Huge props to Overland Expo West 2019! It was an amazingly, well-run, logistically thought out event, with at least double the people! WOW!

[itsdchz]

I will post my pics soon, but wanted to have those who went chime in, especially if you have attended in the past, sharing your thoughts on the event.. This isnt meant to be a roasting, but rather a testimony to a wonderful event. This was an amazingly well planned, and executed, Expo West event worthy of props and praise. This event has grown, what seems to be double each year, and yet the promoters did not disappoint with their commitment to make it bigger and better. Lines were VERY minimal, if any at all (entry, camping, etc), and when there were lines, the organizers knew just how to get them moving. For the amount of people pouring into the show, BRAVO! The vendor areas were well laid out, and it was amazing to see such enthusiastic crowds, and vendors willing to share info, and make for a truly awesome time! We had 2 kids and 2 dogs with us, and navigating through the crowd was WAY better than we thought. Thank you to Overland Expo! Edit: This was my third OE West, just to fill in the backstory.

 

[1Louder]

Internet/Cell service get any better?

 

[itsdchz]

Internet/Cell service get any better?

That entire area is blackout, or little to no cell, SiriusXM and similar. I am not sure there is much to do unless cell towers were installed from the major carriers, which is obviously not something we can pin onto Overland Expo ;)

 

[hidesertwheelin]

First time attending, but I thought it was very well put together.

 

[hidesertwheelin]

Internet/Cell service get any better?

I have verizon, and it worked great all weekend long.

 

[sabjku]

@itsdchz , thank you so much for the positive post on Expo West! Sounds like the new event organizers put all of their resources in the right place and put together a great event! Even more excited for Expo East now!

 

[1Louder]

That entire area is blackout, or little to no cell, SiriusXM and similar. I am not sure there is much to do unless cell towers were installed from the major carriers, which is obviously not something we can pin onto Overland Expo ;)

I wasn’t pinning it on the expo organizers. It was merely a question. It has also been an issue for vendors who needed internet in the past.

I’m glad it sounds like it was better organized this year.

 

[Cuse Runner]

Our first time and it was awesome! We had a great camp spot with cool neighbors! It was great meeting everyone and the community was far better than expected!

 

[AZ WANDERING BEAR]

This was the first year the Hansens weren't running OE. They sold it to Lodestone Events but remain involved teaching classes and serving as advisers. Thought the whole thing came off very well given it is a year of transition. I was one of the instructors this year which gave me a little more insight into the nuts and bolts of the operation. Had an audiovisual problem in one of the classrooms and they had a tech there in less than 3 minutes. I suspect next year will be even better as Lodestone builds on this year's experience.

Seems the weather is just becoming part of the lore of OE. We didn't depart until Monday. Multiple accidents on I-17 going south to Phoenix in the snow/sleet/rain.

Saw lots of smiles and very few complaints for the whole weekend.

 

[mv213]

Were there many adventure trailer/teardrop owners in attendance? Or is it all self-contained setups like a 4Runner with rooftop tent?

 

[1Louder]

Were there many adventure trailer/teardrop owners in attendance? Or is it all self-contained setups like a 4Runner with rooftop tent?

Everything you can imagine from $1 to 1 million dollar setups. Hit YouTube and you will see stuff from folks that attended.

 

[mv213]

Thanks, I didnt want to feel out of place with my Intech Flyer Chase.

 

[bhunter74]

My first year attending and thought it was great. Only went on Sunday and didn’t camp on site. Can’t wait till next year and hope to camp there and meet some new people.

 

[1Louder]

Thanks, I didnt want to feel out of place with my Intech Flyer Chase.

Nobody cares what everyone else has. and if they do well.......

Everything from Coleman tents to DIY trailers, to InTechs (some might even admire yours ;) ), to....... the point is to hang out and check things out and not worry if what you have is up to anyone else's "standards."

 

[Cuse Runner]

My first year attending and thought it was great. Only went on Sunday and didn’t camp on site. Can’t wait till next year and hope to camp there and meet some new people.

Saturday was probably the best weather of the weekend. I would suggest camping on site, as the people were just as good as the event, made some new friends. All the happy hours with the vendors were awesome!

 

[itsdchz]

Here is a small sample of the Expo:

Overland Expo West 2019

206 new items added to shared album

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[Cuffs]

I wasn’t pinning it on the expo organizers. It was merely a question. It has also been an issue for vendors who needed internet in the past.

I’m glad it sounds like it was better organized this year.

There was vendor wifi access hosted by OEx

 

[itsdchz]

I wasn’t pinning it on the expo organizers. It was merely a question. It has also been an issue for vendors who needed internet in the past.

I’m glad it sounds like it was better organized this year.

It would be way awesome if the cell coverage improved. A lot of people learned from last years event and brought more powerful 4G portable units. It would be so much easier to buy things from vendors!

 

[firemen7]

As a first year attendee I thoroughly enjoy the Expo, it was above expectations, vendors were outstanding, people were very friendly and the food was great. Learned a lot about specific equipment, techniques and areas to go visit. I met Michael and joined Overland Bound.

 

[Mojavewanderer]

It was my first Expo as well, and I had a great time there. It was fun just walking around the camp ground seeing everyone’s setups. I’m definitely going back next year!