ARRINGTON, Va. (October 18, 2024) – Overland Expo East, the final of the four part series of premier U.S. consumer overlanding events, ended on a high note attracting over 14,500 attendees and approximately 250 exhibitors reinforcing the growing popularity of overlanding due to consumer friendly and advanced technologies. Highlights included: Crooked Finger Designs, introducing their new Crooked Finger Box, an easy-to-mount, all-in-one power solution for the van lifer; the redesigned DECKED CargoGlide, with Drawers for easy cargo access and organization; Ironman’s debut of the Deltawing 270-degree awning for sun and rain protection; THULE’s new cot tent providing a comfortable and weatherproof space for easy camping setup mounted to hitch receivers; and the Ursa 1300 rooftop tent with temperature and light control.
“We’re proud to celebrate an incredible year of growth and connection,” said Jessica Kirchner, vice president of consumer events for Emerald, owners of Overland Expo. “From the success of Overland Expo West, Pacific Northwest, and Mountain West to our east coast event, we’ve continued to introduce new brands to overlanding devotees along with immersive, inclusive experiences for seasoned overlanders and those new to the community. Overland Expo is more than just a gathering, it’s a place where people explore new adventures and create lasting memories with family and friends. We are immensely grateful to our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners for making this year’s series such a resounding success.”
Overland Expo East reinforced the explosive growth in participation in adventure travel, highlighting emerging trends such as tech-focused and feature-rich vehicles and motorcycles, accessories that bring the comforts of home on the go, next-gen designs for sleeping, and easy and convenient cooking solutions.
The Overland Expo Foundation charity raffle raised over $23,000 and later this month, the 2024 Ultimate Build truck and motorcycle will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting the Overland Expo Foundation, which supports public land preservation and funds organizations and individuals who help protect and advance the overland community.
Statistics from Overland Expo East 2024 included:
- 14,500 attendees from 45 states, visitors from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Denmark, Great Britain, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Sweden.
- 246 exhibitors including Bushwakka (Australia’s largest range of freestanding awnings), GOSO Cookware, Four Wheel Campers, Maxxis (high quality tires), Shelby (performance vehicles and related products) and Toyota.
- Over 234 classes, seminars, demos, activities, slideshows, and films; totaling 256 session hours of instruction
- Nearly 100 presenters, trainers, and VIPs and 50 journalists
Highlights included:
- Honda’s Ride and Drive: Attendees had the opportunity to drive the Honda Pilot TrailSport SUV and Ridgeline TrailSport truck. The track highlighted the Pilot and Ridgeline’s off-road capabilities exceeding the needs of most light-truck buyers.
- Overland Expo Film Festival: The film festival brought a curated selection of films documenting vehicle-based travel adventure. Feature films included Latitude 70 and Van by a River – The Abby Holcombe Story, chronicling the stories of life on the road, enduring hardships and celebrating achievements.
- “Women Who Wander”: Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Connie Rodman, overlander and instructor, Deb Lee, full-time overlander, and Racheal Flatt, a 2010 Olympian in women’s figure skating for Team USA.
“We had a fantastic experience,” said Dererk Wilkes, co-founder of OverWater.Overland. “Registration was a breeze, and our booth location was clearly marked, with staff guiding us directly there. The event was exceptionally well organized and we were thrilled to see a strong turnout. The interest in our product was significant, and we can’t wait to return next year.”
The Overland Expo series returns in 2025, visit overlandexpo.com for more information and date announcements.
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About Overland Expo
Founded in 2009, Overland Expo is the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts. Hundreds of vendors of adventure travel equipment, camping gear, bikes, vehicles, and services convene at every Overland Expo event. Each Expo hosts hundreds of session-hours of classes, including for off-road driving techniques, adventure motorcycling, inspirational programs, roundtable discussions, demonstrations, as well as the Overland Film Festival. Overland Expo is owned and produced by Emerald.
About Emerald
Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com
Media Contact:
Charlotte Daher de Garcia
charlotte@cgprpublicrelations.com
7817107284
