With Overland Expo West on the horizon, we thought now was a good time to look back at the recent Overland Expo SoCal that opened its doors to the public on March 15-16 in Costa Mesa, California. The event immediately set a new benchmark for inaugural events in the overlanding world, drawing more than 19,000 attendees and showcasing 303 exhibitors.
The two-day gathering emerged as the most successful launch in the history of Overland Expo. According to organizers, the show featured 84 hands-on classes, demonstrations, and activities, all of which attracted outdoor and adventure enthusiasts from near and far. Southern California’s strong market potential, combined with favorable spring timing, resulted in an unprecedented turnout.
Vice President of Consumer Events for Emerald, Jessica Kirchner, said,
“The turnout at Overland Expo SoCal far exceeded our expectations. With 70% of attendees reporting SoCal as their first Overland Expo, exhibitors were particularly excited about the opportunity to connect with a new overlanding audience, eager to learn and begin building out their vehicles for adventure. Across the board, exhibitors considered the event a tremendous success, with many already securing their spots for next year based on the incredible turnout, strong sales, and high engagement.”
Many exhibitors noted the presence of a different demographic than typically seen at other Overland Expos. Families, newcomers, and individuals just beginning their overlanding journey were reportedly especially prominent, asking questions and showing keen interest in product demonstrations. Exhibitors also reported higher-than-anticipated sales, with some of them running out of inventory before the event concluded. New product launches apparently received enthusiastic responses, and several brands took advantage of the gathering to open preorders on-site.
From the exhibitors’ perspective, Southern California proved both practical and beneficial as a location. Many described the host city of Costa Mesa as an ideal setting for tapping into the local community while also leveraging an environment that encourages outdoor pursuits. The event’s timing, arriving just before the peak adventure season, is believed to have contributed to the enthusiasm of visitors eager to equip themselves and learn new skills ahead of their planned expeditions or just witness what all the overland buzz was all about.
Education remained a central focus throughout the weekend. One notable talk, titled “How to Get the Most Out of Overland Expo,” was given by Chris Bradley, who has attended every Overland Expo event since the inception of the series. Bradley’s presentation offered expert advice for navigating the expo’s many offerings and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Besides these knowledge-driven sessions, a sense of community flourished through social and networking opportunities.
For example, the Women Who Wander Networking Event inspired female attendees to exchange experiences and embark on new friendships within the overlanding community.
Organizers have already announced that Overland Expo SoCal will return to Costa Mesa on March 14-15, 2026. Plans are underway to expand the floor plan and incorporate indoor pavilions dedicated to product categories often embraced by overlanders, such as surf, paddle, hiking, running, climbing, biking, photography, and videography. This move is expected to welcome an even broader spectrum of outdoor lifestyle brands and provide direct sales opportunities to consumers who have demonstrated a strong interest in overland travel.
With Overland Expo SoCal now behind them, organizers are looking ahead to the remaining 2025 events in Flagstaff, Arizona; Redmond, Oregon; Loveland, Colorado; and Arrington, Virginia.
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