Take your motorhome education to new heights by attending the seminars presented during FMCA’s 84th International Convention in Redmond, Oregon.
By Doug Uhlenbrock, Associate Editor
July 2010
Those attending the “Redmond Rocks! Feel The Excitement!” convention, August 11 through 14, 2010, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, will have plenty of opportunities to expand their knowledge of the RVing lifestyle and perhaps learn something completely new to make their motorhome journeys more enjoyable.
During the four-day event, FMCA will present seminars covering a multitude of interesting technical and educational subjects, along with a variety of craft projects and several exercise programs. Attendees surely will find one or more sessions that spark their interest.
Many of the learning sessions that have been popular at past conventions are returning. Once again, representatives from various engine, chassis, and equipment manufacturers will be on hand to discuss their products and answer questions, while other experts will offer instruction and advice about motorhome weight safety, coach handling, and towing. The seminar slate will include classes about computers and their many uses; fire safety; maintaining a healthy mind and body; add-on components; geocaching; and many other topics.
Here is a sampling of some of the new seminars that will be offered in Redmond. For more information about the full seminar schedule, refer to the convention program included in the welcome bag you receive upon arrival.
Bring your questions about the technical side of motorhoming to the “Ask The Experts” seminar, featuring Gary “The RV Doctor” Bunzer; FMCA.com Technical Forums moderator Brett Wolfe; and Walter Cannon, executive director of the RV Safety & Education Foundation. This is your chance to really “talk shop.” FMC columnist Gary Bunzer also will present four other technical-related seminars that will cover photovoltaics (solar power), optimizing the battery system, spare parts to carry, and 10 maintenance tips every RVer should know.
On the educational side, Lorrin Walsh, author of Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro, will present a pair of driving instruction seminars. One session will provide experienced drivers with information about becoming safer, more confident operators, while the second will focus on tips and hints for copilots and those who don’t find themselves behind the wheel often. Lorrin’s wife, Nyla, will take attendees on a virtual tour of Alaska and the Yukon Territory during her travel seminar, dispelling myths, telling stories, and providing hints and tips to RVers who plan to visit this untamed part of North America.
Those who prefer two-wheeled, self-powered transportation once the motorhome is parked can receive riding instruction and safety tips during “Bicycling 101″; coach cooks can discover how to economize their meal preparation during “Microwave-Convection Cooking For One Or Two”; and navigators can learn how to utilize GPS and their laptop computer with Microsoft Streets & Trips software.
Attendees also will have the opportunity to share with others some of their favorite destinations, routes, and stopping spots during the “RV Destinations Idea Exchange,” moderated by Bill Marti. During the forum, Jim and Chris Guld of Geeks on Tour will use their computer and Google Earth to zoom in on each route or area as it’s being covered. RVers who enjoy discussing motorhome subjects online can find out more about utilizing FMCA Forums on FMCA.com to discover and share information about the lifestyle.
The seminar lineup also will include a variety of crafts for those who would like to learn a new skill, make a gift, or simply have a keepsake from the convention. In addition, daily exercise sessions will be offered for those who want to stay in shape, along with a special “Strength Training Program For Women” seminar.
When making your plans for the “Redmond Rocks!” convention, be sure to leave plenty of time for the terrific seminars that will be presented. You’ll come away more knowledgeable about the motorhoming lifestyle and may even have a notebook filled with fresh ideas to make your travels more enjoyable.
Redmond Convention Seminars
The following seminars were scheduled as of press time. Last-minute changes could alter the list. Please check your convention program for dates, times, locations, and seminar descriptions. Sessions listed in italics are new seminars.
Technical
Aqua-Hot And Hydro-Hot Heating Systems
Ask The Experts
Basics Of Refrigeration
Caterpillar Engine
Cummins Engine
Driving With The Allison World Transmission
Freightliner Custom Chassis Preventive Maintenance
Generator Maintenance Roundtable
Introduction To RV Satellite And What Is Available
Optimizing Your RV Battery System
Photovoltaics And Recreational Vehicles
RV Weight & Tire Safety
Satellite TV Talk
Spare Parts & Key Questions
Spartan Chassis Maintenance
Steering, Suspensions, & Coach Ride
Supplemental Towed Car Braking
Ten Maintenance Tips Every RVer Should Know
Towing Roundtable
Educational
A Great Information Resource: FMCA Forums on FMCA.com
Beautifying & Protecting Your Coach
Bicycling 101
Care And Purchasing Fine Jewelry
Clean Like A Pro
Coach-Net Emergency Road Service
Computer Safety And Security For The RV
Digital Diesel Instrumentation And Diagnostics With SilverLeaf
Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro
Driving A Motorhome For The Co-Pilot
Enhance Your RV Lifestyle “” Don’t Go Without Velcro
Every RVer Needs A Blog
Fire & Life Safety In Your RV
FMCA & Member Benefits
FMCA Chapter Secretary And Chapter Treasurer Forum
Frustration-Free RVing
Geocaching 101 “” Introduction To Geocaching
Geocaching 201 “” Advanced Geocaching
Getting The Most Out Of Your Digital Camera
Governing Board Training
GPS & Navigation With Microsoft Streets & Trips
Health Considerations For Hypertension, Diabetes, And Coronary Heart Disease
High-Speed Internet
How The Latest Technology Can Keep You Safer On The Road
How To Retrofit Your Coach With A Day/Night System
Increasing Fuel Economy By Reducing Resistance
Joint Health And Living With Arthritis
Knee-Hip-Ankle Health
Low Voltage, Spikes, And Surges “” And What You Can Do About Them
Maintain Your Memory
Make Your Vote Count
Making A Difference Through Habitat For Humanity®
Managing Digital Photos With Picasa
MEDEX “” The Travel Program That Provides Travel Assistance, Emergency Evacuation, And Repatriation
Mexico Copper Canyon By RV & Train
Microwave-Convection Cooking “” Beginner ABCs For Sharp Oven Owners
Microwave-Convection Cooking For One or Two
Microwave-Convection Cooking On-The-Go
New Zealand, Australia, And The Outback By RV
Octane For The Brain
On-Road Quilters
Orientation For First-Time Attendees
Picasa: Beyond The Basics
President’s Forum
Rambling By RV Through Alaska/Yukon
RV Destinations Idea Exchange
RV Driving Safety Program
RVing Alaska, The Last Great Frontier
RVing Atlantic Canada
Selecting The Right Motorhome For Your Needs
Southern Africa Wildlife Safari By RV
Successful Interior Renovations
Tire Safety & Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire Safety Tips & Monitoring Methods
Understanding, Monitoring, And Protecting The RV Electrical System
Fun, Games & Exercise
Early Morning Workout For All
Red Hat Social
Strength Training Program For Women
Crafts
Cheery Recipe Box
Cluster Grape Pearl Earrings
Embossed Copper
Etched Glass And Mat
Friendship Binder
Fruit Of The Vine
Mini Chest For Tiny Treasures
Patchwork
Photo Sphere
Plastic Bag Crocheting
Redmond Rocks! Scrapbook Pages
Terrific Techniques
Vines Delight
Wine Glass Charms