Following the sell-out success of last year’s ALBUM Conference in Nottingham, preparations are well underway for ALBUM Conference 2026, taking place from 11 to 13 May in Blackpool, hosted by Blackpool Transport.
The 2025 Conference welcomed more than 400 delegates and over 50 exhibitors, firmly cementing the event’s reputation as one of the most important networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities in the UK bus industry calendar. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from both operators and suppliers, demand for involvement in the 2026 Conference has already been strong.
The value of involvement at the ALBUM Conference continues to grow, reflected in a 60% net increase in Associate Members during 2025. This expanding community strengthens the Conference as a marketplace for ideas, partnerships and collaboration, making sponsorship and exhibition opportunities more valuable than ever.
Passenger Technology Group and Pelican Bus and Coach have confirmed their support as Gold Sponsors for 2026, continuing their commitment to the ALBUM community and to collaboration across the SME and municipal bus sector. Passenger develops customer experience platforms used by bus operators, authorities and cities across the UK, with mobile and web apps supporting millions of journeys and encouraging sustainable mobility. Pelican Bus and Coach is the sole UK and Ireland importer and distributor for Yutong Buses and Coaches, supplying operators nationwide alongside comprehensive aftersales support and a growing portfolio of zero-emission vehicles.
Tom Quay, CEO at Passenger said, “Partnership is at the heart of everything we do. Passenger is thrilled to team up with ALBUM once again as Gold Sponsors to support the 2026 Conference and contribute to the incredible energy and insights this event brings to our professional community.”
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK at Pelican Bus and Coach said, “Pelican are honoured to continue our support for the ALBUM members through our Gold sponsorship for the ALBUM Conference. 2025’s conference at Nottingham was one of the highlights of our year, and we are positive that the Blackpool event will be as informative and enjoyable, and a great opportunity to see all of the operators and fellow suppliers.”
With several sponsorship packages still available and over 50% of exhibition trade stands already booked, ALBUM is encouraging suppliers to secure their involvement early. Opportunities remain available across a range of levels, including Silver and Bronze sponsorships, exhibition stands, programme advertising and other targeted promotional options, allowing organisations to choose a package that best suits their objectives and budget.
For operator members, ALBUM Conference offers three days of practical insight, peer discussion and networking with colleagues from across the municipal and independent bus sector. The Conference programme brings together senior leaders, policy voices and industry specialists to explore shared challenges, emerging opportunities and best practice, while also providing valuable time away from day-to-day operations to reflect, connect and collaborate.
Building on the success of the sold-out 2025 Conference, ALBUM Conference 2026 in Blackpool offers an unrivalled opportunity to engage directly with municipal and independent bus operators, senior decision-makers and an increasingly diverse supplier network from across the UK bus industry.
Full details on sponsorship opportunities, exhibition stands and delegate tickets for ALBUM Conference 2026 are available at: https://conference.albumbus.co.uk/