Emerald Expositions, the corporate liable for a few of the outside trade’s greatest occasions, simply expanded into the consumer-facing overlanding world.
Ever heard of Emerald? No? That’s OK. The firm is finest recognized for placing on Outdoor Retailer, an enormous bi-yearly occasion attended by a who’s-who of out of doors trade manufacturers and journalists (in addition to a large number of different tradeshows for different industries). But Emerald right now introduced the acquisition of Lodestone Events, the corporate liable for the favored Overland Expo Series.
The transfer represents a diversification of mission for Emerald, because the Overland Expo Series is customer-facing as a substitute of a pure business-to-business occasion.
So, what does this imply for you, the outdoor-loving, adventure-traveling reader? We’re glad you requested.
“[This acquisition] creates an expansive offering of consumer experiences not seen before in the outdoor community,” stated Jeff Davis, group Vice President of Emerald, in a press launch.
“With the growing demand for outdoor experiences, we are excited to increase the opportunities for consumers to engage directly with their preferred products and brands, as well as discover new gear and opportunities to support their outdoor pursuits.”
Translation? Look for the Overland Expo Series to get larger and higher — and embody extra gear — transferring ahead.
Overlanding, Meet Human-Powered Adventure Sports
Lodestone beforehand held the Overland Expo 4 instances yearly, as soon as every in Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, and Virginia. There’s no indication of that schedule altering now that Emerald has the reigns.
But Expo attendees would possibly anticipate extra synergy between their chosen human-powered sports activities and the autos they use to get to these sports activities.
“Overland is a growing market segment, recognized and valued by the outdoor industry at large. Overlanders are outdoor enthusiasts and explorers who outfit their vehicles for backcountry adventures, which often include hiking, camping, paddlesports, cycling, and climbing,” stated Lindsay Hubley, Managing Partner of Lodestone Events.
With the acquisition, Overland Expo joins Emerald’s current consumer-facing outside present — Outdoor AdventureX. As it occurs, Lodestone Events was the corporate placing on Outdoor AdventureX for Emerald, so all concerned are well-used to working collectively.
“All Lodestone employees will join the Emerald team, with Lodestone founders Lindsay Hubley and Jessica Kirchner joining Emerald’s management team and continuing to lead the Overland Expo series,” per an Emerald press launch.
In an age of acquisition and downsizing, that’s excellent news for everyone.
You can discover extra particulars on the 2023 Overland Expo Series, together with dates and areas, on-line.
