Alumapalooza is a gathering of Airstream enthusiasts. It’s unique because it takes place on factory property in Jackson Center, Ohio. We camp right behind the building where our Airstream was built.
Camping at Airstream has many upsides. While at the factory, we took advantage of the excellent Airstream Service center. Our Airstream “Liv” got new brake assemblies all the way around, plus some fun upgrades like a Corian kitchen counter extension and LED lighting. The factory service center is always fun to visit, because they work on ALL Airstreams built over the past 70-plus years. Glance in the service bay, and you might see a 1953 Flying Cloud sitting next to a 2010 Flying Cloud.
We got to meet the employees at Airstream, who held informative seminars during the event. They also catered a lunch for Alumapalooza attendees. President and CEO Bob Wheeler was right there in the food line serving burgers.
Does any other American company nurture such a familial relationship with its customers? I think not. When pondering Airstream corporate, I’m reminded of the slogan for Yellowstone: “oldest and best.” Airstream has been around longer than any other RV manufacturer, and it inspires a loyalty and passion that is unique.
This event marked the first time that Kristy and I appeared together as public speakers. We did two separate hour-long presentations, during which we played some favorite Long Long Honeymoon videos and spoke about “behind the scenes” stuff.
We had a blast! We met lots of people who have watched videos on our website. It’s a surreal sensation to finally meet “old friends” in person.
“Was the reaction what you expected?”
It was more. While I didn’t arrive with any firm expectations, I was floored by how many people had visited our website and watched our videos.
I can’t fully explain the positive energy we experienced at this event. This was among the most rewarding and satisfying stops along our Long Long Honeymoon. All week long, we were approached by “friends we hadn’t yet met.”
If you attended Alumapalooza and gave us positive feedback, THANK YOU!
Also, special thanks to AIRSTREAM for the wonderful hospitality.
Am almost positive that, had we been able to swing this event, Paul would have seriously considered an Airstream purchase then and there. Alas, he is in England with his ailing father while I am here in New England with a recuperating Greyhound. At least I have managed to find my way back into your comment section : )
I am so happy to hear that it was all you could have asked for in an Airstream event. It must have been super cool to meet peeps from all over the US that have enjoyed your blog all along! And I bet you made tons of new friends and LLH followers while you were there. This video is in my top three of LLH videos, by the way. LOVE IT!
Thanks Valynne! I was pleased with this one also. It was a case where as an editor I had lots of good material with which to work. And there’s plenty more where this came from. We did several interviews at Alumapalooza, so I’ll roll out more videos in the future. Right now I’m just trying to get caught up. 🙂
Sorry to hear about Paul’s father. There will be other Airstream gatherings. There’s a big one in New York in a couple of weeks (alas, we may be out west at the time). Anyway, we’ll look forward to seeing you at a future event. Cheers!
Damn you Mr. Michael,
I now want to sell my trailer (that I so love) to get an Airstream!!!!!! If Airstream does not use this episode THEIR OUT OF THEIR MINDS!!!!!! Man that just wants you to go out and buy one….just fantastic BRAVO!!!!!!!!!
Some episodes just stand out this is one of them. This not only showcases the product but the people and the life style. No more flying for Kristy she made me so nervous I thought he was going to drop her.
Every once in a while I’ll go back and watch an old episode Sean, you my friend have come a long long way. I always find it amazing how you can produce such a outstanding product from you’re Airstream….fantastic!
Once again thank you……thank you for letting us into a little slice of the Michael’s life. We leave in 6 days for South Carolina for a week. I can’t wait.
BTW the oil bypass kit so so so worth it! Eddie the Excursion loves the super clean oil. If you want check them out either FS2500 or Amsoil one. Seemore will love it.
Thanks Matt! Yes, Airstream is just as much about the people as the product. This was our first real “rally” (or whatever you wanna call it) but I’m sure it won’t be our last.
I am really pleased with this video too. It’s funny, because I never really know how these will turn out. I guess I have gotten a little better at this over the years, but it helps to have great material for starters. In this case we had lots of fun experiences to draw from. Heck, the CEO of Airstream even let us on the roof to grab those shots from high above the field. Airstream’s hospitality couldn’t have been better.
I will investigate the oil bypass kit. I think once SEEMORE hits the “no longer under warranty” mileage mark, I’ll probably start having fun with mods. 🙂
Hope you have a BLAST in South Carolina! Can’t wait to hear all about it.