Show shake-up: Coach and Bus UK scrapped entirely
Organiser drops show from calendar following ‘significant changes to the industry landscape’
Trade show Coach and Bus UK has been cancelled entirely.
Show organiser Diversified Communications announces its UK trade events will change to a biennial frequency from 2024. This leaves just Euro Bus Expo out of the two bus and coach exhibitions, taking place every other year. The next one will be in 2024 at its usual location of the NEC, Birmingham.
Following what it describes as significant changes to the industry landscape over the last few years, Diversified Communications has been reflecting on the most conducive model for its coach and bus trade events.
The news follows the announcement in July that biennial Coach and Bus UK had been cancelled due to dwindling exhibitors, and no major coach manufacturer attending.
“…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” – Group Director, Helen Conway
Group Director, Helen Conway, said: “As part 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.”
Plans for the 2024 edition of Euro Bus Expo, which takes place from 12-14 November at the NEC Birmingham, are well underway. The organiser reports firm demand for exhibition space from vehicle manufacturers and product suppliers. With this and future growth plans in mind, the show will be moving into new halls (17-19), which the organiser says should allow for expansion into periphery halls as required.
Says Helen: “We’re excited about plans for the 2024 event. We’re collaborating with an operator advisory panel to develop a seminar program that delivers real value, and we’ll be introducing new ways to connect buyers with sellers.”
“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″ – Graham Vidler, CEO of the Confederation of Passenger Transport
Graham Vidler, CEO of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “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.”