Zero-Emission Bus Supplier Meetings at the NEC

SMMT runs a number of Meet the Buyer style events, each aimed at helping buyers meet suppliers that fit their particular needs.

The events are regularly used by organisations of all shapes and sizes to find new suppliers, connect with old ones or to lay the foundations for future partnerships.

SMMT has a strong track record of delivering value through these events to both buyers and suppliers, with events always being oversubscribed.

Meet the Bus Operator is SMMT’s new buyer-supplier matchmaking event for Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) and bus operators planning and delivering zero-emission bus projects. It connects buyers with suppliers supporting the shift to electric and hydrogen buses, depot readiness and funding, through pre-arranged 1-to-1 meetings.

The event takes place 23 April 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham, during Bus & Coach Expo (co-located with the CV Show). Suppliers submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in advance. Buyers review EOIs and request meetings, then SMMT schedules face-to-face appointments at the show.

How to take part

You’ll meet a mix of organisations that can support every stage of the transition, including:

• Vehicle manufacturers (UK-based and importers)
• Repowering and retrofit providers
• Charging and energy solution providers
• Charging infrastructure and depot delivery specialists
• Consultancy and project delivery support

Whether you’re shaping strategy, assessing options, building a business case, or preparing for delivery, Meet the Bus Operator helps you quickly compare approaches, speak directly to specialists, and explore practical routes to implementation.

Key dates

• Buyer EOI deadline: 27 February
• Meeting confirmation cut-off: 16 April
• Supplier EOI deadline: 24 March
• Buyer review window: 24 March – 13 April

Questions

For more information, please contact [email protected].