Euro Bus Expo launches Innovation Challenge 2022
New feature celebrates the best new products and services driving the sector forward
The Innovation Challenge will make its Euro Bus Expo debut at the NEC Birmingham on 1-3 November. Bringing together the most notable product and service developments from across the industry, it gives visitors the opportunity to quickly and easily discover what’s new and next in a sector rife with innovation.
The next wave of ideas
The Challenge will highlight the most significant new initiatives from hundreds of leading and emerging brands exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo. Among these, visitors will discover innovations that could be the key to cutting costs, driving productivity, and unlocking future growth for their businesses.
Euro Bus Expo is a proven platform to find out about the latest products available. It attracts thousands of bus, coach and mini-vehicle operators, local authorities and stakeholders to find out about new initiatives, from energy-efficient vehicles, through technology, equipment, accessories, and business services.
After the last event, Robert Williams, chief executive officer of Reading Buses said: “I always enjoy attending the show to see the latest innovations and developments, gather new ideas and meet suppliers. There’s nothing like having all the options under one roof to help shape our buying decisions.”
Exclusive to exhibitors
Exhibiting suppliers are invited to enter their product or service launching at Euro Bus Expo, or in the 24 months prior, which they feel deserves recognition for innovation.
Says event director Helen Conway: “Following its successful launch at Coach & Bus UK in 2019, the Innovation Challenge celebrates new products and services from across the industry.
“As well as giving visitors a convenient way to discover all the latest initiatives, the challenge is an extra opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the very best of their work and highlight the importance it has on shaping the future of our sector.”
Judged by the industry
Entries will be displayed in the Innovation Challenge Gallery, where visitors will vote for their favourites on the first and second days of the show. Suppliers of innovations with the most votes will deliver a 90-second pitch of their product or service to a panel of industry judges and visitors in the Masterclass Theatre.
The judges will award bronze, silver or gold award certificates, and winners can relish the moment of having one of the most innovative products or services at Euro Bus Expo 2022.
Judges include Phil Hitchen, MD of Belle Vue Coaches; Chloe Leach-O’Connell, MD of Leach-O’Connell Consultancy; Jon Eardley, MD at Abellio London; Tom Morgan, group commercial director at trentbarton; and Josh Miles, director CPT Cymru at Confederation of Passenger Transport UK.
Says John Clarfelt, former CEO at Ticketer: “I highly recommend entering if you are looking to launch a new product or service. We were excited to be involved in the Innovation Challenge at Coach & Bus UK 2019.
“It was a chance to get in front of the whole exhibition audience and showcase something we are proud of, which could really benefit the industry. Reaching the finals and winning the gold award was naturally a bonus.”
Free registration
Click here to register for a free trade pass.
Exhibiting opportunities
The Innovation Challenge is one of many exclusive benefits for Euro Bus Expo exhibitors. The show is the largest UK based exhibition dedicated to the bus and coach industry, attracting decision makers from the largest operators through to owners and managing directors at the smallest family-run businesses.
For exhibiting enquiries, contact Martin Laverton on [email protected].
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Registration and media enquiries to:
Jacqui Trayford, Marketing Manager
Christina Glenister, Marketing Director
Exhibition sales enquiries to:
Martin Laverton, Sales Manager
07793 440281
Event enquiries to:
Helen Conway, Event Director
Press registration
Click here to apply for a press pass.
*This press release was updated on 2 September 2022
Diversified Communications UK Ltd (Diversified UK) is a fast-growing trade event organiser and publisher based in Brighton. Diversified UK’s transport & travel portfolio includes Euro Bus Expo; Coach & Bus UK; routeone magazine; routeone Awards; British Tourism & Travel Show; and the British Coach Tourism Awards. For more information, visit: www.divcom.co.uk.
Diversified UK is part of Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: travel and tourism, food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.
Fleets of the Future at the Industry’s Flagship Trade Event
After a three year wait, the bus and coach industry is eagerly anticipating the return of its principal trade show, Euro Bus Expo, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 1-3 November. The major exhibition, which needs no introduction to the industry it serves, is set to return with a renewed vigour and spotlights on innovation, decarbonisation, and the future of passenger transport.
This year’s event is set to be the most important yet, with new features designed to showcase ground-breaking product and service developments spanning the entire supply chain, not least the latest buses, coaches, midi- and mini- vehicles.
With strong support from leading manufacturers, converters and dealers, the show is expected to bring together 100+ vehicles from marques including Alexander Dennis (which will be displaying its double-deck hydrogen fuel cell-electric Enviro400FCEV), BASE Coach Sales, Equipmake, G M Coachwork, Ilesbus, Irizar UK, London Hire, MAN Truck & Bus, Nu-Track, Pelican Bus and Coach, PHVC Minibus & Fleet Suppliers, Scania (Great Britain) Ltd, Stanford Coachworks, Switch Mobility, Treka Bus and Volvo Group (UK) Ltd.
The road to net zero
Following the success of its debut at Coach & Bus UK 2019, the Zero Emission Zone will give visitors the opportunity to experience fleets of the future first-hand. The Zone will highlight the latest vehicles designed to entirely decarbonise passenger travel, to support the UK’s goal to reach net zero by 2050.
Alexander Dennis, Equipmake, London Hire, Pelican Bus and Coach, Switch Mobility and Volvo Group are just some of the big names that will be demonstrating vehicles in the dedicated Zone – with more to be announced soon.
Says Graham Vidler, CEO of industry trade association and official show partner, Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT): “With the road to net zero at the top of the political agenda, operators and manufacturers know how crucial it is that we act now to achieve ambitious targets and tackle climate change. It is great to see that Euro Bus Expo will be looking closely at how our industry can play its part in decarbonising transport. The event is an industry staple that has been sorely missed - this year will be an opportunity to reconnect and continue to have important discussions around the top challenges facing us today.”
Plans are already well underway for vehicle demonstrations. Says first time Euro Bus Expo exhibitor Ian Foley, managing director at Equipmake: “We are looking forward to meeting new and existing clients, and will be showcasing our electric double deck Jewel E in partnership with Beulas and Agrale, built to a provincial specification with a collaborative operator.”
Visitors will also be able to experience one of the Yutong battery-electric models from Pelican Bus and Coach, and the latest range from Switch Mobility. These demonstrations will not only showcase the carbon neutral credentials of the vehicles, but also the very latest features designed to improve the passenger experience, encourage use of public transport, and lower operating costs.
Says Peter Freedman, chief marketing and sustainability officer at Switch Mobility: “Euro Bus Expo has always been a standout bus and coach exhibition and the focus on zero emission buses this year fits with the emphasis we are placing on zero carbon transportation. We look forward to being able to demonstrate how a move to electric vehicles can reduce the total cost of bus ownership.”
Emerging technologies, product and service innovations
An anticipated 270 exhibitors will be showcasing everything needed to run a fleet of buses, coaches, midi- and mini- vehicles. With developments ongoing up and down the supply chain, innovation will be a big theme this year.
Prominent technology suppliers including Alfatronix, CitySwift, Distinctive Systems, Flowbird Transport Intelligence, Freeway Fleet Systems, Geotab UK, Icomera UK, INIT, Jema, Journeo, MiX Telematics Europe, NotLost, Passenger Technology Group, Rise Digital Media, Roeville, Streamax, Ticketer, Timespace Technology, TransMach Systems and Webfleet are among the plethora of exhibitors already confirmed.
Of course, innovation isn’t limited to technology. To highlight the latest great ideas driving the sector forward - benefitting operating businesses and passengers alike – the show will see the introduction of the Innovation Challenge (first debuted at Coach & Bus UK 2019). Visitors will be voting for their favourite new initiatives, with exhibitors taking the stage in the Masterclass Theatre to pitch their new products and services.
World-class seminar programme
As well as helping to launch thousands of new vehicles and products onto the market, Euro Bus Expo is renowned for its free seminar programme. The Masterclass Theatre will once again host a range of expert speakers who will share the latest need-to-know information and perspectives from across the sector. Leading industry bodies and operators will discuss the latest hot topics in a variety of keynotes, presentations, and panel discussions. Previous speakers have included representatives from CPT, DVSA, Transport Focus, Transport for London, Zemo Partnership; and operators including Go-Ahead Group, Greys of Ely and Transdev Blazefield.
An unmissable opportunity to reconnect
Euro Bus Expo attracts 9,000 professionals, and this year will be no exception as the industry comes together for its first major gathering in over 3 years. Says event director Helen Conway: “The show is vital to the bus and coach industry, who will undoubtably be out in force for its return. Visitors will discover all the latest insights, technologies, products, and services needed to enhance their business and reduce fleet emissions. It’s centrally located, easily accessible, and surrounded by options for networking into the evening – including the co-located routeone Awards. It’s simply an unmissable opportunity to reconnect.”
Exhibiting opportunities
Euro Bus Expo is the largest UK coach, bus and mini vehicle exhibition, a key fixture on the industry’s calendar, and always a sell-out. If you haven’t already secured your stand, contact Sales Manager Martin Laverton on [email protected].
Media enquiries to:
Jacqui Trayford, Marketing Manager
Christina Glenister, Group Marketing Manager
Event enquiries to:
Helen Conway, Event Director
Exhibition sales enquiries to:
Martin Laverton, Sales Manager
07793 440281
Notes:
2022 logo: https://eurobusxpo.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EBE22-logo_BLUE-DATE.png
Image Gallery: https://eurobusxpo.com/gallery/
Diversified Communications UK Ltd (Diversified UK) is a fast-growing trade event organiser and publisher based in Brighton. Diversified UK’s transport & travel portfolio includes Euro Bus Expo; Coach & Bus UK; routeone magazine; routeone Awards; British Tourism & Travel Show; and the British Coach Tourism Awards. For more information, visit: www.divcom.co.uk.
Diversified UK is part of Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: travel and tourism, food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.
Euro Bus Expo postponed until 2022
Euro Bus Expo organiser Diversified Communications UK today confirms that the event has regrettably been postponed until 2022.
The organiser has made the difficult decision to reschedule Euro Bus Expo for a further 12 months following consultation with its show partner, exhibitors, and visitors. The major UK-based showcase for the coach, bus and mini vehicle sector will now take place on 1-3 November 2022 at the NEC Birmingham.
In tandem with the premier trade event, the highly esteemed routeone Awards has also been postponed and will next take place on 2 November 2022 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
The decision to postpone the events has been brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been much further reaching than anyone first anticipated and is having a huge impact on the sector.
Says Event Director Helen Conway: “The decision to postpone was particularly difficult given the show of support from visitors, exhibitors and partners. Over 90% of exhibitors and visitors rated Euro Bus Expo as being important to their business in a survey completed over the last two weeks. This confidence in our events and their standing within the industry places emphasis on the importance of meeting our stakeholders’ expectations.”
Feedback from the industry and its best interests overall were central to the decision being made, with survey participants suggesting the event should be postponed for another year. The new dates provide the time needed to focus on recovery, while also giving planning security to all stakeholders, and meeting trend-based buying cycles. The new dates will also ensure that when the events return, they will do so with vigour and a renewed focus on future growth and development.
The move, which follows similar announcements from other major trade events in the sector, is supported by show partner, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK. Says CPT’s CEO, Graham Vidler: “Euro Bus Expo is the premier trade event that offers a great opportunity to bring the industry together. However, with the pandemic continuing to affect the coach and bus sector, we fully support our partners at Diversified Communications UK in having to make this difficult but most sensible decision to postpone the event until November 2022.
"We look forward to coming together again in brighter times. In the meantime, we will continue to work with operators and suppliers as we collectively navigate the challenges ahead."
Helen continues: “We will look ahead to next year’s events with a new energy, and the confidence that they will be safe, economically feasible, well attended, and will live up to their enviable reputation. Expect an impressive Euro Bus Expo 2022, rich in innovation, on a size and scale that fully represents the industry, and a prestigious routeone Awards that recognises the commendable work happening across the sector. We thank all our exhibitors and partners for their patience, continued support and commitment."
Until Euro Bus Expo unites the sector again, the organisers will be working on new ways to connect the industry and highlight new product and service developments as they happen.
To keep up with event developments, visit www.eurobusxpo.com and join the mailing list.
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Media enquiries to:
Jacqui Trayford, Marketing Manager
[email protected]
Event enquiries to:
Helen Conway, Event Director
[email protected]
Exhibition sales enquiries to:
Martin Laverton, Sales Manager
07793 440281
[email protected]
Notes:
Euro Bus Expo images: https://eurobusxpo.com/gallery/
2022 logo: https://eurobusxpo.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EBE22-logo_BLUE-DATE.png
Diversified Communications UK Ltd (Diversified UK) is a fast-growing trade event organiser and publisher based in Brighton, Peterborough, and London. Diversified UK’s transport & travel portfolio includes Euro Bus Expo; Coach & Bus UK; routeone magazine; routeone Awards; British Tourism & Travel Show; and the British Coach Tourism Awards. For more information, visit: www.divcom.co.uk.
Diversified UK is part of Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: travel and tourism, food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.