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Champions Club | Main Concourse

& Sunday 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Green Room | Rink Level

Former full-time RVer, current President and CEO of UpClose RV, and Retired Army Colonel Michael Lockwood and his team share experiences and knowledge to help others prepare for the RV life and lifestyle. Mike was introduced to RVing while in the military and has a wealth of knowledge to share and help you with everything you need to know.

Cummins Onan logo

Generator Maintenance

Presented by: Cummins OnanCummins logo
Sessions: Wednesday & Friday   11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Power Play | Main Concourse

Cummins will address the most frequently asked questions about Onan RV generators. Learn about the basic operation, proper maintenance and safety considerations for your power needs. Greene will also provide an overview of what’s new in Onan RV generators. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Engine Maintenance

Presented by: Cummins Onan
Sessions: Thursday and Saturday  11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Power Play | Main Concourse

Cummins Inc. will address the most frequently asked questions about Cummins diesel powered motorhomes. You will learn about proper maintenance, operating techniques, dash lamps, fuel economy, and more. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Tobin Agency logo

Understanding Your RV Insurance

Presented by: Tobin Agency

Sessions: Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
 Press Room

Do you currently own or plan to purchase an RV? Do you want a deeper understanding of how to read your insurance policy or proposal? This seminar will take an in-depth look at what your premium dollars are buying, as well as discussing RV specialty coverage that you may not be aware of.

Website: www.tobinagency.com

truma

Truma AquaGo Owners Workshop

Presented by: Truma
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday 1 – 2 p.m.
Press Room | Rink Level

This workshop will cover Truma AquaGo operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting geared for current and potential owners. Join Truma to empower yourself with the information to make owning a Truma AquaGo a breeze.

Website: www.truma.net

Steele Rubber Products logo
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RV Seals and Weatherstripping

Presented by: Steele Rubber Products
Sessions: Monday – Sunday 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Power Play | Main Concourse

Seals and weatherstripping are some of the most important components of any RV. Join Steele Rubber Products for a discussion on what they are, how they work, and what to look for. Additionally, we’ll share tips on how to keep your seals working as long as possible and how to replace them when you need to. Steele Rubber Products has been working with enthusiasts for over 50 years – how can they help you?

Website: www.steelerubber.com

Fantasy RV Tours logo
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Stress Free RV Travel – Guided RV Vacations

Presented by: Fantasy RV Tours
Sessions: Wednesday – Sunday 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Press Room

Learn all about our guided RV tours and how they will help you leave your stress behind, enjoying a relaxing vacation with expert guides and pre-planned RV tours. Less planning and work for you, so you can savor the experience of a lifetime. Learn about bucket-list destinations including Alaska, Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Fantasy RV Tours will take you there! Join Fantasy RV Tours’ professional tour leader as they separate fact from fiction regarding the RV caravan lifestyle and how to truly “vacation” in your RV.

 

Chris Dougherty
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Renewable Energy Systems for RVS

Presented by: Chris Dougherty
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday  4 – 5 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Green Room | Rink Level

In this seminar Chris will discuss all the new energy technology appearing in all levels of RVs, the benefits, the costs, and how you as an RV owner can bring this space-age technology into your current RV. Bring your note pad and your questions!

 RV Sewage Essentials

Presented by: Chris Dougherty
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday  5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Green Room

How to handle sewage is one of the most discussed topics in all RVing, and a place where RVers can get into trouble. Dougherty will discuss how the RV plumbing and waste systems work, and how to use them to prevent odor problems and malfunctions that can end a trip. We’ll show the best ways to empty your system cleanly, making your RV trips much better and easier!

Thousand Trails logo

Thousand Trailer Membership and You 

Presented by: Equity Lifestyle Properties
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday  5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Press Room | Rink Level

Discover what a Thousand Trails Membership has to offer you in this informational seminar. Take a road trip across the country with a Thousand Trails Membership Specialist and learn how you can expand all your travel opportunities.

Website: www.thousandtrails.com

Micro-Air

Micro-Air EasyStart 364 soft start for RV A/C and EasyTouch RV WiFi Thermostat

Presented by: Micro-Air
Sessions: Wednesday – Saturday  5:30 – 6:30 p.m. & Sunday 10 – 11 a.m.
Power Play Room |  Main Concourse

Learn more about Micro-Air’s EasyStart 364 for RV air conditioners and the Easy Touch WiFi RV Thermostat and the solutions they can bring to your RV. The presenter will discuss performance, compatibility, and installation techniques. Learn how the EasyStart permits starts on low power sources like inverters in solar arrays, small generators, and how the Bluetooth version can communicate information to owners remotely via Wi-Fi, email, and text alerts.

The EasyTouch RV thermostat allows remote control by smartphone app, providing 21st century technology and can repair some of the problems left behind by OEMs in their 20th century thermostats. Website: https://www.microair.net/

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Tobin Agency

The Tobin Agency has specialized in Recreational Vehicle Insurance since 1975. They are a family owned agency with strong ties to the RV lifestyle.

When you call the Tobin Agency for a quote or to service your existing policy you will speak to a "live" licensed insurance producer with an understanding of RV Insurance. Call Tobin Agency to experience the "Tobin Touch"!

Matt 'RV' Misener Sales Manager, Steele Rubber Products

With an extensive background in sales and customer service, 'RV Matt' has cultivated a reputation of finding solutions for your sealing needs. Despite his title, he enjoys helping in the design and innovation of new products. A father of four daughters, he enjoys family time, outdoor sports and helping his community.

Fantasy RV Tours

FANTASY RV TOURS is among the world’s most distinctive RV tour companies, providing sought-after RV vacations to exceptional destinations. With more than 20 years in the RV industry, Fantasy is one of the global leaders in RV caravan travel.  The company joined with CREATIVE WORLD TRAVEL in 2005, which has shown RVers new ways to vacation since 1970.

Up Close RV

When Colonel Michael Lockwood was serving in the military he lived in an RV and often found it difficult to find nearby, long-term campground space. As he commuted more than an hour to work, he saw abundant space in homeowners' driveways and thought it would be great to be able to rent space to park his RV. After a more than 40 years in the Army, Lockwood retired and decided to help fill the need for more RV space by starting Up Close RV. MIchael and his team are experienced RVers who know all about the great experiences and the obstacles RVers can face. They can help new RVers prepare for life on the road.

Chris DoughertyTechnical Director, RV Enthusiast magazine

Think about your favorite teacher in high school–that’s Chris. He’s friendly, even tempered, and very, very knowledgeable. A Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association (RVDA) and RVIA certified RV technician, Chris was a student of, and mentored by, his friend Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor. He wrote for a number of RV sources before spending the past few years as the Technical Editor for Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines. A lifelong RVer, including 10 years as a full-timer, Chris has owned or worked on every type of RV from pop-up to bus conversion. Chris and his wife, Karen, currently travel with a fifth wheel or truck camper.

Gardens RV Village

James “Tim” T. Wilson is the principal broker for Gardens RV Village, an RV retirement community located in Crossville, Tennessee.

For RV enthusiasts who live in The Gardens motorcoach retirement community, traveling and exploring this incredibly beautiful, diverse and bountiful country is a prominent focus in lives. There’s also a lot of fun to be had at home in their Tennessee haven. Gardens homeowners find their days surprisingly full as they cram in everything from pot luck dinners, games and bridge tournaments to RV campouts.

Life in The Gardens has been compared to when you’re in grade school and you finally get out for summer recess: It’s more than just a retirement community on top of a mountain. It’s the closest-knit group of the most caring and loving people you’d ever want to meet.

Greg DewaltPRVCA Education Director

Greg Dewalt is education director at the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association, where he leads the education program for the association's members. He operated his own consulting and training business for 20 years, assisting RV dealers with training programs, customer care and increased profitability. 

As a high school student, Dewalt performed pre-delivery inspections (PDI) and worked on trailer hitches at his family’s RV dealership. After eight years of service in the U.S. Army, he returned to the family dealership. Overall, he has more than 37 years of experience working in the RV industry on both the dealer and manufacturer side of the business.

Dewalt earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy and continued his education in sales, management, parts, service and as a Master Certified RV Technician.

RV Safety and Education Foundation

Not often does an entity come along that positively impacts all segments of a given industry equally. The RV Safety & Education Foundation, RVSEF, does that within the RV Industry. Thanks to the RVSEF, headquartered in Merritt Island, FL, today’s coaches are much safer.

The brainchild of John Anderson, A ‘Weigh We Go now RVSEF, first appeared in 1993 when John discovered that many RVs leaving the factory were decidedly overweight; many even before the owner loaded it. With product and personal safety at risk, John pushed on and began weighing RVs of all types in order to record and analyze the extent of the issue. Weighing is still one of the main tenets of RVSEF activities to this day and it still gathers data at many RV shows, conventions and rallies across the country. 

Today, RVSEF works closely with the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV Dealer’s Association (RVDA) in coordinating safety programs. Not to be construed as a consumer advocate, RVSEF is decidedly and purposely, a “safety advocate” and a champion for all involved in the RV lifestyle. Its efforts and dedication have improved the products created by RV builders as more manufacturers became aware of weight limitations and most now design their coaches with weight distribution and cargo carrying capacities in mind. 

Steven RayePhoenix Fire and RV Training

Steven Raye has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 40 years and has worked his way thru the ranks to Chief Officer and trustee of his fire company.  Presently, he is on the board of directors for The Sussex County NJ Fire Training Academy. 

In 1973, Raye took over the management of the service department for the RV dealership his father had started in 1960.  Through his years at the dealership, he served on the Board of Directors and was a Trustee for the education fund for North Hampton Community College Bethlehem, PA and Board of Advisors RV training North Hampton Community College, and the National Recreational Vehicle Training Institute at Northampton Community College, for the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Campground Association (PRVCA)

He owns and operates Regins RV Service, an on your site service company, and Phoenix Fire and RV Training. He maintains his Master RV Service certification through continuous training and education, just as he has done since the first issuance in 1998 and is a member of the Society of Certified RV Professionals. 

Tom RomeroNational Accounts and Training Manager for REESE (Horizon Global)

Tom Romero has 40 years of experience in the RV, marine and automotive aftermarkets. He joined REESE (Horizon Global) in 2001 and has been with the company for 20 years, providing sales and technical training on REESE towing products.

His passion is to provide RV towing education to everyone from the dealers to the consumers so they can enjoy the best RVing experience.

The Flipping NomadCortni Armstrong

In her mid twenties, Cortni Armstrong was desperately trying to save her Dad's businesses after he suffered a stroke. Meanwhile, her lease was coming up for renewal and she found out that all of her roommates had made plans that didn't involve her. With no salary to back her up, a family friend helped Cortni move into an RV.  At first she was embarrassed and felt like it was her rock bottom.

A year later, Cortni had embraced the lifestyle and grew to love living tiny. The only problem was she didn't love the interiors offered in stock RVs.  Cortni took matters into her own hands and renovated a basic RV into her tiny dream home on wheels.  That experience made her think that maybe other people don't like the stock interiors either, and that there might be an opportunity there.  Thus, The Flipping Nomad was born.

Freedom in a CanShari Galiardi and David Hutchison

As engaging professional speakers and life-long educators, David Hutchison and Shari Galiardi bring stories from their mid-life adventure to large industry travel shows, intimate college campuses, open "tiny houses" in REI parking lots, and a growing online audience. Travelling with their vintage camper for more than nine years and 150K miles to 49 states, 8 Canadian provinces, more than 100 National Parks & Monuments, and countless other public lands, they have pursued what it means to live the good life and sustain it. As presenters, they “are consummate story-tellers, skillfully weaving practical know-how, sustainability tips, stories and images… guaranteed to change the way you think about your everyday way of being in the world," B. Beaulieu. The couple writes about all things camping and off-grid living for The Dyrt’s online magazine, Renogy Solar, and Northwest RVing. 

Randy SobelRV Electricity

Mike Sokol has been a live-sound, recording, and design engineer for over 38 years as well as a musician for 50 years who has run sound for thousands of Worship, Music, and Political events. In addition to teaching audio production at all levels, he’s been a contributing editor for magazines such as Church Productions, EQ, Electronic Musician, and Mix, as well as a technical consultant to Apple Computer and Microsoft. During the past ten years he’s presented over 600 seminars and Hands-On Workshops across North America at Churches, recording schools, universities, and professional audio organizations such as the Audio Engineering Society, the Society of Broadcast Engineers and NARAS (Grammy Awards Group).

Randy SobelPresident, Sobel University

Randy Sobel is president of Sobel University, which has developed RV sales and management training that currently reaches 500 Dealerships in the U.S and Canada. In more than 28 years, Sobel has presented numerous times at the RVDA, RVIA, 20 Groups, State and Provence Associations meetings as well as most Factory Dealer meetings. His training material has changed drastically over the years to stay current and relevant. Sobel still trains in two RV Dealerships most weeks as well as holding University courses in Tacoma and Atlanta.