Our First Adventure Expo: Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo
This past weekend we set up at the Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo for the first time. We had no idea what to expect. We got the smallest booth they had—and the expo placed us in a great location anyway. We did everything we could to make the booth stand out without breaking the bank: informational note cards, an A-frame sign with a different adventure on each side, business cards, and a seller-specific card explaining how we help adventure creators profit from all their hard work. It was our first time in the ring, and it did not disappoint.
Here’s how it went, day by day—and why we’re already looking forward to the next one.
Thursday: Set-Up Day
Thursday was all about setup. We got the booth in place, hung the signage, laid out the note cards and seller info, and made sure the A-frame was visible from the aisle. By the end of the day we were ready for the show to open. No drama—just prep.
Friday: Doors Open (Noon–5)
Friday morning we helped other booths get prepped before the show opened at noon. Turnout was mild—rain and weather kept some folks away—but we still had solid conversations and got to meet a mix of potential users and fellow vendors. The show ran until 5, so we had a half day to shake out any kinks and get a feel for the crowd.
Saturday: The Big Day (8am–Close)
Saturday we opened bright and early at 8am and had a full day of nonstop chatting. This was the heart of the expo for us. We heard so many stories—people just getting started in overlanding, people looking for their next trip, and a lot of family and friends who came out specifically to support the booth. Those conversations were the best part. Putting faces to the community we’re building for is exactly why we do this.
Sunday: 9–2 and Wind-Down
Sunday ran from 9 to 2 and was fairly slow. By then we’d already had the big rush, so we used the time to follow up with a few more conversations and start mentally wrapping up. Breakdown went smoothly. Afterwards I was ready not to talk for a few days—and I say that as an extrovert. Four days of constant connection will do that to you.
The Best Part: After Hours
Some of the best time at the expo wasn’t on the floor—it was after the show. Evenings were where we really got to hang out and chat with other vendors. There was a really fun happy hour, a great concert, and some wild night rides that were a blast to watch. That’s when the “we’re all in this together” feeling hit. If you’re thinking about doing an expo, don’t sleep on the after-hours stuff. That’s where a lot of the real connection happens.
Shoutouts
Huge thanks to Coddiwomple Overland, Ozark Overland Adventures, and Best Lift Adventure Channel for their hospitality and great conversations. We’re grateful for every vendor who took time to talk shop and share what they’re building.
What’s Next
Overall it was an awesome experience, and I’m thankful for every conversation we had. We’re already looking forward to the next adventure expo in the coming months.
If you want to see more from the expo—booth shots, vendor highlights, and the vibe—follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We’ll keep sharing recaps and behind-the-scenes as we gear up for the next one.
Ready to discover your next adventure—or turn your own routes into something others can book? Check out Trail Forge Adventures for guides, GPX files, and a marketplace built for adventurers and sellers alike.
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