As the dust settles on the 2023 National Industry Conference held in Adelaide, the Bus Industry Confederation is already planning two significant industry events in 2024.
The first event, the National Bus and Coach Show, is the only trade exhibition being held in Australia in 2024 for the bus and coach industry. The Show, to be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on September 17 and 18, will feature the latest range of low and zero-emission buses and associated componentry, including exhibitors from Australia’s leading energy and infrastructure providers.
Round one expressions of interests (EoI) opened earlier this year and the BIC Secretariat were overwhelmed by the response, so much so that the floor plan had to be redesigned so that we could maximise the exhibition space for body, chassis and complete bus manufacturers and suppliers. With the round one companies now locked in, the EOI process has reopened for the remaining exhibition spaces.
It is anticipated that these spaces will quickly be snapped up by the diverse range of companies that make up the wider bus and coach industry. With up to 40 companies involved in the final assembled bus, there will be a diverse range of exhibitors.
A great way to really stand out from other exhibitors is to become a show sponsor. There are limited sponsorship opportunities available, so exhibitors are encouraged to seize these opportunities quickly.
Alongside the exhibition will be a series of tool talks and technical talks. The programs for these are still being developed and oversighted by an events working group comprised of a cross section of industry representatives from both suppliers and operators. The intent is to ensure that there is something for everyone.
Two short months after the National Bus and Coach Show will be the 2024 National Industry Conference. Held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart, this event will showcase a range of sessions covering key issues impacting the industry. The theme of the conference is still to be determined based on feedback from the survey of delegates at the 2023 conference and the events working group.
The events working group is just one of the new or refreshed working groups and committees that the BIC has to inform our advocacy to government, our broader policy agenda and the projects we lead on behalf of the bus and coach industry. By being part of our committees and working groups, members can contribute to the policies and initiatives that will shape the future of our industry.
We also encourage our members to complete the surveys we distribute from time to time. These assist us to provide comprehensive industry feedback on significant policy, regulatory and technical changes to governments. We want these to work for the bus and coach industry, our staff and our passengers.
Supporting the industry as we navigate day-to-day challenges and those ahead of us is the core business of the Bus Industry Confederation. Please reach out to the Secretariat and Councilors if there are ways we can assist or emerging issues we need to be aware of.
As the year draws to a close, we want to wish everyone happiness, health and the fulfillment of your hopes and goals. Happy New Year! We hope to see you at an event, large or small, in 2024.