FMCA, an international organization for RV owners, hosted the “Golden Getaway” International Convention and RV Expo at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, Aug. 24-27. The convention was presented by Blue Ox and marked the first time FMCA partnered with a title event sponsor.
About 700 RVs gathered at the event. FMCA events usually draw 1,300 to 1,800 for a summer event. Fuel prices may have cut attendance, FMCA Events Director Doug Uhlenbrock said. This is the first time FMCA held the event in Lincoln, Nebraska. The event mostly drew RVers from 500 miles around Lincoln with few attendees coming from the coasts.
The event kept attendees busy with over 100 seminars, events and entertainment.
“The folks who were there had a great time and really enjoyed seeing Lincoln,” Uhlenbrock said. “They have terrif
ic museums. It is filled with restaurants and all kinds of things. Lincoln is more than a small town in the middle of the country. It is a vibrant community. Whatever we did, the folks in Lincoln were right behind us every step of the way. They were very friendly, accommodating and welcoming.”
The Tuesday before the event, Blue Ox sponsored a “Blue Ox Bash” in downtown Lincoln’s Haymarket district to welcome attendees to the event. RVers received tickets for snacks and drinks. A DJ opened the party with Omaha cover band High Heel playing live tunes into the evening.
Based in Pender, Nebraska, just under 90 miles from Lincoln, Uhlenbrock said Blue Ox was the perfect partner to welcome participants to the state.
“This is a home convention for them. They wanted to be part of this,” Uhlenbrock said. “We are very appreciative to them for helping us and allowing us to hold some of our events. They are a great partner for us.”
FMCA invited all RV owners to join the festivities along with those who were curious about or considering the RV lifestyle.
At the RV Expo portion of the gathering, RV manufacturers and dealers displayed their latest models and invited convention attendees and members of the public to stop by for a tour. RV-related accessories, components, services, and other products of interest to travelers were also available.
FMCA offered free entrance to the community on the event’s last day, drawing a good general public crowd to see the exhibits, Uhlenbrock said.
Various RV experts conducted sessions during the event. Topics ranged from tire maintenance, technology and safe driving to RV trips to Alaska and New Zealand/Australia.
Attendees also took part in organized activities such as morning coffee hours and an ice cream social to impromptu meetups.
This was the FMCA’s fourth event since the pandemic.
