The event series will organize two more Virtual Overland Expo events later in 2020. In-person Overland Expo events will return in 2021.
After months of deliberation and consultation with local and national resources, event organizers made the decision to postpone the entire in-person 2020 event series, citing the safety and health of Overland Expo’s attendees, exhibitors and staff.
“We eagerly anticipate each Overland Expo. It’s more than the world’s premier overland and adventure travel event series; it’s a way to bring together the overland community and celebrate our shared passion,” said Lodestone Events Marketing and Communications VP Jessica Kirchner. “ We explored every option for hosting an event that would adhere to the highest level of safety without compromising the event experience. Ultimately, we felt we could not in good conscience host a gathering of tens of thousands of overlanders for fear one of our events could threaten the health of those in the overlanding community and beyond.”
Building on its first-ever virtual event in May, Overland Expo will host two additional virtual events — planned for summer and fall of 2020.
Beyond Overland Expo’s social channels, fans can read stories and learn more about the overland industry and community on the newly created ‘Overland Expo Compass’ editorial hub, in addition to the Overland Sourcebook, which will go all-digital this year.
In order to keep the event series sustainable through this pandemic, leadership will forgo salaries and the Overland Expo staff will take significant pay cuts for the rest of 2020.
Event organizers are requesting attendees, exhibitors and sponsors roll their tickets, sponsorships or booth space over to a 2021 Overland Expo event. Rollovers will help keep staff employed through these unprecedented times, ensuring Overland Expo events can return in next year.
If no action is taken by August 14, 2020, tickets, sponsorships or booth space will be rolled into the corresponding Overland Expo in 2021. However, if a 2021 rollover is not financially feasible, full refunds will be issued upon request. Ticketed attendees may request a refund or choose to take other actions here.
Sponsors and exhibitors may request a refund or choose to take other actions here.
