I found this interesting

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

We just got back from our 6th annual RVIA trade show in Louisville, KY where all of the companies associated with the RV industry display their goods to attract new  customers.  
This year we attended the RV Business / AGI (Trailer Life, Camping Life, Camping World, Good Sam etc.) party at a classy restaurant. The Captains of the giant RV companies were all there, the Who's Who of the RV industry. We mingled and tried to work the crowd as best we could and found several different degrees of acceptance. For instance, I approached a group of  "bigwigs" including the editor of Trailer Life, the chairman of Coachmen Ind, and KOA's marketing VP. My intention was merely to introduce myself and make a new aquaintance or 2. All but one shook my hand and made a friendly gesture.  KOA's man didn't look me in the eye or acknowledge my presence, and appeared a little put out by my intrusion. Earlier at the trade show he was interested in us publishing articles and press releases (not ads) about KOA and made sure I left with a KOA media kit. But here he wanted nothing to do with us. No problem, I got his message loud and clear and threw his media kit in the trash.

The food was outstanding and the atmosphere mostly positive but I left with several sobering realizations; not one pop up maker was there, most of the crowd had no interest in pop ups what-so-ever, and maybe PUT should concentrate on camping and not RV'ing.

I've always felt that pop ups were little rv eggs that, with a little TLC, would someday hatch into travel trailers and motorhomes. Take good care of these new rv'ers now and they'll remember. Not so. The rv captains say this is a friendly industry, but now I think that excludes pop ups.

We're going to make some adjustments - stay tuned.

[Ron]

And we wonder why we are treated as second class buyers at some dealers. Maybe they take there lead from the cooperate Hqs.

[Popupper]

Maybe they take there lead from the cooperate Hqs.

Most of the KOAs I've stayed at have more MHs & TTs than PUs. I guess thats what they prefer.

Bruce

[Acts 2:38 girl]

maybe PUT should concentrate on camping and not RV'ing.

I agree!  I might want something bigger in the future (like 30 years), but then again, maybe not!  Pop up camping makes travel affordable for us, which is one of the reasons we do it.  No way a bigger TT is afordable.  Besides, by the time 30 more years pass they'll make pop ups that automatically open with a push of a button, so my old body won't have to deal with it!  

[brainpause]

...and threw his media kit in the trash.

Good for you, Dave.

I have also attended big industry shows with my Dad, namely the SBCA show (Satellite Business Communications Assn. or something like that). It was always an interesting show to me, as I got to see what was about to be on the market, but wasn't yet.

I think, although he was a dealer and not a member of the media, that he got the same kind of treatment, simply because he was a small dealer. They should have paid more attention to him, because he sold Uniden's most expensive model (the 4800) in satellites more than just about anyone. He even bought out warehouses' supply of them. He didn't make his million doing it; he just believed in it, and made a living because he did believe. Even enough to have one at home.

Looks like Dave believes in popups, and had enough gumption (and guts) to start a magazine about popups. And that's the treatment. IMHO, they should pay attention to the "little RV eggs," because many of us WILL hatch someday.

Larry

[Camperroo]

From what I've learned over the last few years, I definitely think people look at those with popups as campers vs. people with TTs, motorhomes, etc. as RVing more often destined to a campground with full amenities, etc.   When we went to Willliamsburg a couple of years ago, I think we were the only popup in our area.  Everyone else was TTs or motorhomes.  People minded their business but we couldn't quite help but feel we were the poor cousins so to speak.

Oops...had to step away for a minute...had snowy covered kids come through the back door!!

Maybe Pop Up Times would be better off covering the popup and camping aspect vs. trying to fit into the larger RV market.  I love the Camping Life magazine better than Trailer Life, etc.  PUT magazine could find a nice blend of the the other style magazine but geared towards popups and people who strictly popup camp and travel.  Even though clearly popups for many are a first step into the "RV" market and some popups are as expensive as some TTs!!

[kathybrj]

If it's worth anything, we won't stay at any KOA's, especially now!

But good for you, Dave. I'm glad you tossed that media kit!! You go!! :cool:

[Miller Tyme]

Interesting attitude, considering most people who camp these days start out in tents and pop-ups. Makes you wonder how they expect us to "upgrade" to the $40k+ rigs if they don't acknowledge us now.

 
KOA? Kamping On Asphalt - we avoid them. Give me a private cg or state park any day.:W

[Gone-Camping]

I've often wondered about KOA and their tactics. As I understand things, there is some bad blood between them and some other publications, including a good friend of mine that was at Louisville also (Zagami/RV-News).

I know of a few campgrounds including one right here in Va beach that don't permit Pop-up's or tenters, and have never understood the mentality of that. It's like we're the "red headed step-child" of the RV Family!!!

[B-flat]

Dave, amazing that the KOA guy would want "free advertising" by you in PUT but then would go so far as to snub all of us pop uppers out here. I've had well over 24 years of experience in what I would say is really marketing, so this guy violated a very basic and cardinal rule of marketing. That is, most everyone knows at least 200 people minimum. Second rule is that the someone you are talking with may be a prospect for a service you have to offer at some point in the future. What he really didn't know is that his actions will have very far reaching effects because of the members of this board. There's one problem, though, because KOA of Wytheville, VA has an ad in PUT.Vol6No5 :rolleyes: :eek:
 
The key to all this is to put more emphasis on the fact that many people who own popups now will eventually move up to Travel Trailers or other RVs. Through better education, the RV industry can benefit from our expertise.
 
Maybe the purpose of the KOA VP being there was to sell more of the franchises to people who want to own a KOA.

[tlhdoc]

DH has attended the DEMA (Dive Equipment Manufactures Association) trade show many times.  If he goes as an instructor most manufactures couldn't be bothered to talk to him.  If he wore a store manager name tag they would be falling all over him.  It is a shame that companies don't see that we are a force in the world of camping.  After I retire I will move up to an motor home or travel trailer (at least I think I will).  I will not be camping at a KOA.  The man was a fool. :J   What kind of changes are you thinking about.

[JonesFamilyJayco]

I believed at first that our pop-up was a first step toward a TT, but now I would not give up my pop-up!  I find that TT are out of place where we have found our favorite places to camp.  State parks, open space on family land, etc is our favorite.  When we first bought our pop-up, I was excitted about the abillity to camp at large campgrounds.  After 2 years of camping, I now bypass those sites.  

I would love PUT to focus on ways we can improve our campers.  Product reviews, Mods, usage tips are my favorites.  The help I have gained so far has been great!

Last, the Arvee club is the BEST!  I look at it as my favorite, first-check site on the web.  You have a lot of potential, & if I sold products for the camper/pop-up owner, your mag & site would be where I would advertise.

Keep up the great work!

[topcat7736]

Fortunately, not all campground owners are like KOA. The first time we camped at Columbia Valley Campground, the owner Carol came over to see our new popup, have a cup of coffee and welcome us to the campground. We were the only popup there. Class A, C & TT's were everywhere, and the tent sites were located in another spot.

The strange thing is that at every campground we've visited, the managers, owners and campers who own the bigger trailers stop & talk to us about the popup (especially wanting to know about the GE water heater next to the tongue). Seems the greater majority of people owned tents and popups before moving on to the bigger things.

It's good to know we're not welcome at KOA's before wasting the gas to drive into one of their places.
:W THANKS KOA!:W

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

There's one problem, though, because KOA of Wytheville, VA has an ad in PUT.Vol6No5  

Most of the individual campgrounds are franchises that pay annual fees but mostly operate the way they want. I get the feeling that the corporate push is for more "up scale" campgrounds that cater to the more expensive RVs. Their media kit contained no pictures of pop ups or tents, just MHs, TTs and Kamping Kabins. Probably just an over site.   :confused:

[Papaso]

In the 37 years that I've been a camper, I have not stayed at a KOA. Mostly because I don't really look at it like camping. Camping to me has always been to find adventure at our State and National parks. Until Three years ago we always did it in a tent and have always felt that a tent was basic camping equipment. Our PU came at a perfect time in our lives it kept us in a tent and took us off the ground and into more comfortable surroundings for these old bones. I will not move up to a TT it does nothing, my PU does not give me already. Popping up is part of the adventure and we have become quite experts at it thanks to this forum and trial and error. We've even had our neighbors come by and say how easy we make it seem. But most of all I can cruise along at 75 MPH and feel safe and comfortable. We just got back from a great weekend of camping and I saw something I might like to move up to when the kids are gone. It's a Chinook Concourse MH it's a very sweet unit and for the DW and I it would be just fine and after all I could always tow the PU with it for the grandchildren . As for second class citizens when I purchased the PU I could of purchased a TT or even a MH but our PU fit the bill and I wouldn't change it for anything, we love our PU but most of all we love camping.