HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA
September 13-17, 2023
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Industry Attendees

PRVCA Announces Education Line up for Hershey America’s Largest RV Show®

Jul 2, 2019 | News

Camp Hill, PA – The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) is pleased to announce its education schedule for Industry Days, September 9-10, during America’s Largest RV Show® in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Registration is open at www.largestrvshow.com.

On Monday, September 9, PRVCA will host an Education Day with concurrent seminars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Giant Center, located at 550 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pa.

RV technicians will learn the basics of electricity from expert Mike Sokol in “Amp Up Your Electricity Knowledge” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The seminar will offer theory of 120/240-volt power in campground pedestals, 12-volt DC system operation and troubleshooting, surge protector types and operating principles and voltage drop consideration for long cable runs and much more. Participants will earn three continuing education credits for attending this session.

The RV Doctor Gary Bunzer will present “The Attitude of Troubleshooting” during his session from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. He will define what really is an “Attitude” and provide an in-depth look at troubleshooting. Learn how to apply the values of a winning teaming concept, accurately justify major equipment purchases, develop and sharpen new trouble shooting skills and learn how to blend troubleshooting steps into a habit. If you are serious about providing professional RV service and have an interest in offering RV services to your customer base at a profit, then this seminar will help guide you there. This session qualifies for six education credits.

Cummins will offer a seminar on repairing and maintaining its generators. Join this session from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Cummins experts who will address the most frequently asked questions, explain the proper maintenance, operating techniques, exercising, dash lamps, fuel economy and service tools and information. This session qualifies for six education credits.

Suburban AirXcel will present on-demand water heater training from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The hands-on training session will provide attendees with the sequence of operation and an operational review for the iW60 on-demand water heater. The presenter will also provide the latest new product information. The session is worth four education credits.

Presenters from Constant Contact will discuss marketing automation in “The Dos and Don’ts of Automated Emails” from 2 to 4 p.m. The session will teach the difference between automated messages and autoresponder campaigns and how they can help your company with better marketing communications.

On Tuesday, September 10, PRVCA will host Dealer Day at America’s Largest RV Show®. The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a special preview. More than 1,400 new RVs will be on display this year. See the latest floor plans, new technology and new products. In addition, more than 100 booth vendors will also showcase their products and services. This is a great opportunity to see manufacturer representatives and network with others in the industry.

Dealers will also have the opportunity to participate in education sessions, which run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gary Bunzer returns for a second session on “The Attitude of Troubleshooting” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. He will discuss what is a successful “attitude” and provide an in-depth look a troubleshooting. Attendees will learn how to apply the values of a winning team concept, accurately justify major equipment purchases, develop and sharpen new troubleshooting skills and learn how to blend the four major troubleshooting steps into a habit. Attendees earn six continuing education credits for completing this session.

A certified Norcold trainer will offer a session on the company’s gas refrigerators, from unit basics to the ice maker and water valve diagnostics. Learn about ventilation, burner and orifice, spark electrode, and heaters. This session will cover the power board codes, flow chart and diagnostic screens. It will also explain how to troubleshoot common issues such as door adjustments, water issues and down draft. The seminar, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is worth six continuing education credits.

Dometic will provide training on its furnaces from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The hands-on program will focus on troubleshooting and understanding the function of furnace components. It will teach the sequence of operation and how you determine where you should have power at specific points in the furnace operation. This session is worth four continuing education credits.

Bill Snider of Dexter Axle will provide RV technician training on servicing RV axles, spring suspension and electric braking systems from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. He will explain the commonly used RV axles and suspensions with a combination presentation of theory and hands-on training with spring axles and electric drum brakes. He will cover topics such as technician safety, component identification, wheel bearing and electric drum brake service, spring suspension operation, introduction to torsion axles, proper trailer loading, alignment troubleshooting and more. Attendees will earn four education credits for this session.

Horizon Global/Reese will offer training from 2 to 4 p.m. on Reese short bed solutions and goose box, weight distribution and sway control, 5th wheel hitches and mounting systems, and the Tekonsha ZCI “Snap Don’t Snip” wiring solutions. Other topics include the proportional brake controllers, Reese powered A-frame jacks, and Bulldog powered 5th wheel landing legs. Learn more about the product features and pass them along to your customers. Attendees will earn two education credits for completing this session.

The Distributor Showcase will be presented by Keller Marine and RV from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The seminar will explain how to leverage new RV customers and existing customers as a base for your parts business. In addition, join a discussion about GMROI in parts and how to measure the success of your parts business.

Learn how to “Create an Amazing Customer Experience” from David Martin of the Mar-Kee Group from 10 a.m. – noon. He will share 12 ways to WOW customers and create an exceptional customer experience.

Randy Sobel, Sobel University, provides his expertise for sales training in “Learn new sales techniques for today’s challenges” from 3 to 4 p.m. The seminar will teach you how to handle real objections and move quickly from objection to satisfaction to get your clients to buy now. Roll play through the most challenging scenarios happening at RV dealerships daily.

Finish your day with the industry dinner party at the AACA Auto Museum from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a tour of the museum, fine hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and delicious buffet dinner for just $10. PRVCA will host a silent auction to benefit the political action committee (PAC) and have a short welcome and awards presentation. Join us to network with others in the industry, support our PAC and have fun!

The education sessions and show are free for all PRVCA members. There is a nominal free for non-members. Learn more about Industry Days and register to attend at www.largestrvshow.com.

 

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.