Motorhome Owners Group to Meet in Indy
OutdoorHub 07.16.12
Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), an international organization for families who own and enjoy the recreational use of motorhomes, is finalizing plans and registering families and exhibitors for the group’s August 27-30, 2012, motorhome showcase in Indianapolis, Indiana. Approximately 2,500 motorhomes and some 8,000 people are expected to gather for this grand event, which has been dubbed “Formula For Fun.” The Indiana State Fairgrounds will be the hub of activity for the convention, with families arriving and staying in their RVs and forming a small city on wheels.
The association hosts conventions in varying locations across the United States with the purpose of celebrating the motorhome lifestyle and is making its first visit to Indianapolis. However, the association has hosted three conventions in South Bend, Indiana, with the last one being in 1991.
Convention activities include a motorhome exhibition that brings together major motorhome manufacturers and dealers from throughout the United States and Canada, as well as manufacturers and distributors of a multitude of RV accessories and components, and suppliers of various services related to RVs. For those considering the purchase of a motorhome, the convention provides an opportunity to view an assortment of makes and models all in one location. A variety of 2012 models, in many different sizes and price ranges, will be on display, and some manufacturers will have 2013 models ready as well.
In addition to the motorhome show, highlights include seminars on a variety of topics related to motorhomes and RV travel, tours involving local sites and scenes, evening entertainment, and numerous social activities.
While the convention is organized for Family Motor Coach Association members, the organization also invites members of the public to attend and provides various admission options. For those who want to view only the motorhome exhibition, admission costs $7 per day; children 12 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult. Those with an active military ID are admitted free also. A $2 discount is being extended to anyone who brings a canned good or nonperishable item to be donated to local food pantries.
Anyone who would prefer to take in the exhibits and also attend seminars and entertainment may purchase a Daily Passport, which is available for $65 per person ($55 for FMCA members). Those who own a motorhome or other self-contained RV are invited to take part in all of the activities and also to bring their RV and stay with the rest of the group at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The price for non-FMCA members is $240 per RV (with two people); this non-member fee automatically grants a one-year FMCA membership or Family Motor Coaching magazine subscription to the RV owner. The FMCA member price is $190.
The association welcomes all motorhome owners as members. Dues are $50 for the first year, and $40 per year thereafter. Those who do not yet own a motorhome but are interested in learning more may sign up for a subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine for $30 per year.
Family Motor Coach Association is owned by its membership, governed by elected officers, and has a paid staff of employees at its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. FMCA was founded in 1963 by a contingent of “house car” owners who decided to term their then-unusual vehicles “motor coaches.” Today the association has nearly 90,000 member families.
FMCA’s purpose is to organize social activities, exchange valuable motorhome information, and supply benefits to enhance the motorhome lifestyle. One of the primary benefits of FMCA membership is a subscription to Family Motor Coaching magazine, the official publication of FMCA. The monthly magazine publishes association news; travel articles of particular interest to motorhome owners; technical articles concerning motorhome mechanics, housekeeping, and the latest RV products and accessories; and display and classified advertising. Other benefits of membership include trip routing; mail forwarding; a fuel discount program; full access to FMCA.com; a tire purchasing program; and group rates on an emergency roadside assistance plan and on member-only RV tours and caravans. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of motorhome travel and recreation.
For more information, visit FMCA.com or call the FMCA national office at (800) 543-3622 or (513) 474-3622.
