Built Not Bought Campers

Saturday

• 12:00 | Female selfbuilders panel | Simone Stewart & Kim Anderson & Ashley Azzurro & Heidi Joanne

  Join a panel of talented female van builders and creators as they share their journeys into the world of self-builds and life on the road. From first-time DIYers to experienced converters, this inspiring and honest discussion breaks down barriers, challenges stereotypes, and shows what’s possible. Expect real stories, practical advice, and plenty of encouragement for anyone thinking about building their own van - no matter their background or experience.
  
  You’ll learn:
  How these women got started in van conversions
  The biggest challenges they faced—and how they overcame them
  Essential skills and confidence tips for first-time builders
  Common myths about women in DIY and van building
  Advice for starting your own self-build project

• 13:00 | BlueFix Energy | Self sufficient electrical systems

  Want to go off-grid with confidence? In this practical workshop, the experts from BlueFix Energy Solutions break down how to design and install a reliable, self-sufficient electrical system for your van. From solar panels and batteries to inverters and charging setups, this session will help you understand how everything works together - so you can power your adventures without compromise.
  
  Whether you're planning a full self-build or upgrading your current setup, this is your chance to learn from specialists and get your questions answered.
  
  You’ll learn:
  The core components of an off-grid electrical system
  How to choose the right battery, solar and inverter setup
  How to calculate your power needs and usage
  Safe installation tips and common mistakes to avoid
  How to future-proof your system for upgrades

• 14:00 | Self Built Stories | Building an Endless Recirculating Shower in a Campervan

  Thinking of having a shower in your van but worried about whether it will use too much water to be worthwhile? Have you ever heard of a recirculating shower and wanted to know more? Tim and Abi from Self Built Stories will take you through the design of the recirculating shower they built in their van, how it works, what it’s like to actually use it, and how they keep it maintained to be able to enjoy endless hot showers on the road!

• 15:00 |Touring with the Kids | Turning a lorry into a home

  What happens when you swap bricks and mortar for life on the road with a family? In this inspiring session, hear the story behind converting a lorry into a fully functional family home - and what it’s really like travelling with kids in tow. From the build process to daily routines, schooling, storage and staying sane in a small space, this honest and practical talk covers the highs, the challenges, and everything in between.
  
  You’ll learn:
  How to design a layout that works for family life
  Key considerations when converting a larger vehicle like a lorry
  Tips for travelling, schooling and keeping kids entertained
  Storage hacks and space-saving ideas for family living
  The realities of full-time vanlife with children

• 16:00 | VanWiz (Matt) & Tom (bFRANK) | The Highs, Lows & Hard Truths of Van Conversions with VanWiz

  Thinking about building your own van? Learn from someone who’s been through it all. In this candid and insightful session, Matt from VanWiz shares the real story behind van builds - the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. From costly mistakes to burnout and everything in between, this is an honest look at what it really takes to complete a build and enjoy the journey.
  
  Whether you're just starting out or mid-project, Matt’s experience will help you avoid common pitfalls and approach your build with confidence (and sanity!).
  
  You’ll learn:
  The most common mistakes new builders make - and how to avoid them
  What Matt wishes he knew before starting his builds
  How to manage time, budget and expectations
  Tips for staying motivated and avoiding burnout
  The realities of the build process - the good, the bad and the unexpected

• 17:00 | Guy (The Fat Pony Workshop) - Trucking Beautiful: From 9–5 to Off-Grid Living

  Eight years ago I took the leap from working a mundane 9-5 in the search of something more.  So I converted a truck… not really knowing what I was doing or where it would lead.

  That truck ended up becoming my full-time home and forged the path of a new career.

  In this talk, I’ll share the full journey  from designing and building a 7.5 tonne off-grid home, to what it actually takes to live in one day to day. I’ll cover the build itself: layout, materials, power, heating, and water systems  along with the mistakes and lessons learned along the way.

  But it’s not just about the build.

  It’s about choosing a different way of living. Questioning what “home” really means, and what happens when you step away from the conventional path to create something more self-sufficient and hands-on.

  It’s not all sunsets and scenic park-ups either, it’s cold winters, the constant battle with power, and the harsh realities of full time vanlife.

  An honest look at building, living, and backing yourself to do something a bit different.

Sunday

• 12:00 | John and Mandy | Beginner’s Guide to Self-Converted Vans: Where to Start Your Van Build Journey

  Join John and Mandy as they share their years of experience living in and building vans. This talk covers choosing the right base van, selecting layouts, planning your electrics, and key decisions like hot water and future-proofing—giving you a solid starting point for your self-build adventure.

• 13:00 | Jon (Life beyond Bricks) | Electrical Safety Workshop

  Electrical systems are one of the most important - and potentially dangerous—parts of any van conversion. In this essential workshop, Jon from Life Beyond Bricks breaks down how to approach your electrics safely and correctly, helping you avoid costly (and risky) mistakes. From planning your system to safe installation and ongoing checks, this session is packed with practical advice to give you peace of mind when building or upgrading your van.
  
  Whether you're tackling your first build or refining an existing setup, this is a must-attend for anyone working with van electrics.
  
  You’ll learn:
  Key safety principles when installing van electrics
  Common wiring mistakes and how to avoid them
  Best practice for fuses, circuits and system protection
  How to safely test and maintain your electrical setup

• 14:00 | VanWiz (Matt) | Using the Right Tools for the Job with VanWiz

  Not sure which tools you actually need for a van build - or how to use them safely? In this practical demonstration, Matt from VanWiz walks you through the essential tools every self-builder should know, showing you how to use them correctly and confidently. From cutting and fixing to measuring and finishing, this session will help you understand which tools are right for each stage of the build—and how to avoid costly mistakes.
  
  Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your skills, this is a hands-on guide to working smarter (and safer).
  
  You’ll learn:
  The must-have tools for a van conversion
  Which tools to use for different stages of the build
  How to use tools safely and effectively
  Common tool mistakes (and how to avoid them)
  Practical tips to improve accuracy and finish

• 15:00 | Carl (Built Not Bought Campers) & Special Guests | Ask the Builders | Your Van Conversion Questions Answered

  Got questions about building your own van? This is your chance to ask them. Join Carl from Built Not Bought Campers alongside a panel of experienced self-builders for an open, no-filter Q&A session covering all aspects of van conversions.

  Whether you're planning your first build, stuck mid-project or looking to improve your setup, bring your questions and get honest, real-world advice from people who’ve been through it all. From layouts and electrics to budgets, tools and common mistakes—no topic is off limits.

  You’ll learn:

  Answers to your specific van build questions
  Real-world advice from experienced self-builders
  Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
  Different approaches to layouts, systems and materials
  Practical tips you can apply to your own build

  Perfect for:
  First-time builders, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone currently working on a van conversion