ADVENTURE OVERLAND SHOW, England 23-24 September 2017

The latest seminar speakers at AO`17 have just signed up. Our very own:-

Desert Overlanding for Women – Georgina ‘Jess’ Davis (Pumba)

and

Security Planning for Overland Travel – James Davies (Tembo)

Descriptions of their talks can be found here

WOW, those sound cool!

They are! Actually, really pleased with both of those as they'll be popular subjects.

Managed to attend one talk last year. That was the first time in five years, but only for 10 minutes before I was called away. The joys of organising shows, must be mad!

Looking forward to listing to thier talks, 

Bring your Themos Yoda, can't see you lasting an entire hour without a cuppa Rosie Lee!

Starting to get organized for AO17. Haven't been able to contribute much the last year or two because we have been on trips but this year will be doing the whole shebang. Jess and I are going to be having our own stand promoting the forum here and our little proto-club, the PPE. Looking forward to a great weekend!

Tom Mc wrote:

Bring your Themos Yoda, can't see you lasting an entire hour without a cuppa Rosie Lee!

How come no tea for the listeners 

Tembo wrote:

Starting to get organized for AO17. Haven't been able to contribute much the last year or two because we have been on trips but this year will be doing the whole shebang. Jess and I are going to be having our own stand promoting the forum here and our little proto-club, the PPE. Looking forward to a great weekend!

I take it you and Tess will be going topless? Can't wait!

Have you seen the line-up yet for the "Been There, Done It" Seminar Sessions? Although I say so myself, there's some crackers in there - http://www.adventureoverlandshow.net/seminars

Looking good...Some there that I am pretty keen to listen to. Good variety as well.

Tom Mc wrote:

Have you seen the line-up yet for the "Been There, Done It" Seminar Sessions? Although I say so myself, there's some crackers in there - http://www.adventureoverlandshow.net/seminars

All looking good Tom might see more talks this year, 

Absolutely you should. Yes, help out when you have time, or run a stand/display, but end of the day you're there to see the show. I even managed to drop in on a seminar last year - first time in five years!

Must make it a priority not only to say hello to every trader, but also see some of the clubs and display vehicle owners. An impossibility to see all of them of course, but as many as possible.

Big news …

No less than six workshops are being launched at this year’s Adventure Overland Show (AOS`17). These encompass:-

BUSH MECHANICS
CAMPER CONVERSIONS
MEDICAL
OVERLAND TRAVEL
PERSONAL SECURITY
WINCHING

See www.adventureoverlandshow.net/news

Your thoughts please

Looking even better this year Tom, keep up the good work 

Weather looking good for AO17! We are heading up in the sunshine forecast for tomorrow afternoon (Friday). Looking forward to actually attending the whole show as last year we were in Morocco and couldn't attend.

Well, back from AO17. Although I missed last year's show altogether because we were in Morocco, I thought it was the best one ever. Great turnout, decent weather for the most part...certainly not cold. Lots of presentations in several locations. We had our own little spot for Tembo and Pumba to start showing our Popski's Private Expeditions logo to people. Pics below...don't let the grey skies fool you, Friday afternoon was great and the clouds passed by Saturday midday and weather was great from that point on.

Vehicles looked good each side of the tipi, hopefully catch up at the April show, have you herd about it, or even HUBB next year. 

Good to you two, sorry we missed saying our goodbyes when we pulled out. Yes, we will definitely be at the new spring AO18 and the HUBB. See you there!

Tembo wrote:

I thought it was the best one ever. Great turnout, decent weather for the most part...certainly not cold. Lots of presentations in several locations.......

I'm afraid I have very different view and don't think I will be bothering again, unless there are some changes.

Firstly, I'd like to say that we have been to every one of these except 2015, when we were overlanding in Asia.  Secondly I'd like to state that I do appreciate how difficult it must be to organise and run an event like this.  Thirdly, I would really like this event to continue and flourish but, as a loyal punter, I feel a bit ripped off and unappreciated.  

We arrived on the Tuesday and camped when there were only 3 other vehicles in the camping area.  Because of this we ended up spending a total of £102 for the 'privilege' of attending the show.  £72 for the weekend camping and £10 each night for the others.  For this we had to walk a considerable distance, across the track and main camping ground to get a warm shower as the nearest one only ran cold.  

As the days progressed we watched more and more vehicles enter the show ground, under the auspices of being in a club, and camp for free.  Many of these were just standard vehicles, predominantly Land Rovers, and had no real 'overlanding' bias (except the fact that they were camping) and IMHO didn't add to the show at all other than to make it look bigger.  There were also several people making use of the camping area having used their free club tickets to gain entry.

One of the great benefits of an event like this is to be able to meet up with others and socialise around the campfire.  We were meeting up with others, who arrived on different days and at different times.  We were only able to camp together because of one helpful marshal, who allowed us to keep some spaces.  Which we were later told we for the disabled even though we were told we could camp anywhere when we arrived.

On a side note; if there are disabled campers then they should be positioned down by the facilities i.e. in the area used by the marshals, not on uneven ground having to cross the flow of traffic to get to the loo etc.

While we were restricted to a 8m x 11m box all in line.  'Club members' were able to enter the show ground, for free, and all camp together regardless of when they arrived.

Eventually the access way, from the camping area was almost completely blocked by the Campervan Culture stand.  Who ran electric cables and was using a chop saw in the pathway until it was relocated at our request.  Why they couldn't have been 'in' the show area I still don't understand.  It made it very awkward to get from the camping area to the show and was IMHO unsafe.

One reason I come to this show is to see something different.  Again IMHO a big percentage of the stands were the same mix of traders you see at other events such as the LRO show.  Where were the conversion companies, such as 'Overland Cruisers' that have attended in previous years?  The demountables, the Pinzgauers, etc. etc.  Each year it seems to be getting more and more like every other show and less overland specific.

One difference is the talks.  When did we find out the timings? On the Saturday morning after the show had started.  How did we find out?  By looking at someone else's paperwork that they were given when they entered the show.  Those that had been there for several days were not given any paperwork.  I tried to look at the website but it was utterly confusing and I had real difficulty figuring out the timings. Why can't there be a simple, single timetable of events covering all the sessions and workshops?

The final straw was the music blaring out on the Saturday night.  This I could put up with, what I found totally unacceptable was someone (who shall remain nameless) using the PA system to tell everyone that someone from the campsite had asked for the music to be turned down and then follow that with "I say F**k the campers" and then turn the volume up!

I would advise anyone, who wants to attend next year, to camp at a local site, where they can meet others, pitch close together, have proper facilities and socialise without loud music and abuse and then pay to enter for one day as the size of the show doesn't warrant paying for two days entry (when camping there is no option but the pay for two days).  

Alternatively they could just pay a few pounds, join a club and get free camping, with freedom to pitch close to others, and free entry to the show.

Without paying customers there will be no traders and no show.  Playing excessively loud music, shouting out "F**k the campers", providing poor, restrictive facilities that get worse over the duration, inadequate information and an ever changing (shrinking?) line up of traders/exhibits is not a way to treat existing or attract new customers.

I put this on here as my own honest opinion of what I experienced. However, through conversation I know that these opinions are shared by others.

I post this here in the hope that these comments will be taken on board for future events so that the show can flourish and grow.

Hmmm...some good points there and quite a few things I was not aware of. Because I was doing so much presenting talks and was only there from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning (had to cancel a couple of talks Sunday for reasons unrelated to the show), I didn't really get to walk around much or socialize.

The general camping field always looks pretty organised at a glance but I can see where access to showers and toilets might have been more difficult as it got more crowded. To be honest, I was wondering how everyone managed with so few toilets and showers. Maybe something for the organisers to think about.

I did see a lot of confusion around the presentations. There was no central board with details of the talks, times and locations, so I found quite a few people frustrated at finding out where they were supposed to go. I got some emails after my wife and I had to cancel our Sunday talks from people who showed up, sat there and waited with no notice that we had left the site hours before after notifying the organisers. This was a shame as I think it is the talks, presentations and seminars that make the show different and overland focused.

I have already considered volunteering to manage the presentations for the next show so that there is a bit more organisation to make every talk easier to find and attend.

As for the noise of the music in the beer tent, we were camped pretty close and I just think of it as part and parcel of attending a show. It might be better to have the band play inside one of the larger grandstand rooms rather than the beer tent, that might limit the noise somewhat. Give people a choice of a drink by their campfire, in the (quieter) beer tent or in the party room in the grandstand. I think it would be great to use the beer tent as an overland cinema (child friendly) in the evenings to show some longer overland films (First Overland, Ed Marsh's C90 nordic trip video, Charlie Goes to Mongolia etc...)

As to the traders who show...well, they pay a lot of the bills I guess, so hard to say no to someone who wants to pay the trader site fees.

Anyway, as you say, a good show that should keep going and growing...but might need a bit of tweeking. Was good to hear your comments though...gave me something to think about.

James

Thanks for the reply.  Just to clarify a few points.
 
It wasn't so much the volume of the music, it was the "F**k the campers" comment that got to me.  The campers paid a lot of money to be there, without them there would be a significant 'hole' in the income for the show.  To be treated with such distain is unacceptable.  I am sure that there were many, less vocal than me, that heard that and will simply vote with their feet (and wallets) and just not attend again.

Your comment about this being part and parcel of attending a show just reinforces my comment about this being just like other shows and events.  This should be different.  How about asking for volunteers, that play, to do smaller campfire 'acoustic' sessions.  This would be far more in keeping with the overland ethos rather than amp'ed up rock Rolling Stones covers.

Organising the camping field will always be a thankless task as there is limited space and many people would love to just 'circle the wagons' and group together.  This would seriously reduce the available space.  It was, probably, done as well as it could have been based upon the space available.  My main point was the campers are the customers and help pay for the show and yet had less flexibility than the many, many club members that camped for free and had easier/direct access to the show.  Looking at the actual size of the show I honestly think it would have been better to put the campers in the main field, allowing them to pitch how they likes and put the show on the camping field.  At least this would give the campers/customers a lot more freedom.

With regard to the traders for this show to be successful it needs to attract and retain relevant suppliers.  To do that it needs to attract and retain customers by offering them something different and appealing.  Over the last few years I have seen some really good stands, but they seem to be there one year then never appear again.  There seems to be a high 'turnover' which makes me feel that companies are trying it once, not finding it viable and not returning.  That needs to be investigated, understood and attempts made to correct it.  Maybe the organisers are already are dealing with it, but soon there will be nothing to differentiate this from other shows which are often bigger, have better facilities and are no more expensive.

This event has been running for several years now.  'Glitches' in the organisation should have been ironed out by now.

Late printing of the talk schedule and lack of its circulation undermines one of the major attractions of the show.  I would have loved to attend the Bush Mechanics workshop, which ran virtually all day, but I though it was just a one hour talk and missed it completely.

I think your idea of an overland cinema would have some merit for many.

This show needs to consider its 'USP', focus on it and really get its act together if it is to thrive.  Personally I find it incredible that they are considering running a similar event in the Spring when there are so many areas to improve just to get this one right.

What is the aim of this show?  To encourage overlanding, to attract new people to the concept, to inform those that have the bug, to provide a boozy weekend for a few mates or to just to make money for the organiser!  IMHO it seems to be moving more towards the later and further from the former.

Perhaps there needs to be a formal 'feedback/ideas' thread on here to encourage others to express their views.  Without feedback there will be no change.

Hi ralphhardwick I am sure when Tom gets to the Germanshow he is on route to he will reply to your ideas, he does like feedback but not a lot of people do so, so sometimes he is unaware of problems, he was very busy, but does try his best to go around and get feedback. The show in April will be all over by the grandstand's side and camping in the middle of the track so give people the chance to be with friends, if you know you are going to be with a group let Tom know and he can book a place for you but let him know how many vehicle's. Next show I will try to get around to gather some feedback, after checking with Tom.

In hindsight l should have done so this year but my wife was having problems walking.  ( yoda )

Thanks for the reply

roamingman wrote:

.......... so give people the chance to be with friends, if you know you are going to be with a group let Tom know and he can book a place for you but let him know how many vehicle's...........

That's exactly the kind of information that should have been available before the show and available on the ticketing page or somewhere else obvious.

We won't be attending the April show as it has nothing that would encourage me to travel for four hours and put up with the same thing that we have just done. As a group we have already decided to arrange a meet up at a well equipped campsite, in beautiful surroundings (the New Forest) at a better time of the year.

As I said in my opening post; we won't be attending the September show unless there is some significant change to the structure and what's on offer.

Of course I'm just one person, I'm sure that many others enjoyed the show, but I do wonder how many of those that say it was 'great', 'excellent', 'best one ever', etc. etc. were paying customers and how many of the 'club members' would have turned up if they had to pay £70-£100

No more replies to this or my comment on facebook.
I must admit to being very disappointed. I really would like this to thrive and grow, but it is obvious that any form of criticism, constructive or otherwise, is ignored.

Shame

Good luck to you all, I hope it doesn't go the way I think it will.

I know it's an a near impossible task to please all the people all the time but I'm not sure what your actual gripe is.

I take it you paid what you deemed ott for camping for 5 nights ?
Not overly expensive considering what was on offer !

You mentioned you've only only missed one previous show due to traveling in Asia, I take it when you went to Asia you had to ask locals or read up so as to find what was happening in the local area ?
If you can find out what happening in a distant country speaking a different language I don't see a problem finding out what going on in a field in Warwickshire !

I take on you're annoyance with the music and especially the offensive announcement I would have been very annoyed myself.

Did you voice your opinion to the management staff at the show ?
I've known Tom for a good few years and found him to be very approachable and would have done whatever he could to sort out the problem or offer a refund if the cost was you main gripe at the show.

Coming on here or facebook and proclaiming your annoyance after the event helps no one.
I work in a front office position and find people love to complain to each other rather than speak to the management as I tell them "when you tell each other nothing gets done when you tell me I can help, usually sort out the problem or at least stop it from re-occurring"

Sorry if you think this is a little defensive on behalf of the management it's not meant to be, please tell Tom your grievance preferable privately and give him and the management team a chance to sort it out for the next event.
That way you can attend another show and hopefully find it better due to your input.
I'm sure if he hasn't already Tom will contact you and try and smooth things over.