Overland Expo is famous for its classes and training that have been at the center of the event since its inception in 2009. Just a few weeks away, Overland Expo SoCal brings an ever-expanding educational program to Costa Mesa, California, where you can learn from a vast group of industry experts and community members on just about every overlanding subject under the sun. We have eight different areas set up for overlanding education – here’s what we have planned and where to find it, along with a preview of some of the classes being offered:
Overland Essentials Area Sponsored by Vortex Optics
Whether you are new to overlanding or need to brush up or expand on your knowledge of the fundamentals, the Overland Essentials area is your ticket. All weekend long, instructors like Graham Jackson, Connie Rodman, Lory Perfect, and Scott Brady will be teaching classes covering topics like Daily Vehicle Checks, Water Logistics for Overlanding, Keeping Your Gear Organized on the Road, Baja Borders and Checkpoints Banter, and International Overlanding: How to Take Your Adventures from Local Trails to Global Roads.
The Learning Lab Sponsored by FOX
The Learning Lab offers our widest range of educational topics across all classroom areas. There you will find a mix of perennial favorite classes by longtime instructors, classes being offered for the first time, and a host of cutting-edge topics. Among the classes being offered, check out Bikepacking 101: Gear, Routes, and Riding in Southern California by David Kerstan, Of Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs – Travel Safety and Personal Security with J. P. Prins, and Back to Belize by Graham Jackson.
Backcountry and Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Mohab
As the name implies, the Backcountry and Culinary Pavilion is the hub of all education related to skills in the backcountry and leveling up your cooking skills while out there. Chef Corso will be continuing his popular Outdoor Eats classes, and Joey Carmen from Overland Bistro will be presenting Outdoor Kitchen Confidential, among a host of other popular classes.
Women Who Wander Pavilion Sponsored by Kelderman Manufacturing
The fastest growing demographic in the overland community is female. The Women Who Wander Pavilion is the place to find women-oriented programming all weekend long. Open to all, you can attend classes such as Start Somewhere: A Women’s Open Q&A with Racehlle Croft, Overlanding for Couples with Dolores Michael, Woman in the Business of overlanding by Sara Morosan
Oasis Bar and Food Court Sponsored by Nokian Tyres
The Oasis Bar and Food Court at the center of the venue will host a number of exciting presentations throughout the weekend. Start your weekend off right with Chris Bradley’s How to Get the Most Out of Overland Expo orientation, see Clay Croft’s presentation Adventure Filmmaking: How to Tell Your Story and Create Impact, and be sure to join us on Sunday morning for the Women Who Wander Networking Event and brunch.
Bivvy #1 Sponsored by Hankook Tire
Amidst all the education, roundtables, and hands-on demos, you might want to take a moment to relax and regroup as you plan the rest of your day. This is where the bivvys come into play. They provide a great spot in the shade with some comfy seating where you can relax, recharge, and rehydrate. Plus, more often than not, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with other attendees at the bivvy to swap stories, pointers on cool gear, and must-see educational sessions.
Kids Adventure Area
The Overland Expo Foundation will be hosting a kids scavenger hunt from 10 – noon both days, followed up by the Kids Driving Course, where the young and the young at heart can attempt to pilot an RC car through a tough mini-obstacle course that’s been a highlight for many Overland Expo attendees.
DIY and Creator Vehicle Areas
This area showcases a diverse set of overlanding vehicles from Bevan and Claire Walsh’s 2007 Freightliner MR 105 ambulance conversion to Nicholas Whittakers’ inventive 2011 4Runner build, and Carrie and J.P. Prins’ 2026 Nomad Euphoria XLQ. You can wander around the display vehicles all weekend, and their owners will be hosting vehicle tours for those who want a deeper dive and would like to talk to their owner/builders. Check the schedule for these unique vehicle tours.
With so many options, you are sure to find a long list of classes to keep you occupied all weekend long. Check out the full schedule here.
Join us in Costa Mesa, California, at the OC Fair and Event Center, March 14 – 15.
