Bookings for ALBUM Conference 2026 have entered their last few days, with Friday 1st May 2026 the closing date for securing a place at this must-attend event.
Sponsored by Passenger Technology Group and Pelican Bus and Coach, the 2026 ALBUM Conference takes place between Monday 11th May and Wednesday 13th May at The Village Hotel in Blackpool.
Over fifty key industry suppliers will be exhibiting at the conference, with a full list available on the ALBUM Conference website https://conference.albumbus.co.uk/
Keynote Speaker, Steve Norris will share open Conference with his insights and provide a unique perspective on how the SME sector can evolve in the face of franchising and the changing bus operating landscape.
Over the two days, delegates will also hear from a wide range of experts:
- Chris Cheek who will reflect on the 30th anniversary of the UK Bus Awards, alongside presenting his latest research for CPT on the impact of congestion on bus passengers
- David Joshua and Graham Moore – Using AI Is Not Optional: Your Competitors Have Already Started
- Stelios Rodoulis, Head of Bus Centre of Excellence – highlighting new skill sets and resources from the Bus Centre of Excellence for operators and local authorities
- Alex Perry, ALBUM Policy Advisor
- Jane Cole OBE and Bev Holden – the bus industry from a people perspective
- Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at CPT, Keeping Customers and Staff Safe Throughout Their Journey: Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and violence against women and girls (VAWG)
- Kerri Cheek, Senior Bus Safety Development Manager, will share insights from Transport for London
- John Furzeland, Head of Traffic Commissioner Policy
ALBUM Conference will feature a new “Town Hall” event on Wednesday 13th May. This interactive and thought-provoking Q&A with industry experts will discuss the hot topics of the day! Chaired by Jane Cole OBE, James Spencer (Managing Director, Portland Fuels), James Backhouse (Director, Backhouse Jones), Chris Cheek (Consultant) and Graham Vidler (CEO, CPT), will give their opinions on key industry challenges such as the impact of the Iranian war on fuel prices and supply, ensuring compliance with disability law, the affordability of the capital costs of ZEB and the key variables that affect the future of franchises.
The ALBUM Conference is open to professionals from across the bus industry, not just those who work within the SME sector, as well as local authority representatives.
Bookings are open through the ALBUM Conference website: https://conference.albumbus.co.uk/