Workshops
Join a community of like-minded people, get geared-up for your next adventure, and learn how to make the most of your life on the open road.
The weekend will feature an action-packed schedule with over a dozen workshops and expert-led talks to teach you everything you want to know about van life. If you don’t have a van yet, these workshops are a great opportunity to learn and build confidence before you take the leap. For others who are already on the road, these workshops will help you take van life to a new level.
This isn’t driver’s ed
This is van life 101
Camper Van Electrical Basic Components & Theory
Nate Yarbrough from EXPLORIST.life teaches people how to build DIY campers. In this workshop, he will teach you about the various components necessary to make a professional-level mobile electrical system and how the parts work together. By the end of the workshop, you'll know what the components are, what they do, how they work together and have a good understanding of how to wire everything together yourself, so you have the confidence to go build your own camper van electrical system.
The Inside Scoop on Renting Out Your Camper Van
Curious about renting out your camper van? Having facilitated thousands of rentals, the GoCamp team will share their tips on how to be successful in the RV and camper van rental market. You'll get the inside scoop on everything from insurance to pricing strategies, realistic revenue goals, and which types of vans are most likely to get rented.
Van Insulation Basics with Havelock Wool
Havelock Wool has become the go-to natural insulation option for camper vans, RVs, and more. Join founder Andrew Legge for this workshop that will teach you how to determine how much insulation you need, where it should go, how much it costs, and why it’s so important. He’ll touch on a variety of commonly used insulation options for camper vans and RVs and will share why wool has become a top choice in the van life community.
Solo Van Life: When Independence Meets Loneliness
Where do we draw the line between asserting our independence and finding ourselves lonely and without connection on the road? It can be all too easy to romanticize the idea of going it alone and then slip into a pattern of isolation when living on the road. This interactive workshop led by Christine, a van-lifer, long-distance backpacker, and author of the memoir, Alone in Wonderland, will help you reset your mindset around making friends as an adult and make connections with fellow Fest Participants.
Mindfulness for Van Lifers: The Adventure Mindset
Van life isn't always smooth sailing, and this workshop led by world traveler and licensed therapist Dolores Michael will introduce you to the practice of mindfulness and how you can enhance your travel experiences—and challenges—with more curiosity, courage, and a sense of calm. You'll learn how to recalibrate your mindset to better navigate overland adventures with a sense of presence and well-being, and you will have an opportunity to participate in a mindfulness experience to better help you grasp what mindfulness actually is. We will then explore how this skill of mindset awareness/mindfulness can be applied to you personally on your journey and what the science says about what makes us happy.
Bearfoot Theory Q&A
Bring your questions and curiosity and join Kristen Bor, the founder of Bearfoot Theory and Open Roads Fest, for a casual Q&A where you can get all of your questions answered. Whether you want to learn about blogging and running a remote online business, the ins and outs of travel and van life, or her advice on converting your van, Kristen is an open book and is excited for this "Ask Me Anything" session.
DIY Van Build: Open Q&A and Consultation Session
In this open format discussion, Architectural Engineer turned van builder Jarrod Tocci will be sharing his knowledge and experience from building out multiple DIY vans that he has lived on the road in full time. He's done everything from a budget Ford E-250 conversion to a middle of the line Promaster and a high end Sprinter and in addition to sharing lessons learned, he will be an open book ready to discuss whatever will be helpful to you. Come with your questions and be ready for a good time!
Beyond the Pavement: Skills for Backcountry Van Travel
Beyond the pavement is where the magic starts. But safe, enjoyable backcountry travel begins with preparing yourself and your van. This workshop led by Sean Michael, a professor who has written about vehicle-based travel for 20 years, will guide you through that process, offering an overview of the skills, strategies, and equipment you need to drive off-road. Included are tips for developing driving skills, vehicle outfitting, and recovery/emergency scenarios. Regardless of the van you drive, this session and its hands-on activities will help build your confidence and peace of mind.
Diversify Vanlife Q&A: Past, Present & Future
Join the Diversify Vanlife team and community members for an enriching discussion around the story of Diversify Vanlife, the importance of representation and equity in the vanlife and outdoor spaces, and what’s being done about it thanks to our growing community! Any and all questions welcome. Let’s chat!
Money on the Move: Wealth Creation & Tiny Living
Wondering how to make van life financially sustainable? The Adventure Allens are serial entrepreneurs who own and operate multiple businesses out of their rig. They are e-book authors, operate a mobile fitness business, own rental cars, and more. Chris will be hosting a workshop about the different ways people who live in tiny homes on wheels can create wealth, attain assets, and build multiple streams of income. Chris will share the story of how they got started and will recommend systems to put in place to make it all happen. Be ready to take notes!
The Snuggle is Real: Thriving Relationships in Tiny Spaces
Living in a small mobile space with your partner can be absolutely amazing and it can also bring about new challenges, strains, and headaches. This workshop led by Laura Wade, a licensed counselor who supports individuals, couples, and teams in healing and thriving, will support you in building a sturdy foundation of practices to ground the nervous system while guiding you through actionable steps to deepen in gratitude, patience, and connection with your partner.
The Road to Entrepreneurship: Think Tank Session
Are you wanting to start or scale a business to support your van life dreams and goals? Join this highly engaged and interactive workshop led by Liz Landeen, Host of The Outdoor Entrepreneur podcast! This lively facilitated entrepreneurial think tank session is for those looking to start or scale their business while on the road. Attendees will have a chance to share what they’re working on (or would like to be working on), what they’re feeling challenged by, and where they need support. It’s then followed by a group brainstorm session with advice and actionable next steps offered.
Camper Van Electrical Basic Components & Theory
Nate Yarbrough from EXPLORIST.life teaches people how to build DIY campers. In this workshop, he will teach you about the various components necessary to make a professional-level mobile electrical system and how the parts work together. By the end of the workshop, you'll know what the components are, what they do, how they work together and have a good understanding of how to wire everything together yourself, so you have the confidence to go build your own camper van electrical system.
FAQThe Inside Scoop on Renting Out Your Camper Van
Curious about renting out your camper van? Having facilitated thousands of rentals, the GoCamp team will share their tips on how to be successful in the RV and camper van rental market. You'll get the inside scoop on everything from insurance to pricing strategies, realistic revenue goals, and which types of vans are most likely to get rented.
FAQVan Insulation Basics with Havelock Wool
Havelock Wool has become the go-to natural insulation option for camper vans, RVs, and more. Join founder Andrew Legge for this workshop that will teach you how to determine how much insulation you need, where it should go, how much it costs, and why it’s so important. He’ll touch on a variety of commonly used insulation options for camper vans and RVs and will share why wool has become a top choice in the van life community.
FAQSolo Van Life: When Independence Meets Loneliness
Where do we draw the line between asserting our independence and finding ourselves lonely and without connection on the road? It can be all too easy to romanticize the idea of going it alone and then slip into a pattern of isolation when living on the road. This interactive workshop led by Christine, a van-lifer, long-distance backpacker, and author of the memoir, Alone in Wonderland, will help you reset your mindset around making friends as an adult and make connections with fellow Fest Participants.
FAQMindfulness for Van Lifers: The Adventure Mindset
Van life isn't always smooth sailing, and this workshop led by world traveler and licensed therapist Dolores Michael will introduce you to the practice of mindfulness and how you can enhance your travel experiences—and challenges—with more curiosity, courage, and a sense of calm. You'll learn how to recalibrate your mindset to better navigate overland adventures with a sense of presence and well-being, and you will have an opportunity to participate in a mindfulness experience to better help you grasp what mindfulness actually is. We will then explore how this skill of mindset awareness/mindfulness can be applied to you personally on your journey and what the science says about what makes us happy.
FAQBearfoot Theory Q&A
Bring your questions and curiosity and join Kristen Bor, the founder of Bearfoot Theory and Open Roads Fest, for a casual Q&A where you can get all of your questions answered. Whether you want to learn about blogging and running a remote online business, the ins and outs of travel and van life, or her advice on converting your van, Kristen is an open book and is excited for this "Ask Me Anything" session.
FAQDIY Van Build: Open Q&A and Consultation Session
In this open format discussion, Architectural Engineer turned van builder Jarrod Tocci will be sharing his knowledge and experience from building out multiple DIY vans that he has lived on the road in full time. He's done everything from a budget Ford E-250 conversion to a middle of the line Promaster and a high end Sprinter and in addition to sharing lessons learned, he will be an open book ready to discuss whatever will be helpful to you. Come with your questions and be ready for a good time!
FAQBeyond the Pavement: Skills for Backcountry Van Travel
Beyond the pavement is where the magic starts. But safe, enjoyable backcountry travel begins with preparing yourself and your van. This workshop led by Sean Michael, a professor who has written about vehicle-based travel for 20 years, will guide you through that process, offering an overview of the skills, strategies, and equipment you need to drive off-road. Included are tips for developing driving skills, vehicle outfitting, and recovery/emergency scenarios. Regardless of the van you drive, this session and its hands-on activities will help build your confidence and peace of mind.
FAQDiversify Vanlife Q&A: Past, Present & Future
Join the Diversify Vanlife team and community members for an enriching discussion around the story of Diversify Vanlife, the importance of representation and equity in the vanlife and outdoor spaces, and what’s being done about it thanks to our growing community! Any and all questions welcome. Let’s chat!
FAQMoney on the Move: Wealth Creation & Tiny Living
Wondering how to make van life financially sustainable? The Adventure Allens are serial entrepreneurs who own and operate multiple businesses out of their rig. They are e-book authors, operate a mobile fitness business, own rental cars, and more. Chris will be hosting a workshop about the different ways people who live in tiny homes on wheels can create wealth, attain assets, and build multiple streams of income. Chris will share the story of how they got started and will recommend systems to put in place to make it all happen. Be ready to take notes!
FAQThe Snuggle is Real: Thriving Relationships in Tiny Spaces
Living in a small mobile space with your partner can be absolutely amazing and it can also bring about new challenges, strains, and headaches. This workshop led by Laura Wade, a licensed counselor who supports individuals, couples, and teams in healing and thriving, will support you in building a sturdy foundation of practices to ground the nervous system while guiding you through actionable steps to deepen in gratitude, patience, and connection with your partner.
FAQThe Road to Entrepreneurship: Think Tank Session
Are you wanting to start or scale a business to support your van life dreams and goals? Join this highly engaged and interactive workshop led by Liz Landeen, Host of The Outdoor Entrepreneur podcast! This lively facilitated entrepreneurial think tank session is for those looking to start or scale their business while on the road. Attendees will have a chance to share what they’re working on (or would like to be working on), what they’re feeling challenged by, and where they need support. It’s then followed by a group brainstorm session with advice and actionable next steps offered.
FAQ
