What is a Family Motor Coach Association international convention?

International conventions give FMCA family members a chance to spend time with friends from all over the United States and Canada, and to intermingle with FMCA commercial members.

Would you like to learn more about maintaining your motorhome? Manufacturers of chassis, engines, batteries, generators, refrigerators, transmissions, satellite systems all send representatives to present seminars to help keep you happily motorhoming.

The make-and-take craft seminars almost always sell out. First-time convention attendees always should make it a point to be at the sign-up table early on Monday morning.

FMCA chapters plan their own socials and business meetings at the international conventions.

The convention entertainment is fun because of the variety of the performers. There’s something for everyone — clowns, musical groups, an amazing ventriloquist. FMCA’s own musicians perform on the daytime stage, and big-name acts such as Roy Clark present concerts in a large arena in the evening.

In Minot, square dancing, line dancing and a big band dance should be fun for convention attendees of all ages.

Family friendly convention activities include a youth program in which four age groups participate in pizza parties, games and other fun activities.

The focal points of FMCA conventions are the exhibits. The commercial members go all out in the supplier buildings, exhibiting the latest and greatest items you just can’t pass up.

The trams transport attendees to key locations fast (refer to trams map in convention program). Wear your walking shoes, though, because you'll want to check out what’s inside all of the motor coaches. Some even have four slideouts, extensions that expand the living space inside the coach.

Don’t forget the Class C Lane, where the smaller motorhomes are on display. That’s “smaller” as in shorter, but not without amenities or impressive equipment. The display coaches at FMCA conventions come in all sizes, styles and price ranges.

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What is a Holding Area?

An FMCA convention holding area has many purposes. It provides a place where families can register for the convention if they have not pre-registered. Families wishing to park with their friends meet in the holding area and move into the parking lots together. Some families arrive prior to their assigned parking days and will “hold” in the holding area until they are parked on convention grounds. Check out the FAQs below for more specific information.
 

If you arrive on your assigned arrival date, you may go directly to the family entrance for parking.

What is Will Call?

Some pre-registered families choose to pick up their credentials at Will Call as they are traveling and unable to receive their credentials by mail. Will Call is staffed by FMCA members who have attended many FMCA international conventions. They will be able to answer your questions and direct you to the services you need at convention.

How can I volunteer for a convention?

It’s really fun to volunteer, and many volunteers are recruited for each convention. Check with your chapter officers about volunteer opportunities. The area vice president in the area where the convention takes place appoints the volunteer captains from the local chapters. Some international area chapters also provide volunteers. For more information online, visit www.fmca.com/chapters/listings

This will be my first convention. What can I expect?

You can expect to have fun, shop for a new or used motorhome, learn how to maintain your rig, and cook in your convection oven. This may be your first convention, but it’s FMCA’s 74th. The executive board, convention committee, and staff start planning each convention two years or more prior to the convention dates. While every convention site is unique, the basics of RV life will be provided for you.

Are children and grandchildren welcome?

Absolutely, they are. FMCA provides youth activities for specific age groups so they can socialize, have pizza parties, play games and just have fun. Be sure to register the children when you pre-register. You will be sent detailed information on the activities available for young motorhome travelers.

How can I exhibit at an FMCA convention?

Approximately four months prior to the convention, FMCA mails exhibitor information to all FMCA commercial members. (You must be a commercial member to exhibit.) Contact FMCA's Convention Sales Department about exhibitor opportunities

• Call (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622, ext. 214 or 254
• Fax (513) 388-5286
• E-mail conventionexhibitor@fmca.com.

The deadline for receipt of exhibit space contracts for the Minot convention was Wednesday, April 6, 2005.  For more information online, visit www.fmca.com/conventions/2005minot/.

What is the location for FMCA's 74th International Convention?

The North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, North Dakota, will host the convention. For GPS purposes (not mail delivery) the address is 2005 Burdick Expressway East, Minot, ND 58702.

What are the dates of the Minot convention?

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2005.

Will everyone be parked at the fairgrounds?

Not all of the parking lots will be on the fairgrounds but will be within three miles of the activity centers. FMCA will arrange for services such as transportation and security to all the parking lots.

What about the weather?

Just think beautiful! It’s not likely to snow, we’ve been told. Will it rain? Maybe. Be prepared, just in case. Be sure to pack your sunglasses!

The average temperature in Minot in August is 82 degrees.

How can I register for the convention?

Four ways to register:

1) Register online beginning April 1, 2005.
2) Mail the *registration form with a check or credit card number to:

FMCA Convention Dept.
8291 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45244-2796.

3) Fax the *registration form to (513) 388-5295.
4) Phone (800) 543-3622 or (513) 474-3622. Ask for Convention Department.

*The registration form will be in the April, May, June and July 2005 issues of Family Motor Coaching magazine.

Make checks payable to Family Motor Coaching, Inc., in U.S. funds.

If you do not have a registration form or are not a member of FMCA, please register via the Internet or telephone. For more information online, visit  http://www.fmca.com/conventions/2005minot/.

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If I register early, will I save any money?

Yes, by registering before July 24, 2005, you can save $20.

Are there other advantages to registering early?

Besides the lower cost, early registrations receive early entry dates. Many families prefer to beat the crowd and get parked early.

Actually, you are helping FMCA and the other convention attendees by pre-registering and arriving on your early entrance day.

What do early arriving families do until the convention activities begin?

Explore the local area before the activities get started. The folks at the Minot Convention and Visitors Bureau will gladly help you decide among the many opportunities in the Minot area. Check the links on www.fmca.com for suggestions. For more information online, visit  http://www.fmca.com/conventions/2005minot/

Is food included in my registration cost?

Coffee and doughnuts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and the Ice Cream Social on Wednesday at 1 p.m. are included.

Beginning on Monday, August 15, there will be plenty of food vendors around the grounds.

What about electric service?

A limited amount of electric hookups are available, so be sure to pre-register for electric service. Electric service will be available in the family and handicapped parking areas beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, August 14, and ending at 9 a.m. on Friday, August 19. The hookups are 30 amps.

Please read the instructions before hooking up as you will not be able to run everything in your motorhome at the same time without problems.

When will I receive my confirmation packet?

You will receive your confirmation packet approximately three weeks after your registration is received at FMCA. Confirmation packets will be mailed as soon as June 1, 2005. Registrations postmarked after July 25, 2005, will be held and processed as gate registrations. You can pick them up at Will Call in Minot.

What happens if I have to cancel?

You will receive a refund if your request is received in writing by August 5, 2005. Your confirmation packet, including credentials for parking and badges, must be returned before a refund will be processed.

No refunds for electric will be issued after July 8, 2005.

All cancellations are subject to a $10 handling fee.

How do I get there?

The North Dakota State Fairgrounds is located on Burdick Expressway East in Minot. Specific directions will published in Family Motor Coaching magazine. In addition, the directions will be posted at FMCA.com. For more information online, visit http://www.fmca.com/fmc2005/junmag/

What is the address so I can have my mail sent to me?

Mail and parcel shipments for family members sent to the address below will be sorted and available at the Information Center beginning at noon on Monday, August 15, 2005:

Name and Member Number
c/o Family Motor Coach Association
P.O. Box 4000
Minot, ND 58702

For general delivery to be picked up by you at the Post Office:

Name
General Delivery
117 5th Avenue SW
Minot, ND 58702

Where is Will Call?

Many families ask that their confirmation packets be held for them so they can pick them up at the convention. Will Call is located in the Holding Area on Burdick Expressway East, between 55th Street SE and 59th Street SE. Follow the signs to Will Call.

Will I be able to register for the convention at the Holding Area?

Yes, FMCA provides a registration office in the holding area so non-registered families can be ready to move to their permanent parking on Monday and begin mingling with new and long-standing friends right away.

P.S. Pre-registration is recommended. However, if you decide after the deadline to attend the convention, go to the Holding Area to register. Registration will be located at the Holding Area beginning Friday, August 12, at 8 a.m. until Tuesday, August 16, at 5 p.m., and then moved to the Information Center at the Lower Atrium of the North Dakota State Fair Center for the duration of the convention. For more information online, visit  http://www.fmca.com/conventions/2005minot/.

What are the hours of the exhibits?

Motorhome Exhibits Preview on Monday, August 15, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Motorhome exhibits, component, and supplier exhibits are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 16, 17, and 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Are the exhibits open to the public?

Yes. A public gate pass and a daily passport are available.

A public gate pass (admittance to exhibits only) costs $7 per day per person. Children 12 and under and persons with a military ID are admitted free. Public gate passes are available Monday, August 14, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Cash payment only.

A daily passport costs $35 and admits to exhibits, seminars and evening entertainment for the day. Daily passports are available Monday, August 14, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Follow the signs to public parking.

Who are the evening entertainers?

Evening entertainment is open only to registered convention attendees, and is not open to public gate patrons.

• Sunday, August 14, 7:30 p.m.: Square Dancing with Howard Cowles
• Monday, August 15, 7 p.m.: Big Band Dance with Myron Sommerfield & His Music
• Tuesday, August 16, 7:30 p.m.: New Odyssey
• Wednesday, August 17, 7:30 p.m.: Roy Clark
• Thursday, August 18, 7:30 p.m.: The Lettermen

Tell me about the seminars?

The seminar schedule is listed in the program. There will be over 130 seminars encompassing a wide variety of topics, including several technical classes on different aspects of motorhome maintenance, health, fitness, travel, and many make-and-take craft classes.

The seminars begin on Monday, August 15, and continue Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 16, 17, and 18.

A "Selecting the Right Motorhome for Your Needs" seminar is scheduled on Monday afternoon, August 15, and is the only seminar open to public gate patrons. For more information online, visit  www.fmca.com//fmc2005/julmag/seminars.asp

Do I have to sign up for seminars?

With a few exceptions, the seminars are included in your convention registration fee. There are some seminars for which you must sign up, such as make-and-take craft classes and the RV Safe Driving Course. Registration begins on Monday, August 15, at 7 a.m. Some of them fill up quickly.

Be sure to wear your event badge to the seminars.

You can register at the RV Safety Education Foundation booth on Tuesday during exhibit hours to have your coach weighed.

What common courtesies should convention attendees demonstrate?

We haven't conferred with “Miss Manners,” but here a some suggestions:

• Clean up after your pets.
• Turn off your cell phones during seminars and entertainment. That goes for those little radios, too.
• Be on time for seminars.
• Leave your camp site as clean as you found it.
• Check out every vendor’s merchandise.
• Buy a new motorhome.
• Recycle.
• Thank the convention volunteers.
• Have fun!
• Clean up after your pets.

Will there be someone available to empty our holding tank?

Families are asked to arrive at the grounds with empty holding tanks. There are limited dumping facilities on grounds. An official, authorized company will be available to empty tanks for a fee.

Is water going to be available?

Yes, near the dump stations.

Is motorhome service available?

Yes. The Service Center will be open on Monday, August 15, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 16, 17, and 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Firms that are offering the services of a service van or service vehicle request that you make an appointment with their personnel at the FMCA Service Center. The service van will meet you at your coach in your parking area. Service is limited and some firms may direct you to service facilities outside the grounds.

Is my dog welcome at an FMCA convention?

Absolutely. We've had lots of dogs, cats, birds, even potbelly pigs come to conventions. Of course, you must keep your pets in your motorhome or on a leash in your parking area, for safety reasons. Pets are not allowed in activity centers such as seminars, entertainment venues, exhibit buildings and outdoor exhibit area. Be considerate of others and be a responsible pet owner when walking your dog and clean up after it. In case you forget, we'll remind you in the daily newsletter, too.

What products will be displayed at the convention?

Everything from A to Z will be on display at the Minot convention – the latest motorhome models (Types A, B, C as well as bus conversions) to components and accessories. There will be over 700 coaches on display for your viewing pleasure as well as over 400 component/supplier companies displaying a wide range of components and accessories. For more information online, visit http://www.fmca.com/conventions/2005minot/

Where can I find information about the Minot, North Dakota area?

Information will be posted on FMCA’s web site www.fmca.com as it becomes available. The Minot Convention & Visitors Bureau has much valuable information on the Internet at www.visitminot.org. Call 800-264-2626 for information. For more information online, visit  http://www.fmca.com/conventions/2005minot/

Will I be able to stay on convention property after the event?

All families must leave the grounds by 10 a.m. on Friday, August 19. You may stay longer, but you will have to make arrangements directly with the North Dakota State Fairgrounds. Further instructions will be available at the Information Center.

FMCA members are renowned for giving back to regions that host conventions. The Anne Carlsen Center for Children in Jamestown, N.D., is the official charity for the Minot convention, and attendees will have ample opportunity to show their support. For more information online, visit  www.fmca.com/conventions/2005minot/morearticles.asp

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