Posted by ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso, May 29, 2008

One of the great qualities that ABA members display across all categories – whether bus operator, tour operator, travel industry or associate – is their wonderful candor.

I know that when I want their feedback on how ABA can do more to help their businesses, they will offer valuable insights.

So after we debuted The MARKET at Marketplace in February, I was eager to open my ears and hear what ABA members in all segments had to say.

ABA asked motorcoach operators who already attended The MARKET how we could make it more valuable for them, and we listened intently to their feedback. Many told us they love taking advantage of a venue where they can see the latest technological innovations in equipment featuring leading-edge products from suppliers, and learn about how to increase charters and tours under one roof at the same time. But we wanted to give them more.

So we will. Marketplace 2009 will now include a more robust one-day, one-stop show-within-a-show, renamed The Product Pavilion. It will include more educational seminars on safety, environmental issues, equipment and maintenance issues, expanded floor space, and timing aimed at attracting peak delegate attendance.

Why the new name? With so many enhancements to The Product Pavilion being introduced in only its second year as part of the main event, we felt it deserved a distinct identity that reflected its added value to all ABA members.

ABA also solicited candid comments from associate members in addition to operators to ensure all member segments would get value out of the added benefit offered by The Product Pavilion.

Associate, bus manufacturer and equipment & business supplier members said they wanted to see even more operators at one time, and associate members said they wanted to showcase their products. The Product Pavilion is custom-tailored to be a magnet for both bus operators and business suppliers by featuring a variety of exhibits and educational opportunities.

The one-day, one-stop exhibit show designed for product and service providers is getting better in only its second year, and once more ABA member input has been a tremendous asset to us in making your ABA better. Thanks and keep those comments coming.