Frequently Asked Questions

CONVENTION BASICS

What is the location of FMCA's 80th International Convention?
Why Should I attend?
What is Will Call?
What is a Holding Area?
Are children and grandchildren welcome?

SAINT PAUL SPECIFICS

What is the location of the 80th International Convention?
What are the dates of the Saint Paul 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?
What tours will be offered?
Tell me about the seminars?
Do I have to sign up for seminars?
Is motorhome service available?
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?
What products will be displayed at the convention?
Where can I find information about the Saint Paul area?
Will I be able to stay on convention property after the event?
What is a Welcome Bag (aka Goody Bag)?
What else do I need to know?

CONVENTION BASICS

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, 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 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. 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 faSaint Paul Topics include chassis, engines, transmissions, electrical systems, towing, tires, and communication systems.

Educational Seminars — Safe driving classes, digital photography, microwave-convection cooking, 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.

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.

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. You can also read about youth activities online.

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SAINT PAUL SPECIFICS

What is the location of FMCA's 80th International Convention?

Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

What are the dates of the Saint Paul convention?

The official dates of the convention are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 14, 15, 16 and 17, 2008.

You will want to put the Motorhome Preview, a special afternoon devoted just to getting a sneak preview of all the motorhomes on display, on your agenda. It's on Monday, July 14, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Since we want to minimize parking delays, FMCA has established “Parking Days” for Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, based upon the date you registered for the convention.

Will everyone be parked at the fairgrounds?

No! The fairgrounds will hold quite a number of motorhomes. FMCA has acquired additional land for parking. Air-conditioned motor coaches will transport families to the fairgrounds from offsite parking lots.

What is the surface of the parking lots?

The parking lots are mostly grass.

What about electric service?

Electric hookups — 30-amp — are available, but limited, for an additional cost. 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. 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 6, 2008. From June 7 and on or before June 25, 2008, electric fees will be refunded at 50 percent. Due to contract obligations with the electrical provider, absolutely no refunds for electric cancelled after June 25, 2008.

When will electric service be available?

Electric service for family members begins at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, July 13, and ends at 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 18.

What about weather?

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 March, April, May and June 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 June 23, 2008, you can save $30 off the gate registration.

Are there other advantages to registering early?

When will I receive my confirmation packet?

Confirmation packets will be mailed as soon as May 1. Registrations postmarked after July 3 will be held and processed as gate registrations. You can pick them up at Will Call in Saint Paul.

What happens if I have to cancel?

You will receive a refund if your request is received in writing by July 3, 2008. Your confirmation packet, including credentials for parking and badges, must be returned before a refund will be processed.

Electric cancelled before June 6 will receive 100% refund. Electric cancelled after June 6, 2008, and on or before June 25, 2008, will be refunded 50 percent. Absolutely no refunds for electric cancelled after June 25, 2008.

All cancellations are subject to a $10 handling fee.

How do I get there?

The Minnesota State Fairgrounds is located in Saint Paul. Easily identifiable fairgrounds signs are conveniently located to direct motorists. Directional signs are also prominent along nearby freeways. Specific directions will be included in your confirmation packet.

What is the address so I can have my mail sent to me?

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 2350 Highcrest Road, Roseville, MN, located approximately five miles from the fairgrounds.

Will I be able to register for the convention at the Holding Area?

What are the hours of the exhibits?

Motorhome exhibits are open for the fabulous motorhome preview on Monday, July 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Motorhome exhibits, component, and supplier exhibits are open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 15, 16, and 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Are the exhibits open to the public?

Who are the evening entertainers?

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

Sunday, July 13, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Square, Round, and Line Dancing, with Jack Ingle
Education, Seminar 10

Monday, July 14, 7:30 p.m.
Lorri Michals, Comedy Hypnotist

Tuesday, July 15, 7:00 p.m.
The Brett Family, Variety from Branson

Wednesday, July 16, 7:00 p.m.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Thursday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.
Gary Puckett

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What tours will be offered?

metroConnections will be offering optional sight-seeing tours of the twin cities area throughout the convention. Read about tours, and register.

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Tell me about the seminars?

The seminar schedule will also be listed in the program, which you will receive when you are parked. There will be more than 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, July 14, and continue Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 15, 16, and 17.

A "Selecting The Right Motorhome For Your Needs” seminar is scheduled on Monday afternoon, July 14, at 5:00 p.m., and is the only seminar open to public gate patrons.

Do I have to sign up for seminars?

Is motorhome service available?

Yes. The Service Center will be open in Empire Commons on Monday, July 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 15, 16, and 17, 2008, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 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?

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 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. To reserve a golf cart from Mid-America Golf Car Transport, Inc., on the Internet, go to: www.magct.com/events.asp. This address leads directly to their Special Events page, and there is a link within “Step1” for “FMCA Download.”

What products will be displayed at the convention?

Everything from A to Z will be on display at the Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul area?

Information, as it become available, will be posted on FMCA's Web site: www.fmca.com/conventions/2008stpaul.

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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 18. If you would like to stay longer, further instructions will be available at the Information Center on the ground level of the Grandstand.

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 are at the Registration Office in the Holding Area; at Welcome Bag distribution stations in several parking lot areas; beginning Sunday, July 13, in the Information Center, located on the ground level of the Grandstand, and at the FMCA Office located in the FFA Office on Judson Avenue next to Seminar 2. 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 Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority and the Roseville Visitors Association 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.

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