Should the RV/MH Hall of Fame Induct RV Influencers?
The RV/MH Hall of Fame has a long-standing tradition of inducting members who have served the RV industry. But does that include RV influencers? Over time technology and marketing evolves, and the change can sometimes be difficult. This article explores what the evolution of influencers could mean for the RV industry’s traditions. Let’s get into it!
What Is the RV Hall of Fame?
The RV/MH Hall of Fame is a museum in Elkhart, Ind., that officially opened in 1991. They aim to preserve the history of the industry and honor pioneers in the RV and MH fields. The museum features historical displays, RVs throughout the decades, a resource library, and a “Wall of Fame.”
Anyone can visit the museum, and there are five areas to explore. One of the main attractions is the Hall of Fame. It’s dedicated to honoring pioneers in the RV industry. Explore inductees from RV manufacturers to consultants to financial executives and more. There are more than 400 members.
Other areas to explore include the RV Founders Hall, which displays trailers and memorabilia. Displays date back to pre-World War I and illustrate the technological advances in the industry. The Exhibitors Hall has various displays featuring manufacturers and service providers. For more contemporary displays, check out the Go RVing Hall, which provides information on the current state of the RV industry. Finally, you may want to carve out some time for the library. It houses thousands of resources, including photos, magazines, and many more archives about RVs.
RV Influencers: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
“Influencer” is a buzzword that’s gained traction over the last decade. The word can make some cringe and others perk up. So what is an influencer? It’s a person who has the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others. The person has knowledge, authority, standing, or relationships with an audience in a specific niche. Influencers are social relationship assets for companies, who collaborate with them to market their brands and products.
RV influencers are the voice of the modern RV industry. They’re putting out content via YouTube, blogs, social media, events, and more. If you want to know how to unclog your toilet or set up your motorhome for towing, your search will likely lead you to an influencer. Through their content and presence, RV influencers are also marketing directly and indirectly. Whether it’s their products or services or other brands, they’re helping their audience find the best items for RVing safely and happily.
There’s a growing list of RV influencers to keep up with. You can find several blogs listing the top ones of the day. But we recommend finding a few channels you resonate with and following those folks.
Who Usually Gets Included in the RV/MH Hall of Fame?
The guidelines for nominations to the RV/MH Hall of Fame state: “The nominee must be, or have been, an active participant in any segment of the recreation vehicle or manufactured housing industry for at least 25 years.” It says that the Hall Board can, in special circumstances, induct someone who has participated in the industry for fewer than 25 years.
There are about 15 women out of more than 400 members in the RV/MH Hall of Fame as of 2021. And few or no persons of color. Members include RV manufacturer founders, campground owners, retailers, suppliers, technicians, pioneers of tools such as campground directories and RV associations, and more. You can scroll through the member directory on the RV/MH Hall of Fame website.
Has the RV/MH Hall of Fame Ever Inducted an Influencer?
The RV/MH Hall of Fame hasn’t inducted an influencer. However, some of the pioneers of the industry could be viewed as influencers. For example, we found a few members that were consultants and promoters of the RV industry who likely influenced brands and consumers alike.
Are RV Influencers Important Enough to Be in the RV/MH Hall of Fame?
RV influencers have pioneered a new era and way of doing things in the RV world. So it seems they would be a fit for the RV/MH Hall of Fame. And we believe inducting influencers can help add diversity and value to the membership. Take a couple like Chris and Cherie from Technomadia, for example. They’ve revolutionized how RVers can get internet access on the road through their resources and knowledge. And there are many, many others besides them. Many other influencers out there have pioneered new ways of doing things in the modern era of RVing.
Whether or not you think RV influencers should get into the RV/MH Hall of Fame, the museum is a fun stop if you’re driving through Elkhart. It’s fascinating to look at the vintage travel trailers on display and compare them to the new ones coming off the manufacturing lines in the same city. If you haven’t been to the museum, we highly recommend a visit. Who would you nominate to the RV/MH Hall of Fame?
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