The Basics
Getting There, Getting Parked, Getting Started
We are thrilled that you'll be joining us for this great event and hope that you are excited to be joining thousands of other like-minded RVers. The information below will help guide you through your first international convention and provide tips you might only learn through experience.
Before Departing For Perry
Review the contents in your Confirmation Packet. Make sure you received two parking credentials (Parking card and Date of Entry card), your Check-In & Location QR Code Card, your First Timer window placard, and name badges for those attending. If you received incorrect credentials or there is a problem with your badges, contact the Events Department at (800) 543-3622.
Read the Confirmation Guide included in your confirmation packet. This booklet includes information that will make for a worry-free journey to the grounds and provide a general idea of what to expect when you arrive, where to place your coach credentials in the windshield, etc.
You'll have the opportunity to make lots of new friends at the event. But why not invite other RV-owning friends to register and join in the fun. By coming with others, you know, you'll be able to share the experience with friends with whom you are familiar and comfortable.
Before heading to Perry or as you near the site, empty your gray and black holding tanks and fill your freshwater tank. A dump station and fresh water fill is on grounds, and septic and water service from a contracted company will be available for a fee if you need the service(s).
Arriving At The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter
Your parking credentials will indicate the type of parking you chose when you registered. Follow the directions included in the Confirmation Packet to get to your parking area. The Arrival Area is where you can pick up Will Call credentials or wait for friends with whom you would like to park.
Prior to arrival, make sure your parking credentials and QR Code Card are affixed to your windshield so the Parking Team volunteers can quickly identify the type of parking you requested.
Upon arrival, if you have a towed vehicle (car), please unhook it, and have your co-pilot or another member of your party drive it separately so as not to hold up the parking operation once you arrive at your parking site. Better yet, stop outside of the grounds to unhook. This will help make your arrival and parking experience quicker and smoother.
Follow the Parking Team volunteer to your spot and park as directed. If there's a problem, have it resolved after you are parked to allow the parking operation to flow smoothly. If you believe you've been parked in an incorrect area, find one of the Parking Team volunteers and calmly discuss your situation. If the issue cannot be resolved in the parking area, ask to be taken to the Information Center to speak with someone at the information/registration desk.
While you were being parked you received your Welcome Bag filled with all kinds of great information. Once parked and settled in, check out the materials in the bag, sign in to the mobile event app if you haven’t already, and get ready to have a great time.
Getting Started
The event program includes all the information needed to navigate the convention. Perhaps the most important part for a first-time attendee is the Grounds Services section, which provides nuts-and-bolts information about the event. Many questions you might have upon arrival will likely be answered in this section. The program also includes the schedule of events, descriptions for the seminars, a list of vendors and where they can be located, and more. A digital version of the program will be available on FMCA.com several weeks prior to the event for early planning purposes. This excellent resource is searchable, and it can be downloaded to your device or viewed online. Also, make sure to download the Cvent Events app so you’ll be able to register and log into our mobile event app later on. The event app will allow you to access the event program on your phone, create schedules, interact with other convention-goers, and much more.
As you review the schedule, you may be overwhelmed with the number of activities taking place during the event. You will want to do it all; resist that temptation. It's impossible. With more than 100 seminars scheduled, a large selection of RVs to look through, a vast array of products to check out in the exhibit hall, entertainment, social gatherings, and time spent enjoying the company of other attendees, you'll find that your days will disappear quickly. So, as you review the schedule, highlight those activities that mean the most to you and create your own personal list of “things to do.” This will help you stay on track and assure that you do not miss a seminar or activity that may have drawn you to Perry in the first place.
Special First-Timer Info & Activities
First Time Attendee for Lafitte’s Lost Treasure Arrive on Monday, March 10, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
GNFA Walkabouts with a Mentor, Tuesday, March 11, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Meet at the Clock Tower.
First-Timer’s Orientation Tuesday, March 11, 2:00 p.m. in Reeves Arena.
Chapter Fair, Tuesday, March 11, 3:00 p.m. Reeves Arena.
Opening Day Parade, Wednesday, March 12, 12:00 p.m. GNFA streets
Ask The Events Team
Questions & Answers Session
Curious about exactly how an FMCA convention works? We want to ease your worries about where to park, how to plan your day, and what you can't miss.
RSVP on Facebook by clicking the Q&A links or tune in on FMCA's YouTube channel and come ready with your questions! If you can't attend or do not use Facebook, each session will be posted on FMCA's YouTube channel and FMCA.com after recording.
Chat with Fellow Attendees
We have created a private Facebook group for attendees to chat about the Perry convention. Join Here
Maybe this is your first convention, and you want to hear what to expect from "veteran" convention-goers. Maybe you have questions about the best route to take to Perry or campgrounds to visit on your way. Maybe you just want to sit back and see what everyone else is talking about!
FMCA staff may also post periodic updates in the group about special convention activities, volunteer requests, reminders, etc.
Mentoring Program
Much of what a first-timer needs to know can only be gained through experience. But gaining that experience often results in missed activities, aimless wandering, and daily headaches. To help first-timers become savvy convention attendees without the first-time travails, FMCA will enlist the help of veteran convention-goers to pass along the knowledge they've absorbed while attending FMCA events. These mentors can be identified by the rectangular white “FMCA Mentor” buttons they will be wearing throughout the event. If you have questions, you're encouraged to ask a mentor who will be happy to help.
Members interested in becoming a first-time attendee mentor should contact the Events Department at (800) 543-3622 to sign up.
