SAN ANTONIO — August in Texas might not sound ideal, but to hundreds of folks from the RV Industry it’s one of the best places to be.
Right now, at least 200 participants are gathered at the Embassy Suites on the San Antonio Riverwalk for the 2025 RV Industry Association’s RV Aftermarket Conference, which begins in earnest today.
But many arrived in time for Monday’s festivities, including a morning golf tournament and an evening welcome reception in the hotel’s Majestic Ballroom.
Friends and colleagues mingled over food and refreshments, while newcomers were given a taste of the networking opportunities they can expect from this year’s gathering of aftermarket suppliers, distributors and invited dealers.
Offering food for thought was RVIA Executive Vice President James Ashurst, who gave a brief welcome speech, thanking everyone for attending.
Ashurst struck a positive tone, but did not ignore reality, saying the year has been a challenging one for the industry.
“Obviously, the market’s not where we wanted it to be right now, I think everyone can agree we were hoping to see a little bit more of an uptick,” he said. “But to see this many people here, making the investment and being a part of the conference, is great to see.”
On the schedule this week are many meetings between suppliers, distributors, agents, industry media, and others in the industry. All are coming together to talk business and chart a path forward through a difficult market.
But meetings are not the only thing people are looking forward to.
During today’s lunch, conference participants will be treated to a fireside chat with Fun Town RV Founder and CEO Jarrod McGhee.
Aftermarket Committee Chairman John Tinghitella of RV Designer said McGhee should offer incomparable insight.
“Jarrod’s understanding and focus on today’s RVer deeply resonated with me,” Tinghitella stated earlier this year. His message is precisely what we in the aftermarket need to hear to effectively attract and retain consumers within the RV lifestyle.”
Lunch will be followed by afternoon meetings, and an offsite dinner event at Elsewhere Kitchen & Bar.
Wednesday will be highlighted by the 2025 RV Aftermarket Awards presentation. When the afternoon meetings conclude, attendees are then invited to explore San Antonio on their own. Several historic landmarks are within walking distance, including The Alamo and the San Fernando Cathedral.
Ashurst is hopeful attendees find a lot of value in the programs at this week’s conference.
“We want them to walk away, feeling this investment in being engaged with the association is a worthwhile use of their time and resources,” he said. “To see this many people here on opening night, and to see how packed the schedule is for the next three days, it’s very encouraging for the future.”
RVIA’s 2025 Aftermarket Conference is sponsored by Airxcel, American Technology, AP Products, Atlas Trailer Coach Products, Creative Products Group, Demco, Dometic, Equal-i-zer, Fogatti, Genesis Products, MORryde, Pace, RVBusiness, Stromberg Carlson Products Inc., Thetford Norcold, Valterra, Walex and WFCO Technologies.
The conference continues until this Thursday. RVBusiness will continue to provide updates each day throughout the week.
