The American Bus Association – the leading trade association for the motorcoach, group travel and tourism industry – made a triumphant return to live events when it held its ABA’s Marketplace in Grapevine, Texas, Jan. 8-11.
“It was time for the industry to get back to business and we wanted to ensure we did that in the safest way possible,” said Peter Pantuso, ABA president & CEO. “We instituted COVID protocols for all attendees with a mask mandate and requiring vaccine or negative COVID test verification to attend. The 1600+ attendees who attended were in high spirits and it was great to be able to give our members the opportunity to reconnect and kick off their business year with positive outcomes.”
Hosting the largest industry meeting since January 2020, ABA was able to provide attendees with networking and education sessions, as well as a vibrant business floor where more than 130 buyers were taking appointments to book 2022-23 tours.
A return to business meant that in addition to offering business appointments, Marketplace also hosted ABA’s Councils: African American Motorcoach Council; Bus Industry Safety Council, Bus Maintenance & Repair Council, Hispanic Motorcoach Council, School Bus Council and Women in Buses Council meetings and events, as well as.jpg)
Busworld North America educational programs and more than 50 additional education sessions throughout the week.
Industry groups Trailways and National Bus Traffic Association met in conjunction with Marketplace as well.
ABA’s Marketplace by the Numbers:
- 1600+ people attended the show.
- 447 motorcoach and tour operators were in attendance
- 133 motorcoach and tour operator delegates took appointments all week
- 30 appointments on average were prescheduled for each seller
- 80 sponsors
- Networking Floor offered 6 motorcoaches and 101 exhibitors
ABA’s next Marketplace will be in Detroit, Feb. 2-8, 2023
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Relive the Experience:
Videos:
ABA Today - Show Daily