So Much to Learn at Overland Expo SoCal

Overland Expo is thrilled to bring our top instructors, overland vehicle builders, and some of our favorite filmmakers to our premier Overland Expo SoCal event March 15 and 16 in Costa Mesa, CA. Attendees will be able to enjoy educational and inspiring programming in five distinct areas: 

Overland Essentials Area Sponsored by Torque Wheels 

This space features foundational overland education and programming. Overland Expo founding instructor and all-around legend, Graham Jackson, will anchor the education in the Overland Essentials Area with sessions like: 

  • How to Plan Your Overland Trip
  • Water Logistics for Overlanding 
  • Bubble Gum & Duct Tape

Additional instructors will teach classes about border crossings in Central America (Lory Perfect), the art of storytelling through photography (National Geographic Photographer Mylo Fowler), and what some feel is the key to happiness, peace, and longevity on the road: gear organization (Connie Rodman).  

Graham Jackson instructs a group of overlanders
Graham Jackson instructs a group of overlanders

Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Milestar Tires

A key element of any overlander’s day is figuring out where to call “home” for the evening. Adam Zolyak’s “Finding Awesome Dispersed Campsites” class was one of our top three most popular sessions across all of our events in 2024, and we’re excited that he’ll be sharing his knowledge, advice, and tips with our SoCal audience. Additionally, three of our top overland chefs will tantalize attendees’ senses in the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion. Outdoor Eats TV host, Chef Corso, will teach attendees how to elevate their outdoor meals and move past the all-too-familiar camp meals like oatmeal and deli sandwiches. Chef Chad White (who you may recognize from Top Chef), will demonstrate sous vide cooking methods for on-the-road living. Expedition chef Connie Rodman will teach about food storage and preparation and how to make your own dehydrated meals.  

Adam Zolyak’s Bantha rig
Chef Chad White shows us the power of seasoning
Connie Rodman teaches us food safety and storage

Showcase & Creator Area 

Our Showcase & Creator Area at Overland Expo SoCal will feature the overland vehicles of some incredibly talented builders, intrepid travelers, and inspiring content creators. Whether you’re interested in checking out van builds, seeing the myriad of sleep setups people use, or simply being awed by how a variety of travelers live on the road, this space will be alive with all sorts of overland eye candy.  

Bantha Overland

Bivvy 

Our Bivvy spaces, sponsored by Hankook Tires, are designed for attendees to take a moment to relax in the shade, charge up devices, and fill up water bottles. The Bivvy near our Showcase & Creator Area is programmed with less formal sessions, community conversations, and sessions that utilize the rigs of those in the Showcase & Creator Area as teaching tools. Here are just a few of the reasons to stop by the Showcase & Creator Area Bivvy:

  • For a conversation with full-time overlanders Reyes & Deedra Murrieta to hear how they work (well) on the road.
  • To talk with Sean Michael about how to solar power your rig. 
  • Or to hear from several full-time overlanders about the highs and the lows of this lifestyle.  

Oasis Sponsored by Nokian Tyres 

No Overland Expo event would be complete without featuring the work of the filmmakers who continue to build the inspirational and visually tantalizing genre of overland and adventure travel films. Join us in the Oasis at the top of every hour to view breathtaking and informative films made by folks like National Geographic Photographer Mylo Fowler, overland legend Graham Jackson, and round-the-world travelers Lisa Morris and Jason Spafford. Each film will conclude with a Q&A with the filmmaker and/or subjects of the film. 

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