Overland Expo was founded in 2009 by Roseann Hanson, whose husband Jonathan Hanson co-founded and was executive editor of Overland Journal from 2007 to 2011. Jonathan left the magazine and is now full-time with Overland Expon.

There was no other event of this size or type in North America—or perhaps even the world—that brought together people interested in exploring the world, and presents them with opportunities for socializing, learning, and outfitting for their adventures. There were smaller rallies, but these were focused on trail rides and competitions, and are organized around on-line forums. 

So we founded our own event. Overland Expo has been a great success in nurturing the rapidly growing overlanding community, which includes both adventure motorcyclists and vehicle enthusiasts, manufacturers and consumers, all interested in do-it-yourself adventure, whether 100 miles or 10,000 miles from home.

Graham Jackson, coordinator for the Overland Expo Training TeamDuncan Barbour, lead trainer and logistics expert, Barbour All-Terrain (BATT)Roseann & Jonathan Hanson, co-directors, Overland Expo

Tom Collins, lead trainer, Collins Off-Road

Overland Expo would not be possible without many wonderful and talented people.

Graham Jackson, who with his wife Connie Rodman, drove their Defender 110 from London to Cape Town, coordinates the training activities for our growing team of top trainers from around the world.

We are also very lucky to have with us Duncan Barbour, Scotsman extraordinaire, to bring his extreme logistics and training talents to our team. Duncan owns Barbour All-Terrain and Wildtrackers, providing 4x4 support and logistics for clients as diverse as Mercedes and Jeep, and production for movies such as Braveheart. Joining Duncan in 2011 is Andy Dacey, former Camel Trophy British team member (though Andy will remind you he is first and foremost Welsh).

From the very beginning we've had the pleasure to have Tom Collins on board as lead trainer and course designer. Tom was a Camel Trophy competitor and then coordinator for the U.S. Team, and provides training and logistics for Land Rover and other clients worldwide. Tom is also a talented motorcycle competitive rider.

Since 2011 Land Rover's global training and events team has been an intrinsic part of making the show a huge success. Bob Burns and his team create an onsite driving course, and provide customized instruction at all skill levels: Jim Swett, Jim West, Don Floyd, Ken Cameron, Sarah Batten, Daphne Greene.

Lois Pryce and Austin Vince, worldwide motorcycle travelers and promoters of "do it yourself" adventure travel, have also helped from the beginning and are a huge part of the feel and "tone" of the show.

In 2010 joining our training team were some of the world's most talented overlanders and instructors: Jim Hyde, Kirk Schmitt, and the RawHyde Adventure and BMW Academy team; Bruce Elfstrom and trainers from Overland Experts; and Andrew Cull and Tom Milne from Remote Medical.

The behind-the-scenes team is just as (or even more) important. We are lucky to have on our "Team Expo" Steve Hayden, Bruce Douglas, Lara Elin Soderstrom, Joe McManus, Dace Raven Park, Connie Rodman, Al Walter, and the guys at Sagen Media—Nathan Hindman, Josh White, and Bill Green. Nick Tyler, formerly with Sagen Media, is also an important training team member, along with Brian DeArmon of Tucson. Each year many great people help throughout the range of show activities.

None of this would be possible without the great sponsors we've had from the beginning: Tom and Celeste at Four Wheel Campers; Alan and Liz at Sportsmobile; Paul at Equipt Expedition Outfitters; Lisa at ARB-USA; and Overland Journal.

We also could not have had such great 2010 - 2011 shows without the fantastic owners and staff at Amado Territory Ranch and people like "Chef Charles" at Kristofer's Bistro, the wonderful people and businesses of Amado, including the Amado Business Association (especially Vince). 

A show is only as good as its people, and ours is truly amazing!

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Overland Expo is owned by ConserVentures LLC; proceeds from the show help support ConserVentures Charitable Organization, the focus of which is to promote adventure travel and conservation worldwide. For more information see ConserVentures.org