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Bigger, biggest, best

Perhaps the biggest bus event ever held in Australia, exhibitor bookings keep flying in for the Australian Bus + Coach Show

By David Goeldner | August 22, 2011

There’s still time to register for the conference or stake an exhibitor’s spot at October’s Australian Bus and Coach Show.

Convened by BusNSW and held Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney, the Bus + Coach Show is attracting overwhelming interest from suppliers, exhibitors and delegates.

The biennial show caters for two audiences, those that want to come along and check out the 100 buses and myriad of exhibits on display – with free ground entry to the display areas – or to join the industry insiders at a modest price, about 450 people have so far registered to attend the conference component of the event.

BusNSW Executive Director Darryl Mellish says exhibition space is now at 95 percent capacity, and conference delegate registrations could go higher, potentially making it the largest bus event held in Australia.

“The key stakeholders have demonstrated a need to showcase that we are a professional, committed and vibrant industry,” Mellish says.

He says NSW represents about 30 percent of Australia’s bus and coach market and supports the value and importance of the event.

“The inaugural show in 2009 was judged a great success and this one promises to be bigger,” says Mellish.

Large crowd numbers are expected including high profile government and private sector speakers.

The newly created Transport for NSW will support the event with an exhibit staffed by representatives available to discuss accreditation and contract matters with operators.

Department executives will also speak at the conference in conjunction with the show.

“The Australian Bus and Coach Show 2011 will give visitors the opportunity to witness many new products and services as well as the chance to look around an impressive vehicle line up displayed in the Grand Pavilion, the Betting Area and the Grand Ave Parking area,” Mellish says..

Amongst the big name vehicle exhibitors taking part this year are the BusNSW Platinum and Gold Partners Bustech, Custom, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Volgren and Volvo.

“Leading companies will display products and services for insurance, finance, training, superannuation, IT services, destination equipment, seating and transmissions to name a few,” says Mellish.

“There will also be a number of tourism destinations and venues exhibiting which I’m sure will give the tour and charter operators some food for thought when planning their next tour itinerary,” he says.

The event will cater for families and include vintage double decker rides, a jumping castle and a number of a food and beverage facilities.

Entrance to the Australian Bus and Coach Show is free without the need to register or pre-book, but for anyone wanting to attend the conference component of the show, registrations close on September 16.

For show news, maps, parking, travel and accommodation information go to www.busshow.com.au

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