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WHAT IS A FAMILY MOTOR COACH ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION? WHY SHOULD I ATTEND? WHERE AND WHEN?
What is the location of the 82nd International Convention?
What are the dates?
How do I get there?
Where is Will Call? REGISTERING AND CONFIRMING INFORMATION
How can I register?
Are there other advantages to registering early?
When will I receive my confirmation packet?
Will I be able to register for the convention at the Holding Area?
What happens if I have to cancel? CONVENTION TERMS I SHOULD KNOW
What is Will Call?
What is a Holding Area?
What is a Welcome Bag (aka Goody Bag)? WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE PARKING AREA?
Will everyone be parked at the University?
What is the surface of the parking lots? WHAT CAMPING CONVENIENCES ARE AVAILABLE?
What about electric service?
Is there a dump station and fresh water available? IS MOTORHOME SERVICE AVAILABLE? EXHIBIT INFORMATION
What are the hours of the exhibits?
Are the exhibits open to the public?
What products will be displayed at the convention?
How can I exhibit at the convention? ENTERTAINMENT, SEMINARS & TOURS
What is the Entertainment?
Tell me about the seminars
Do I have to sign up for seminars?
What tours will be offered? WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
What is the address so I can have my mail sent to me?
Are children and grandchildren welcome?
Is my pet welcome at an FMCA convention?
May I bring my scooter, bike, moped or Segway to the convention grounds?
May I rent a golf cart at the convention?
Where can I find information about the Bowling Green area?
Will I be able to stay on convention property after the event?
What about weather? WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN'T ANSWERED HERE?
Give the FMCA Convention Staff a call.
What is a Family Motor Coach Association International Convention? Imagine going to one place where you can meet new friends, view new motorhomes, shop, learn technical information regarding your motorhome, and be entertained. Come join us and find out that it’s truly a huge family reunion, complete with entertainment, 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 visit hundreds of fabulous new motorhomes including the latest technical and fuel economy features, 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 great 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 should I 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 or at their display. 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, fuel efficiency, 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 and do require pre-registration on Monday beginning at 7:00 a.m. in the Information Center. 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. Tours – Enjoy exploring the locale with a professional tour company guiding the way. 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.
WHERE AND WHEN? What is the location of FMCA’s 82nd International Convention? Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, conveniently located off I-75, at exit 181.
What are the dates of the Bowling Green convention? The official dates of the convention are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2009. Since we want to minimize parking delays, FMCA has established “Parking Days” for Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, based upon the date you register for the convention.
How do I get there? The Bowling Green State University is located in Bowling Green immediately off Interstate 75. Easily identifiable signs are conveniently located to direct convention-goers to the university and fairgrounds. Specific directions will be included in your confirmation material.
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 FMCA's Holding Area at Wood County Fairgrounds on West Poe Road in Bowling Green, approximately one mile from Bowling Green State University.
REGISTERING AND CONFIRMING INFORMATION: How can I register? You have the following choices to register: a) Online at www.fmca.com.
b) Mail the registration form located in your March, April, May, and June 2009 issues of Family Motor Coaching magazine 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.) c) Phone (800) 543-3622 or (513) 474-3622, ask for Convention Family Registration.
d) Fax the registration form to (800) 543-4717 or (513) 474-2332.
Are there other advantages to registering early? Yes, if you register by June 29, 2009, you can save $30 off the gate registration. Besides the lower cost, early registrations receive early entry dates. Many families prefer to beat the crowd and get parked early. Actually, you are also 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 early as May 1. Upon registering, you may also choose to have your confirmation paperwork emailed to you versus being sent via mail. Your parking credentials, however, must either be mailed to you or held at will call for you to pick-up. Registrations postmarked after July 10, 2009, will be held and you may pick them up at Will Call at the Holding Area in Bowling Green located at the Wood County Fairgrounds.
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, you may register at the Holding Area beginning Friday, July 17 until Tuesday, July 21, at 5:00 p.m., when registration will then be moved to the Information Center, located in the Olscamp Lobby on the Bowling Green State University campus, for the duration of the convention.
What happens if I have to cancel? You will receive a refund if your request is received in writing by July 8, 2009. Your confirmation packet, including credentials for parking and badges, must be returned before a refund will be processed. Electric cancelled on or before June 12, will receive 100% refund. Electric cancelled after June 12, and on or before July 1, will be refunded 50 percent. Absolutely no refunds for electric cancelled after July 1, 2009. All cancellations are subject to a $10 handling fee.
CONVENTION TERMS I SHOULD KNOW: 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 their assigned time to enter the grounds. Families arriving prior to their assigned "date of entry" will be assessed an early arrival fee of $15 per night for dry camping.
What is a Welcome Bag (aka Goody Bag)? Welcome bags contain your program, daily schedule of events and map, and the “Today” newsletter. Pick up locations will be located at the Registration Office in the Holding Area; at Welcome Bag distribution stations at the public gate ticket booth at the Charles Perry Field House, as well as several parking lots…just look for the “welcome” flags. And, beginning Sunday, July 19, in the Information Center, located in the Olscamp Lobby. The Welcome Bag is also known as a goody bag.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE PARKING AREA? Will everyone be parked at the University? No. The university will hold quite a number of motorhomes. FMCA has acquired additional land at the Wood County Fairgrounds for electric and full-generator parking. Air-conditioned transit busses will transport families to the university from the fairgrounds parking lots.
What is the surface of the parking lots? The parking lots are mostly grass at Bowling Green State University and at Wood County Fairgrounds.
WHAT CAMPING CONVENIENCES ARE AVAILABLE? What about electric service? 30-amp electric hookups are available, but limited, for an additional cost of $175. Be sure to pre-register for electric service when you register for the convention. Electrical service will be a combination of house power and power provided by generator. An additional 10-gauge electric cord may be necessary if your motorhome cord does not reach the provided 30-amp receptacle. FMCA also encourages members to have surge protectors on power cords leading to the electrical panel. If you need to cancel your request for electric, you must do so in writing on or before June 12. From June 13, and on or before July 1, electric fees will be refunded at 50 percent. Due to contract obligations with the electrical provider, absolutely no refunds for electric cancelled after July 1, 2009. Electric service for family members begins at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, July 19, and ends at 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 24.
Is there a dump station and fresh water available? There is no dump station located on the campus of Bowling Green State University. However, the City of Bowling Green’s has made available a dump station at the water works division located adjacent to the university’s campus. A pump out roving service may be purchased for $20 from C & L Sanitation, Inc. at the Information Center in the Olscamp Lobby, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Fresh water is also available on-site or may be purchased and delivered by C & L Sanitation, Inc., up to 55 gallons, for $20. Be prepared and arrive at the grounds with full water tanks and empty holding tanks.
IS MOTORHOME SERVICE AVAILABLE? Yes. The Service Center will be open in the Ice Arena lobby on Monday, July 20, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 21, 22, and 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Firms that have a 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. Firms not participating at the service center should be contacted at their exhibit booth.
EXHIBIT INFORMATION: What are the hours of the exhibits? Enjoy visiting the fabulous motorhomes during the motorhome exhibit preview on Monday, July 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Motorhome exhibits, component, and supplier exhibits are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 21, 22, and 23, 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 to go to the exhibits only. Free public car parking is available and will be located in Lot 1 of the Bowling Green State University. Public will be directed to take exit 181, and follow signs to public parking and to purchase tickets available near the coach exhibit entrance on Merry Avenue, near the Charles Perry Field House. To visit the exhibits, attend all the seminars and evening entertainment for one day, FMCA members can purchase a daily passport at the public gate for $45 or $55 for non members.
What products will be displayed at the convention? Everything from A to Z will be on display at the Bowling Green convention – the latest motorhome models (Types A, B, C as well as bus conversions) to components and accessories. There will be hundreds of new motorhomes 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. Check out the Exhibitor Listing on FMCA.com.
Will there be used motorhomes on display at the convention? No. Unfortunately, the laws of the State of Ohio prohibit the display of pre-owned motorhomes for this show. Motorhomes that have not been previously titled to a private citizen are not considered “used” in the State of Ohio.
How can I exhibit at the convention? For exhibit registration information, contact FMCA's Convention Sales Department at (800) 543-3622, ext. 214 or 254. Or, send an e-mail to
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; or download the Exhibitor Brochure.
ENTERTAINMENT, SEMINARS and TOURS What is the Entertainment? Evening entertainment is open only to registered convention attendees, and is not open to public gate patrons. Evening entertainment will be located at the Bowling Green State University stadium. - Sunday, July 19, 7:30 p.m.
Square, Round, and Line Dancing, with Jack Ingle
- Monday, July 20, 7:00 p.m.
Boogie into the evening with a local disc jockey spinning hits from the 1950s and '60s.
- Tuesday, July 21, 8:00 p.m.
42Five. Evolving from a street corner barbershop sound, and drawing on funk, rock, jazz, and blues – 42Five is unlike any musical experience around, recreating an entire instrumental band with nothing but their ?ve voices - a feat which has to be seen to be believed. More info: www.42five.com
- Wednesday, July 22, 8:00 p.m.
Country music star Lorrie Morgan performs. Lorrie Morgan was barely a teenager when she made her first major appearance in 1975 singing “Paper Roses” with her dad, country star George Morgan on the Grand Ole Opry. Since that fateful night, Lorrie has never looked back. Her whirlwind life and career has engrained in her a confident sense of self that shines through on her latest recordings like the late afternoon sun glows through the stained-glass windows of the Ryman Auditorium. More info: www.lorrie.com/home.html
- Thursday, July 23, 8:00 p.m.
Phil Dirt and The Dozers. America's premiere "Rock 'N R'oldies" review (and the most popular vintage rock and roll show in the nation) will help you recapture those wonderful days! With their musical talent, high energy and contagious sense of humor, Phil Dirt & The Dozers will transport you to another time and place ... namely, the 50s, 60s and 70s of Rock and Roll! More info: http://www.phildirt.com
Daytime entertainment is open to all convention attendees, including public gate patrons. Daytime entertainment will be located in the tent on the grassy area outside the Field House. Check back soon for a complete list of daytime entertainment.
Tell me about the seminars? Whether you are an experienced motorhomer or new to the lifestyle, you'll find that FMCA's convention seminars cover all of the bases. The seminar schedule will be posted on FMCA.com as it become available. The schedule also will be listed in the convention 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, fuel efficiency, health, fitness, healthy cooking, travel, and many make-and-take craft classes. Take advantage of the opportunity to absorb the knowledge from accomplished professionals in the motorhome industry. The seminars begin on Monday, July 20, and continue Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 21, 22, and 23. Seminars are not open to the general public.
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, July 20, at 7:00 a.m. in the Information Center, located in the Olscamp Lobby. 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, July 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to have your coach weighed by the RV Safety Education Foundation in the Information Center, located in the Olscamp Lobby or during exhibit hours in the supplier exhibits at the RV Safety Education Foundation booth.
What tours will be offered? Toledo Tours will be offering optional sightseeing tours of Bowling Green and surrounding areas throughout the convention. A list of optional tours will also be included in your confirmation material.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? What is the address so I can have my mail sent to me? Mail for family members sent to the address below will be sorted and available at the Information Center, located in the Olscamp Lobby, beginning at noon on Monday, July 20. Your Name and Member Number
c/o Family Motor Coach Association
General Delivery
111 W Washington Street
Bowling Green, OH 43402 For General Delivery picked-up at the Post Office:
Your Name
c/o General Delivery
111 W Washington Street
Bowling Green, OH 43402
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.
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 seminars, activity centers, coach or and indoor exhibit areas. Be considerate of others and be a responsible pet owner when walking your pet and clean up after it.
May I bring my scooter, bike, moped, or Segway to the convention grounds? Segways, scooters, and similar motorized devices are permitted on grounds; however, they may not be used inside any convention exhibit hall, evening entertainment area, or any other indoor area during an FMCA convention due to large crowds. Licensed vehicles are not permitted inside the exhibit areas and should also 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.
Where can I find information about the Bowling Green area? Check the materail on FMCA.com's Bowling Gree pages, including Bowling Green links.
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, July 24. If you would like to stay longer, further instructions will be available at the Information Center in the Olscamp Lobby.
What about weather? Beautiful! Be sure to pack your sunglasses and your umbrella! It's usually very pleasant in July in northern Ohio with mostly sunny days. The average high temperature in July is 76 degrees.
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN'T ANSWERED HERE? Give FMCA's Convention Staff at (800) 543-3622 or e-mail:
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. The convention program will have lots of information about on-site services. Representatives from the Bowling Green Convention & Visitors Bureau will be available in the Information Center to assist with questions relating to services available in the local area. Have fun! Meet some of the most interesting people you’ll find anywhere. |
