2019 Fall GMCMI Convention Information


Welcome to the Convention page!

Click here to download 2020 Spring Convention Brochure.

Click here to download 2020 Convention Registration Form (interactive pdf).
Note: Save form to your desktop and save before filling it out. Thank you.


>> What a theme, Celebrating GMC Flyers!

The Cajun Coast is a sampler of everything Louisiana offers, in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that is the heart of Cajun hospitality.

The past and present have contributed to a fascinating cultural mix of French, Spanish, English, African, Native American, and Cajun traditions with rich and flavorful food, music, art, and history.

St. Mary Parish

With a population of over 53,000 and 700 square miles of land is located in the Bayou Teche region of Cajun Country midway between New Orleans/Baton Rouge (90 minutes to the east) and Lafayette (60 minutes to the west) via Hwy. 90. It consists of five municipalities: Morgan City, Franklin, Berwick, Baldwin, Patterson, and the Sovereign Nation of the Chitimacha. The economic lifeblood is agriculture, seafood, and the oil industry.

We invite you to stroll a 19th century boulevard of cast iron street lamps and moss-covered oaks in the heart of a community with many properties of which are listed on the National Register.

Explore the exotic beauty of the Atchafalaya on a swamp tour. Visit museums, antebellum homes, plantations, and historic communities. Play the Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild (adjacent to the Convention site), named to Golf Digest’s Top 10 Best Louisiana Courses 2013 and Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play in 2012. Whatever your interests, you will find St. Mary Parish is the perfect place to experience Louisiana adventure.

Come to the Cajun Coast and immerse yourself in what National Geographic called this “hauntingly beautiful land” for a taste of the real Louisiana.


>> Zydeco Luncheon

On Monday, April 20 ladies slip on your Zydeco shoes, grab your hat, and join the Ladies of GMCMI for lunch and a multi-dimensional, knock-your-socks-off tour of the spicy spectrum of Cajun culture…a way that celebrates living!

What goes best with shoes…socks! We ask that you bring a pair of socks (any size) to be donated to a local charity. Thank you.


>> Early Bird Horseshoe Tournament

Come early and participate in the Early Bird Horseshoe Tournament on Thursday, April 16 at 2:30 pm. Prizes will be awarded.


>> Pineblock Derby and Clinic!

Get those GMC racers ready for the GMCMI Pineblock Derby!

For updated GMCMI Pineblock Derby Rules go to gmcmi.com/gmcmi-pineblock-derby/.

Those of you who have made additional GMC racers, please do bring them so that others can race them. Thank you!

Need a Derby Kit….

Order your kit on the Convention registration form for the Clinic (pickup on arrival) or build your derby racer at home. Only $20 each with free shipping. Order at: thegmcmhstore.com


>> CPR/AED Certification & Recertification Class

Two years ago at the Spring Convention in Tucson, Arizona, GMCMI held classes where members became certified to operate the GMCMI defibrillator. Recertification is required every two years. We have made arrangements for training at Patterson. It will be held on Friday, April 17 at 8:00 am. GMCMI will subsidize a portion of the fee for those who participate. To attend the class, simply check the box on the registration form and pay only $25 per person!


>> Weighing of the Coaches Clinic

Ever wondered what your loaded GMC weighs? Here is your opportunity to find out. Prior to weighing, your front and rear ride heights at four points will be recorded. During the weighing all six wheels of your coach will be independently weighed – two at a time.


>> The GMCMI Mardi Gras Parade & Celebration!

Tuesday, April 21
Bring your beads, masks, hats, feathers, and colorful clothing. Decorate those wagons, build a float, and play those instruments.  Don’t forget to dress up your pet for the parade!  How about your campground site…let’s decorate and party!


>> Vendors, Vendors, Vendors

This is your opportunity to view all of the great innovations that our GMC Motorhome vendors have for us. Show your appreciation by purchasing those much needed items. Place your orders today with Alex Sirum GMC and pick them up at the Convention – no shipping charge!


>> GMC Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market

Bring those no longer needed GMCMI items to sell on Sunday afternoon! Also, we enjoy seeing and purchasing those lovely things you make.

>> GMC Motorhome Open House

Tour and enjoy seeing original and updated GMC Motorhomes. The tour will follow the Parts, Craft, and Flea Market on Sunday.

>> Request for Tech Presenters

What is that one thing that you may wish to share? Here is your opportunity! The Mini-Tech Sessions consist of 15-20 minute tech/informational sessions that feature one thing that the presenter wishes to share. Need more time than 15-20 minutes, not a problem. Email for more information.

>> Request for General Sessions

We have a couple of sessions open, just in case you have an
idea or session you would wish to lead, email today! Possible items:
• Cooking
• Smart Phone
• Crafts
• Nutrition
• Genealogy
• Travel
• Tech for Ladies
• Health Issues

>> Crafts

Back by popular demand – fleece projects such as blankets, dog beds, and child car seat coverups. We are looking for additional crafts for the Convention. Have an idea? Email .

>> Fred & Diane Dugger Memorial Food Drive

Please bring non-perishable food items and paper products which will be donated to a local charity.

>> “The Shed”

All attendees are invited for a fun session of craft projects, cards, socializing, and so much more! Are you working on a project…come work on it and share.
For more information email .

>> “Bookworms and their Diet” and Book Exchange

Remember to bring your books, tapes, and dvds for the Book Exchange table. Also, bring your favorite book and share it at the “Bookworms and their Diet” session. Previous lists are available at gmcmi.com/community-book-list/.

>> Worship Service

We invite you to join the choir for Sunday’s service. Rehearsal is at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 17. We are also looking for a volunteer to direct the choir. Play the piano or other instrument? We welcome all to participate. We can supply the keyboard if needed. Email for more information.


>> Convention Highlights

• Six nights of camping with water and electric Friday through Wednesday night
• Comfort station with restrooms and showers
• Come early for Wednesday and Thursday for only $20 a night
• 18-24 hours of tech sessions
• Vendors, Vendors, Vendors…
• 12-19 hours of non-technical sessions
• Three ice cream socials
• Two catered dinners
• Two Lunches
• Daily Coffee Hour and Book Exchange
• Hot waffles daily and one egg breakfast
• Zydeco Ladies Luncheon
• GMC Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market
• GMC Motorhome “Open House”
• Weighing of the Coaches
• Gumbo Cook-off
• Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration
• Participate in the Sunday Worship Service Choir
• Pineblock Derby – don’t forget your racer!
• The popular raffle for $1,000 in cash, free convention fees for two, plus many more items.

PLUS…Daily Door Prizes!


>> The Ammenities

Patterson Area Civic Center

Physical address:
116 Cotton Rd, Patterson, LA 70392
Lon: -91.290475, Lat: 29.677687
Mailing address:
PO Box 148, Patterson, LA 70392

>> Vendor Area

The facility offers an outdoor vendor areas. Vendors are supplied with a large free-standing “Vendor” sign to park near their coach during the Convention.

>> Unable to Attend Entire Convention

Not a problem! Email for additional information.


>> The Schedule….tentative that is

Wednesday | April 15 | pre-convention
1:00 pm | Early Arrival & Registration

Thursday | April 16 | pre-convention
7:30 am | Morning Coffee and Donuts
9:00 am | Early Arrival & Registration
2:30 pm | Early Bird Horseshoe Tournament
7:30 pm | Ice Cream Social
8:00 pm | Bingo (free cards, prizes awarded)

Friday | April 17
7:30 am | Morning Coffee, Donuts, & Waffles
8:00 am | CPR Training (pre-registration required)
9:00 am | GMCMI Arrival & Registration
1:00 pm | Choir Practice for Sunday Worship Service
3:15 pm | First-Timers Meeting – All Members Welcome
5:15 pm | Welcome Meeting
6:30 pm | Catered Meal and Entertainment

Saturday | April 18
7:30 am | Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit
8:30 am | Announcements/Daily Drawings
9:00 am | Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions
12:00 pm | Gumbo Cook-Off!
1:00 pm | Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Sessions
7:30 pm | Ice Cream Social

Sunday | April 19
7:30 am | Morning Coffee, Donuts, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice & Fruit
7:30 am | Egg Breakfast
8:30 am | Announcements/Daily Drawings
9:00 am | Worship Service
10:15 am | Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions
1:15 pm | GMC Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market
3:00 pm | GMC Motorhome Open House Tour

Monday | April 20 | Zydeco Day
7:30 am | Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit
7:30 am | Pineblock Derby Weigh-in
8:30 am | Announcements/Daily Drawings
9:00 am | Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions
12:00 pm | Zydeco Ladies Luncheon
12:00 pm | Chili for the Men
1:00 pm | Afternoon Tech Sessions
3:00 pm | “The Shed”
7:30 pm | Ice Cream Social
8:00 pm | Pineblock Derby Races

Tuesday | April 21 | Mardi Gras!
7:30 am | Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit
8:30 am | Announcements/Daily Drawings
9:00 am | Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions
1:00 pm | Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Sessions
2:30 pm | GMCMI Regional Member Meetings
3:45 pm | “Mardi Gras Parade!”
5:30 pm | “Mardi Gras Celebration!” – catered meal and entertainment

Wednesday | April 22
7:30 am | Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit
8:30 am | Announcements/Daily Drawings
9:00 am | Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions
1:00 pm | Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Sessions
3:30 pm | Membership Meeting, Awards, GMCMI Raffle (luncheon to follow Membership Meeting)

Thursday | April 23
Noon Campground Checkout – Convention Ends – Have A Safe Trip Home!