As part of the ongoing mission to keep growing and expand our membership, Airstream Club International (ACI) made its presence known at the Florida RV SuperShow, one of the largest RV shows in the nation. This is the third year the club has attended the show. This year the club had a display booth inside Airstream’s display, reinforcing its commitment to growing relationships within the Airstream community and beyond.
Tim Maxwell, Airstream’s Regional Director of Sales, personally invited our Executive Director Lori Tilton and ACI representatives, recognizing the significance of their involvement in the event and club leadership understood the value of attending. The show in Tampa provided a prime opportunity to engage with current and prospective Airstream owners, strengthen ties with Airstream leadership, and build strategic partnerships that benefit ACI members.
Left to right: Executive Council Member Jenifer Schnettler, Airstream Regional Director of Sales Tim Maxwell and Executive Director Lori Tilton
“Getting asked to represent the club alongside Airstream at one of the biggest events of the year is a huge deal for us. Attending the show shows the commitment Airstream Inc. has for the club in growing our membership base and expanding the relationship, said Tilton. “This also allowed me to be on the ground and see what tools and supplies we can provide our volunteers who help with the shows.”
Tilton added that January is a really busy time for HQ and staff, having declined the invitation several times before, but she knew the importance of this trip and knew she had to make it happen.
The event began on Tuesday, Jan. 14, exclusively for the RV industry. It then opened to the public on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and ran through Sunday. The show featured companies and dealers from across the industry, showcasing their offerings.
ACI was represented by Tilton, Region 6’s Lindsay and Randy Shropshire, BRN 2118, Bill and Frances Hamblin, BRN 21813, of Florida Suncoast, and Executive Council Member Jenifer Schnettler, BRN 6594 & 411, from the Akron Ohio Airstream Club.
The club’s volunteers, worked continuously to ensure a strong presence at the show. Their primary goal was to support the club, as well as Airstream Inc., by guiding potential owners in the right direction while also engaging with existing club members who stopped by the booth to connect.
“Having a presence at the RV Show inside the Airstream dealer’s display offered the perfect opportunity to highlight the hand-in-hand relationship between owning an Airstream and enjoying the Club,” said Schnettler.
“We heard so many wonderful stories; from the excited new owners; those still dreaming of their first Airstream, and actually folks who had owned an Airstream for some time, but had not really known much about the Club. Being the only RV brand to feature its own club was one of the most distinguishing factors putting Airstream in a class by itself.”
One of the highlights of the show for the club was the opportunity to interact with key figures in the Airstream world. ACI volunteers spent time with Airstream President & CEO Bob Wheeler and COO Bryan Melton, Regional Sales Director Tim Maxwell, as well as the general manager of Blue Compass Tampa. These conversations highlighted the mutual interest in fostering a strong partnership between ACI and Airstream.
Beyond the dealer collaboration, ACI also took advantage of the SuperShow to meet with potential and current benefit partners. Representatives met with organizations such as Passport America, Harvest Hosts, and RV Connect, discussing ways to enhance the benefits available to ACI members. These external partnerships have been a strategic focus for the club, contributing significantly to its growth over the past five years. The foundation for these relationships was laid years ago by the club’s International Board of Trustees (IBT), and this continued effort aligns with ACI’s long-term vision of expanding member benefits.
Looking ahead, ACI plans to enhance its presence at future shows by capturing more organic moments that showcase the community spirit of the club. Spontaneous reunions, hugs exchanged between long-time friends, and the excitement of new members joining are the heart of the Airstream experience.
Left to right: Frances Hamblin, Lindsay Shropshire, Randy Shropshire, Lori Tilton, Bill Hamblin, Jenifer Schnettler and Tim Maxwell
“Having a presence at more RV shows is a golden opportunity to spread the word about the value joining this Club can provide. A community of friends, a fellowship of family, and a platform dedicated to exploration and adventure,” said Schettler. “Expanding our presence at more RV shows will grow our membership and attract the next generation of Airstream enthusiasts. A brochure is great, and a video is interesting, but nothing can compare to the face-to-face experience that inspires someone to come along and join in the fun. I always say … Airstream provides the product, we provide the lifestyle.”
ACI’s participation in the Florida RV SuperShow reaffirms its dedication to its members and the broader Airstream community. By strengthening partnerships, making connections, and staying true to its mission, the club continues to pave the way for a brighter future to keep rallying together.
