Overland Expo PNW returns with one of its strongest educational lineups yet, continuing the event’s long-standing focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience. From foundational skills to advanced techniques, the weekend is packed with sessions led by experienced travelers, instructors, and creators. We want to make sure attendees stay cool and engaged during our educational offerings, so please note that the Round Table Pavilion, the Women Who Wander Pavilion, the Storytelling Pavilion, and the Learning Lab are located in air-conditioned classrooms inside the North Sister building.
Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Rucker Knives
Cooking is a huge part of overlanding, and we have a stacked schedule all weekend long that will have you ready to whip up dinner in the backcountry. And this area hosts plenty of sessions that go beyond the cooking side. These courses are designed to make you a well-rounded backcountry traveler. The Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Rucker Knives is a must-see at Overland Expo PNW. Just check out this lineup of classes, bring your notebook, and be ready to learn some new skills to wow your camping partners.
- Poc Chuc with Top Chef Finalist Chad White
- Overland Water Safety: Know Before You Go with Sharon Trammell
- Food Storage, Prep, and Provisioning with Connie Rodman
Women Who Wander
Women Who Wander remains a key part of the schedule, offering a mix of community-driven conversations and practical skill-building sessions. A standout this year is a two-hour, hands-on tire repair seminar, giving attendees the chance to learn and practice essential trail-side skills in a supportive environment. The programming continues to highlight the growing role of women in overlanding while remaining open and valuable to all attendees. Throughout the weekend you’ll find great courses in this area so don’t miss out!
- Directing a Driver: Marshaling and Spotting with Connie Rodman
- No Sink. No Problem. How to Maintain Your Self-Care with Little Water with Cyndee Schneidau
- Where Do I Park Tonight with Amy Wong
- Change it or Fix it? Tire Repair on the Fly (for women) with Connie Rodman
- Solo, Safe, and Self-Reliant: Women’s Overland Travel Confidence Camp with Misti Tokarsky
- And much more!
Special Guest Speakers
Overland Expo PNW brings together a strong group of voices from across the overland space:
- Graeme Bell shares deep expertise in vehicle setup and recovery
- Brad and Sheri St. Clair offer insights from decades of global travel
- Patty Upton brings a well-rounded perspective on long-term travel
- The Lin Family highlight what overlanding looks like as a family
Storytelling Pavilion
The Storytelling Pavilion continues to grow, featuring a range of content creators sharing insights on photography, filmmaking, and documenting life on the road. It is a must-stop for anyone looking to capture and share their own adventures.
Education at PNW spans multiple dedicated areas covering everything from trip planning and gear organization to recovery techniques and international travel. This year, select classrooms move indoors, adding air-conditioned spaces for a more comfortable learning experience while maintaining the event’s hands-on feel.
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With a packed schedule and sessions happening all weekend, planning ahead is key. Whether you are new to overlanding or looking to refine your skills, Overland Expo PNW offers something for every level.
Kids Adventure Area
Overland Expo is for adventurers of every size, so be sure to bring the kids by the Kids Adventure Area. Throughout the weekend, smaller overlanders can check out the Kids’ RC Driving Course.
Roundtable Pavilion
For those wanting to go deeper into a topic, the Round Table Pavilion hosts roundtable panels and Q&A sessions with our experts. Topics vary across a broad range from budgeting to travel medicine to bringing your pet along for the adventure. Additionally, there are a number of regional Q&A’s happening all weekend long. If there’s a destination, domestic or abroad, you’ve been dreaming about, there’s probably a roundtable for you. Here’s your chance to interact with the people who have done what you want to do.
