Event planning is never last-minute, especially when I'm not traveling alone. This year, Rory’s oldest daughter, Kristyn, helped at every event. With her retail experience, she

excels at creating an effective booth layout and talking with customers as they look at everything we have on display. With three rigs on the road, there’s a lot to consider—lately, fuel costs are the top priority.

About two weeks before we leave, Rory starts mapping out our route. He starts early because he knows I want a plan, and I appreciate it! This season, we also used a 17-foot tandem flatbed trailer to showcase another Truck Camper Model and a BunduTop together. Because the trailer takes up extra space, we got venue approval to arrive on Wednesday, both to set up without crowding and because a friend-turned-customer was picking up a BunduTop for his Tacoma on Thursday.

After arranging everything and planning the travel route, we decided to leave Monday afternoon; that would get us to Champaign, IL, Monday night and let us avoid some hairy rush hours. With a short day in the truck on Monday, we arrived in Champaign around 8pm. Heading east, we usually stop at a Walmart for convenience; we did the same, grabbed a bite for dinner, and unwound before calling it a night so we could be up and on the road again early Tuesday.

With the colder temperatures, I let Dozer Bunk with Rory in the luxury of the GoAway, and I hunkered down in the RipTide inside with my sleeping bag so I didn't have to run the diesel heater. By 7:30 Tuesday morning, we were on the road for our long drive to Beckley, WV. We decided to test out an overnight stay at the Beckley Tamarak Center; we'd seen the sign every year but never stayed. It is a nice location, quiet and level. Rory and Kristyn were “greeted” by a

transient who “needed cash for fuel.” We don't carry cash, so she huffed away, disappointed we didn't play along. I was oblivious to this interaction, and she never approached me personally. We met a few others in transit in Beckley and learned the panhandler had been there many times with a male, but she was solo that day. Again, I put Dozer in with Rory for the night, and I took rest inside the RipTide.

Wednesday morning, while packing things up for the Day, Dozer had a mishap when he tried jumping into the cabover of the GoAway :( He jumped into an open wardrobe door, missed his landing, and fell onto the dinette seat, then onto the floor. I didn't hear the commotion, but Rory said he made quite a ruckus. We thought he would “walk it off” once he calmed down, but he wouldn't put any weight on one rear leg, and the furmama in me started to panic. With Google's help, I started searching for a local Vet to come in and make sure everything was OK before we were remote in VA for 5 days at the show. My first call was to a VET hospital; it turns out, after my panicked spiel to the receptionist about what I was looking for, they are for Veterans, not people. I found another number and repeated my spiel; she said they weren't taking new patients but told me to call Beckley Veterinary Hospital, since they have set walk-in times and could probably help

me. I found the number and was relieved that the walk-in appointments started at 9 a.m., and they could get him in. It was located just a short distance from the Beckley Tamarak Center, and I only had to wait impatiently inside the truck with Dozer for about 10 minutes. We went inside, and the staff was FANTASTIC! The front desk staff was very helpful, and the vet we saw was kind and informative, even bringing in a model to show me what happened. Turns out Dozer dislocated his Knee and has a 2 out of 4 severity ranking for a luxating patella; it's common in little dogs and probably happens often. This time it was just a bit more severe. He said to make sure our vet back home was informed so we could monitor it, and he gave him an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and help with the pain. I was worried about the “non-patient” price, but it was very reasonable and put my mind at ease that he was okay for the show. On our morning Detour, Rory and Kristyn took their time packing up after our overnight stay and

even checked out the Tamarak Center. I was bummed I didn't get to see the inside of the market, but maybe next year. They then headed to our next stop to stock up on items before the show at a Walmart in Lewisburg, WV- not our normal stop, but with all the town names starting with L and not being used to the area, any Walmart will work so we can get what we need before the show starts. After stocking up & relaying the vet's diagnosis for Dozer, we hit the road again for the show venue. As a bonus of the route changes, we got an added fuel discount at Loves, reducing the price as we pulled in to fuel up before the show.

After years of attending the show at this venue, we knew where we were going and made it to check-in with plenty of time to unwind and get things situated in the display. We set up the booth once, then remembered we needed space for Tom’s BunduTrail, so we moved things around, but we made sure we all had room. We couldn't deploy all of our awnings, but we still had a great booth setup and presence. With our rigs in place and space open for Tom’s BunduTrail to arrive on Thursday, westarted setting up the rest of the display and getting settled for the next 5 days.

Without having to travel Thursday morning, we all got to sleep in Thursday! With my diesel heater running well, I got a good night's sleep, and even with a crisp morning, it was still beautiful. Thursday morning, we stood around and did a few things while we waited for Joe from Red Clay Rally to arrive so we could install his tent, and for Tom to arrive so we could get him into the show space and his Jeep into the parking area. Installing a BunduTop Pre-Show was a first for us this year, and with the manpower, it was a breeze to get it onto Joe's truck. The standard BunduTop fit like a glove and was easy to mount on his rack system, which was already set up to carry a competitor's tent. He had a few adjustments to make once he got it home, but it is a bad@$$ rig setup, and we look forward to seeing his love for the tent in person rather than from afar. His dad did a complete setup with us earlier in the year, and after 1 RCR watching him and seeing how easy it was to use, he decided he needed one too. With

everything in place for the start of Overland Expo East, it was time for happy-hour refreshments and a hot meal from one of our multiple Omnia Ovens! With each of us having an Omnia, we had fresh bread with our meal every evening. The first day of the show took off like gangbusters, and we didn't have time to breathe most of the day. This was great, since we never know how the East event will go or what the weather will bring. We met with tons of people who sought us out and were genuinely interested, not just people who thought our product looked cool. This year, I set up a show landing page so customers could learn what we would have in the booth and book time with me to discuss specific needs. This was a great benefit to the event, and our Friday morning consultation was a success to help in securing a build for a great couple interested in a Roamer to fit their travel needs. At 5 on Friday, it was time for happy hour again, and we caught up with some friends we only see at the show from RhinoUSA, as well as hung out with some BundutecUSA customers camping at this year's event with their BunduTop Setup.

Saturday was a typical show day, but we met with a potential buyer from NC, finalized a few things, and took a deposit on a customized RoadRunner build! We had a great ROI

on the Omnia product and sold out ofour Single Ovens, which were on sale at a great price. We also had a good run on accessories and chatted with many folks who have the Omnia and want to see what's new. Omnia debuted the new pizza oven this year, and while it drew interest at the show, it didn’t sell as well as we expected. My goal for the winter is to use it more so I can better pitch why we should add it to current camp kitchens. Our #1 question from people interested in the Omni is whether it has an induction base; it still doesn't, but I promise, guys, I keep asking and letting them know that the VAN world wants a base for induction cooktops. No exceptions: this show was full of influencers, and while I didn't have any in-booth interviews this time, I did catch an influencer filming a video on our BundutecUSA Free Model, displayed on the new flatbed transport trailer. Mid-day, a gentleman had a severe diabetic seizure at a booth just down from us; everyone jumped into action quickly, and the vendor and bystanders kept him

safe while paramedics were dispatched. They transported him into town for treatment, and we later learned he was doing better. It was scary to hear the thud and feel so helpless, but the Overland community is just that, and we went all hands on deck to get him medical attention. Saturday night we skipped Happy Hour; the great staff at Austin’s Fire Pits helped us procure a propane fire pit, so we could stay at camp andv enjoy some great camaraderie for Rory’s Birthday! We had pork tenderloin with potatoes and carrots, along with fresh bread and birthday cake. With the show later in the month, it got dark faster and cooled off quicker, so no one stayed up too late; we all retired at a reasonable time so we could be fresh on Sunday. The cooler weather also affected the party crowd, and we noticed fewer loud events after dark, which was a nice change from the late-night parties and loud attendees roaming around after hours.

Sunday closed out the show with slower traffic, so we could wander a bit and see if anything new caught our interest. I met with the great folks at Oris who have a skottle that is similar to our TemboTusk; we love the Tembo, but it is showing its age and has a few things we dont like so much. The Oris combated these issues, and we worked out a great

deal to upgrade to an Oris, which is more compact, cost-competitive, and will work great as a display feature with the Omnia, for both demonstration and personal use. Added bonus, IT'S GREEN! The owners of Oris own an Omnia Oven and have food intolerances they need to work around; their amazing gluten-free cooking also helped us sell some ovens at the event. I also scored an add-a-leaf for my Tacoma from the guys at Archive Garage Suspension. I will install it this inter, and it will give my truck a little more height, as well as help to carry weight in addition to the airbags. In the lull of Sunday’s traffic, I was people-watching and had a woman make my weekend! How you ask? She had a BIRD! Pretty white cockatoo. I have seen just about every animal in the last few years at the OX events, but never a bird. In Flagstaff, I mentioned how cool it would be to see someone with a bird on their shoulder at the event, and my wish came true!

When things are slow at the show, we all get exit fever and start putting away non-

essential things in the booth; we leave anything important open and out, but the “home” features we have out, such as chairs, additional tables, and those types of items, get stowed away so that final breakdown goes quickly. We love the show, seeing new people, chatting with old friends, and showcasing our product, but by Sunday at 3 everyone is ready to head home. This year was no different, and one benefit of all BundutecUSA gear is that it packs down easily, so we were on the road by 4!

We never really plan a route home until we get to the show, and Rory usually starts playing with it on his iPad Saturday evening. With the terrible road conditions on 74, Rory decided we would come home through Louisville and pay the toll for better roads. The original game plan was to stay in Barboursville, WV, but after working the show, packing up, and driving, we called it a night in Hurricane, WV, around 10pm. I caught a cold at this year's event, so I was grateful we called it a night while our Walmart stop was still open so I could run in and get some cold meds for the road. Just like on the way to the show, on the way home I stealth camp and sleep inside the riptide on the floor, with colder temps than we saw on the way out. Dozer was bunked with Rory again overnight since

he has the furnace and can keep Dozer warm. I could have set up my diesel heater, but I always worry someone will rip it off in a Walmart parking lot, so I opted to stay warm in my sleeping bag. It wasn't terrible; the space is small; I can handle 47 in the morning, but after a long day of driving, Dozer does NOT like 47 and would have kept me up if he'd been cold.

Our final travel day was a doosey, starting at 6am and putting us home Monday night at 8 p.m.; we are all ready to be home on this final stretch, and the grind of working the show and being gone for a week has our nerves a bit on edge. While the final stretch was smooth sailing for the most part, we ran into an uncharacteristically grumpy individual at a busy fuel stop around lunch. It was a busy Love’s with a tow- behind camper waiting for propane and almost every fuel pump occupied. Rory and the long trailer take up space, so he needs an open spot to get in and fuel up; he pulled in behind

a vehicle that was unoccupied while its patron was inside the convenience store. They returned, could clearly see Rory waiting for the spot, and instead of being courteous and leaving it for Rory to pull in, they just sat there doing NOTHING. I was in the next lane facing the vehicle and could see they made no move to move along. After waiting patiently and blocking other traffic, Rory went up to the vehicle, politely closed the fuel door they left open, and tapped on the window, asking them to move so he could use the pump. This grumpy dwarf made no acknowledgment of Rory, blatantly ignored his request, and continued to sit there doing nothing. When Rory finally had enough room to find a new place to park, the unpleasant patron left and went out of their way to drive past Rory, giving him the finger on their way by. Since it was a busy location, when I was done getting fuel, I pulled into a parking spot; Kristyn did the same, and then we went into the store to get lunch on the go! I couldn't believe the unfriendly behavior of this random stranger; in all my years of travel, I have never seen anyone be that disrespectful at a busy fuel stop.

This year, the round trip was 2,200 miles, and we were all glad to get a good shower and a cozy night's sleep at home. Back at the office, it's business as usual: the units have been unloaded, the show stuff is stowed safely until next year, and planning for holiday sales has started. If you came to see us at any of this year's events, we thank you! You are a huge part of why we attend these shows. If you purchased from us at an event, either a BunduTop product or an accessory we use and sell because we love it, thank you as well. We had a great show season, but I am ready for the rest of the year as we close out and start planning to get back up and running in thespring of 2027!