While we can be upset over the fact that nobody from OB leadership was there, we must not overlook, but realize that specific topic blogs, and websites that promote input from outside from the general public that are interested in a myriad pf activities are also commercial ventures for those that start, and oversee them. We, the contributors and readers of such blogsites are the "product" that sell and make the money for the sites. We contribute our thoughts topical posts, and keep the website alive in our resultant comments, and topical interest headers for those that run the sites. I am not making excuses for why we didn't meet and see the "powers that be" there, but for whatever their reasons, they missed an opporuntiy to further their interests, and goals.
Aside from that, I must say that the few folks I met while attending shared many laughs, conversation, food, drink, and good times at Overland Expo East (at least for me), and made for the entire experience of joining this site worth it. "Management" not being there was slightly disappointing, but the few Overland Bound folks I met and hung out with the entire 4 days are I.M.H.O., friends for life, ones that share the mutual enjoyment in the outdoors and traveling as we all do in our style.
That is, and was the important take away for me in attending, and I hope that we can get more of us together next year if we can get our act together beforehand, to make it happen.
Just my 2 cents....
Cheers.