RV Dealers International Convention/Expo Preview

CBS’s Ray Brady to Keynote
Opening Day of Dealers Convention

Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist Ray Brady will keynote the opening session of the 1999 RV Dealers International Convention/ Expo at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV on Sept. 27.  As business correspondent for CBS News, Brady is seen by millions of Americans each week on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.  The RV Dealers Convention/Expo runs Sept. 27-30.  Brady replaces previously announced keynoter Stuart Varney.

Brady has developed a national reputation for the accuracy of his economic predictions.  He was one of the first to report on the economic factors that would lead to the current period of economic prosperity.  Brady is an expert on how Congress, Federal tax policies, and inflation will impact consumers’ pocketbooks.

Formerly an editor of Dun’s Review, Brady has also served as assistant managing editor of Forbes magazine, and associate editor at Barron’s, the financial news weekly. 

In addition to the opening session keynote presentation by Ray Brady, the 1999 convention educational program, called RV Dealers University  (RVDU), features more than 40 knowledgeable speakers from inside and outside the RV industry over the course of the four-day event.  Dealers can choose from an extensive educational curriculum of 70 workshop sessions covering five management tracks — general operations, sales, finance & insurance (F&I), rentals, and service & AfterMarket.

Special roundtable and panel discussions throughout the convention will give attendees valuable opportunities to interact with their peers on important issues specific to the RV business.  More than 140 exhibitors will display the latest in RV products and technology in the Expo and many will offer product-specific seminars and educational materials in their booths.

This year’s Convention/Expo speakers include:

Malcolm Mahr, an advertising consultant, will help dealerships achieve the most out of their Yellow Pages ads and share his money-saving secrets. 

Joe O’Brien will outline how to develop sales goals and build a successful system to measure success.  O’Brien has over 30 years of experience in the RV industry as a dealer, GM, salesman, and sales manager.

Motivational expert Bob Ash will discuss building a positive work environment and give insights to dealers on effective, more creative leadership.

John Quade, a dynamic sales trainer, will explain “Seven Step Selling.”  His workshop will cover new strategies for completing a successful sales presentation while building rapport with customers.

D.J. Harrington will discuss practical marketing and telephone skills designed to enhance dealership performance with new sales, incoming calls, and following up with current customers. 

RVDA Convention/Expo Committee chairman Jeff Pastore of Hartville RV Center in Hartville, OH, said,   “We’re calling the education programs “RV Dealers University” because the Convention/Expo offers dealers and their top managers a unique opportunity to learn more about all aspects of running an RV dealership — all in one place.  This is truly the one educational event of the year that can help dealers of all sizes improve their business.”

Convention/Expo attendees will also have a chance to relax and have some fun with their peers.  An optional golf tournament to benefit the RVDA Education Foundation is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 26.  Other optional events include a night of music, dance, and special effects at the Riviera Hotel’s Las Vegas “Splash Review,” and a Graduation Nite Party and dinner featuring magician Michael Ammar. 

For registration materials call RVDA at (703) 591-7130, send a fax to (703) 591-0734, or e-mail RVDA at rvdan@aol.com.