The 2026 NTP-Stag Expo’s final day was filled with Power Hours, product demonstrations and attendees pounding on their tablets and phones submitting digital orders.
The show wrapped up on Wednesday at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
The day began with a roar as former NBA player and motivational speaker Walter Bond gave an energy-infused keynote speech.
Bond spoke about his struggles with academics as a child and his eventual success in basketball and business. He highlighted successes and failures caused by his changing mindsets and access to coaches to teach him throughout his journey.
He stressed how being successful in business requires a primary focus on being in the “people business.” He cited how companies should emulate the sandwich restaurant chain Jersey Mike’s, which changed from a “sandwich business” into “a training and development business masquerading as a sandwich business.”
Bond insisted that training/development as well as being a mentor and having access to mentors are deciding factors to organizational and personal successes.
He highlighted his book “Swim,” which discusses the symbiotic relationship between sharks and suckerfish and how the relationship is similar to leaders and employees.
“You came here this morning thinking you need more out of your employees,” Bond said. “I am here to tell you, your employees need more from you.”
The breakfast and guest speaker were sponsored by awning manufacturer Carefree of Colorado.
Show Floor Open
After breakfast, attendees stormed the show floor to review exhibitors’ aftermarket offerings. At the entrance, attendees were greeted by a sea of NTP-Stag employees dressed in matching blue polo shirts who applauded retailers’ arrivals.
Lippert Chief Marketing Officer Jarod Lippert said his company, like many at the NTP-Stag Expo, came to Orlando after exhibiting at the Florida RV SuperShow last week. He said RV consumer and retail store employee sentiments mirrored each other.
“There is a lot of positive sentiment coming out of that,” he said. “A lot of dealers had a really, really good show. If that is any indicator for the rest of the year, hopefully it is positive. I have talked to several dealers [at the NTP-Stag Expo] as well, and everything I am hearing is good news so far.”
Lippert’s Expo booth was by far the largest on the show floor. Jarod Lippert said that it is not by coincidence.
“Our presence expands every time we buy a brand,” he said. “We bought Curt, and the towing stuff has been a big part of our expansion over the last couple of years. It seems like we need more space every year.”
On the dealership side, Pontiac RV Service Manager Kevin Kafer has been attending the show for 30-plus years. He said this year’s show brought even more to attendees than recent Expo events.
Wilkens RV Parts Director Pete Wyant said his team came to the Expo for training, education and deals.
“We are always looking for good buys—things that will help us maintain our margins and make us competitive, especially with online sellers,” Wyant said. “If you are going to compete with the online sellers, you really have to come to these shows. This is where you are going to get the pricing to allow you to do that.”
During the afternoon, companies including Airxcel, Dometic, Equal-i-zer, Garmin and Lippert hosted Power Hours. The show featured over 300 exhibitors.
Blue Ox, AP Products, Dometic, Airxcel and Camco exhibitor displays were among the biggest on the show floor.
Eager attendees raced to exhibits to take advantage of the exclusive show discounts on parts and accessories. NTP-Stag employees escorted many customers to booths featuring new products, while also offering personalized expertise on what products would be strong movers and high profit items to stock and sell.
Wyant said he appreciates the Expo’s vendor variety and numerous new products.
“We will always talk to anyone and listen to what they have to say,” Wyant said. “If they have something new that we feel is a good product, we will take a shot at it.”
Redarc North American Sales Director Jason Groom said the supplier’s new brake controller, the Tow Pro Link, was on display and will be available in February.
“After some conversations with the NTP sales staff, they are now really aware of it, and that has started to draw a lot of traction,” Groom said. “Sales have been picking up on it.”
The final horn sounded on the show floor at 5 p.m. as customers filed out of the conference hall doors for the final time. Exhibitors began to pack up.
“We always appreciate being at the Expo. NTP-Stag puts on a great show,” Groom said. “It is great to get a chance to walk around and see what is new in the industry. It is great to get a chance to talk with our peers and folks that we work with throughout the year.”
Roughly half an hour later, hundreds of attendees, exhibitors and NTP-Stag employees attended the closing reception.
The event featured music from a dueling pianos act. Brisket, pork and meatloaf were available at carving tables, along with various desserts.
Wyant said while the Expo’s education and knowledge is always worth the trip, the networking opportunities are numerous.
He said, “It is a great time to put a face with the names we talk to on the phone and email with all year.”
