FMCA RV Expo Rolling Into Tucson, Arizona, In March
FMCA, an international organization for RV owners, will be hosting its 101st International Convention and RV Expo at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson March 26 through 29. The event has been dubbed “Sunsets + Saguaros” in honor of the surrounding area.
“We’re excited to be heading to Tucson for our March celebration of all things RVing,” noted FMCA national president Jon Walker. “I can’t think of a better place to be as spring begins and RVers head into the busy travel season. I’m looking forward to taking in some local sights while enjoying all that an FMCA international convention has to offer.”
FMCA invites all RV owners to join the festivities that will take place in late March. And those who are considering the RV lifestyle or are just curious will have an opportunity to take part as well.
During an FMCA convention, RV owners stay at the host facility in their homes on wheels, and a new neighborhood pops up almost overnight.
One key element of the event is the RV Expo. Major RV manufacturers and dealers bring the latest models and invite convention attendees and members of the public to stop by for a tour. Hundreds of RVs — in all shapes and sizes — will be open for inspection during show hours. RV-related accessories, components, services, and other products of interest to travelers will be available as well.
RV Expo hours will be Thursday, March 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, March 27 through 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
When they aren’t shopping, attendees can take part in seminars about topics ranging from RV driving/towing and RV maintenance to microwave-convection cooking and technology for travelers. Approximately 100 different sessions will be held.
A variety of daytime and evening entertainment is offered, and attendees have numerous opportunities for socializing with others who share their love of the RV lifestyle. These range from organized activities such as morning coffee hour and an ice cream social to afternoon happy hours in the RV parking areas and various impromptu meetups.
Multiple options are available for attending FMCA conventions. As noted, RV owners are invited to bring their vehicles and stay on-site to enjoy all of the activities. Those who don’t yet own an RV are welcome to come for the day and just explore the RV Expo, or purchase a “passport” that allows them to take part in all activities (with no RV parking).
Registrations will be accepted online at FMCA.com and by telephone at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 until March 18. After that date, RV owners can simply register upon arrival at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Day passes, which provide admittance only to the RV Expo, will be sold on-site. The day pass for Thursday, March 26, also will be good for Friday, March 27.
For new RVers or those considering the RV lifestyle, a special RV Basics course will be offered at the Pima County Fairgrounds prior to the convention. Led by RV experts, the 2.5-day course (March 23-25) covers topics such as RV maintenance, RV weights, tire safety, and fire and life safety. Advance registration is required. For more information, visit https://www.fmca.com/rv-education-101.
And for new RVers who want to feel more confident behind the wheel, two-day RV driving and one-day backing courses will be offered in partnership with the RV Driving School in advance of the FMCA convention in Tucson. Classes take place during the March 19 through 24 timeframe, and students use their own RV. Advance registration is required; for information, visit https://www.fmca.com/rv-driving-school.
ABOUT FMCA: ENHANCING THE RV LIFESTYLE
FMCA is the world’s largest not-for-profit association for recreation vehicle (RV) owners. The organization maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has more than 150,000 active members. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its monthly magazine, Family RVing; a medical emergency and travel assistance program valued at $200 per family; a tire purchasing program; group rates on a roadside assistance program, RV and auto insurance, and health insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and discounts on mobile internet access plans from Verizon and Sprint. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of RV travel. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the web at FMCA.com.
