Transport Engineer (TE): Why have you moved the 2021 show date?
Murray Ellis (ME): By rescheduling our usual mid-April dates, we are able to offer more certainty to both our exhibitors and visitors, providing more time for them to plan and prepare their attendance and presence at the show. We’ve taken the opportunity to reschedule the 2021 show to the summer, which will ensure we can deliver the best possible event for our industry.
TE: Did you consider cancelling again?
ME: No. After last year’s disappointment, it was important for the show to provide the commercial vehicle industry with a platform for companies to promote their vehicles and products. We’re proud that It will be the first show in the calendar year, and in fact the first major commercial vehicle event held in the last 12 months.
TE: What’s going to be on at the event?
ME: Over 200 exhibitors have already signed up and we’re pleased to be welcoming back leading vehicle brands and companies from other product sectors to the Show including MAN Truck & Bus and PSA Group (Peugeot/Citroen/Vauxhall). We also have two sectors there – the workshop sector and the cool chain sector.
New for 2021 will be two live theatres where industry leaders, innovators and commentators will talk about key issues throughout the three days of the show. Designed to educate and provide insight from within the industry, the timetable and guest speakers for the live theatres will be announced soon. With all the changes that have been impacting the sector in the last year, these discussions will provide essential advice and information for operators.
TE: Will I have to wear a face mask?
ME: It’s impossible to say at this point. The show is more than seven months away but we’re very hopeful that the situation will have improved by then. In any case, we will be working within guidelines set out by the exhibition industry and approved by the government. Our exhibitors and visitors can be confident that we will provide a safe environment for all.
TE: What will it be like for you to be at the event with people streaming through the doors on the Tuesday morning?
ME: It’s going to be great, particularly after the disappointment of 2020. I think that there is pent-up demand for the show. These unprecedented times have seen a number of virtual events and webinars and whilst there’s a place for them, they can’t replace live events. Live events provide people with a unique way to experience vehicles and products; there’s nothing quite like the human engagement of talking face to face with someone.
BOX: What to see
Products and services on show include:
■Heavy goods vehicles
■Light commercial vehicles
■Workshop equipment
■Vehicle inspection and maintenance services
■Temperature-controlled transport
■Trailers
■Telematics
■Training providers
■Converters and bodybuilders
■Running gear, axles and suspension
■Fuels & lubricants
■Fleet/workshop management
■Wheel security
■Vehicle cameras
Visit www.cvshow.com for news and the exhibitor list. Free visitor tickets are available from next month.