Euro Bus Expo organiser Diversified Communications UK has confirmed that this year’s event has regrettably been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The UK’s only dedicated trade show for the coach, bus and mini vehicle sector will now be held on 26-28 October 2021 at the NEC Birmingham.
The coach and bus industry has been among the hardest hit by both the pandemic and subsequent government restrictions. Many visitors to Euro Bus Expo are thus unable to form procurement plans for 2021.
While some of the UK’s strict lockdown measures are already starting to ease, social distancing and restrictions on mass gatherings will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future. Many exhibitors at and visitors to Euro Bus Expo are from overseas. There remains a great deal of uncertainty around the ease of such travel in the medium term.
Helen Conway, Euro Bus Expo Event Director, says: “We have been closely following the rapidly changing developments during these testing times. While we know that the coach and bus industry is highly resilient, we are mindful that for many in the sector 2020 is likely to be the most difficult year that they have faced.
“Although we remain hopeful that tough measures on restricted social interaction will have been relaxed by the autumn, too many questions remain surrounding practical arrangements for it to be viable to run Euro Bus Expo this year. The safety and success of our exhibitors, speakers and visitors is our utmost priority. For that reason, we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to postpone Euro Bus Expo until 26-28 October 2021.
“Planning is already underway for Euro Bus Expo 2021. We will go into the rescheduled event with a great deal of momentum and we look forward to delivering a show that the industry can be proud of.”
Adds Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Chief Executive Graham Vidler: “The coach and bus industry is currently facing challenges that are unprecedented. With that in mind, CPT understands the decision to postpone Euro Bus Expo. It is a highlight of the calendar and presents members of the industry with an unrivalled opportunity to network with our peers, but the safety and wellbeing of exhibitors, speakers and visitors must always come first.
“In the meantime, myself and my team at CPT remain committed to supporting members and ensuring that the vital contribution that they continue to make to the UK’s successful recovery from coronavirus COVID-19 is recognised. I look forward to Euro Bus Expo in 2021.”
The announcement also includes the postponement of the 2020 routeone Awards. The 2021 routeone Awards will return on Wednesday 27 October 2021 at The Vox, Resorts World, Birmingham.
