ABA OFFERS NEW ONE-DAY, ONE-STOP EXHIBIT SHOW DURING MARKETPLACE

May 16, 2007

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eron Shosteck
Phone: 202-218-7220

ABA OFFERS NEW ONE-DAY, ONE-STOP EXHIBIT SHOW DURING "MARKETPLACE"

WASHINGTON, May 16 - American Bus Association President Peter J. Pantuso announced today that the organization's annual "Marketplace" event will include a NEW one-day business component designed to meet the needs of all members. It is scheduled to take place Saturday, February 2, 2008, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

"We asked motorcoach operators who are already attending Marketplace how we could make it more valuable for them, and we listened intently to their feedback," Pantuso said. "Many told us they love taking advantage of the range of benefits, such as customized face-to-face meetings with the people they need to see, a variety of educational seminars and unlimited networking opportunities.

"They also want a venue where they can see the latest technological innovations in equipment, and new cutting-edge product offerings from suppliers," Pantuso added.

"We also asked for candid comments from our travel and our associate members," Pantuso continued. "Travel members said they wanted to see even more operators at one time, and associate members said they wanted to showcase their products."

ABA processed all of the valuable input, and with the help of a member committee and the Board of Directors, set out to create an event to answer the diverse needs of its members. The result is The MARKET, tailored to be a magnet for both bus operators and business suppliers by featuring a variety of exhibits and educational opportunities.

"We added this new component to Marketplace that runs one day only and requires no time away during the workweek, opening the door to more ABA motorcoach operators, and providing them with the flexibility to send additional staff for The MARKET," Pantuso concluded.

The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry with more than 1000 motorcoach owner and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,600 members are travel and tourism organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry.

Source URL: http://www.buses.org/node/736