Lightspeed at the RVIA Leadership Conference

Key Takeaways and industry insights

Last week, Lightspeed was proud to attend and sponsor the RVIA Leadership Conference in Phoenix, AZ. This three-day event brought together industry leaders, suppliers, and OEMs for networking, team-building activities, and thought-provoking discussions on the future of the RV industry. Representing Lightspeed were Jeremy Johnson (Associate Director, OEM Business Development) and Michael Matson (National Enterprise Account Executive), who engaged with key players and gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the market.

The conference featured memorable team-building activities designed to foster connections among attendees. The first day’s event challenged teams to build mini-golf holes using perishable food items—combining creativity with philanthropy. Michael even took home a mini-golf medal, adding a fun highlight to the event. The next day, Jeremy joined a horseback riding excursion, creating an opportunity to strengthen industry relationships in a truly unique setting.

Leadership, Technology, and Industry Trends

The conference provided an excellent platform to connect with major industry stakeholders and explore key issues affecting the RV market. Discussions throughout the event highlighted several pressing topics, including the impact of tariffs and rising interest rates.

Several key themes emerged, particularly regarding leadership and innovation. Doug Gaeddert, CEO of Forest River, shared a powerful philosophy: “Be happy, but never satisfied,” emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement—a mindset that aligns with Lightspeed’s commitment to advancing dealership technology.

Jarrod McGee, CEO of Fun Town RV, emphasized a challenge Lightspeed has been actively addressing—closing the 20-year technology gap between the RV and automotive industries. His insights reinforced our mission to equip dealerships with the tools they need to modernize operations and drive efficiency.

A session led by Molly McPherson focused on social media strategy, underscoring both its importance and the significant time investment required. Many businesses, including dealerships, are understaffed in this area, making it crucial to develop an effective, streamlined approach.

Other compelling sessions provided insights into both the European and Australia RV markets. Understanding the differences in market dynamics between Europe, Australia, and the U.S. offered valuable perspective on how global influences might shape the industry moving forward.