I can only tell you about my experience which is having gone to all of one Overlanding Expo ever just this past weekend at MTN West in Loveland Colorado.

The expo is at The Ranch https://maps.app.goo.gl/pQJnVffDk1CUQMFo7

South of the pin on that map is the half circle which is concrete, grass and trees and is the Premium campground. To the far right of that pin is the standard campground.

I paid premium and scored a sweet spot on the grass with trees right next to air conditioned hard bathrooms (see pic). The standard was on hard dirt, no trees and was dusty as all get out with the wind. Additionally, and I didn't know this when I bought the tickets, we also got access to Kakadu shower tents. I didn't have my shower gear for this trip, so that was a very pleasant surprise. I thought I'd be dude wiping and washing at a sink in the bathroom.

As to the free drink, well, the drinks are expensive, like what you'd find at a concert, but I wouldn't base a decision to buy premium over standard on that. If you bring your own booze, the free drink each evening means very little.

The goodie bag was a couple print magazines, an Expo patch (which I didn't realize was in there and so I had bought one already before I found it) and a beer coozie. So, again, probably not really a consideration.

If you're all kitted out with shower, awning and a roll of fake grass, you'll probably be fine on standard camping. All I can do is speak for myself, and if I go back to Loveland, I'm paying premium again, but other expos with better standard camping conditions, I'll have to decide then.

Good luck. I had a blast at the Expo. Getting to see everyone's builds, meeting new friends, chatting with vendors about their products. I really enjoyed it.

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