Over the past few years, Vanlife has become much more than just a trend – it’s a veritable lifestyle that’s attracting more and more enthusiasts around the world. At the heart of this passion for freedom on wheels is an unmissable event: the Vanlife Expo. The show brings together enthusiasts, industry professionals and the curious to discover the world of converted vehicles, outdoor equipment and life on the move.
The Vanlife Expo was born in 2023 in Rennes, France, under the impetus of Philippe Colas, a true pioneer of the movement. After spending several years traveling the world, Philippe wanted to share his passion and expertise with a growing community. His goal? To create a space where vanlife enthusiasts, whether novice or experienced, could meet, exchange ideas and discover the latest innovations in the sector.
Before launching Vanlife Expo, Philippe already had a solid background in event organization, having worked on several trade shows, fairs and music festivals. Drawing on this expertise, he makes it a point of honor to ensure that every edition of Vanlife Expo is organized down to the last detail. Very attentive to the needs of his exhibitors, he is always on hand to ensure that their experience is optimal.
This attention to detail and organizational skills are evident at every event. Exhibitors know they can count on impeccable management, allowing them to concentrate fully on presenting their products and services. Visitors, for their part, appreciate the fluidity of the exhibition itineraries, the quality of the conferences and the richness of the exchanges.
But Philippe is not alone in this ambitious project: he is supported by a close-knit, passionate team. Anne-Laure, Capucine, Manu and François, as well as mother Louisette, all play an essential role in the success of the event. Whether it’s logistics, exhibitor coordination or communications, this dedicated team works hand in hand.
As for Jeremy and Vincent, they are in charge of capturing the most memorable moments of the various editions. Thanks to their talent for photography and video, they enable visitors and exhibitors to relive these events through striking images that immortalize the spirit of the Vanlife Expo. Their work contributes to enhancing the show’s highlights and spreading the essence of vanlife to a wider audience.
And it’s thanks to this attention to detail that Vanlife Expo is fast becoming a benchmark in the world of converted vehicles.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Vanlife Expo is the diversity of the exhibitors taking part. You’ll find manufacturers of converted vans, craftsmen specializing in interior fittings, as well as equipment manufacturers offering innovative products: solar panels, heating systems, dry toilets…
And of course, SwapTheRoad! We were present at all the 2024 editions. In 2025, we’ll continue to take part in the editions planned for Rennes and Grenoble, where we’ll be unveiling new developments in the exchange of converted vehicles in ever wider geographical areas, and maybe even more…
Vanlife Expo also stands out for its commitment to inclusion. Aware of the challenges that people with disabilities can face in the world of itinerant travel, the organization makes a point of promoting accessibility at every edition. Adapted vehicles for people with reduced mobility are widely represented, and several exhibitors offer innovative solutions to make life easier for disabled travelers.
For example, the Grenoble 2024 edition had an emblematic partner in Samuel Marie, aka “Sam Fait Rouler”. Having become quadriplegic at the age of 20, Sam took up the challenge of covering more than 75,000 kilometers on three continents, crossing 22 countries at the wheel of his van entirely adapted to his disability. Creator of the HandiRoad Trip “Sam Fait Rouler”, he is a living example of how van life can be accessible to all. After more than 30 operations and 4 years of rehabilitation, he has turned his dreams of escape into reality. His participation in the Vanlife Expo symbolizes the openness of this event to an even wider and more diverse community.
Conferences and workshops are specifically dedicated to accessibility in vanlife, to raise awareness among visitors and industry professionals of the importance of offering inclusive options for all. This commitment reflects Vanlife Expo’s desire to promote a lifestyle accessible to everyone, whatever their physical abilities. The event is thus a place for sharing, where everyone can find answers to their specific needs, while feeling fully integrated into the community.
Beyond the stands and demonstrations, Vanlife Expo is first and foremost a meeting place. Conferences are organized to discuss the latest industry trends, and experience-sharing sessions enable visitors to draw inspiration from the adventures of other enthusiasts.
Each edition of the Vanlife Expo is also an opportunity to highlight eco-responsible initiatives. The vanlife community attaches particular importance to environmental preservation and resource autonomy, themes that are at the heart of the exchanges and innovations presented during the show.
If you’re dreaming of getting into vanlife, or simply want to discover this fascinating world, the Vanlife Expo is the place to be. You’ll find everything you need to transform a simple vehicle into a real home on wheels, and surround yourself with people who share the same values of adventure, freedom and respect for nature.
Don’t miss the next Vanlife Expo in France in 2025 to discover even more new products! We’ll be there!
Dates to remember:
Rennes Parc Expo: April 12 and 13
Grenoble Alpexpo: May 17 and 18
Spoiler: a new Adventure section dedicated to off-road solutions is being prepared for the Grenoble edition!
For more information: visit https://vanlife-expo.com/
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Sophie and Daniel have temporarily exchanged their converted vehicle for a trip to the other side of the world!
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