7 Steps to Enjoying a Big RV Rally`

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We’ve attended RV rallies with 12 coaches and with 4,000!  Right now we are parked at the Georgia State Fairgrounds for the Family Motor Coach Ass’n convention and, we expect there to be nearly 3,000 RVs here this week.  These big rallies can be the most fun you’ve ever had, or they can be miserable … it’s up to you!

Before you get there

1. Empty holding tanks, fill water, gas/diesel and propane tanks. 
   For those of us who are accustomed to staying in RV parks with full hookups, this may be the only time we boondock.  You don’t want the hassle (or expense) of having the honey wagon come around during the rally, so make sure you dump your gray and black water tanks just before getting to the rally.  You’re going to be parked for 4 – 7 days so you’re going to need your fresh water.  You want your propane for heat, cooking, and running appliances while you don’t have electricity.  And, you want your gas/diesel full in order to run your generator.  Even if you paid for an electrical hookup during the rally, it won’t be as dependable as the full hookups in an RV park – it’s best to be prepared!
2. Parking credentials
   These rallies have a big job getting everybody parked efficiently.  A lot of the work is done long before the rally by issuing ‘Parking Credentials.’  These are usually brightly colored cards that need to be prominently displayed in your window so the parking crew can properly direct you.  They may also indicate a day and time of arrival.  Make sure you have your credentials, and you follow the instructions.
3. Groceries, Laundry etc.
   Once you get to the rally, there’s going to be so much to do that you won’t have time to do standard errands like grocery shopping or laundromat visits.  Try to get everything done in advance so you can devote your full attention to rally goings-on.

At the Rally

4. Get with the Program
   Make sure to get the complete program for the rally right away and spend some time reviewing it.  You don’t want to miss a seminar because you didn’t even know about it!  If there are two of you, you may want to agree to split up for certain seminar times because there is just so much from which to choose. 
5. Walk Around
   We like to get to a rally the day before it starts so we can get our bearings.  Your program should include a map, make sure to locate the seminar rooms, showers, Vendor/Exhibit hall and the Wi-Fi hotspot!  Be aware that your cellular internet devices may not work as good as normal because the crowds of RVers can overload the airwaves!
6. Name Badges and Holders
   You must remember to wear your name badge at all times during the rally, it is your admission ticket to the Vendor area, the seminars and the entertainment. We like having the name badge holders that you wear around your neck, and that has wallet-like pockets.  We keep the rally map folded up in one of those pockets, and several business cards in another.  You never know who you’re going to meet, and you’ll want to be able to keep in touch.  You do have your Blog or Facebook address on your card don’t you?  If you also put your credit card in a pocket of the name badge holder, then you’ll be prepared for the great shopping opportunities in the exhibit hall.
7. Put on your Best Smile!
   The best part of the rallies is the other people!  Make new friends and have a ball!

If you’re coming to the FMCA rally in Perry this week, make sure to say Hi!  Geeks on Tour has a table in the Information Center by the Wi-Fi hotspot and Computer Help desk.  We will be there whenever we’re not teaching a seminar.  We’re presenting 8 seminars this week, starting with our new addition “Face to Face with Facebook.”  Facebook is used by so many RVers as an excellent way to keep in touch!  We’re giving that seminar on Monday morning at 10am in Seminar 10.  See our complete schedule on our website.  We’re also offering our hands-on Computer Boot Camp – we’ll be taking registrations for that at 7am at our table in the Info Center.

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