The 2013 Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo is pulling into the Knoxville Convention Center for its first trip to Knoxville, Nov. 5-8.

More than 500 campground owners, RV enthusiasts and suppliers will participate in the trade show and expo that will feature 35 educational seminars, discussion panels, networking events and a trade show with more than 100 industry exhibitors.

The trade show chose East Tennessee, because of its natural scenery and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Associations and organizations specializing in outdoor activities or industries have become a unique selling point for the Knoxville Convention Center sales team with several other outdoor events coming to Knoxville in 2013 and 2014. The Convention center welcomes the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance on Nov. 16 and the Professional Outdoor Media Association in March 2014.

The ARVC is the nation’s only association exclusively representing the interest of RV parks and campgrounds and has more than 3,000 members nationwide.