HERSHEY, Penn. – America’s Largest RV Show opened its gates to the public at 9 a.m. this morning. Following a busy industry day on Tuesday, today offers people outside the RV industry to see what RVing has to offer. According to Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) Executive Director Heather Leach, preliminary data signals that opening day is roughly on-par with the numbers seen last year.
“We are feeling positive about opening day,” she told RVBusiness. “We are hearing feedback that people are excited to come to the show and see the new units on display. The weather is also beautiful, so I think that is going to help.”
Among the many new units on display is the new Brinkley Model R fifth-wheel. After more than one-and-a-half years in development, Product Manager Greg Cody is eager to see it already become well-received by the consumers he had already spoken with this morning.
“After so much development time, it feels amazing to finally be here at Hershey,” he told RVBusiness. “Anytime you make something, you don’t know what people are going to like or dislike. So to hear that people love things like the high ceilings, the rear storage cage and the air conditioner system is really great.
Cody said he wants people seeing the Model R, and other innovations on display at Hershey, to learn the importance of being innovative.
“Push yourself and do it for the customer,” he said. “Don’t do it for market share. If people are asking you for something, give it to them. If they tell you they don’t like something, change it. We listen and we give them what they want – it’s not that hard.”
Another innovative product on the market is on display is from P3Nine Adventure Gear. Developed by company President Aaron Hulett, the company makes protective covers for bikes on the back of vehicles and RVs. This is Hulett’s first time exhibiting at Hershey, and is one of the dozens of suppliers set up inside of the Giant Center.
“I’m a biker myself, and I was tired of trying to find the right bike cover for what I needed — so I decided to make my own,” he told RVBusiness.
The Hershey Show first-timer spent part of Industry Day networking with fellow suppliers, and preparing to meet thousands of potential customers.
“I’m feeling pretty good and I’m looking forward to talking with the people coming out to the show,” he said. “The outdoors lifestyle brings a lot of people together.”
Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
