The DW and I went yesterday(10-11), we felt there was little or nothing in the line of vendors except for a window repair guy. Lots of rigs, we don't have any interest in towables so can't help there.
My one big disappointment in most models is the usless(to us) outside entertainment center with a 32" of bigger TV and now a full kitchen with a small fridge, sink and portable stove top or BBQ. Sure takes up storage, like the big pass throughs in "C"'s in the past that raised the rear bed up two feet or more off the floor.
The layout changes from year to year as do the dealers, the only really good show prices were for Winnies at about 28 to 30 percent off.
Factory brochures seemed fancier and more uncommon than years past. Had to ask for them in almost every case.
Speaking about the layout, I felt it was done so as you went from powered to towables to power to towables. I know that some powered mfgs also make towables but both of us are partly disabled and with me pushing the DW up the inclines was exhausting and we had to go from one corner to the other and back and forth. I feel grouping by categories would be better and more convenient.
The seminar tent is now attached to the vendor tent and there is a lot of seating in the shade for eating and resting than ever before. There was a beer sales kiosk and free cold water from Sparkletts also in the seminar tent. That is a really nice touch.
I don't know if the sales staff was tired or lazy or if they have learned that their high pressure get you cornered approach isn't working and in fact turns people off or what, but we were pretty free to look and only talked to the sales guys when we went to them. Very nice and very relaxing.
I have had very bad experiences with Mike Thompson sales in particular, it seems that as soon as you express interest, the sales guy goes and get "THE SALES MANAGER" to give you the best price and the first thing that jerk does is ask for your credit card so he can check your credit rating. None of that from any of the dealers. No following you from one rig to the next.
All in all, it was pleasant and friendly but unless I was interested in buying, I think it's very expensive just to see what is out there.
"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to go". R. L. Stevenson
David Bishop
2002 Winnebago Adventurer 32V
2009 GMC Canyon
Roadmaster 5000
BrakeBuddy Classic II