Survival expos are one of the best experiences a prepper can have. These events allow the opportunity for hundreds, if not thousands, of people to come together to chat about survival tools, survival food, and other survival equipment to keep you safe in an SHTF event.
Now, upon reading this, many preppers will retort that they can get all the information and gear they need online. And, better yet, they can do all of this without leaving their couch.
That may be true, but the fact is that survival expos provide the face-to-face interaction with top survival experts, survival gear, and preppers that no website can offer. Rather than typing out a question and waiting for someone to respond back, you’re face to face with some of the most passionate and knowledgable people on the planet. And, once they get there, most every prepper wonders why they haven’t been coming to these expos for years.
This is also one of the best ways preppers can hear from and learn about their favorite survivalists. Each of these expos typically have a variety of survival experts that present information, and talk to the visitors about valuable knowledge and insight. This alone can give you valuable insight to help prepare you for what’s up ahead.
Not to mention the survival gear. There is usually tons of survival gear around, of all shapes, sizes, and purposes. And a lot of it is the newest, coolest supplies on the market to date. This gives preppers of all ages a chance to try out the latest and greatest tools and supplies, and to learn the best ways of using them effectively in an emergency situation.
Better yet, survival expos are fairly common. In fact, they can be found happening all over the United States throughout the year. This gives everyone an opportunity to come and learn something new for themselves, and participate in the fun.
One of the most rewarding benefits of a survival expo, however, is the people. That’s because it provides a topic that a ton of people can relate to and talk about. Countless friendships are born throughout these expos, as it gives preppers an excellent chance to get to know each other, and to share their tips, tricks, and tactics with their fellow man.
Yep, there’s no doubt about it. Survival expos are some of the best opportunities for preppers to learn, grow, and prepare for disaster.
However, there’s a lot of expos to choose from. Not to mention, many are far away, and some are much bigger than others. And, if you’re going to spend the time, money, energy, and gas to get there, you’ll want to make sure up-front that the expo is going to provide everything you expect it to.
That’s why it’s important to select the best expo for you. And, luckily, there are eight must-see expos that we know preppers from all around the U.S. are going to love.
These Are The Best Survival Expos In America
Here are some of the best survival expos in America, according to Mountain House:
A Sampler Pack of Survival Expos
These prepper conventions and doomsday expos range in size from small county-level affairs to major regional exhibitions, and we won’t be able to present an exhaustive list of them. Here, however, are a few standout examples from different corners of the U.S.
(1) National Preppers & Survivalists Expo (Gonzales, LA)
The National Preppers and Survivalists Expo fills its two days with loads of exhibits, high-level classes, and other resources for anyone interested in emergency preparedness, homesteading, and survival. This year’s hits March 4 and 5.
(2) SGK Emergency Prepper Expo (Fredericksburg, VA)
The SGK Emergency Prepper Expo puts the focus both on emergency preparedness as well as all-around sustainable living. The next SGK Emergency Prepper Expo falls January 28 and 29, 2017 at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center.
(3) Prepper Camp (Saluda, NC)
Prepper Camp takes place in a bushcraft-friendly setting: the Appalachian foothills of North Carolina. It’s an immersive experience, what with the cookouts, fishing, swimming, music, and other rustic fun augmenting the demos, lectures, classes, and vendor stalls on hand. The 2017 Prepper Camp runs September 15 through 17.
(4) Great Lakes Emergency Preparedness Expo (Dimondale, MI)
One of the premier prepping happenings in the Midwest, the Great Lakes Emergency Preparedness Expo offers lessons from the experts on everything from assembling a 72-hour kit to taking care of Fido and Fluffy during a disaster. This year’s run-through happens April 1.
(5) Sustainable Preparedness Expo (Grants Pass, OR & Spokane, WA)
For the past several years, the Sustainable Preparedness Expo has been held in multiple locations; in 2017, it’ll take place May 21 in Grants Pass, Oregon and October 1 in Spokane, Washington. This survival expo focuses on off-the-grid self-sufficiency and disaster protocol.
(6) Preparedness Expo (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Put on by the American Red Cross, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and El Dorado Broadcasters, this prepper convention provides attendees with the know-how to respond to all sorts of cataclysms, although it puts special emphasis on the kinds of disasters San Luis Obispo County residents might be most likely to experience. (For instance, “THE BIG SHAKER!”, a 24-foot-long hydraulic trailer, simulates an temblor of 8.0 magnitude.) The 6th Annual Preparedness Expo takes place March 11, 2017.
(7) PrepperCon (Sandy, UT)
PrepperCon markets itself as the “ComicCon” of prepper expos, and it certainly goes above and beyond to incorporate a bit of fun and entertainment into the proceedings: from celebrity appearances to a prepper-themed fashion show. The Hurricane Simulator, meantime, gives you a firsthand taste of a Category 3 tropical cyclone’s punch. This year’s PrepperCon falls April 21 and 22.
(8) Full Spectrum Preparedness Expo (Topeka, KS)
The Full Spectrum Preparedness Expo has the classes, lectures, and supplies needed to ready yourself for whatever contingencies might be coming down the pike. This survival expo—which also proudly aims to foster a sense of community among Sunflower State preppers—will take place March 25 and 26 this year.
Whether you’re a veteran prepper or somebody who’s just now realizing the importance of readying oneself for garden-variety emergencies and once-in-a-lifetime disasters alike, doomsday expos and prepper conventions can provide valuable instruction, tried-and-true survival equipment, and plenty of opportunity to touch base with likeminded enthusiasts. Any of the above prepper expos are well worth checking out, and remember that there are plenty of others.