In January, CPT will host the first ever UK Coach and Bus Conference to share best practice and insight
2020 has certainly been a year where events have changed quickly.
In a few short months we have seen the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and a range of restrictions come and go, including both national and regional lockdowns.
As well as affecting how we all go about our daily lives, the pandemic has also meant that passenger demand for buses has significantly reduced – and all but gone for coach. Hopefully 2021 will be the year where we see demand return as restrictions are able to be eased, and we can get back to something that approaches normal life.
With this in mind, it is vital that, at the beginning of next year, we take stock of the year ahead and look to ensure that operators are equipped with the information they need to navigate what will, one way or another, be a unique year.
Therefore, I’m delighted to announce that in January the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) will be hosting the first ever UK Coach and Bus Conference. Next year’s online event, on 12 and 13 January, is the first in what we plan to be an annual event, attended by hundreds of coach and bus operators, key stakeholders and suppliers to the industry from across the country.
The conference will share best practice and insight to tackle issues head on that will allow the industry to play a full part in the coronavirus COVID-19 recovery and challenge operators to think about how they can rebuild their business and potentially do things differently. While the event in January will be held online, I hope that subsequent events will become a focal point for the industry to come together to meet in person and discuss the year ahead.
“it is vital that, at the beginning of next year, we take stock of the year ahead and look to ensure that operators are equipped with the information they need”
We have worked with members to create a programme with a range of exciting and interesting speakers. This includes Transport Minister Baroness Vere, who will provide a keynote address on day one on the government’s vision for both coaches and buses. CPT President-Elect, Jane Cole, will lead a session on the benefits of diversity and mental wellbeing among our workforces: Topics which, whatever the circumstances of next year, are critical to the industry’s future success.
Leading industry figures will discuss how they are adapting their businesses, coach and bus, to accommodate changing passenger requirements and experts from sectors we serve – such as high street retail and major tourist attractions – will give their insights into changing demand. CPT President Steve Whiteway will provide a focus on coach tourism, chairing a session which examines how the sector may change as a result of the pandemic.
Full details, including how to register for what will be a free event for CPT members, will be available next week so keep an eye on your inbox. If you do want further details before then, including information on partnership opportunities, please contact CPT’s membership team on membership@cpt-uk.org
I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to what should be an engaging and informative couple of days.
