After last weekend’s Orlando RV Show took place in Kissimmee, Florida, the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) has officially completed the last of five regional Spring trade shows.
FRVTA Executive Director Dave Kelly said attendance numbers were mixed, but attendees and vendors were generally pleased with the events.
The show season began with the 41st Fort Myers RV Show Jan. 29 to Feb. 1.
Kelly said this year’s event featured seven dealers from up and down the Gulf Coast displaying recreational vehicles ranging from luxury Type A motorhomes to affordable folding camping trailers.
Kelly said many sales were registered by both dealers and vendors. Attendance was just under 6,600 people over the four days of the show, an increase of 500 people over last year’s event.
The Jacksonville RV MegaShow was held Feb. 5-8.
FRVTA Region 6 President Jeff Lavallee said the show was held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center for the 17th straight year.
“Our members really like this venue,” Lavallee said. “Also, the public has gotten used to coming to our shows here, so we see this as a long-term location for our shows.”
Kelly said over 6,000 people attended the four-day event, down slightly from last year’s total.
The West Palm Beach RV Show was held Feb. 19-22 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
FRVTA Region 2 President Freddy Fehr said the show drew over 4,200 people and the participating dealers were, for the most part, happy with the results.
“It’s not so much about how many come to the show,” Fehr said, “it’s more about buyers attending.”
The Ocala RV Show was held again at Florida Horse Park March 5-8.
Show Director Patty Flanagan said the event saw great weather and huge crowds with just under 5,700 people attending.
“This is the largest regional show in terms of dealer space and having been at this facility for a number of years we’ve built quite a following,” Flanagan said. “Everyone I spoke to was very happy with the results”.
The show season wrapped up with the Orlando RV Show which saw 3,800 people in attendance over the four-day event.
“Four dealers packed the field visible from the road which contributed to the increase in admission numbers,” Kelly said. “Dealers and booth exhibitors did very well, and talks are already underway to make plans for next year.”
Kelly said FRVTA will hold regional shows this summer and fall. Information on upcoming shows can be found on the association’s website.
