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February 06, 2024

From AI to the energy transition: Future Forum examines bus industry topics

On the Future Forum stage, experts debate a wide range of forward-looking topics surrounding mobility. The Deep Dive Stage is a new addition to the programme. It features in-depth discussions and gives exhibitors a platform to present their ideas.

On 24 and 25 April the BUS2BUS Future Forum will feature a wide-ranging programme with inspiring keynote speeches, discussion rounds and presentations on the latest industry challenges and innovations. Speakers representing business, politics and science will examine a wide range of topics, including buses with alternative drives, driverless vehicles and Fresh Travel concepts. Federal Minister Dr. Volker Wissing will also attend the event. Companies can make active use of the new Deep Dive Stage to present their own topics.

Energy transition, AI and other topics: the keynote speeches at the Future Forum

The two-day programme of the Future Forum has been announced. On Wednesday, stage events will kick off with a keynote speech by Prof. Justus Haucap from Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf. In it, he will examine the importance of mobility for society and the financing of the energy transition and new forms of transport, the responsibility that companies have, and the state’s role in providing subsidies. Afterwards, speakers from Flixbus and Daimler Buses, among others, will talk about the future of long-distance electric transport, fleet management and the workshop of tomorrow. Open discussions on fuel cell technology and e-fuels as well as introductory presentations on modern public transport concepts for tomorrow’s metropolitan regions will round off the programme.

Day two of the Future Forum will again kick off with an inspiring keynote speech, with AI expert Bilal Zafar looking at the opportunities and risks that AI holds for the bus industry. Driverless vehicles, a personalised customer approach and vehicle monitoring are just some of the areas where AI promises technological progress. Afterwards, the onstage discussion will focus on driverless vehicles for long-distance trips and Fresh Travel concepts. Panel discussions will take place examining the legal framework for driverless vehicles in Germany, driverless travel concepts, AI-based support for rural areas, mobility hubs as well as sustainable business models for bus tourism.

A presentation takes place onstage. The audience can be seen in the foreground.
Experts debate the future of mobility at the Future Forum (image: Messe Berlin).

Deep Dive Stage: an in-depth look at mobility themes

One major highlight will be the newly introduced Deep Dive Stage, which parallel with the main stage offers a more relaxed and informal atmosphere for holding important talks and generating new leads. In addition to the deep dives, where Future Forum speakers can re-examine their topics in-depth, the Women in Mobility and Young Mobility Network initiatives will also be taking part. Another special feature: the stage offers exhibitors a unique platform for showcasing their products, services and technical solutions to experts representing public transport, long-distance travel and bus tourism. To register please visit the BUS2BUS website.

The new Deep Dive Stage creates a relaxed atmosphere for holding important talks and generating new leads. (image: Messe Berlin)
The new Deep Dive Stage creates a relaxed atmosphere for holding important talks and generating new leads. (image: Messe Berlin)

Politicians at the event and other Future Forum highlights

In addition to the Future Forum’s fascinating programme of presentations, politicians will also be visiting the event. On 24 April, day one of the show, Federal Minister of Digital Affairs and Transport Dr. Volker Wissing will take part in an exclusive tour. Afterwards, on the Future Forum stage, he will talk about mobility in Germany and open the bdo Politics Talks, where the focus will be on the latest topics, including driverless vehicles and the digital ’Deutschlandticket’. On Wednesday and Thursday, representatives of the federal government’s transport and tourism committees and the parliamentary Bus Group of the German Bundestag will also be at the Future Forum.

However, the Future Forum has even more to offer. At the BUS2Pitch, startups will be able to hold five-minute elevator pitches in a bid to impress the jury with their ideas. On Thursday afternoon, the live presentation of the Startup Award will honour the winners. The presentation will also take place of the Fresh Travel Award, with the winner receiving an e-bike.

Tickets to BUS2BUS are available online from the ticket shop. By purchasing a ticket visitors can also access BUS2BUS plus, the digital platform of the show.

About BUS2BUS
BUS2BUS, an innovative business platform for the bus and supplier industry in Germany and Europe that focuses exclusively on the bus industry, has been held since 2017. BUS2BUS 2022 was attended by around 2,000 trade visitors from 25 countries and 100 exhibiting companies from 16 countries. Preparations for BUS2BUS 2024 show that the trade show will be even bigger, with more buses and test drive opportunities than ever before. Combining a trade show, an informative Future Forum, and presentations & workshops, it covers the entire spectrum of future technologies and showcases the latest trends and innovations in the bus industry.The next BUS2BUS will take place from April 24 to 25, 2024 in the modern top location hub27 on the Berlin exhibition grounds.

About Messe Berlin
Berlin has been a trade fair destination for 200 years, and has been one of the most important such hubs for many decades. Messe Berlin – the state’s own trade fair company – conceives, markets and organizes hundreds of live events every year. It strives to be an outstanding host for visitors at all events, generate optimal business stimuli, and provide fair conditions for everyone. This concept is reflected in the company slogan: Messe Berlin – Hosting the World.

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