By Dave Helgeson
While performing research for this article I came across the heading “Despite a Global Pandemic, RV Shows Must Go On” in a blog post written by Kyle and Olivia Brady of drivinvibin.com. This is a thought-provoking statement, as many ponder the fate of 2021 RV shows during the ongoing pandemic.
Producing RV shows for a living, the topic of 2021 RV shows and what they will look like is of great interest to me.
I have corresponded with venues and other show promoters, and researched what different states are permitting. Following are insights into 2021 RV shows and what you will likely experience if you choose to attend one. Because, like it or not, the 2021 RV show season is about to begin.
“The RV show season is about to begin again after a tumultuous 2020 that cancelled almost every show from February through this month.” —Mike Wendland with the Florida RV Supershow.
RV shows in the first quarter of 2021
Most RV shows in the first quarter of 2021 will be held outdoors. Many COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be in place. These include wearing face coverings, physical distancing, plexiglass barriers, wider aisles and one-way aisles. There will possibly be screening at the entrance, and probably hand sanitation stations, etc.
RV shows normally held indoors during the spring in colder northern climates will be converted to a virtual platform, cancelled, postponed or possibly held as a hybrid event like Camping World is attempting with their traveling RV show. They’re using the slogan: “It is RV Show season and while things might look a little different this year, we are revolutionizing the RV Show experience for YOU.”
How do consumers feel about virtual RV shows?
As an RV show promoter I question if virtual shows are a satisfactory substitute for in-person RV shows, as consumer-type shows are very sensory in nature. Cathy Breden, CEO at Center for Exhibition Industry Research, states, “You use all five senses to feel and experience them, whether that’s examining a new product or shaking someone’s hand to build a relationship.” As noted, rather than seeing it on a computer screen, most people prefer to feel it with their own hands, see it with their own eyes and maybe kick a tire or two. Plus, who can resist that new RV smell!
RV shows this year will most likely require advance online ticket purchase and reduced building capacities. To control crowd size and reduce possible virus transmission, venues will not be selling tickets at the gate (no handling of cash). Advance online tickets will have a set time for admission. Also, they’ll limit the number of people in each hall of the venue at a given time. It is yet to be seen if you will be asked to leave a show if you overstay your welcome.
2021 RV shows will likely start showing signs of normalcy as we move into late spring / summer. By then much of the country will be immunized against the virus. I suspect we’ll still be required to wear facial coverings and social distance indoors through the summer.
Will 2021 RV shows be safe to attend?
Safety? Bottom line: Will the public feel safe attending? The folks at drivinvibin.com offer these suggestions for staying safe at an RV show this year.
What is everyone thinking? Will people attend an RV show if given the chance? We are about to find out as both the annual Quartzsite RV Show and the Florida RV Supershow are scheduled to be underway as you read this.
What about you? At what point will you be comfortable returning to an RV show? Let us know in the comments below.
For a listing of RV shows click here.
Related:
The Big Quartzsite RV Show: They have built it – will you come?
##RVT983b
Just do it! Let’s. get on with life please. Just my 2 cents period!
Public safety for RV shows largely depends on the level of personal responsibility individuals take. If individuals wear masks, wash hands, and get the vaccine as soon as they are able, RV shows and the rest of the economy can begin to heal. In my travels, sadly, I’ve witnessed a greater majority of individuals disregarding public safety this leading to prolonged suffering. Recently though, I’ve observed an uptick in better covid hygiene behavior. So, fingers crossed.
They are selling as fast as they can build them: NO SHOWS ARE NECESSARY!!!!
I was going to say same thing. Best year ever, and most of the buyers did not go to a show. They researched online, went to a dealer or like my sister, decided what she wanted online, found it in Ohio, and drove on down from CT to get it.
Living in Florida we pretty much wear a mask, distance, and do hand sanitation, eat indoors and outdoors. I go to the Tampa show every year, but couldn’t due to family health issues this year. Some of my friends masked up and went.
We just came back from the Florida RV show. We went for the vendors looking for new and improved products. Went into only one rig while there. A manufacture that is by our coach. Did not see any issues and it seemed everyone was taking precautions. Life is short, I’m living to live, not living to die!
dangling participle
With Arizona having one of the worst Covid-19 infection rates in the country, anyone going to a Super Spreader event here is asking for trouble. Even with precautions, people are being infected because there are those who don’t care about anyone else. Stay away and you might be around for next year’s show.
I’m not planning on attending any shows, but not because of COVID. The wife and I are trying to live our lives as close to normal as possible. We social distance when in public places, wear masks when inside businesses and inside public places, and wash and sanitize. Outside we don’t wear masks and don’t feel the need to. We still go out to dinner and eat inside in dining rooms. We feel safe. We live in rural southern New Jersey farm country. Much different than city living. Life is short. Enjoy best you can.
Well said John. That is a very balanced position. It saddens me when people tell me what to do and call me stupid when I don’t behave like they want me to. If they don’t want to go out they have that right and I will defend that right with my life.
I would attend a show now if there was one near me but I would not force anyone to attend a show or publicly shame them if they did.
I wonder who the first politician will be (the one willing to risk his/her career) that says, “Ok folks. The pandemic is over. Dump the masks and get back to real life”.
None of them now that they have this level of control. The pandemic is here to stay and every time we start to think it will be close to being over is when it will evolve to something worse.
Tommy & Troy, Amen to that
My problems with RV shows is every dealer has the same trailers as the dealer in the next row. If the manufacturers all showed up with a few of their RV’s, would that not be an amazing show. Casita, Oliver, Big foot, Leisure Lite, My pod, have a row for the smaller RV’s.
Virtual RV Show? That would be like a “Virtual Buffet” My wife and I haven’t quit living waiting to die.
Amen to that! I haven’t quit living either, and I don’t plan on quitting! I would rather be die than quit living!
Me too! I haven’t quit living. That’s why I would not go to crowded places like RV shows or whatever. I plan to keep living. No way am I “dying” to see an RV.
More contagious strains of the virus are now running rampant. 4,000 people are dying a day right now. Why would anyone want to risk getting infected instead of being patient a few more months while the vaccine is being rolled out? Seems stupid and shortsighted. Our Healthcare workers and first responders are exhausted. Nurses are quitting. Don’t make it worse. Stay home. It’s not worth it.
Amen! Exactly how I feel! Until everyone stays home, this terrible disease will never get under control.
RV sales are at an all time high, but at all means keep spreading the virus.
we attended the florida rv supershow this weekend. masks, temperatures at the door and limited people in an rv is what i noticed. i’m certain there was more but as stated, that is what is most noticeable. we were in one rv when on person came around cleaning all of the common touchpoints (railing, cupboard door/drawer handles, refrigerators, stove tops, etc.) so there were some things going on in the background you didn’t necessarily see. it was a fun event, crowds were smaller than last year and it seemed to me they had fewer rv’s than last year.
kat…..We also attended the Florida RV Show, Thursday for us. Parking lots were not full as in years past. Temperature checks before getting to ticket booths and entrance gates. I did see only a few people not wearing masks. The vast majority were wearing masks. Tram seating was every other row. Rows were open for walking and crossing when years past the rows were packed with people. We did not go into any buildings, were masks were supposed to be mandatory, so can not comment on that. We did not find any rigs we wanted to enter and would have done so only with a salesman after cleaning if we did. I thought there were about the same number of R’s as years past but many more trailers. Camping World did not have their usual large RV Accessory Sales area. They did have a large number of trailer and other RV;s at the show just as other dealerships did. Social distancing was in effect and easy to achieve for this RV show. Hand sanitizing was everywhere and available to everyone
When everyone has been immunized.
I’m living my life, but I’m being selective as to where I go. Going inside an RV where 100’s of others have already been inside seems like a bad idea this year. I can wait until next year.
If the people that run these shows don’t think some attendees will catch and spread the virus, why include disclaimers on the tickets?
There must be something to mask wearing and social distancing. Flu cases are way, way, down this year.
Flu way down as are deaths from heart disease cancer etc. Every thing that can blamed on covid is even car accidents and shootings. It has turned into political war for control and money
This response does not belong here. The question is whether you’ll be gojng or not.
I responded to Riks statement about Flu masks and social distancing. You didn’t say his response didn’t belong. Why ? I guess I really hit a nerve.
Put a mask on it!
It’s related, relax
No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth. ~Plato
Vic speaks the truth.
wife and I are in our 70’s….not going anywhere near RV shows or crowds until the virus is under control. You can’t get it if you don’t mingle with infected peeps.
I’m afraid you can and thus virus will never be under control.
NO FRICKIN WAY!
I wonder how many people would attend an RV show if it was said that there was a chance that 5% of the attendees COULD be “terrorists”?
I would bet you wouldn’t hear all this bluster about “I’m not living my life in fear”.
Every 10 minutes in the United States, preventable incidents (accidents) will cause:
You lost yer bet, go live in fear.
Key word there is preventable! Why add to the risk when simple precautions (wear your seat belt, don’t drive distracted, wear a mask, avoid large groups) reduce the risk greatly? Why make it five people die, 1035 suffer, $25 million in costs?
We have a higher percentage of dying on a US highway by road rage, we still drive. Go down the road in some areas not far from the RV show and you have a high percentage of entering gang territory. Thousands still go to the show every year, and the fairgrounds, and Gasparilla, and the State Fair and the convention centers…
Not a chance that I’ll be attending an RV Show in the coming months. Until we’ve been vaccinated and the plague numbers are considerably reduced, ANY in-person large-group gatherings are totally out of the question. I’m astonished that these shows are being allowed!
Lingering pandemic? If only that were true. I only hope the vaccine distribution problems get solved. When the numbers start going down, then it becomes lingering.
My wife & I have attended the Florida RV Show every year for more than 20 years, but not this year! A relative of mine went yesterday. He said it appeared crowded, but less than usual. There were numerous safety protocols including temperature checks upon entry and lots of sanitizing stations. He indicated it still felt uncomfortable. He & his wife both have had their Covid shots, We are scheduled to get our 1st shot tomorrow. Maybe we will attend in 2022. Happy Trails!
I try my best to avoid crowds, gatherings, public places in general as a personal precaution. I carry a small bottle of lysol and hand sanitizer in my pockets.
As far as purchasing a new rv, travel trailer, etc, no way! The fit, finish, and overall quality is terrible! And that’s what you can see without seeing the actual construction in the walls, etc. I talk to and visit rv repair shops. What you see will amaze you.
Think of it like this: the manufacturers are having a tough time keeping up with the demand. It wouldn’t surprise me if corners are being cut to save build time. Less quality for more money. How long is that waiting list at the dealer to get it repaired, under warranty or not?
No thank you! With time, patience, attention to quality at every aspect, I am building my own, something that will last, be warm and cool, and built exceeding code. All at a fraction of the cost of the new ones out there.
If I won’t fly with strangers to go see my grandkids at Christmas, why would I gather with countless more–many I’ve seen who do not take the protocols serious? So no, count me out for now.
We have been to the Florida RV Show two days. Considering going back today to make a purchase. We’ve been extremely careful with masks, hand sanitizer and keeping our distance. Like Kat said, someone is always in the wings wiping down everything and people are doing a good job of one or two people inside a rig at a time. But I think it helped that we already knew what we wanted so it was just mapping out where to go for those manufacturers and then kept it moving. We did not go into any of the buildings to see vendors.
In September 2020, we purchased a new RV to travel from New Jersey to California and see our son and his family. We told the dealer we wanted to avoid close contact with anyone from the dealership, face masks were required, and the inside (and outside door handles) had to be disinfected.
It seems like these precautions worked.
During our trip,I asked someone at a gas pump next to me to wear a mask. Her husband jumped out of the car and at close quarters shouted he was the only one who could tell his wife what to do. In New Mexico, I asked another woman if she would wear a mask. She told me to perform an anatomically impossible act and then produced an exaggerated cough directed towards me yelling that now we all have the virus.
No matter what precautions the producers take, crazy people will find a way to contaminate everything. We still should do everything on line and to the extent possible, stay in our “bubbles” as we go about business.
Crazy is telling people to do what you want when they are already a safe distance away. You should mind your business. Telling people at a gas pump that are much further than 6ft away to wear a mask tells me that YOU are the crazy person. Think about your statement. You made the guy get out and get close to you. He didn’t do it without being provoked.
I read Frank’s comment as “I ASKED someone next to me to put on a mask”, not TOLD them. Additionally, I have found (sometimes) that another car pulls up at the pump and we are much too close since my tank spout is on the right side of the car, and the other person’s spout is on the left side. So we are each using different sides of the same pump. So we really CAN be too close. I don’t ask them to put on a mask however as I don’t want to start a confrontation. I do however back away from the hose/spout while it’s pumping so as to give them as much space as possible while keeping my mask on until I get back in the car.
Did you wash your hands after handling the pump handle?
Again Mikel, let common sense prevail. 100% correct
FYI to All. If you go to California be aware of the fact.. mask haters are verbally attacking people (some physically) for WEARING a mask. As ridiculous as that sounds, it is happening. Presently LA area has a new case every three minutes, a death every 10 minutes with hospitals at or near capacity!
First off you as a private citizen have no authority or right to tell anyone in a public place what to do. If you worked at or owned the gas station, then you have the right to ask them to wear a mask, if you have signs posted it is required. You are lucky they did not call the police and file a harassment charge on you.
Life must continue, people need food, so people must work, all jobs are essential. Stay home and hibernate if you are in poor health. Of course if your retired and on a fixed income you can choose to hibernate regardless of your health.
Agreed. Everyone must determine for themselves at what point they choose to start living again. Our family has slowly increased it’s activity out in the world over the last several months, particularly as the dire consequences predicted last April/May simply have not come to pass.
Watched video on 2021 Tampa RV show Not 1 person wearing a mask So glad I was unable to attend
I also watched a video from the show and it appears that if people were outside and distanced, no masks but if they wanted to go into an RV, they would wait until others left or wore masks.
The market for RVs is red hot. So these shows are not needed to drum up interest in buyers. It would be okay to have them outdoors, except for one thing; the RVs themselves present forced close quarters. If all doors and windows were open and fans blasting, you might be able to make it ‘safe’ for hundreds of people to troop through, but that won’t happen. Meanwhile people are rubbing shoulders to get close to a rep, standing in line for cokes, etc.
Millions of seniors have been cowering in their homes for 10 months, because irresponsible people won’t cancel crowd-gathering events and end this pandemic. It’s not right.
I know the promoters need to make a living. Here’s a thought, get licensed as an RV tech and start solving some of the problems you’ve caused by selling too many RVs with not enough techs to fix them.
The same people here saying that you shouldn’t go are the same people going to grocery stores, Home Depot, restaurants, etc. don’t be hypocrites. The RV industry and people who sell them depend on this to stay in business. What if someone told you that you shouldn’t make a living? Keep a safe distance and you’ll be fine, or stay at home. Either way people have a right to work.
Well stated, I agree 100%
I agree with you to a point. There’s a huge difference between the amount of air space in a Home Depot when compared with that in an RV, or even a restaurant. You have to be smart about when and where you go. Order takeout from a restaurant rather than eat inside, but by all means give them business. As far as RV shows, most of the people working them are salesmen. As they work on commission, they aren’t hurting for money these days.
It baffles me as to why some people act like they want this pandemic to drag out. We will get past it. Our actions will determine whether that’s sooner or later.
Agreed.
Unfortunately too many people have been told to stay at home and cannot make a living. Fortunately for those of us that are retired, our income has not been affected much other than rising prices. That will hurt a lot of us in the end, depending on our income. In a free society like ours we have choices, hopefully we will make the right choices for our unique situations. Happy Trails To All !!
The problem with big ‘event’ crowds is you don’t go in, get your groceries and get out, you breathe the air breathed by thousands of other people ALL DAY LONG. Exposure time raises your risk.
Making a living? There are essential businesses hiring for things that actually need doing, such as fixing RVs instead of promoting them. And p.s. nobody gives a flip when farmers or factory workers or fishermen or real estate people or oilfield workers suffer through a downturn. Most adult Americans have had to retool to find alternate ways to make a living when times get bad for their industry. We can prolong this plague for 10 years if we keep deciding non-essential events and gatherings must be held.
Those who are willing to attend these mass gatherings are the same people that I most want to avoid for my own safety. I’m staying away.
You can’t fix stupid… but covid can.
Will consider revisiting RV shows and other large attendance events next year after we’ve had a chance to see what the Pandemic new infection rates look like and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
We will NOT be attending any mass gatherings most likely through 2021. That means no crowded restaurants, no church services, no museums/theaters/sporting events, and CERTAINLY no RV shows. Although it’s always fun to visit shows and check out all the new goodies and meet up with friends, we will stick to continuing to be safe until such time as the vaccine is widely distributed and the numbers start to drop as compared to what is happening right now (Jan 21). Besides, if we were to decide to buy a new RV, it would be something used from a private seller vs new from a dealer for 2 reasons:. They don’t make ’em (RV’s) like they used to, and I don’t trust any RV dealer any farther than I could throw them!
No,not this year
I’m in yuma, just 100 miles away. Dont need any sickness.
Just announced that a gatekeeper at our resort is in the hospital with covid. How many will be infected because of him?
Those who feel it is not safe to go is fine, stay home. Those who feel safe to go, should go!
Everyone that I know who has gotten COVID seems to have gotten it from a family member, not from going out to eat, to the store, to church, etc. We have a daughter in law in Texas who has been teaching school, in person, since last year. No covid. Our son, her husband, manages a restaurant in Texas and has been working all along. No covid. I have several family members who work for so-called “essential” businesses. Most have not missed a day of work since covid appeared, and they’ve not gotten covid. I thought I’d be scared to death of eating in a restaurant, but when a family emergency required travel last September, and we had to stay in hotels and eat out, I found it was just not that frightening. Folks followed the guidelines and kept tables and people apart, and we didn’t get covid. Frankly, I’ve had more friends & family die of suicide and nursing home neglect during this thing than have died of covid. I would take precautions, but would not be afraid of an RV show.
That all sounds very reasonable, C.Lee. But I have to wonder where the initial family member got the COVID from? And I’m very sorry to hear about the suicide(s) and nursing home neglect. That is very sad, especially since those cases should be preventable. So sad. Take care, and stay healthy. —Diane at RVtravel.com
I wonder too. It would seem there is no real governmental apparatus in place to determine that, at least concerning the cases I have personal knowledge, which span many states. Maybe there can’t be. What I do know is that one of my family members has been in charge of internal contact tracing for the company they work for, and out of approx. 80 known cases among employees, only two have been determined to have come from contact within the workplace. The rest brought it with them from outside the company. Good news is, out of all those cases, there have been only two hospitalizations, and zero deaths. I don’t mention any of this to discount those who have been horribly affected by the disease, I am merely reporting my opinion based upon my own experience. I was deathly afraid of the virus last May. Then I started watching the news less, and started relying upon personal knowledge and experience more. I am no longer deathly afraid of the virus.
Thank you, C.Lee. I am not afraid of the virus, either. But I am greatly saddened by all those who have been negatively affected by it in any way – health-wise (physical, emotional, mental), employment-wise, or anything else. And I miss my friends who have died from it, even when taking precautions. —Diane at RVtravel.com
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My wife is 81, I’m 78 we wear our masks when required entering businesses, supposedly we are in the most at risk category for contracting the virus. We take our vitamins and other supplements, but we are not hiding or isolating ourselves. As many in the medical field have reported over the last 9 months this virus kills far less people than the common flu. I think the media has done more to scare people than was needed, and yes it was political. I won’t go any further. The media has proved how easy it is to control an entire nation. I won’t downplay the loss of life during this pandemic, but as many experts have said most people who have died had some other serious problem before they got Covid 19 whether they knew it or not. We thank the Lord everyday for protecting us and our families during this pandemic, and I know prayer works.
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Like your comment.
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I won’t be going to any large gathering until you do not need to wear a mask….
Then you better be prepared to not to go anywhere then for at least 3 more years. Masks are not going away until we reach 75% immunity. The sooner people realize and accept this the better.
I will share a website with everyone if it’s alright with Diane and chuck. If not delete it.
adp.thewellnessway.com doctor Patrick flynn shares his thought and backs up everything he says about covid 19, the need to mask up or not mask up, the need to take the vaccine or not take the vaccine. He says his information so you yourself can make an informed decision.
Thanks, Jeff. The “adp” in the address stands for “A Different Perspective” — and it never hurts to get a different perspective and to learn all that we can about something so important, I say. Patrick Flynn has a Doctorate in Chiropractic, for those who are curious. Take care. 🙂 —Diane at RVtravel.com
I would think a PhD of Chiropraactic is just as informed as me. He may be a doctor, but so is a PhD of electrical engineering. I prefer to listen to epidemiologists.
The Corona virus doesn’t care whether you go to a mass gathering or not. It is insidious. It just lays in wait for an opportunity whether you go to the grocery store or an RV show. Mask wearing etc has reduced influenza cases from what it was last year at this time, and those measures have helped reduce COVID cases, but have not eliminated COVID cases. Also, the new strain…altho not more virulent…is much more contagious. So…the more exposure you subject yourself to, the more likely it is you’ll become infected and perpetuate the spread. Yep, ya gotta go to the grocery store, but looking at RVs you’ll most likely never buy…is not essential.
At the root of this is why is the vaccine available but we can’t get it?
Ask your Governor.
The shows should wait. I’m on the front line as a medic. Wear a mask. Get vaccinated when you can. Avoid crowds. This is real.
I agree, thank you for your caring!
sure, if the organizers want to. most adults are intelligent enough to decide for themselves if they should attend.
Thousands of Private Doctors and Scientists around the world have said there are therapeutics for this virus. I prefer to inhale and exhale fresh air. I will take my chances with this virus and continue to wash my hands after being in public like I have done for decades. I take Vitamin D, C, B’s, zinc etc. Mike Bloomberg, a politician, supplied John’s Hopkins with 1.3 bill. I wonder if that money has an influence on “stats”? There are many questions about this pandemic, the one that you don’t know you have unless you’re tested, I tend to think this is more about fear, vaccines, control and money than I think it will be the demise of me. But that’s just me, live and let live, live and let breathe.
I agree with you Tam. I’m 66 yrs old, along with my wife and family (4 married kids, 8 grandkids) we enjoy life as we have in the past. And talking about the past, when wife and kids were sick I always hug them and meet their needs till they got well and never,never,never ever thought “what if I get the germ”! It saddens me to see families doing the opposite and believing the government. Thinking of the pilgrims right now and wondering what if they thought the same!!!
Adults have the right to consume alcohol, but that doesn’t give them the right to drive while under the influence, endangering others. I’m glad you are healthy and take your vitamins, but you could STILL be an asymptomatic carrier and infect others who are not as healthy because you are not containing the germs by wearing a mask. Please respect the health of others.
Science that is kept from you! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4420971/
How is it being kept from us? I’ve seen this on many news sites. But I guess that doesn’t make for as good a conspiracy theory.
Thousands of Private Doctors and Scientists around the world have said there are therapeutics for this virus, in other words if you or me caught the virus, then our private/personal Doctor should have the right to treat us as he/she sees fit without the government taking a 6+ decade old drug off the market, that costs pennies, because it is known to cure covid. Hopefully you won’t get covid, but if you do there are tried and real cures. Don’t ask a government acronym, ask your Doctor.
I’m at the Quartzsite show this weekend. There are a LOT of people here and I would say 95% are wearing masks around town. Some places are doing temperature checks and giving you a wristband if you check out. You have to wear a mask at the RV Show & the swapmeets to get in. Everyone seems to be practicing social distancing too. There are lots of hand sanitizer stations all over that you can use. It is very calm and organized. I’m just posting to let others know what it’s like here. No need to blast me for choosing to come here.
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The funny thing about temperature checks (which they do where I work) Is the the entire time I had covid I never had a temperature higher than 99.4.
If anyone is wondering no I did not go to work though based on the temp I probably could have.
I’m ready to go. I’m tired of being locked up like a prisoner and at this point people should know how to take care of themselves. If one is worried, stay home.
I don’t deny that people “should” know how to take care of themselves, but the current statistics do not bear that out.
Y’all do what you want, but I’m not going into any crowded tent or tiny motorhome where other people have been recently, mask or no mask, until I’m vaccinated and the current case numbers are a lot lower. We think we know how to protect ourselves, but with the new, improved, more contagious variants, all bets are off.
And yes, I’m every bit as tired of being stuck at home as everyone else.
I recall earlier this year when stores had one-way aisles with big arrows and signs — and no one paid much attention to any of them! They finally removed them. As for virtual shows, just turn on the TV show “Go RVING” to see first hand what different rigs are like. Going to a dealer usually is much less crowded than a show, albeit it may take a little longer to see as many rigs. I agree that with RV sales already hitting records — with way too few sites to accommodate them — the actual NEED for a show does not ring true. As an entertainment venue, I suspect many will traipse through in order to satisfy their WANT to get out of the house, satisfy their curiosity, or prove that they can’t be told what to do.
I think they should go on, as long as they have precautions in place. Tampa is doing that. We did not make it this year to the Tampa show, but not because of covid. Quite frankly, we did not feel like leaving TX and our family this winter. We are planning on going to the RV show in Dallas at the end of February.
I may be going against the grain here, but NO! – NO in-person shows until at least the 3rd qtr. 2021. Covid 19 and the new very contiguous variants will still be around until then. And we know people and their kids will follow the rules – NOT!! Heck, look how many people cannot even wear the masks correctly, if at all!
We like attending shows but we can wait. If you are looking to buy, do the virtual tours. You (should) already know what you are looking for and lets face it, reps. only have a few models at the show anyway. You get more info online and reading blogs. Regarding new buyers, look online and then visit dealers. And dealers are still having trouble keeping units in stock, so the need to hold shows is low on the importance scale.
We need to keep the faith and stay the course. This will pass and we will get to a more stable life. Stay safe and camp on!