|
Industry in the spotlight for sold out show
With just two weeks remaining until Coach & Bus Live 2009 taking place at Birmingham’s NEC on 7-8 October, show director Mark Griffin is delighted to announce that the show has completely sold out. There will be 205 exhibitors taking part including all the leading vehicle manufacturers, product, service and technology related suppliers. A late surge in stand enquiries has led to a waiting list as anxious would-be exhibitors wait to see whether or not they can be squeezed on to the floor plan somewhere.
Mr Griffin believes this resurgence of interest in Coach & Bus Live is a reflection a growing mood of cautious optimism amongst the industry and that for many businesses this exhibition marks a symbolic start on the path to economic recovery. He comments: “Coach & Bus Live presents a crucial opportunity for the industry; acting like a weather gauge as to where new business is coming from rather than looking back in too much detail of what has been lost. We have many exhibitors participating in the show to see how they can fill orders for next year and beyond. The show is now a key date for everyone in the industry.”
One of those companies who have chosen to use Coach and Bus Live as an opportunity to engage with the industry is the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership(LCVP). Appearing as an exhibitor and on the seminar platform this year will be Jonathan Murray, Deputy Director of LCVP (Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) who will be providing operators and councils keen to run greener bus fleets with important advice on how they should go about accessing their share of the Department of Transport £30m fund for low carbon buses.
LCVP’s participation at the show is all the more timely given the manufacturers’ particularly big promotion of environmentally friendly vehicles at this year’s show. Visitors will be able to test drive a range of latest manufacturers’ vehicles at the show. For example, ADL Plaxton’s Enviro 200 single deck and Enviro 400 double deck as well as Optare’s fuel efficient Dual Fuel Solo SR, Olympus Triaxle and Soroco Coach will feature.
Judging by the programme of events for the 2009 show none of the 5,000 attendees expected to through the doors over the two day period will be disappointed. In addition to a packed show floor, including 30 new exhibitors, there will be an impressive outdoor display showcasing around 60 vehicles plus a whole range of special show features.
A totally interactive experience from start to finish; visitors will have the opportunity to have their driving skills independently and impartially tested under the expert and watchful gaze of Coach Displays UK in the Volvo sponsored Skills Challenge. Those operators seeking to make their money and their vehicles go further as well as keep the right side of the law will have opportunity to do so in the all-new VOSA run Workshop Live. Running twice daily on both 7th and 8th October, these 20 minute demonstrations will cover PSV Annual Test, PSV Walkround Checks and Driver Hours.
Coach and Bus Live will also be introducing two new feature areas for 2009: Technology Zone with an extensive showcase of the latest IT and telecommunication developments and the GoSkills supported Training & Development Zone where visitors are invited to discover the very latest in careers training and advice.
Visitors attending the 2009 seminar programme will have the opportunity to keep themselves up-to-speed with the very latest industry issues under the overarching conference theme “Working together: steering a course through recession and the opportunities that lies ahead”. With such well known and respected industry figures as Hugh Sumner from the ODA, Colin Robertson from ADL and Ian Morgan CPT President as well as Deputy Chairman of trent barton; it’s certain to be a lively and thought-provoking couple of days.
Anyone interested in attending Coach & Bus Live 2009 is reminded that it’s not too late, there’s still time to join the anticipated 5,000 attendees. To pre-register for the show simply go to: www.coachandbuslive.com and click on the “register here” button. |
