ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Very shortly, approximately 2,000 motorhome families will gather in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the Family Motor Coach Association's 83rd International Convention. The gathering of this international motorhome owners' club will take place at EXPO New Mexico, March 22 through 25, 2010.  This will be the group’s second visit to Albuquerque, as the association hosted a convention there in 2004 as well. The confab is one of two motorhome conventions FMCA is hosting this year.  The group also will meet in Redmond, Oregon, in August.  Recent motorhome conventions were held in Bowling Green, Ohio; Perry, Georgia; St. Paul, Minnesota; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Minot, North Dakota.
 
An FMCA convention includes a sizable motorhome exhibition. A number of the major North American manufacturers and dealers will bring new motorhomes for viewing. A variety of 2010-model and some 2011-model motorhomes will be on display. In addition, nearly every conceivable RV accessory and component, as well as items suitable for use in the home, will be on display in Tingley Coliseum and the Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex.  Members of the public will be able to tour the motorhomes that will be on display and see for themselves the many amenities packed inside these modern RVs, which have all of the conveniences of home -- and then some, in many cases.

Admission to the exhibition is $7.00 per day. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult.  A Daily Passport also is available for $65.00, providing access not only to the exhibits but also to all seminars and daytime and evening entertainment.  Public parking will be available in the infield of the racetrack at EXPO New Mexico. Enter Gate 8, at Louisiana and Lomas boulevards.

Display hours are from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on March 23, 24, and 25.  Monday afternoon, March 22, will be devoted to a special viewing of the motorhome exhibits.  The festivities -- which will include lively entertainment, as well as an opportunity to view the latest motorhome models available -- will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Area residents who are interested in learning more about the RV lifestyle are invited to attend a seminar titled "Selecting The Right Motorhome For Your Needs" on Monday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the African American Pavilion. The cost to view the motorhomes on this afternoon is $7.00 per person, which includes the seminar.  Monday's admission pass is good on Tuesday, March 23, as well.

Starting Tuesday, March 23, public gate participants are welcome to attend a number of proprietary (sales-related) seminars in Hall C of the Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex. Other seminars are reserved for convention attendees.

Other makings of the motorhome convention include seminars regarding RV-related topics; topflight, professional entertainment; and various social events, among them morning coffee hour, an ice cream social, and other impromptu good times.
 
 
Traffic advisory information.  Viewers/readers/listeners in Albuquerque and surrounding areas will be witnessing evidence of this event.  Tourist attractions, shopping areas, and gasoline stations should experience an influx.  And motorists in the area might also notice a prevalence of motorhomes.


In fact, local residents are advised to avoid the area surrounding EXPO New Mexico and Balloon Fiesta Park, where the majority of motorhomes will be parked, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21.  In particular, on Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21, caravans -- groups of motorhome owners traveling together -- will be arriving at Balloon Fiesta Park. Motorists may experience delays on Interstate 25 near exits 232 and 233, at Paseo del Norte and Alameda Boulevard.
 
 
At the close of the event, motorhome traffic will be leaving the site on Friday, March 26, starting somewhere around 6:00 a.m., and local residents may wish to avoid these areas again between 6:00 a.m. and noon that day.
 
 
Typically, FMCA conventions attract significant media attention.  An infinite number of lifestyle stories and a great deal of material related to contemporary motorhomes will be available. Media representatives are, of course, welcome to pursue any angle that they find interesting.  However, for an overall orientation to the convention activities, FMCA encourages newspeople to request to speak with Doug Uhlenbrock upon arriving at EXPO New Mexico, or to call ahead to establish a meeting time.
 
 
When arriving at EXPO New Mexico, please follow the signs to the exhibitor/press registration office located at Gate 3, Copper Avenue N.E. Press credentials will be available at this registration office.
One point of information:  the official term for the type of vehicle in question is "motorhome" or "motor coach."  These vehicles are not "mobile homes," nor are they campers, vans, or trailers.  There is a definite distinction among these categories of vehicles.
 
 
You are welcome to stop by to witness the activities.  Please call if any questions arise.