Coach & Bus UK 2023 cancelled

Event organiser announces the cancellation and looks towards a full-scale exhibition in 2024

The statement issued by event organisers, Diversified Communications, reads:

In the face of rising vehicle manufacturer withdrawals and attendee concerns, the organiser behind Coach & Bus UK has announced that the show, which was due to take place on 8-9 November in Birmingham, has been cancelled. 

Diversified Communications Event Director, Helen Conway says: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that Coach & Bus UK will not take place as planned this November.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we understand the significance of the situation. For our exhibitors – who fund the show and rely on the increased business that it generates; for our visitors – who utilise the show to learn, to network, and to plan business developments, and to the wider coach and bus industry.

“We feel this decision is in the best interests of our exhibitors, partners and attendees, and that it is the right step to protect the long-term success of the industry’s premier meeting place.”

The decision has been driven by an unprecedented and exceptional combination of external factors. First, the many industry forces affecting new vehicle production that is impacting on manufacturers’ needs to exhibit this year. These include supply chain difficulties, full order books, significant business model changes and budget constraints following the pandemic.

“Second is our responsibility to deliver returns for our exhibitors. A lack of vehicles at the show is likely to impact visitor footfall, and we don’t feel that is a risk we can take.

“Third is meeting the expectations of our visitors, who have well-based preconceptions of the size and scale of the show from its long-standing history of success. 

“We know that this will come as a disappointment to suppliers, operators, and the wider coach and bus community who were looking forward to attending. ‘The show must go on’ is in our DNA, and this is the first time that we won’t be providing an annual industry trade show outside of the pandemic. However, by taking this decision, we can focus on delivering a brilliant Euro Bus Expo in 2024, that represents the full breadth of the sector.”

Reactions from the industry

Responses from show stakeholders illustrate the communal disappointment about the cancellation, but also affirm strong support and optimism for future events.

Graham Vidler, CEO of the industry trade body and show partner, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) says: “I know our colleagues at Diversified Communications have thought long and hard about cancelling this year’s Coach & Bus UK. It’s the right decision, as it gives manufacturers and suppliers the space to adapt to current market challenges. We look forward to a bigger and better showcase for the industry next year.”

Simon Collins, UK Coach Sales Manager at Pelican Bus and Coach says: “We respect the organiser’s decision after reflecting on the industry as a whole and appreciate that it is adapting to the needs of the industry. We will undoubtedly be exhibiting at next year’s event.”

Steve Low, Managing Director at Mistral says: “Mistral has been an enthusiastic supporter of Coach & Bus UK over the years, seeing it as a great opportunity to meet our customers and the wider industry in a different more relaxed environment. It’s a shame that this year’s show is unable to go ahead, which reflects the difficult position that the wider economy finds itself in at the moment. We look forward to participating in next year’s show and playing our part in getting the industry back together.”

Says David Hull, Associate Director at Wrightsure: “It is unfortunate, but understandable that this year’s show has been cancelled. The events are important to our business, so we are committed to exhibiting in 2024.”

Says Claire Phillips, Sales Director at Alfatronix Ltd: “I am sorry to hear of the cancellation. It’s imperative to have a meeting place for industry colleagues to come together – to showcase their latest product innovation to prospective customers, or simply to have a coffee with an old friend. It is rare we can all be together in the same place at the same time. Personally, it’s an event I look forward to. Thank you to the organising team for their efforts in advance of regrettably cancelling the show as the only option.”

Says Penny Moore, PHVC’s Sales Support Manager: “As a longstanding supporter and customer, we always look forward to the annual showcase.  While we completely understand the reasons behind this decision, it’s sad to hear the news.

Ms Moore continues: “We do recognise the challenges faced by our industry over the last few years since the pandemic. But it is still crucial to also recognise the resilience and adaptability that we have shown, and the dedication to maintain as much satisfaction for our customers as possible. We are confident that we will all bounce back stronger than ever before and extend our support and understanding to the show organisers. We eagerly await next year’s event, and until then continue to navigate these challenging waters, until we emerge victorious.”

2024 showcase to be ‘full-scale, bigger and better’

Event Director, Helen Conway adds: “We know these circumstances are temporary and are absolutely confident the industry will bounce back. Though this year’s event will no longer take place, we continue to strive towards our purpose – to connect the industry and support its growth. We’ll be back doing what we do best in 2024.

“In the meantime, we’re consulting with manufacturers, suppliers, and visitors about future developments, and are looking forward to hosting a full-scale, bigger and better exhibition next year, that will be a true representation of the sector.

“We’ll share the details of our plans soon. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing the industry out in force at the routeone Awards this November. Based on the number of entries we’ve received it’s shaping up to be an excellent event, with exceptional turnout.”

Save the date for next year’s exhibition

Operators, suppliers and industry professionals are urged to save the date for next year’s best opportunity to come together, learn, strategise, and discover what’s new and next in the sector: Euro Bus Expo, 12-14 November 2024.

To book tickets for the routeone Awards, taking place at Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 8 November 2023, visit https://routeoneawards.com/.

For further information about Euro Bus Expo, visit www.eurobusxpo.com.

#ENDS