There are so many fun and interesting things to do at an International Rally that it's hard to know where to begin. I will start as if this were a first International experience.
1. Don't overlook possible parking considerations. You often have the opportunity of parking with your local Unit. Other options include parking with a group that you Caravan in with. Another option is parking with one of the Intra-Clubs to which you belong - - examples include Free Wheelers, Vintage Airstream Club as well as the other intra-clubs (I belong to both the Free Wheelers and VAC so know that both of these groups have assigned parking dates where their members Caravan in together and are parked together).
2. Another must attend is the New Members Orientation workshop. This workshop is offered at every International and allows you to learn a tremendous amount about the WBCCI and its events.
3. The opening ceremony is an activity that is a Must Attend on my list. It is an evening of good entertainment. One of the highlights is the presentation of the flags. Often it is this event that sets the stage for the balance of the Rally.
4. The evening programs. Each evening there is a program having a unique theme. Recently, the Rallys have had musical programs that emphasize music of all eras - - each was thoroughly enjoyable.
5. The Teen Queen Pageant is another program worth attending. The younger generations shines on this evening.
6. The Flea Market is a Must Attend especially if you have a Vintage coach or motorhome. This event takes place in a large hall, and there are all kinds of Airstream realated and RV related products available - - both old and new.
7. The Vendor area is always a good stopping point. There are often products available at very good prices; and it is often possible to get good deals on installed packages on some of these products. I purchased my Fantastic Vent fans as well as my Solar system at an International Rally where the installation was handled as well.
8. If you arrive early enough, there are usually some fantastic business and industry tours available. These tend to fill up quickly, but are well worth the time if you can get singed-up.
9. During the day there are seminars and workshops of all kinds. One that I would recommend is the Caravan Leader Training. Even if you aren't interested in leading a Caravan, it helps immensely in developing an understanding of how carvans and rallys operate. Each of the Intra-Clubs will also have a meeting during these daily session; and most will also have at least one specialized workshop/seminar for its members as well as the membership in general.
10. The Ice Cream Social that is usually hoste by Airstream is another Must Attend. The Ice Cream Social is usually at the Airstream Vendors tent. Depending upon the Rally, the Airstream tent has been either near the auditorium or in a central point on the Rally grounds. Airstream also offers a large selection of parts and accessories for sale at their tent; and emergency repairs are offered through much of the Rally time - - at least at most of the Internationals that I have attended.
11. Ice Cream is a very popular treat at the International. There is usually an Ice Cream vendor in the main hall; and if you listen carefully, you'll be able to get the inside track on the best places to find the best ice cream locally.
12. With most Units as well as most of the Intra-Clubs, you will find that there are frequent if not daily activities on the Rally grounds. With both the VAC and Free Wheelers, there are "Four o'Clocks" where the membeship gathers at one of the members' trailers to discuss the events of the day and discuss plans for the evening as well as the next day.
13. There are also usually region and state activities as well. Most of these will be centered around a meal. This varies, and can include anything from a breakfast to a full dinner. These events offer a means of getting better acquainted with both the leadership and members of your state or region. The food often has a regional flair which makes it a must on my list.
14. Often, you will also find that there are sight-seeing tours available. Sometimes these are commercially available through Gray Line Tours or similar organizations. In some cases these tours are "Suburban Caravans" where there is a subruban carpool caravan with a leader communicating with the following vehicles via CB guiding the expedition. In other cases there have been written scripted tours available or guided tours via audio cassette. These aren't necessarily WBCCI sponsored; but are something that you can learn about by "keeping an ear to the ground' so-to-speak.
Needless to say, I have enjoyed every International that I have attended. Despite my distate for heat and humidity, I have always parked at the Rally Ground with its limited electric thus no air conditioning. There are so many activities to keep one away from the RV during the day and early evening hours that not having air conditioning isn't usually a huge hinderance.
Kevin