Wednesday, October 3

8:00 - 9:30 a.m. - All Attendees
General Session: Market Signals: What the Financial Markets Are Telling Us Now
Peter Ricchiuti^{New RVDA Presenter}


Despite the media hysteria, the financial markets and the economy follow historical patterns. Recognizing and understanding these trends can pay big dividends for dealers and the entire RV industry.  Tulane University's Peter Ricchiuti will share his informative and entertaining perspective on financial markets during "Market Signals: What the Financial Markets Are Telling Us Now," the keynote session held in conjunction with the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo on Oct. 3. 

The convention, sponsored by RVDA–The National RV Dealers Association, RVDA of Canada, and the RV Learning Center, is scheduled for Oct.1-5, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

During his presentation, Ricchiuti will discuss the outlook for interest rates, energy prices, and how politics and the deficit will impact the economy in the months ahead.  Prior to becoming an assistant dean at Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business, Ricchiuti enjoyed a successful investment career on Wall Street. He also served as state treasurer and chief investment officer for the state of Louisiana, and managed the state's $3 billion investment and retirement fund portfolio and an additional $8 million in retirement funds.

"Dealers who understand larger economic trends that impact consumer spending are in a better position to manage their businesses," said RVDA Convention/Expo Committee Chairman Peter Albano of American RV in Olive Branch, MS.  "We are delighted that Peter Ricchiuti will be able to offer his insight on the state of the economy and how it will impact our dealerships in 2012 and beyond."

In 1993, Ricchiuti founded the Burkenroad Reports investment research program. Since that time, he has earned praise for his management of the program, which involves his leading of teams of more than 130 Tulane University business students as they research and assess undervalued stocks in four southern states. His insight and humor have made him a popular financial speaker across the country, and he has twice been named Tulane's top business professor.

Thursday, October 4

8:00 - 9:30 a.m. - All Attendees
General Session: Go RVing-Research-Based Strategies to Motivate Today's RV Buyers
Presenters: Chad Strohl, The Richards Group, Chris Mahony, Go RVing Canada, James Ashurst, RVIA, and Phil Ingrassia, RVDA

Go RVing's new "Away" national advertising campaign is much more than TV commercials and print ads.  Working with industry representatives on the Go RVing Coalition, The Richards Group, Go RVing's advertising agency, has developed a multi-media approach to reach consumers based on what people say they are looking for in leisure, vacation, and personal travel right now.  During this special General Session, attendees will get an insider's view of the strategies Go RVing is using to grow the market. 

Attendess will learn:

• The latest consumer research behind the "Away" campaign messaging and media buying strategy
• What messages dealers can use in their market to motivate customers
• How mobile applications and social media fit into a comprehensive consumer outreach program