Top Takeaways from the Hershey RV Show

Our full-time RV journey kicked off in Liverpool, PA, where we stayed at Ferryboat Campsites, using it as our home base while attending the Hershey RV Show. As first-time booth hosts for Fireside RV Rental, the experience was an invaluable learning opportunity—especially in how attending RV shows can benefit anyone in the RV industry or those embracing the RV lifestyle.

Just days before the Hershey RV Show, my son Logan and I spent some time fishing at the pond at Ferryboat Campsites. As Logan patiently waited with worms on his line, it struck me how similar fishing is to running a business. Logan needed the right bait and a lot of patience—just like us at the show.

Fast forward to the event, where I worked alongside my daughter, teaching her the sales process. We came prepared with the right "bait"—candy—to attract visitors to our booth and start conversations. And, just like with fishing, there were plenty of moments when we cast our line, got a “no,” and had to wait patiently. But with persistence, just as Logan reeled in his fish, we eventually got our “yes.”

It's a lesson I’m proud to share with my kids—and one that applies to building any business. Here are some of my top takeaways from the show:

Building Connections

One of the biggest takeaways from the show was the relationships we built—not only with potential customers but with fellow business owners and brands. Networking and partnerships are essential to business success. In a recent episode of the Well Oiled Operations podcast by Stacy Tuschl, she reminded us that “Your network will determine your net worth,” which rings especially true after our experience at the show. Collaboration was a major topic on our own RV Rental Secrets podcast, where we discussed how partnering with other businesses can help everyone grow. If you're interested in forming connections like these, check out events hosted by RV groups like RV Life and RV Content Creators, who have upcoming meetups in Tampa this January.

Making Life Easier

RV shows aren’t just about meeting people—they’re a great opportunity to discover innovative products that make life on the road easier. This year, I came across brands like Kool RV and Grease n Go, both offering practical solutions to simplify your RV business or lifestyle.

New Models, Fresh Ideas

One of the most exciting parts of the Hershey RV Show is seeing the latest RV models and floor plans. Grand Design, one of my favorite brands, unveiled their new Class C Lineage models, along with their latest Influence floor plans. It got me thinking—just like these manufacturers refresh their lineup, it’s important for businesses to keep things exciting by introducing new products or services. What can you add to your offering to keep your customers coming back for more?

In the ever-evolving RV industry, staying ahead means constantly innovating. Whether you run an RV rental business, manage a campground, or provide RV-related services, keeping things fresh is key to retaining customers and attracting new ones. Think about the products or services you offer—what can you introduce to add value for your customers?

It could be something as simple as offering additional services like RV cleaning or maintenance packages, or perhaps providing a more personalized experience through custom travel itineraries. Maybe it's introducing new RV models for rental or partnering with local attractions to offer exclusive discounts to your customers. Just like the manufacturers at the Hershey RV Show who showcased new floor plans, it's important to think about how you can keep your business exciting and relevant for your audience.

Ask yourself, what’s missing from your current offerings, and what would make a real difference to your customers? Innovation and improvement not only keep people coming back—they set you apart from the competition and build long-term loyalty.

Our time at the Hershey RV Show was a reminder of how much opportunity lies within this incredible industry. From making connections and building partnerships to discovering new products and services, it's clear that staying innovative and engaged is the key to growth.

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