Euro Bus Expo Masterclass Theatre speakers confirmed
The Masterclass Theatre speaker programme for Euro Bus Expo has been announced by event organiser Diversified Communications.
Drawing expertise from a variety of segments, those individuals will talk about a wide range of industry-relevant subjects on all three days of the trade show, which will be held at the NEC Birmingham between 1-3 November. They will explore the challenges, opportunities and trends that lie ahead for coach and bus.
Set to be present at Euro Bus Expo alongside the Masterclass Theatre will be over 200 exhibitors and 80 vehicles. A strong attendance from visitors from within the industry is expected, including local authorities. Individuals intending to visit can register for free tickets here.
Says Event Director Helen Conway: “With just over two weeks to go, we are excited to reveal more details of the inspiring leaders and world-class innovators at Euro Bus Expo. With opportunity to network, and to learn how to enhance the passenger experience and business efficiency, the show is the place to connect with suppliers, industry professionals and fellow operators.”
The keynote address on Wednesday 2 November will be delivered by Under-Secretary of State for Transport Baroness Vere. On the same day, Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt will also address visitors.
The full speaker programme is as follows:
Day one, Tuesday 1 November
The power of persuasion: World authority on influence and persuasion Peter Hesketh – author of two Amazon number one bestsellers – will share insights to inspire operators to win hearts, minds and new customers through understanding seven key psychological drivers.
Understanding your customer: Marketing strategist and founder of Katchi Marketing Kate Chidzik will deliver strategies for marketing to different demographics, with a focus on the values-driven, proactive and digitally native Generation Z.
Zero Emission Coach Taskforce – identifying the challenges to destination zero: Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Policy Manager Rebecca Kite will report on the findings of the Zero Emission Coach Taskforce, which brings together operators, vehicle OEMs, energy, finance and infrastructure providers, and government representatives.
Zero Emission Coach Taskforce – overcoming the challenges to destination zero: Following the above session, a roundtable discussion will help to form phase two of the Taskforce’s work. It seeks to identify possible solutions, collaborations and requirements for the zero-emission coach transition. Taskforce Chair Ian Luckett will lead the session, supported by Daniel Hayes, Zemo Partnership Programme Manager, Hafsa Ameen of Zeelo, and Sukky Choongh and Will Reeves from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Day two, Wednesday 2 November
Keynote: Under-Secretary of State for Transport Baroness Vere: Lady Vere will open with a tour of the government’s priorities for the coach and bus industry.
Compliance: Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt: Mr Turfitt will examine processing times for O-Licence applications, and compliance – including key legislative requirements, common pitfalls and the importance of continuous professional development.
Working in partnership: Jeff Counsell: Managing Director of Trentbarton and Kinchbus, Mr Counsell will share the success story of operators and a local authority working together to secure £47m of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.
Tackling the driver shortage: Richard Grey and Alex Hornby: Mr Grey, MD of coach operator Greys of Ely, and Mr Hornby, CEO of Transdev Blazefield, will explore the causes and consequences of, and possible solutions to, the driver shortage.
Infrastructure for the Future – starting the conversation: A panel discussion will outline factors to consider when adopting new infrastructure, including funding, depot planning, power demand profiling, grid connection, engaging with distribution network operators, and installation. Taking part will be Daniel Hayes of Zemo Partnership; Michael Kent of Enel X; Daniel Hilson on Evenergi; and Neil Madgwick of UK Power Network.
Day two, Thursday 3 November
Advantages of zero-emission vehicles for SMEs: Association of Local Bus Managers Network members Austin Blackburn, MD of Go-Coach, and Jane Cole, MD of Blackpool Transport, will speak about the pros and cons of zero-emission vehicles for small- and medium-sized businesses. They will consider whether there is a route for those operators to follow and what support is required to avoid higher fares or service reductions.
How can big data deliver better businesses and better services? How can big data improve profitability, efficiency and productivity will be explored by CPT Cymru Director Josh Miles, who will talk with coach start-up Ember co-founder Keith Bradbury, and representatives of technology providers including Daniel Chick of Zipabout and Dave Joshua of Optibus.
Innovation Challenge: Pitches and results: The Innovation Challenge (detailed here) will allow visitors to Euro Bus Expo to discover new products and services. Exhibitor entries will be displayed in the Innovation Challenge gallery, where visitors will vote for their favourite on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 November. Suppliers of the innovations with the most votes will then each deliver a 90-second pitch to attendees and a panel of judges.
Switch Mobility to assess potential for e1 in UK market
Switch Mobility will show its heavyweight e1 battery-electric single-deck bus (pictured) at Euro Bus Expo as it evaluates whether the model will suit the UK market. It will be one of three zero-emission buses on the manufacturer’s stand at the trade show.
The e1 debuted in left-hand drive form earlier in 2022. It will be such an example that is presented at the NEC. Switch initially did not plan to build the e1 for the UK, but Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer Peter Freedman says that in the meantime, interest has been received from potential customers here.
“This will be a good opportunity to show the UK bus industry what the future of our vehicles looks like,” he explains. “We have already seen a lot of interest in the e1.”
Mr Freedman adds that building the e1 in right-hand drive format is reliant on a suitable enabling order from an operator partner. Transitioning the vehicle from its current layout to one that would suit domestic users is reasonably easy, he notes.
Alongside the e1 on the Switch Mobility stand at Euro Bus Expo will be a pair of battery-electric Metrocitys. One will be an 8.7m example and the other a 10.8m model. Updated batteries will form part of the Metrocity line-up.
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Switch Mobility will be on stand A50.
Comprehensive Yutong display for Euro Bus Expo
Pelican Bus and Coach will have its range of current Yutong coaches and buses on show at Euro Bus Expo, with the Castleford dealership’s Managing Director Richard Crump describing the event as “a celebration” of the industry.
Within the indoor space will be a battery-electric TCe12 coach for Coatham Coaches; a mid-sized, rear-engined TC9 in PSVAR ready format for Mainline Coaches of South Wales; a GT12 tourer for a customer to be confirmed; and an E12 battery-electric bus.
During Euro Bus Expo, the latter vehicle will be formally handed over to Carmarthenshire County Council, where it will be used on the TrawsCymru network.
It is one of eight such buses that are equipped with dual CCS2 DC charging sockets to allow rapid battery replenishment, Lazzerini coach-style seats and the Journeo Edge intelligent gateway for cloud-connected services. Head of Yutong Sales Ian Downie has described the batch as “very high specification vehicles” that have been completed by Pelican Bus and Coach in the UK.
In addition to the vehicles on static display at Euro Bus Expo, Pelican will have a second Yutong TCe12 battery-electric coach available for demonstration to operators in the interactive Zero Emission Zone outside the halls.
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Pelican Bus and Coach will be on stand C10.