The Rally 2009 Wrap-Up

The Rally, Affinity Group Inc.’s annual RV rally, attracted 3,112 registered motorized and
towable RVs to Balloon Fiesta Park and Expo New Mexico fairgrounds in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, April 16-20. Although attendance was down by about 10 percent from The Rally held
last March at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Perry, Georgia, the
turnout exceeded some expectations. “It was better than we expected because today’s market
is difficult,” said Terry Thompson, AGI vice president of advertising and sales. Thompson
added, “We had a big drive-up crowd which really helped – more than 200 units. That was
more than we usually get.” The event featured around 400 suppliers and 30 manufacturers and
dealers, with around 500 units on display. Unexpected snow on the second day did not deter
RVers from coming out and shopping around. Some suppliers and dealers reported relatively
good sales. “When the weather is lousy, it’s a homerun for the indoor exhibitors,” Thompson
said. “It was shoulder-to-shoulder on Friday. People were happy to be there and they were
buying product. They weren’t shuffling their feet complaining about not having any money
and how bad the economy is. And for a lot of people, this was the first time they were at
The Rally.” Next year, The Rally will be held July 22-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center
in Louisville, Ky., the same location where the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
(RVIA) stages its annual national RV trade show.