Learn How to “Overland the Americas” from the Couple Who’s Explored More Than 20 Countries
Taisa Welhasch, Adventure Traveler and Yoga Instructor & Ernesto Lopez, Adventure Traveler and Photographer explored all
July 20, 2021
EastPROGRAMS & INSTRUCTORS
No other event features a gathering of so many overland legends, authors, and experts. Overland Expo EAST offers more than 400 session-hours of incredible programs—that’s 150+ different classes, slideshows, demonstrations, and activities—brought to you by 100+ instructors and presenters from around the world.
OCTOBER 8-10, 2021
OAK RIDGE ESTATES
ARRINGTON, VIRGINIA
FRI 9-5, SAT 8-5, SUN 8-3
LIST OF PROGRAM OFFERINGS
For EAST 2021, we have 150+ different classes and programs, totaling 250+ session hours. From beginner to advanced sessions, we have something for everyone.
There are two levels of accessibility for attendees, Day & Weekend Pass (general admission) and Overland Experience (premium).
- Day & Weekend Pass program list & schedule will be available 2 weeks prior to the event.
- We do not publish the Overland Experience program list & schedule—registered students will receive this information via email.
Reserve Your Sessions
- Overland Experience
- If you have purchased an Overland Experience ticket, about 2 weeks before the event, you will receive an email invite to sign up for classes.
- All Driving / Riding / Recovery & Instructional Classes must be signed up for in advance (space is limited).
- Popular classes fill up quickly, so do not delay in your selection.
- Weekend & Day Passes
- No access to Driving / Riding / Recovery & Instructional Classes.
- Do not need to sign up for sessions in advance: Seminars, Roundtables, Demos, Slideshows, Films, Kids Activities, and Exhibitor Demos.
- But we recommend you download the app and create a schedule for the weekend!
Featured Programming
4 Meals You Can Cook on the Road in Less Than 30 Minutes
Are you sick of relying on dry, salty, expensive packaged meals for your backcountry dining? Looking
July 13, 2021
Learn the 10 Essentials of Overlanding with ‘No-Highway’ Expert Dean Shirley
Dean Shirley, popular podcaster and author of the three-part series titled “The No Highway Tour” and
July 13, 2021
The Value of the Overland Experience Pass at Overland Expo
If you genuinely want to get the most out of attending Overland Expo, the Overland Experience
July 13, 2021
TRAINING AT CAMEL TROPHY EXPEDITION SKILLS AREA (CTESA)
Get ready to learn driving skills and hands-on instruction from 7P Overland and Camel Trophy competition experts in our Camel Trophy Expedition Skills Area. Our unique and dynamic format focuses on skills in several tracks: Recovery, Driving, Maintenance and Repair, and Static skills. Take classes on topics such as winching, rope-work and lashing, specialty substrates, and spotting. Want to know how to get unstuck with only what you have on hand? The fundamentals of winching? Arm yourself with the best tool in the toolbox . . . knowledge.
- *Available to Overland Experience ticket holders. We do not have loaner vehicles, please bring your own.
THE OVERLAND DRIVING COURSE
On a custom-built driving course, develop off-road skills to tackle any terrain, whether you explore locally or globally. The course is staffed by the top overland driving skills trainers in the world to provide one-to-one coaching from an expert instructor.
THE VEHICLE TRAINING TEAM
Since our first show in 2009, Graham Jackson has led our vehicle training program. In 2014, we teamed up with 7P Overland to spearhead our vehicle training program. 7P Overland provides world-class instruction with ex-military and globally experienced instructors on all types of terrain. In addition to instructing at Overland Expo, they offer boutique, guided trips to some of the most challenging and interesting destinations in the world including the Central American jungle and the deserts of Africa staying at a combination of remote camps and luxury lodges.
THE CAMEL TROPHY TEAM
The Camel Trophy began in 1980 and ran until 2000. It was called “the Olympics of 4×4”. Two-person teams were selected from participating countries to win what was an event about adventure and exploration. The competitive element came in a series of “Special Tasks,” such as winching and timed driving routes. The remainder of the event involved a transit over some of the toughest and most remote terrain in the world. From Brazil to Zaire, events became renowned for being a test of man and machine against some of the harshest conditions found. At Overland Expo, we are lucky to have many former team members and organizers from the Camel Trophy ready to pass on their knowledge and show you how they did what they did.
TRAINING AT THE MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION SKILLS AREA (MESA)
With the help of our motorcycle training team, we’ve created a custom course at the Motorcycle Expedition Skills Area and geared it toward overlanders who want to travel global or local. Led by Bill Dragoo of Dragoo Adventure Rider Training (DART), experience top-notch instruction and learn the ADV riding skills that will take you confidently off-the-beaten-path. Whether you are new to off-pavement motorcycling or wanting to advance your skill set, we have classes for every level and all bike sizes are welcome.
- *Available to Overland Experience ticket holders. We do not have loaner motorcycles, please bring your own.
THE MOTORCYCLE TRAINING TEAM
This team will build your riding skills so you can confidently tackle a variety of terrain and environments. Balance. Control. Judgment. Attitude. These are the cornerstones of adventure riding as taught by the Dragoo Adventure Rider Training (DART) team in the United States and South America, and at Overland Expo since 2017. Bill Dragoo is a certified BMW off-road instructor, certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coach, a member of the U.S. 2010 BMW GS Trophy team, and a moto-journalist. He leads a team of coaches—headed by Josh Jewell and Tobin Vigil and joined by Shalmarie Wilson and Stephanie Terrien of SheADV in 2018—who will engage and encourage you in learning the finer points of managing a dual-sport motorcycle, from basic to advanced levels.
ADDITIONAL TEACHING AREAS
HANDS-ON PAVILIONS
Our training pavilions get you out of the classroom and into the field. Each year we bring you technical classes essential for overlanding. Rotating topics to cover everything from how-tos about electronics to hands-on maintenance and roadside repairs to first aid and injury assessment to showing how to set up gear and what to take with you (and sometimes leave behind).
CLASSROOMS 1, 2, & 3
With our numerous navigation classes, there are no more excuses for getting lost when your GPS dies. Learn communications skills to enhance your overland experience. Brush up on your art of travel techniques with photography and videography classes. Stay safe with situational awareness tips from experts in their field. No matter if you drive a truck or motorcycle, we’ve got classes for you.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY AREAS
OPEN TO EVERYONE: DAY PASS, WEEKEND PASS WITH CAMPING AND OVERLAND EXPERIENCE TICKET HOLDERS.
FILM FESTIVAL
Each year we offer a new selection of slideshows of trips from around the world. Check the schedule this year to see where you will be inspired to go next. On Friday and Saturday evenings, we host a special lineup of films at the Overland Theater, from 7-10 pm. We start with an hour-long appetizer of Overland Film Shorts before the feature film.
ROUNDTABLE PANELS
Want to know more about Africa? Australia? Mongolia? What it’s like to travel solo? As a couple? As a family? From Regional Q&As to expert tips, the roundtables can help you plan for the trip of a lifetime. Listen to panelists who have extensive experience and learn from their successes and mistakes, or just enjoy their tales. You’ll be inspired to collect your own.
SHOWCASE & DIY VEHICLE AREA
Considering investing in an overland rig or motorcycle, and want to see how someone else has modified their rig to travel? Take a look at our “My Overland Vehicle / Moto” series. This “show and tell” series is about vehicle and moto customizations that have been put to the test of time and miles; bring your questions. Many will also share tips on how to travel.
PRODUCT DEMO
Want to know how a specific product works? The exhibition area is the place to be. Check the schedule for times of detailed demonstrations. Look for everything from solar cooking to rooftop tents to air compressors and tow straps.
MAP ROOM
We’ve covered the walls with maps, featuring the most traveled continents and overland routes. Looking for route planning tips? Bring your maps and stop by our “I’m Not Lost, I’m Exploring” session. Or come by and listen to stories and ideologies from seasoned travelers, as well as learn about the essentials for those just getting introduced to overlanding.
OVERLAND ESSENTIALS AREA
Are you looking to up your camping game? Want to learn what gear essentials well-traveled overlanders don’t leave home without? Spend some time in this area to learn the ins and outs of overlanding from the experts.
Backcountry Skills Area
Want to know how certain gear functions, how seasoned travelers pack their rigs or feed themselves on the road, or what it’s like to bring your four-legged friend on your next adventure? Check out the Backcountry Skills Area for information you’re bound to put to use during your next adventure.
KIDS ADVENTURE AREA
For kids, by kids! We pack the weekend with activities tailored to adventurous kids and their parents. Check out the Junior Overland Explorer program and earn patches for select classes. Kids of all ages can learn about nature journaling, first aid, knot-tying and more. For kids ages 10 and up, look for select afternoon activities—kids can learn some expedition skills with help from the Camel Trophy training team.
CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW #OVERLANDEXPO
THE WORLD IS OUT THERE GO SEE IT!
Join attendees from all over the world at this year’s Overland Expo East in Arrington, VA.