Frequently Asked Questions

CONVENTION BASICS

What is a Family Motor Coach Association international convention?
Why do families attend?
What is Will Call?
What is a Holding Area?
Are children and grandchildren welcome?

POMONA SPECIFICS

What is the location of the 79th International Convention?
What are the dates of the Pomona convention?
Will everyone be parked at the fairgrounds?
What is the surface of the parking lots?
What about electric service?
When will electric service be available?
What about weather?
How can I register?
If I register early, will I save any money?
Are there other advantages to registering early?
When will I receive my confirmation packet?
What happens if I have to cancel?
How do I get there?
What is the address so I can have my mail sent to me?
Where is Will Call?
Will I be able to register for the convention at the Holding Area?
What are the hours of the exhibits?
Are the exhibits open to the public?
Who are the evening entertainers?
Tell me about the seminars?
Do I have to sign up for seminars?
Will there be someone available to empty our holding tank?
Is water going to be available?
Is motorhome service available?
Is my pet welcome at an FMCA convention?
May I rent a golf cart at the convention?
What products will be displayed at the convention?
Where can I find information about the Southern California area?
Will I be able to stay on convention property after the event?
What is a Welcome Bag?
What else do I need to know?

CONVENTION BASICS

What is a Family Motor Coach Association international convention?

FMCA is a very big family. Two international conventions are planned each year for family members to join with commercial members in having fun in very special places throughout the United States. It's truly a huge family reunion, complete with entertainment, food, exhibits, and a whole lot of camaraderie!

Family members own motorhomes; commercial members manufacture and sell products that family members use in their motorhomes. When you put these two groups together…watch out! What you get are four great days to shop — one huge sales event --including fabulous new motorhomes as well as all the very important products that help you to enjoy this wonderful lifestyle.

Oh … and did we mention all the seminars, craft classes, tours, daytime entertainment, and five nights of evening entertainment that goes along with all the shopping?

FMCA conventions are just one of many member benefits that the not-for-profit association arranges for its members.

Why do families attend?

The reasons why families attend a convention are varied. Here is what attendees have told us:

Family — Conventions are all about the motorhoming family’s lifestyle.

Fellowship — Friends who travel together or who plan opportunities to meet down the road find FMCA conventions a great place to gather.

Motorhome purchase — The major manufacturers bring their best products to display. It's the best place to compare brands and shop for that next coach.

Coach Service — Knowledgeable technicians discuss problems with coach owners at the conveniently located FMCA Service Center. Repairs are arranged on site or at an off site repair facility.

Entertainment — FMCA showcases wholesome family entertainment appropriate for all ages, both throughout the day and in the evening.

Supplier and Component Exhibits — One-stop shopping. Everything a motorhomer needs and much more can be found in the exhibit buildings.

Technical Seminars — Plan to arrive early as most of the technical seminars fill up fast. Topics include chassis, engines, transmissions, electrical systems, towing, tires, and communication systems.

Educational Seminars — Safe driving classes, digital photography, microwave-convection cooking, identity theft, as well as full time RVing are popular topics.

Make-and-Take Craft Seminars — Learn a new skill and walk away with a convention keepsake. These fun sessions fill up quickly.

Fun, Fitness, and Health Seminars — Where does it hurt? There's probably an exercise that can help. Professional instructors guide motorhomers through exercises they can do in their coaches while traveling.

Travel Destination — Beautiful, warm climate with many opportunities to explore the area.

Uniqueness — Everything a motorhome owner could ask for in one location; information sources, vendors, education.

What is Will Call?

A service provided by FMCA where pre-registered families can choose to pick up their convention admittance credentials on site at the Holding Area.

What is a Holding Area?

A place where families can register for the convention; where families meet friends so they can park together; where families arrive prior to assigned parking days and wait for time to enter grounds.

Families arriving prior to their assigned "date of entry" will be assessed an early arrival fee of $15 per night for dry camping.

Are children and grandchildren welcome?

Absolutely. FMCA provides youth activities for specific age groups to socialize, enjoy pizza parties, play games, and just have fun. Be sure to register the children when you pre-register. Detailed information will be sent to you.

POMONA SPECIFICS

What is the location of the 79th International Convention?

Fairplex, home of the L.A. County Fair, in Pomona, California. For GPS purposes the address is 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768.

What are the dates of the Pomona convention?

The official dates of the convention are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 25, 26, 27, and 28, 2008.

You will want to put the Motorhome Preview on your agenda. It's on Monday, February 25, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Since we can’t get everyone in at one time, FMCA has established “Parking Days” for Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24, based upon the date you registered for the convention.

Will everyone be parked at the fairgrounds?

Yes. Please refer to the Convention Parking Procedures in the December 2007 issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine.

What is the surface of the parking lots?

All families will be parked on blacktop. Leveling blocks are required. Acceptable blocks are 12x12x3/4, 12x10x2 or plastic pads designed for this purpose.

Failure to follow these guidelines may subject you to damages incurred.

What about electric service?

30-amp electric hookups are available, but limited. Be sure to pre-register for electric service when you register for the convention. An additional 10-gauge electric cord may be necessary if your motorhome cord does not reach the provided 30-amp receptacle. If you need to cancel your request for electric, you must do so in writing on or before January 18, 2008. From January 19, and on or before February 6, 2008, electric fees will be refunded at 50 percent. Due to contract obligations with the electrical provider, absolutely no refunds for electric cancelled after February 6, 2008.

When will electric service be available?

Electric service begins at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, February 24, and ends at 9:00 a.m. Friday, February 29.

What about weather?

Just think beautiful! Be sure to pack your sunglasses! It’s usually sunny in Southern California, but an umbrella could come in handy. The average high temperature for February is 69 degrees; the average low 44 degrees; the average precipitation 4.05 inches; the average snowfall zero.

Be prepared. Bring your camera because the scenery will be spectacular no matter what the temperature reads. There is plenty to see and do in California. It’s a great place to visit … no matter the season!

How can I register?

You have the following choices to register:

a) Register online.

b) Mail the registration form with check or credit card number to:

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

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

The registration form will be in your October, November, December 2007, and January 2008 issues of Family Motor Coaching magazine.

c) Phone (800) 543-3622 or (513) 474-3622 and ask for Convention Family Registration.

d) Fax the registration form to (800) 544-8524.

If I register early, will I save any money?

Yes, by registering by February 4, 2008, you can save $30 off the gate registration.

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.

When will I receive my confirmation packet?

Confirmation packets will be mailed as soon as December 16. Registrations postmarked after February 15th, will be held and processed as gate registrations. You can pick them up at Will Call in Pomona.

What happens if I have to cancel?

You will receive a refund if your request is received in writing by February 15, 2008. Your confirmation packet, including credentials for parking and badges, must be returned before a refund will be processed. Electric cancelled after January 18, 2008, and on or before February 6, 2008, will be refunded 50%. Absolutely no refunds for electric cancelled after February 6, 2008.

All cancellations are subject to a $10 handling fee.

How do I get there?

Fairplex is located in Pomona, near I-10 and Fairplex Drive, and is conveniently reached from all points in Southern California. Easily identifiable Fairplex signs are conveniently located throughout Pomona and neighboring communities to direct motorists.Directional signs are also prominent along nearby freeways.

Specific directions will be included in your confirmation packet.

You can also find a map and directions to Fairplex here:
www.fairplex.com/fp/MapsandDirections/index.asp

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, February 25, 2008.

Your name and member number
c/o Family Motor Coach Association
P.O. Box 7777
Pomona, CA 91769-7777

For general delivery picked up at the Post Office:

Member name
c/o General Delivery
Pomona, CA 91766-9999

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. Entrance is at Gate 15 off of Arrow Highway.

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 until Monday, February 25, at 5:00 p.m., and then moved to the Information Center at Fairplex, located in Building 9 for the duration of the convention.

What are the hours of the exhibits?

Motorhome exhibits are open for the fabulous motorhome preview on Monday, February 25, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Motorhome exhibits, component, and supplier exhibits are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 26, 27, and 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Are the exhibits open to the public?

Yes. There is a $7 public gate fee per day per person. Follow the signs to public parking at Gate 9, located off White Avenue. Please note: Fairplex does charge an additional fee for parking.

If you are interested in purchasing a motorhome for the first time, we recommend you attend the seminar titled “Selecting the Right Motorhome for Your Needs” on Monday, February 25, 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., in Seminar 7 (Building 7).

To visit the exhibits, attend all the seminars and evening entertainment for one day, FMCA members can purchase a daily passport for $45 or $55 for non members.

Who are the evening entertainers?

Evening entertainment is open only to registered convention attendees, and is not open to public gate patrons. Evening entertainment will be located in the Grandstand Center.

Sunday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.
Square, Round, and Line Dancing, with Jack Ingle

Monday, February 25, 7:30 p.m.
Sock Hop with DJ from Energy Events

Tuesday, February 26, 7 p.m.
ABBA MANIA/Stayin Alive

Wednesday, February 27, 7 p.m.
Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits

Thursday, February 28, 7 p.m.
The Bellamy Brothers

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Tell me about the seminars?

The seminar schedule is listed in the program, which you will receive when you are parked. 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, February 25, and continue Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 26, 27, and 28.

A "Selecting The Right Motorhome For Your Needs” seminar is scheduled on Monday afternoon, February 25, and is the only seminar open to public gate patrons.

Do I have to sign up for seminars?

The seminars are included in your registration fee. Seating is limited in some of the seminar areas and may fill up early. Be sure to wear your event badge.

A fee for materials will be charged for make-and-take craft classes and the RV Driving Safety Program. Registration for these sessions begins on Monday, February 25, at 7 a.m. in the Information Center in Building 9. Classes fill up quickly, so it is recommended you arrive early to the Information Center on Monday to register for crafts and the RV Driving Safety Program.

You can register on Monday, February 25, at 7 a.m. to have your coach weighed by the RV Safety Education Foundation in the Information Center in Building 9 or during exhibit hours in the supplier exhibits at the RV Safety Education Foundation booth.

Will there be someone available to empty our holding tank?

Families are asked to arrive at the grounds with empty holding tanks. There are dumping facilities on grounds in Lot J. An official, authorized company will be available to empty tanks for a fee. Sign up will be in the Information Center in Building 9.

Is water going to be available?

Yes, near the dump stations in Lot J.

Is motorhome service available?

Yes. The Service Center will be open in Building 10 on Monday, February 25, from 12 to 5 p.m. It will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 26, 27, and 28, 2008, 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 pet welcome at an FMCA convention?

Yes. Pets must be kept in your coach parking area unless they are providing service assistance. Pets are not allowed in activity centers and indoor exhibit areas. Be considerate of others and be a responsible pet owner when walking your pet and clean up after it. In case you forget, we'll remind you in the daily newsletter, too.

May I bring my scooter, bike, moped, or Segway to the convention grounds?

Absolutely. However, licensed vehicles are not permitted inside the exhibit areas and also should  not be parked in areas that block fire evacuation.

Due to the number of people visiting indoor displays, only wheelchairs and personal mobility carts are permitted in these areas. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

May I rent a golf cart at the convention?

Golf carts are available for rent at the convention. More information on rental rates and procedures will be included in confirmation packets.

What products will be displayed at the convention?

Everything from A to Z will be on display at the Pomona 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 and many manufacturers and dealers have demo vehicles for test drives. We also have over 400 component/supplier companies displaying a wide range of components and accessories.

Where can I find information about the Southern California area?

Information, as it become available, will be posted at www.fmca.com/conventions/2008pomona.

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

All families must leave the grounds by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 29. You may stay longer, but you will have to make arrangements directly with the Fairplex KOA/RV Park. Further instructions will be available at the Information Center.

What is a Welcome Bag?

Welcome bags contain your program, daily schedule of events and map, and the “Today” newsletter. Pick up locations are at the Registration Office in the Holding Area; at Welcome Bag distribution stations along the service road in Lots J, K, and M; in Lot O at the Blue Gate; and beginning Sunday, February 24, in the Information Center in Building 9. The Welcome Bag is also known as a goody bag.

What else do I need to know?

That you can contact us at any time with questions that may arise. The convention program will have lots of information about on-site services. Representatives from the LaVerne Chamber of Commerce will be available to assist with questions relating to services available in the local area.

Have fun! You'll meet some of the most interesting people you’ll find anywhere.

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