Overland Expo SOLD.

[longhorn1]

https://lodestoneevents.com/f/lodestone-events-acquires-overland-expo

jd

 

[smlobx]

Wow!

I had heard some rumors but apparently they were true. Hopefully this will,be a positive for Expo going forward.

 

[Happyjax]

I think this will be a good thing for OE. It seemed as though they were overwhelmed by the hoards attending. A more experienced team will be good for the cause

 

[Advmoto18]

I had heard this was a likely possibility. Roseann and Jonathan created something very special that has probably grown into a full time job. No doubt taking far too much time away from their true passion, overlanding and adventure travel.

Given the extent OX-West and East have grown the past 5 years I think the Expo now needs professional event management.

Hopefully, the new owners can find a proper venue on the east coast capable of hosting the event regardless of weather.

 

[XJINTX]

I hope the new owners give some thought to a location in the "central" area of this great USA just my .02 I've attended on both coasts but ready for new location closer to home

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I imagine it had grown far beyond what either of the Hansons had envisioned or expected. I have not attended (due to scheduling conflicts) since Mormon Lake, and there were always small little hiccups at the Expo that would remind you that this was still a “smallish” gathering rather than an event...I didn’t mind that. But reports out of the East venue, and the reactions from some of the attendees, seemed to really put a damper on the spirit of the original design.

For my part, I want to thank them both for providing a venue that allowed me to grow within our “hobby” and the opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends. They created something very special and I hope that carries on with the new organizers.

 

[Advmoto18]

I imagine it had grown far beyond what either of the Hansons had envisioned or expected. I have not attended (due to scheduling conflicts) since Mormon Lake, and there were always small little hiccups at the Expo that would remind you that this was still a “smallish” gathering rather than an event...I didn’t mind that. But reports out of the East venue, and the reactions from some of the attendees, seemed to really put a damper on the spirit of the original design.

For my part, I want to thank them both for providing a venue that allowed me to grow within our “hobby” and the opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends. They created something very special and I hope that carries on with the new organizers.

Couldn't agree more!

Don't forget Scott Brady owner of Overland Journal and Expedition Portal for putting our "hobby" on the map.

If I'm not mistaken Jonathan Hansen was the editor for many years at Overland Journal. Departing when he and Roseann came up with the idea for Overland Expo.

All outstanding individuals. I've had the chance to tell Scott and the Hansen's how much I appreciate what they've done for the sport/hobby. if not for them, I'd be still camping in a K Mart pup tent or my upgraded USMC Shelter Half and poncho/poncho liner!

 

[JHanson]

Thanks to all of you!

The Expo did absolutely outgrow us. We never intended to be professional event managers; we're writers and conservation workers first. We'll be able to go back to that full-time now, while staying involved with the Expo to teach and hang out with all the friends we've made over the last decade.

I was indeed the founding editor of Overland Journal; however, the Expo is definitely not why I left! Another tale . . .

 

[craig333]

Wow, I just hope the spirit remains intact. I hope I don't wander around hearing people say "you should have been here back in the day". I can certainly understand wanting to step back from the day to day operations. What a load of work that must be.

 

[XJINTX]

Thanks to all of you!

The Expo did absolutely outgrow us. We never intended to be professional event managers; we're writers and conservation workers first. We'll be able to go back to that full-time now, while staying involved with the Expo to teach and hang out with all the friends we've made over the last decade.

I was indeed the founding editor of Overland Journal; however, the Expo is definitely not why I left! Another tale . . .

Thanks for the memories!!1 Great experiences each time we visited. Accolades to a fun event that a lot of us look forward to each year. Only the best in your future endeavors... hope to see you on the trails

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

“Don't forget Scott Brady owner of Overland Journal and Expedition Portal for putting our "hobby" on the map.”

Oh, I haven’t! I can remember picking up my first copy of OJ at an obscure newsstand. I’m such a nerd that all of my copies reside in plastic protective sleeves. My first event was a “workshop” held at Hollister Hills OHV in CA, then OX in Amado, AZ. It sure has come a long way.

Added: As a side note, I met several people at Mormon Lake with whom I’ve travelled with since. I pulled several copies of past OJs to use as reference for an upcoming trip.

 

[Advmoto18]

Thanks for clarifying Jonathan! 1 + 1 often does not = 2! Presumptuous on my part!

I hope you have more time for writing and picture takin' as I learn something new from every article you and Roseann publish!

Best of luck in y'alls future endeavors!

 

[JHanson]

Thank you, that makes my day! Definitely more time for writing now. There'll be some new material out soon.

 

[Advmoto18]

While Jonathan and Rosann do not toot their horn here...

Here is a very good web site/blog I follow. I hope by posting the link, I comport with forum rules.

I especially enjoy the Constant Apprentice which I hope will see a new posting in the months to come!

 

[smlobx]

There is a new facility that has just opened up in SW Virginia and I thought I’d shoot an email to the new owners in case they were looking for a facility for Expo East.

Surprisingly, I received an email back in about 2 hours thanking me for the suggestion and tellling me that they were about 2 weeks from announcing the East venue, so it sounds like they already have a place lined up.

I thought the timely response was a portend of good things to come!