The final tally showed Hershey America’s Largest RV Show attendance totaling 49,112 from Sept. 14-18. The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) said despite an attendance drop from last year, interest and sales reportedly remained strong.
“While attendance is down from last year’s second-highest ever, manufacturers and vendors reported strong sales,” said Heather Leach, PRVCA executive director. “Interest in RVing remains high and with a tough economy, many consumers were still attended to shop for their next RV. This show is always a great place for consumers to check out the newest products, floor plans and designs.”
The attendance is the first time since 2014 the show registered less than 50,000 attendees. Attendance was down about 12% from 2019 levels. The show was postponed in 2020.
The 2023 show is scheduled to take place Sept. 13-17.
Forty manufacturers showcased more than 1,500 RVs during the five-day public event with dealer and manufacturer representatives on hand to answer consumers’ questions and help them secure a great deal.
PRVCA said sales were strong for the show’s more than 175 vendors. Anecdotal reports added weight to the statement, with observers saying vendors saw brisk traffic from RVers looking to add to or upgrade their current RV rather than trade in.
PRVCA offered numerous consumer-oriented seminars during the show. Sessions provided education on buying an RV, maintenance, safety, where to travel, retirement options, engine and generator maintenance, Truma AquaGo, Micro-Air thermostats, fire safety, matching trucks to fifth wheels and trailers, RV insurance, and seals and weatherstripping.
The RV giveaway returned for the first time in three years. Liberty RV of Gettysburg and Flagstaff gave away a 2023 Flagstaff 176 LTD tent camper worth more than $15,000. An Ohio woman won the RV.
The show also hosted its first scavenger hunt. Participants used the event app to scan QR codes at the platinum sponsor displays. All participants who finished the hunt received a chocolate bar and entered into daily prize drawings.
Show sponsors were: Platinum sponsors Alliance, American Coach, Beckley’s RVs, Campspot, Fleetwood RV, Grech RV, Holiday Rambler, Keystone RV Co., Progressive, Tiffin Motorhomes and Vanleigh RV; Gold sponsors General RV Center, Heartland, Jayco, Newmar and Thetford/Norcold; Silver sponsors Camp Fimfo, Camping Tools and Ember RV; Bronze sponsors Escapees RV Club, Northern Lite, Roadtrek and Wilkins RV and bag giveaway sponsors Grand Design and Meyer’s RV Superstores.
