News
The latest from Coach & Bus Live 2007
Over the next year Coach and Bus Live News will bring you the latest Exhibitor and Visitor News , covering all topics from the industry.
A triumph for Coach & Bus Live 2007 with busy attendance figures despite the postal disruption
12/09/2007
Despite the postal disruption, there was great industry support at the NEC as Coach & Bus Live 2007 closed yesterday (October 11th) after two days of busy crowds with many exhibitors reporting an active, profitable and highly worthwhile show, announced the organisers of Coach & Bus Live 2007 at the Birmingham NEC. It was “standing room only” in the seminar theatre and more visitors than ever took part in the popular Ride & Drive and Skills Tests events. All in all a highly successful event, which has prompted the show organisers to formally announce that this event will return in 2009.
The 2nd edition of this show saw figures similar to 2005 with an attendance of over 5,600* through the doors over the 2 days. A record 230 exhibitors filled Halls 17 – 19 and over 80 Vehicles were on display for all to see and try out.
Many of the visitors took advantage of the wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. Over 85 visitors left their show bags at the counter to take part in the Skills Test, sponsored by Volvo, which was organised with the usual enthusiasm and efficiency by Paul and Anne Cousins from Coach Displays.
Ride & Drive was another popular feature with 65 visitors taking part over the 2 days outside Hall 17.
Hugh Sumner from the Olympic Delivery Authority opened the show and in his speech outlined the enormous impact that the games will have on this industry. He stated that the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics poses a huge challenge, yet is one that we will rise to. But it also offers a huge opportunity as well – the chance to leave a legacy to both London and the UK.
He said the Games needs large numbers of vehicles for transporting visitors, the media and athletes and as a result will change the way people think about Passenger Transport.
He expressed his delight in being able to use events such as Coach & Bus Live to help them in their planning and objectives to create an outstanding Games.
The Live Seminars were an outstanding success. In many cases it was standing room only with visitors keen to hear the latest updates on the Transport plan for the London 2012 Olympics. The Question Time Sessions were lively with Driver CPC being hot on the agenda.
After a highly successful debut of Coach & Bus Live in 2005, followed by an incredible first launch of Euro Bus Expo in 2006, the task for the organisers of this year’s Coach & Bus Live to deliver a bigger and better show was always going to be challenging. And, as Mark Griffin, Show Director explains, external factors such as the recent postal strike will always have an adverse affect on any event:
Griffin has always believed that sheer numbers attending a trade show is always not the key metric: “I am delighted at the overall quality of attendance and it was clear from speaking to many people at the show that much needed business was generated across a whole range of products and service types. The busy 2 day format again worked well and we are grateful that many of the industry’s well known faces took time to come along and participate at the exhibition. I would like to thank every one of our exhibitors and their teams for their support once again”
“This was a very good attendance over the 2 days and a great result for us. In fact it exceeded our expectations when you allow for the challenges that the postal strike caused for us. I don’t mind admitting that circumstances like this which are beyond the control of any Organiser did cause us some stress beforehand, but overall we are delighted. The postal strike meant that effectively the vast majority of trade press and features and our direct mail which had all been pre arranged in the days prior to the show, did not hit visitor desks in time. The last week prior to any trade show is always a key time for promoting the event to visitors but this year the postal strike inevitably had an impact on visitors and exhibitors getting the latest pre show information including their visitor badges.
There was enthusiastic feedback from across the show floor with a host of exhibitors reporting a highly successful event. They had quality leads to take away, focused visitors coming to the stand with a clear purpose in mind and, in some cases, buyers came to place orders and secure deals on the exhibition stand itself.
“We are very pleased to be here and pleased to be flying the flag for the industry.” said Optare’s Steve Johnson. “We have taken positive enquiries and secured a couple of strong orders. We have already booked our space for EBE 08!”
Mike Whitehead from Distinctive Systems commented on the quality of visitors to the stand: “We have had lots of visitors to our stand, however the key thing for us was the phenomenal quality of the visitors many who we did not expect to be at the show, yet they made a point of coming to see us.
CBL was an excellent show for us.”
The order book was brisk for a couple of exhibitors with Ian Hall from Base reporting a most worthwhile event: “By the morning of Day 2 we have had 60 solid enquiries and on top of that we have just secured an order from Simpsons Coaches where the business was concluded on our exhibition stand.”
And Gary Johns from Tawe was heading straight for the bank after the show ends: “We are thrilled to announce that we secured an order for one of our minibuses as a result of a visitor coming to our stand. At the end of the discussion, when the deal was made, she sat down and wrote out a cheque to cover the deposit. I will be off to the bank tomorrow. Whilst we expected and indeed got many leads, we did not expect this!”
The timing of Coach & Bus Live could not have been better for Andrew Brian, CEO of the Darwen Group: “We are delighted with the result of our attendance here. The timing of CBL was fantastic as it was the perfect platform for us to roll out the Darwen brand. We used this show to tell the industry who we were, what we did and what we could offer. The quality of visitors was outstanding.
We have already secured our space for EBE 08!”
Coach & Bus Live attracted visitors from across the length of the UK as Paul Beamont from Great Days explains: „ An exceptional show, where we have secured lots of new leads and met some old friends and customers. By seeing over 40 clients in 2 days, we have saved ourselves an inordinate amount of time which would have normally been spent in pro-actively contacting them.
We have had visitors from the South Coast up to Aberdeen, indeed some have flown down from Scotland for the show, although not sure we should be advocating that method of transport!”
Having a chocolate fountain on a stand may not be a new idea, but it bought sweet success to Brian Chappell of Signature Aromas “On Day one we signed a contact with Travel WM to provide 33 of our natural oil systems for their latest fleet of single deckers. Their Purchasing Officer came specifically to this show with pen in hand to formally sign the papers!”
Many exhibitors have already voted the show a success and would also definitely return for another edition. This has prompted Mark Griffin to issue the formal announcement that Coach & Bus Live will be back at the NEC on October 7th and 8th 2009.
“Coach & Bus Live 2007 has been an outstanding success and the rise in exhibitor numbers together with the sheer quality of visitors attending has prompted an overwhelming response from exhibitors. And as a result of this show, I am delighted to announce that Coach & Bus Live will return in 2009. This industry continues to grow and with the London Olympics just 5 years away, Passenger Transport is just going to get higher and higher on the agenda.”
*Complete 2007 audited attendance and demographic show statistics will be available in December.
COUNTDOWN TO THIS YEAR’S COACH & BUS LIVE BRINGS THOUSANDS OF VISITOR REGISTRATIONS
14/09/2007
Organisers of this Autumn’s Coach & Bus Live show report a massive increase in pre-visitor registrations from quality companies in recent weeks. Preparations are now in the final stages. Exhibition space is practically sold out, the marketing and promotion plan is now running at full speed, exhibitors and speakers are readying themselves and registrations are coming in thick and fast for the UK’s biggest show for the domestic Bus and Coach market.
With an anticipated attendance of over 5000 to this year’s Coach & Bus Live, the organisers have expressed their delight at the quality of visitors who have pre-registered to attend. The “big five” groups, comprising Arriva, First Group, Go Ahead, National Express and Stagecoach are all sending key decision makers to the event. Visitors are convening to the Birmingham NEC from the length and breadth of the UK including operators from Cornwall, East Anglia and Republic of Ireland.
In addition to all the leading Bus and Coach operators who have booked to attend, there is a strong contingent from Transport for London, Veola, a strong spread of local authorities and London Buses. They will also be joined by many of the UK ‘s well known leading coach operators who are planning to visit the 2 day domestic showcase.
Show Director Mark Griffin said: “We already have over 2000 visitors registered for the show, which is 10% up on the equivalent period for the debut event in 2005. Registrations are still flooding in by the hundreds each day. It is encouraging to see such a sheer diversity of quality visitors who have registered. We have senior buyers coming to represent many of the leading Coach and Bus Operators, County Councils from around the country, Tour Directors and, I’m pleased to say, an abundance of Owner Drivers.”
However sheer numbers are not always the key metric as Griffin adds: “Rather than push for vast numbers, we upgraded our database marketing to ensure we specifically targeted key decision makers from the industry and it appears to be paying off. Our visitor database in this market is second to none. We’ve invested heavily in a pre show marketing campaign which like many other trade shows includes an extensive e-campaign supported by media advertising and promotion.”
And in the past few weeks, several more companies have announced their participation as exhibitors at Coach & Bus Live. These include Capex Industrial Finance, Eagledge, Omniplus, Flightbound and Classic Holland, all of whom have snapped up some of the last few remaining stands.
The sudden rush of new exhibitor bookings, even at this late stage, demonstrates the high level of interest in this show as Mark Griffin explains: “It’s as if the post summer holiday in-tray has been cleared and organisations are realising that this show is almost upon us. That coupled with the huge rise in visitor registrations for the show, gives us the clearest indication that the market is buoyant, and people are definitely ‘rolling up the sleeves’ and gearing up to talk business and to do business.”
Over 70 vehicles will be on display at the packed Halls 17 – 19 at the Birmingham NEC. New additions include the Autosan Eagle, Karisma 35 Midi Coach, Plaxton Primo, Tempo City Bus, Toro Midi Coach, Beaver Mobility, New Treka and the Mercedes 0303.
STRONG OPENING SET FOR COACH & BUS LIVE AS IT CONTINUES TO ADD NEW ATTRACTIONS
06/09/2007
Growth both from new and existing exhibitors, together with a flood of visitor registrations over the summer is the key feature as Coach & Bus Live gets ready to open its doors in one months time. In addition to its already powerful seminar programme, the organisers have confirmed further high profile speakers.
Coach & Bus Live 2007 on the 10th and 11th October at the Birmingham NEC, promises to be bigger and even more exciting than its highly successful first year. The organisers predict that there will be plenty of interesting sessions to hear and talk about in the live forums as well as to leverage all senses to see, touch and experience vehicles on the exhibition stands.
The strategic partnership between the organisers and the Confederation of Passenger Transport which is delivering the powerful seminar sessions will once more draw together influential industry leaders to debate key matters and deliver the very latest industry news on the topical issues of today.
The show will be opened by Hugh Sumner, Director of Transport, Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) who will speak at the conference to give the very latest information on the Transport Plan for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This will be followed by a chance for discussions with the audience on the ODA’s role in the preparations for the 2012 Games and the impact the Games will have on London and the UK. The Olympic Delivery Authority will have an exhibition stand over the two days of the show located in Hall 17. Also opening the show will be CPT President Alan Scholes, who will be supported by the trade association’s team during the two days. CPT will have a stand and representation within the seminar programme as part of their member support activities.
Simon Posner, Chief Executive of CPT said: “ All those in the industry recognise Coach & Bus Live as this year’s key event for our industry. We are delighted to see that a number of key issues are being addressed, issues which are challenging, yet also offer opportunities. I am pleased to see on the agenda, key topics which include the London 2012 Games, the Low Emission Zone, Driver Hours and Driver Training all of which are of major importance to CPT members.”
Show Director Mark Griffin said: “Following the unprecedented success and fantastic response to its debut in 2005, Coach & Bus Live is set to continue to move the industry forward and lead the market to promote passenger transport in the UK. We all recognise how dynamic and fast moving our industry is. However, this show clearly is not just about promotions and vehicle displays. We are prepared to meet the challenging issues head on and I am delighted to have the support from such key figures.”
Griffin added: “This is the one show in the industry calendar where you can see new products, try out vehicles, discuss topical issues and meet face to face with the industry movers and influencers to discuss the challenges of tomorrow all under one roof. Coach & Bus Live is a marvellous opportunity to spend a day to achieve all this and more.”
The exhibition will be 20% larger as many major suppliers and manufacturers have booked increased stand spaces. This just leaves a tiny handful of spaces left for any organisations wishing to take part in the influential show for the UK Passenger Transport market.
Visitor numbers are expected to reach an all time high with over 5000 attendees expected.
All visitors who pre-register will be entered into a FREE competition with a chance to win a luxury weekend for two in London with a trip to the theatre thrown in.
COACH & BUS LIVE SET TO BREAK ALL RECORDS AS A HOST OF VEHICLES ARE SHOWCASED AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC
24/08/2007
With 6 weeks to go, a record 71 new companies have already signed up to this year’s Coach & Bus Live bringing the total number of exhibitors already to over 160, occupying 20% more space at the Birmingham NEC since the show debut 2 years ago. Co-located within the show is Transport Innovations which is hosting 40 exhibitors displaying the very latest in Passenger Transport technology. With more to see, more to do and a stunning range of vehicles on display both inside and outside Halls 17-19, Coach & Bus Live 2007 is the must attend event for this Autumn for the industry.
Reflecting the positive, upbeat mood of the exhibitors and building on the success of Coach & Bus Live 2 years ago, a record number of new companies have signed up to exhibit at this year’s event. New exhibiting companies include: Camira Fabrics, Heavy Duty Parts, Encore Tickets and Clean Diesel Technology.
Major suppliers and manufacturers will also be there in force. Halls 17 – 19 will be packed with the latest vehicles on display. Visitors will be able to see some of the largest and most varied range of Bus and Coaches in the UK all under one roof.
Long term show supporter Moseley will be showing three vehicles, all from different manufacturers offering varied capabilities and features, yet all being the very latest models in the market. The Volvo B12B Van Hool Alizee Alicron will sit alongside the Mercedes Benz Atego 1022L Sitcar Marlin and the lengthy (13.1m) VDL Bova Magiq MHD 131.460MX.
Optare has four of its 2007 models on display including the Solo Low-floor Citybus Model, which at just 7.1m in length and 2.7m in height, is the most compact vehicle available.
Several Man models will be taking centre stage on the Neoman Bus UK stand who will have a significant presence yet again.
Leading Rentals Company – Dawson Rentals Bus and Coach will be offering visitors a chance to see Euro 4 compliant vehicles by bringing along the Volvo B12B – shift Plaxton Pointer with SCR technology, Plaxton Primo – the ultimate in comfort with 28 seats and the Man Plaxton Centro with EGR technology.
Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank will be showcasing the ADL Enviro 200 single deck bus and also on show, courtesy of C N Unwin Ltd will be the Volkswagen Crafter 2007 Competition Minibus.
Exhibiting at Coach & Bus Live is seen as an integral part of creating new business and increasing the company profile for many of the new exhibitors this year:“We took the decision to exhibit at Coach and Bus Live as this is the ideal medium for us to promote our unique range of Optima spiral cell batteries.”Alan Pearce, 5 Star Batteries
“Following the incredibly successful Euro Bus Expo last year, we immediately placed our booking for this event as we see this as a pivotal show to market our latest products and solutions.”Nick Robertson, Hanover Display Ltd
"This is the perfect showcase for us to maintain our contacts with the main operators and allow us to demonstrate first hand the latest innovations in high definition LED displays”Keith Poultney, Bright-Tech Developments
New products, emerging technologies, displays and interactive events form the heart of the show. And yet throughout the two days, key issues facing the industry will also be addressed. Representatives from Transport for London, the Olympic Delivery Authority, CPT and Vosa will be there to talk first hand with visitors about LEZ, Driver Hours, Training for Operators and transport plans for the 2012 Olympics. The 2-day seminar programmes: Question Time, Big Issues and On The Sofa will form a lively and controversial mix of debates, discussions, questions from the floor and all the very latest news and information from the key influencers in the industry.
Show Director Mark Griffin said “ This support from over 200 exhibitors already at the 2 shows underpins the very reason why exhibitions exist. They provide an excellent opportunity for networking and face to face communication. We all know that 2007 has not been the easiest year for many companies in the industry. Its times like that when the power of exhibitions come into play even more for companies wishing to generate sales and promote their businesses. Equally, many operators and decision makers have got a tremendous line up of suppliers to choose from at this year’s show which can hopefully result in giving their companies an improvement in future performance and gain new ideas from a day at the NEC.”
At the end of the first day, there will be the opportunity to take time out and celebrate with peers and fellow professionals at the Route One Excellence Awards Evening, held just a mile down the road from the NEC at the National Motorcycle Museum.
It all adds up to a sparkling two days of interactivity, displays and demonstrations with visitors having many opportunities to see, feel and try out new vehicles at the Ride and Drive Arena and the Skills Test centre, located just outside the exhibition halls.
VOLVO TO SPONSOR SKILLS DRIVE TEST AT COACH AND BUS LIVE 2007
01/08/2007
The show organisers have announced that Volvo is to sponsor and provide a vehicle for the Skills Drive Test at Coach and Bus Live 2007. Safety, risk assesment, skills and driver awareness will be put to the test by visitors on a specially designed course at the NEC at this October’s Industry Exhibition.
Offering a unique safe driver arena, visitors will be put through a series of tests under the watchful eyes of leading experts and instructors from the UK Coach Displays Team. They will assess each driver’s exposure to risk, aptitude and skill by monitoring their awareness and knowledge of road safety and the environment in which they would be typically driving. Other tests will include security and passenger awareness and how a driver is likely to behave or respond in real life situation.
The Skills Test is open to all visitors and they can register their application on the day. Drivers are asked to ensure they bring their PSV licence and some form of Photo ID. And to add some incentive and excitement to the event, a bottle of Champagne is on offer to the driver who shows the best skills and aptitude on the course over the duration of the show.
Volvo Bus, the sponsors of the Skills Test is the market company for Volvo Bus & Coach products in Great Britain and Ireland. Volvo will also be providing a demonstration vehicle for the 2 day event which will be a Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus/3axle variant/13.80M./460hp/I-Shift Transmission.Don Johnston, Marketing Manager of Volvo Bus is delighted to be involved in this key activity within the show: “Bus and coach drivers need to transport passengers safely to and from destinations in both the UK and Europe. As well as being able to handle a vehicle safely in all manner of situations, driver awareness is also a key aptitude. By participating in this test, drivers can try out special situations, speak to the experts and increase their awareness of the safety of their passengers and other road users.
Mark Griffin Show Director, Coach and Bus Live! agreed and was pleased to see a major vehicle manufacturer endorsing such an important feature of the event: “The success of the launch of the Skills Test in 2005 was seen as a really unique element of the show. I am delighted to see that Volvo has chosen to become the first sponsor of this key interactivity event at the show. If 2005 was anything to go by, then the Skills Test is certain to be another busy component of this year’s show.”
Griffin added:“The UK Coach Display Team have a great track record in organising innovative driver tests at the Brighton Coach Rally. We are really pleased that Paul and Anne Cousins and their excellent crew will be in Birmingham to put our visitors driving skills to the test.”
Strong Focus on Coach Tourism at Coach & Bus Live
27/07/2007
A specially built Coach Tourism Island will be showcasing new and exciting attractions at Coach and Bus Live 2007. With over eight million customers bringing in revenue of over £2.6 billion annually, the Coach Tourism market is thriving. The organisers have announced that Coach and Bus Live is set to deliver a highly focused show with solutions, ideas and innovations to build on this captive market.
16 major Coach Tourism suppliers have already secured space at this October’s show reflecting a market that is delivering a pro-active approach and offering innovative ideas to organisers of Group Travel. Well known names will be occupying the Coach Tourism Island including some of the leading travel companies, hoteliers, attractions and associations including the Coach Tourism Council.
“The Coach Tourism Island is an important and welcome innovation for the show. I am certain it will encourage more operators to attend and highlight how everyone within the industry is developing and improving the coach tourism product.” Chris Wales, Chief Executive Coach Tourism Council
“With 50% of our business coming from the travel trade industry we see events such as Coach & Bus Live as an essential platform for both communicating the developments we are making and to keep abreast of changes in the industry. Being flexible and adapting to change is essential to remain in business; and we take the view that if you are not mixing with those who have knowledge and influence in the industry then you will lose pace.” Lynda Denton, Head of Sales & Marketing, Gretna Green Group Ltd
“We are pleased to support this show. We see Coach and Bus Live as an important networking event to meet with the larger and smaller coach operators. We will be showcasing our latest offers and ideas for the Coach Touring industry in Great Britain and Europe.” Paul Beaumont, Managing Director, Greatdays Travel Group
Mark Griffin Show Director, Coach and Bus Live is looking forward with anticipation to what will be the biggest and most varied edition of this popular show: “. This year’s event is the largest we have yet staged with over 5000 attendees expected. We have a fantastic and diverse range of key industry suppliers covering the length and breadth of the market. Coach Tourism plays a critical role as the “frontline” ambassador to the industry. This is what the public see and use in everyday life. Today’s coaches are modern, safe, reliable, convenient and cost effective in relation to other transport modes. We therefore need to build and raise the profile further. Coach and Bus Live will deliver this to the market by offering visitors the answers and creating opportunities.
Driver CPC, LEZ’s and 2012 Olympics totake pivotal roles at this years Coach & Bus Live !
11/06/2007
Key issues facing operators and drivers with CPC and the resulting impact on hours and requirements for training providers to deliver the periodic training, will be addressed at Coach and Bus Live 2007 through a series of key seminars and question and answer sessions.
There are just over five months to go until the doors open for Coach and Bus Live, the UK’s leading interactive live event for Bus and Coach Industry at the Birmingham NEC on 10th – 11th October 2007.
Whilst the focus is on an exhibition with demonstrations, outdoor displays and visitor participation activities, there are some critically important legislative issues coming up which will have a major impact on the industry.
The Organisers will be staging the successful format of “Question Time” and “The Big Issues” on each day. A panel of industry experts will debate these current hot topics where visitors and exhibitors can participate during their time at the show.
As part of the forthcoming Driver CPC legislation, Bus and Coach drivers will need to complete 35 hours training every five years. The new rules come into effect in September 2008.
Coach and Bus Live 2007 will be tackling these issues head on, delivering a powerful message to the industry that innovation and change needs to work with compliance in order to deliver an integrated transport system that is innovative and flexible.
The other major talking point for this industry is the announcement for a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in London with controls on Bus and Coaches.
And looking forward to the Olympics in 2012, the Olympic Delivery Authority has announced its support for the show by booking a stand near to the Tourism Zone. Reflecting the importance of the industry to the success of the Games, the ODA will be presenting their latest transport plans on how they will be leveraging the services and support of the UK the Bus and Coach industry in both the “Big Issues” and “on the Sofa” sessions at the show. Leading representatives from the ODA will be on hand to give all the latest updates to manufacturers and operators throughout the 2 days.
With five months to go, the show is attracting a high level of interest from companies wishing to exhibit with 150 stands already taken. Exhibitor sales are up to 85% and the remaining space is expected to be sold within the next few months.
Mark Griffin Show Director, Coach and Bus Live! says: We have a host of new attractions, displays and interactive sessions at Coach and Bus Live! - more than at any previous show. This event will combine innovation, showcasing new products, a unique live experience for operators and a powerful learning platform. It is pleasing to see many of the companies that have supported us in previous years taking more exhibition space. However we extend an equally warm welcome to first-time exhibitors and I urge any company that wishes to take stand space at this show to act now.”
Mark Griffin added: “This is the 2nd edition of this new format for the UK’s leading trade show. All 14 vehicle stands are now sold so there will be plenty of vehicles at the show for visitors to come along and see. We had tremendous feedback 2 years ago when we introduced the Coach and Bus Live! concept and the response to this year’s launch confirms that this is yet another important date in this year’s calendar.”
Exhibitors who have yet to make a booking are urged to act quickly to avoid disappointment as the Organisers are anticipating that show will be sold out very shortly.
Organisations who wish to make a booking are advised to contact Louise Morton at Expo Management, Email: louisemorton@expom.co.uk or telephone: 0870 224 8617.
Coach and Bus Live 2007 takes place over two days at the Birmingham NEC, UK, from Wednesday 10th October to Thursday 11th October 2007.
More information on the show can be found by visiting the website at http://www.coachandbuslive.com/
Plans at advanced stage aa Coach & Bus Live 2007 reports that 75% of floor space has already been booked
12/01/2007
With ten months to go, Coach & Bus Live 2007 is gearing up to deliver the most successful interactive live event in the UK this year for the Bus and Coach industry. Enquiries and bookings from Exhibitors are flooding in and with over 100 exhibitors already on board, the Organisers predicting a sell out show. Potential suppliers are urged to act now and reserve their stand space.
Coach & Bus Live, the UK’s leading interactive live event for the Bus and Coach Industry, returns to the Birmingham NEC on 10th – 11th October 2007 and already the show is attracting unprecedented interest from both exhibitors and visitors alike.
Confirmed bookings by exhibitors are currently 30% up on the same period in 2005, even though the show is ten months away. These record levels mean that there is a real prospect of Halls 17 and 18 and part 19 being full to capacity at the Birmingham NEC.
Over 75% of space has already been sold following the official launch of Coach & Bus Live in November 2006 and the organisers are preparing to deliver another quality UK industry show.
Exhibition space is on sale and bookings are coming in on a daily basis. The Show Organisers have announced that they will not be securing any additional space at the NEC to meet any extra potential demand.
Mark Griffin explains: “Coach & Bus Live 2005 was an outstanding show and one of the main reasons for this was that we deliberately capped the size to keep the event intensive and focused on the Live elements of the Bus and Coach industry. For 2007, to meet demand, we have increased space by just an additional 10% and will be occupying Halls 17 and 18 and some of 19 at the Birmingham NEC. However we will not be increasing this any further and potential exhibitors need to be aware that when we are sold out, we will not be able to accept any more bookings. The 2005 event worked very well so there is no reason to do anything major to change this successful format”
As well as over 75% of re-bookings already secured from exhibitors, there is a growing interest from new companies, reflecting the consistent growth of this leading UK show. Exhibitors who have yet to book are urged to act quickly.
Over 20 of the UK’s leading dealers, manufacturers and suppliers have already booked their space with more being added all the time. These include: Alexander Dennis, East Lancs Coachbuilders, Plaxton, Moseley PCV, Mentor, Optare, Neoman and many more.
The reaction has been fantastic.” said Mark Griffin, Show Director of Coach & Bus Live.
This clearly reflects the optimism about the response to this new show concept and the general outlook for the market in the months ahead. And with so many exhibitors bookings this far in advance is testament to the importance that they place on attending this unique exhibition.”
Building on the success of the 2005 show, Coach & Bus Live will deliver the ultimate experience for the visitor. Whilst there will be new features and demonstrations, the Organisers will be keeping to the successful format of the 2005 show by continuing with the strategy of delivering a live and vibrant event with the main emphasis on interactivity.
Feedback from the 2005 event was almost unanimous on what the market was looking for which is a cost effective intensive 2 day show focused on the UK market.
Mark Griffin, Show Director says: “ The strong support of this domestic business to business event indicates that October 2007 promised to be a great shop window for our industry.”
It is clear that the 2005 format worked for many and this is demonstrated in the fact that many of the major exhibitors have already booked for 2007.”
Some of the exciting features at this year’s show include Coach Tours, a dedicated Coach Tourism Zone to capitalise on the increasing levels of UK inbound tourism in the UK. Coach & Bus Live TV will again offer amazing opportunities for organisations to promote their products and vehicles with film crews prominent throughout the exhibition halls. The “hands on” approach will also feature with visitors being able to try out vehicles. And UK Coach Displays, organisers of the UK Coach Rally have put their weight behind the Skills Test after the successful launch 2 years ago.
Coach & Bus Live 2005: A Great Success
03/11/2006
The UK’s Bus and Coach industry has given a resounding thumbs up after a very successful Coach and Bus Live in October 2005. The new look ride and drive show has received excellent feedback from key players in the industry and analysed exhibitor surveys have shown the most positive statistics ever, with 95% of exhibitors wanting to re-book for the show in 2007.
Attendance statistics, over two days, were a really healthy 5,852 of which 4,779 were visitors and 1,073 were exhibitors and it was clear that everyone, visitor and exhibitor alike were taking advantage of the valuable business opportunities.
61% of exhibitors rated the overall quality of visitors to the show as very good – to excellent and one hotel exhibitor commented they had picked up major new coach companies for 2006. Ian Hall from Base said “It was fantastic” and Exhibitor Distinctive Systems congratulated Expo on a ‘great show’.
Show Director, Mark Griffin commented, “The response has exceeded all our expectations and confirms that the new look strategy was absolutely right. Research shows we’ve provided a value for money two-day event, which will provide a very solid foundation for developing this event in 2007 and beyond.
With the analysed surveys showing 95% of exhibitors wanting to re-book for 2007, we couldn’t ask for more.”
With this years show heralded as a great success, organisers Expo Management, have now released dates for Coach & Bus Live at the NEC in 2007 and the key message is that 10th and 11th October 2007 is set to be a very important date for the industry calendar.
