The 2022 Florida RV SuperShow is reporting record attendance, evident by the crowds exploring the Florida State Fairgrounds, show organizers said.
Wednesday marked a new opening day record with over 20,000 attendees, according to Florida RV Trade Association Executive Director Dave Kelly.
“Perfect weather and a pent-up demand resulted in a record opening day crowd,” Kelly said. “We had a number of concessions run out of items due to the record attendance and the seminars were standing room only. If the weather holds through the weekend, we expect to see huge crowds for four more day.”
Kelly said the event has a sense of “normalcy” missing since the pandemic began.
“It feels like the old shows,” Kelly said. “A handful of people have masks on, the rest are out enjoying the show. Life as usual, and it is refreshing.”
General RV set up a parts and accessories store, which Kelly described as rivaling any dealership parts store. He said the store was packed at almost all times of the day, with golf carts running to help shoppers take purchases back to their vehicles.
“I think what is driving this is there are so many newbies to RVing, and they want to know more,” Kelly said. “They are looking for accessories, parts — things to go and see, things to do.”
Many exhibitors reported strong sales compared with previous years. The Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds distributed hundreds of their new campground directories, according to Jennifer Johnson of the association.
“So many people are first-timers that they are hungry for information about Florida campgrounds,” Johnson said.
Concept vehicles were a hit at the show with Thor and Winnebago displaying their new all-electric Type B motorhomes. Kelly said these booths were eye-catching and drew big crowds throughout Wednesday and into Thursday.
nuCamp also unveiled a prototype of its Barefoot trailer. Off-road vehicles were on display as Storyteller and Black Series Campers featured units designed to be taken off the beaten path.
The Florida RV SuperShow continues through Jan. 23. For more information contact Kelly at 813-741-0488 or [email protected].
