Euro Bus Expo is set to be bigger and better next year as leading figures in an evolving industry back move
Leading figures in the coach and bus sectors have reacted positively to the news that Euro Bus Expo will become the single UK-based industry flagship exhibition, taking place every other autumn at the NEC, Birmingham.
After several months of consultation with key stakeholders, Diversified Communications, organiser of Euro Bus Expo and Coach & Bus UK, decided to move away from the previous alternating format in favour of holding one bigger and better biennial show.
A meeting last month of an advisory panel of leading manufacturers and exhibitors confirmed that significant changes in the industry mean a two-yearly focus would best suit the market’s needs.
With great interest already shown in the 2024 event, due to take place on 12-14 November, the show will move into new halls (17-19) to allow for expansion. The routeone Awards, which will next take place on 8 November 2023 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, will remain annual and, every other year, be held in conjunction with Euro Bus Expo.
Diversified Communications Group Director Helen Conway says: “As part of our evaluation of the market, we hosted an advisory group to collaborate with some of our key event stakeholders. It was a valuable exercise, that gave great insight into how the market changes we’ve seen over the last few years are likely to develop.
“While there is, without question, a strong demand and enthusiasm for exhibitions, we have determined that a biennial frequency would be best suited to the market’s needs, and in keeping with the pattern for new vehicle releases.
“Changing to a two-year frequency and taking Coach & Bus UK out of the calendar will place more importance on attending Euro Bus Expo, attracting more exhibitors and all the latest vehicle and product launches. Ultimately, it will showcase the full extent of the industry.
“We feel very positive about this change because we know we are delivering what the industry wants, and we can stage a brilliant exhibition every two years. We’ll continue to closely collaborate with suppliers and operators to ensure that Euro Bus Expo best meets their needs.”
Key figures in the industry are supporting the move. Dirk Snauwaert, Van Hool Communications Manager, says: “The organiser has had to make a difficult decision by not running a yearly trade show. However, Euro Bus Expo is an extremely important event for us and will enable us and the industry to get together every two years to showcase our latest products to the UK market. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2024.”
Andrew Blundell, Irizar UK Managing Director, adds: “With digitisation reshaping marketing channels, moving the industry trade show to a two-year cycle will protect the integrity and value of the event for both exhibitors and visitors, creating a showcase event which our industry will look forward too with eager anticipation.”
A spokesperson for Wrightbus agrees, adding: “A combined coach and bus show every two years will serve the industry players well to promote sales and innovation.”
Simon Collins, Pelican Bus and Coach Sales Manager (Coaches) likewise comments: “Pelican Bus and Coach is pleased to learn that Euro Bus Expo has now become a biennial event. Anticipating our continued participation in this pivotal industry showcase!”
EVM Sales and Marketing Director Peter Flynn adds: “Reducing the frequency of the shows to every second year will serve to enhance the quality and innovation of the vehicles we present to our customers.”
As vehicle manufacturers prepare to exhibit at Euro Bus Expo 2024, other key industry suppliers are similarly looking forward to the chance to showcase their products and services, benefit from the seminar programme or network with the leading players in the industry.
Andrew Fraser, Distinctive Systems Sales Director, says: “The announcement of one major industry show every two years is a positive move. It brings certainty to the market and will make Euro Bus Expo an even better show for visitors and exhibitors alike.”
Graham Vidler, CEO of official show partner the Confederation of Passenger Transport, adds: “In this ever-changing environment for operators and suppliers, it is positive news that Euro Bus Expo will become the UK’s standalone showpiece exhibition from 2024. The move will give exhibitors and stakeholders the certainty needed to make this industry-leading event the very best showcase for the sector.”
The future of coach and bus trade shows: Sustainable, valuable, and productive
Tim Deakin
A rescheduling of UK coach and bus trade shows to biennial format will have come as a surprise to some. But the decision is based on a dose of post-2020 reality. The industry has changed since then, and it will not return to where it once was.
Adjusting show frequency and bringing it into line with other major coach and bus exhibitions elsewhere is the right approach. The path was taken after consultation with many exhibitors. Each supported the proposal. Some donated time to the debate by travelling to an in-person meeting to discuss future direction. All agree that this is the right move.
An expanded horizon between shows allows participants more time to take stock. For exhibitors, it will foster greater scope for innovation in vehicles, services and products at each event. That will filter through to visitors. They will find an enhanced volume of new-to-market developments sitting close to the established and trusted range of sector essentials for which Euro Bus Expo and Coach & Bus UK had become renowned.
In the meantime, Diversified Communications works hard to ensure that Euro Bus Expo 2024 will set a new standard for coach and bus industry trade shows. Industry appetite for the revised approach is clear. Many significant names are on 2024’s floorplan already.
As the sector moves into a new phase for its UK showcases, this shift will lead the way to a sustainable, valuable, and productive future for all of those who exhibit and visit.
For more on Euro Bus Expo 2024, visit www.eurobusxpo.com
